Based on an original manuscript held in the State Archive of Zurich, this compilation divulges names of emigrants who arrived mostly in Carolina and Pennsylvania from 1734 to 1744. From records created largely in Zurich, this is a unique look at those who departed Switzerland.
Based on an original manuscript held in the State Archive of Zurich, this compilation divulges names of emigrants who arrived mostly in Carolina and Pennsylvania from 1734 to 1744. From records created largely in Zurich, this is a unique look at those who departed Switzerland.
These records are unique in that they were created from the point of departure, rather than the point of arrival, and during a very early period of cross-Atlantic migration. A time when many such records were never created.
From this text, you can gain a summary view of the history of Swiss Emigration to the colonies, as well as detailed lists of travellers, and often their family members, occupation and their last known residence.
The amount of information listed varies, but the records usually include the following information about your ancestor:
Name
Age
Marital status
Residence
Destination
Circumstances of emigration
• You may find that many emigrants intended to travel to Carolina, as it was the most heavily advertised colony in Switzerland.
• In many cases, the circumstances around their departure is indicated.
• Most of these events and pieces of information were submitted by local priests.
• It was common to indicate if the individual was a legitimate child of their father, or not.
You can learn a great deal from this translated and transcribed manuscript. Hans Ullmann, for example, from Atlikon, was 41 years old when he departed in 1743. His wife, Magdealena Hirt was 30 years old and his son, Johannes, was just 3 years. Hans passed away in London, likely en route to the Colonies, leaving his wife and son in a state of poverty in the city.