Ernst Wilhelm Sonntag of Silesia, Prussia, b. about 1842
I just today found that in my g-grandfather Ernst Wilhelm Sonntag's "Declaration of Intent" (to become a naturalized citizen of USA)he says he was born in Silesia, Prussia, about 1842. He arrived at Galveston, Texas about January 5, 1872, so he must have sailed a couple months before. (The only ship of record that arrived in Galveston near that date was a bark (sailing ship) called "Helene," which docked on January 4, 1872. He must have come on it, but no passenger list has been found.
His obit said he was "from Goerlitz," which of course now is a city part in Germany and part in Poland. I know very little about the geography of that area; is there a map online that shows the area of Silesia in 1842? I'm assuming he could have been born anywhere in Silesia, and perhaps grew up in Goerlitz.
He was Lutheran in the US, but could have been Catholic in Silesia.
I'm wanting to find his parents' names. Would appreciate suggestions.