Re: Origin of Wessel Name
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In reply to:
Re: Origin of Wessel Name
Jess Marks 7/13/01
I know of no English copies of "Chronik Der Familie Wessel," but I do have portions which have been translated. I have the first 100 pages or so in English. Translation is not easy, as the books are written in a somewhat archaic German. Even my German friends have difficulty with it. The early history is quite interesting and extensive because of the family's involvement in the Stralsund. Franz Wessel was mayor of Stralsund from 1541 until his death at age 83 in 1570. He was also greatly involved in St. Mary's Church at the time of the reformation. He presented St. Mary's with a Bible, now known as the "Wessel Bible.' The book still exists with his original inscription. The book was held by the Nazis, but fortunately not destroyed, because of it's historical value. Franz was very much interested in putting knowledge into the hands of the people and donated many more books to the church for the use of everyone. The Wessel chronicles follow only a few branches of the family, as a complete record would fill many more volumns. I have looked for all of the names found in this website and have unfortunately found none. I'm sure that many of us on the Wessel tree would trace back to Franz Wessel if the records could be found. My branch of the family lived in the Mecklenburg area before my relatives immigrated from 1860 to 1873. If anyone can trace their family to that area I may have info for you. I would also be glad to share some of the early history that has been translated. My email is [email protected] Peek
More Replies:
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
Jess Marks 2/03/06
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
Ken Peek 2/06/06
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
John H. Wessel 10/02/06
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
Debbie Kerksiek 7/23/03
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name
Ken Peek 7/24/03
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Re: Origin of Wessel Name