As we have seen in the 12 for ’25 posts this month, the Estermann family was firmly entrenched in Neudorf, Lucerne, Switzerland for decades.

The extant church records which contain their vital records are in the Roman Catholic Church. However, Martin Luther brought church upheaval to many parts of Roman Catholic Europe in the early 1500s and, at some point in the 1600s, the Estermann family not only left Switzerland, but also became adherents of the Protestant faith.

Burial records haven’t been identified for Wendel Estermann’s parents so it isn’t known whether Wendel left Neudorf for Mannheim, Germany on his own or if other family members left with him.

What is certain is that Wendel Estermann married Veronica Deler, daughter of Hans Deler per details in the marriage record, on 7 April 1656 in Bretten, Baden, Germany.

Aside from the name of her father, little else is known about her family. However, the Deler surname isn’t very common and I’d venture to put forth the theory that Veronica was also from Lucerne, Switzerland, possibly from either Rothenburg or Eschenbach. Neudorf is but 11 miles from Eschenbach and Rothenburg is but 4 miles away, so all these towns are easily accessible even if walking.

There are just a handful of Deler records in Lucerne, so they may all tie into Veronica’s family.

First, Hans Deler was buried on 12 December 1658 in Eschenbach.

When Veronica married Wendel, her mother’s name was not recorded.

However, Nicholas Deler, son of Hans Deler and Johanna Keichliger was baptized in Rothenburg on 3 June 1644.

Further, one Anna Deler married Anthony Welman on 8 October 1656 in Eschenburg and a second marriage is found for an Anna (possibly the same woman) Deler who married Bernhard Zubler on 7 October 1668, again in Eschenbach.

From these few details, I am almost afraid to assemble a family unit. NOTE: This is a theory, NOT proof of Veronica’s family.

Hans Deler, born c1600; buried 12 December 1658, Eschenbach, Lucerne, Switzerland; married Johanna Keichliger [perhaps Eichliger or Eichler as I’ve found surnames to be transcribed a myriad of ways by people who aren’t expert (including me) at reading old script.] There is an Eicheler family living in Willisau, Lucerne, Switzerland at the turn of the 17th century.

It’s quite a distance from Eschenbach, but given that Wendel moved from Neudorf to Mannheim (220 miles), it’s definitely possible that an Eicheler family moved 62 miles between Willisau and Eschenbach.

Remember, at this time in history, this part of Europe was in religious and economic turmoil in addition to The Thirty years War from 1618-1648 taking place in their backyard. People were on the move.

To continue, – Hans was likely born c1608, perhaps in Lucerne, Switzerland and married Johanna Keichliger (or some variation of spelling), c1632. [We will assume for this theory that Johanna was his first and only wife.]

Possible Children:

1. Veronica, born c1633; married Wendel Estermann, 7 April 1656, Bretten, Baden, Germany
2. Anna, born c1635; married Anthony Welman, 8 October 1656, Eschenbach, Lucerne, Switzerland (2) Bernhard Zubler, 7 October 1668, both in Eschenbach, Lucerne, Switzerland
3. Nicholas, baptized 3 June 1644, Rothenburg, Lucerne, Switzerland

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to prove this theory since there seems to be a lack of church records providing more information. It’s particularly disappointing that the burial records never, ever give any family connection in this time period. Occasionally, the priest might have noted that the person was a child or widow/er. He didn’t even record the age of the deceased!

Finally, let’s look at Estermanns who had children baptized in Neudorf, Switzerland between 1600-1682, aside from the family of Martin Estermann and Maria Wapf.

All baptisms are found on FamilySearch Library film 8194319. Image numbers are after each entry below.

Jost Albisser & Catherine Estermann
Children:
John Jacob, 12 August 1670 [Image 114]
Wilhelm, 27 November 1671 [Image 115]

Hans Heinrich Bramgartter/Bremgartner & Elisabeth Estermann,
Children:
1 July 1666
Jacob, 18 September 1667 [Image 110]
Jacob, 19 September 1668 [Image 112]
John, 13 October 1672 [Image 117]
Sebastian, 28 July 1674 [Image 120]
Anna Barbara, 22 August 1675 [Image 121]
Maria, 23 October 1676 [Image 122]
Joseph, 11 July 1678 [Image 125]

Andreas Brawalder & Elisabeth Estermann [married 29 October 1601]
Elisabeth Estermann was buried in 1614 from childbirth complications (puerpura).
Children:
Peter, 12 June 1605 [Image 24]
Martin: 12 September 1608 [Image 32]

Martin Burkhart & Margaret Estermann [married 1635]
Margaret was buried on 9 November 1651.
Children:
Wilhelm, 5 January 1636 [Image 65]
George, 18 April 1637 [Image 66]
Maria, 1638 [Image 68]
Martin, 26 January 16411 [Image 70]
Magdalena, 27 April 1642 [Image 72]
Jodocus, 8 November 1645 [Image 75]
Anna, 24 April 1648 [Image 79]
Adam, 11 December 1650 [Image 83]

Abraham Danner & Catherine Estermann
Child: Maria, 14 February 1652 {image 85]

Eberhard Danner & Catherine Estermann [married 27 June 1628]
Children:
John, 8 January 1629 [Image 59]
Margaret, 28 September 1631 [Image 61]
Anna, 14 December 1633 [Image 63]
Verena, 12 April 1637 [Image 67]
Catherine, 12 September 1640 [Image 70]
Dorothea, 12 August 1646 [Image 77]
Jacob, 28 April 1649 [Image 81]
Jacob, 15 January 1655 [Image 89]
Martin, 20 April 1657 [Image 93]

Udalricus Fischer & Barbara Estermann [married September 1641]
Child: John, 8 June 1645 [Image 75]

John Frank & Dorothea Estermann
Children:
Fridolin, 6 April 1646 [Image 76]
Adrian, 16 November 1648 [Image 80]
Margaret, 12 December 1650 [Image 83]
Maria, 20 August 1652 [Image 85]
Jacob, 20 April 1655 [Image 89]
Simphorosa, 8 November 1657 [Image 94]
Anna Maria, 19 September 1668 [Image 112]

Peter Habermacher & Barbara Estermann [married 19 February 1640]
Children:
Adam, 29 February 1644 [Image 73]
Michael, 28 September 1646 [Image 77]
Anna Maria, 19 December 1649 [Image 81]
Henry, 29 July 1652 [Image 85]
Nicholas, 29 May 1655 [Image 90]
Elisabeth, 24 March 1658 [Image 95]
Margaret, 24 March 1658 [Image 95]

Henry Hussler & Maria Estermann
Children:
Margaret, 29 July 1660 [Image 99]
Joseph, 2 November 1664 [Image 105]
Elisabeth, 9 January 1667 [Image 109]
Maria, 28 September 1671 [Image 115]
Maria, 4 May 1675 [Image 121]

John Kraukh/Krauss? & Dorothea Estermann
Child: Martin, 28 July 1662 [Image 102]

Ludwig Lewerer/Leberceht/Leterer/Letnerer/Leterman/Leterer & Clara Estermann
Children:
Fridolin, 28 January 1665 [Image 106]
Catherine, 28 August 1667 [Image 110]
John Jacob, 14 January 1670
John, 8 January 1679 [Image 125]
Margaret, 17 June 1681 [Image 128]
Agatha, 18 June 1684 [Image 131]

Fridli Ruckli & Dorothea Estermann [married 20 February 1621]
Children:
Hans Ludwig, 5 May 1627 [Image 56]
Dorothea, 2 January 1630 [Image 60]
Verena, 1635 [Image 65]

Fridli Ruckli & Catherine Estermann [married 20 February 1621]
Child: Catherine, 7 September 1633 [Image 63]

John Caspar Ruckli & Margaret Estermann
Children:
Magdalena, 15 December 1626 [Image 56]
John Martin Ruckli, 15 December 1632 [Image 62]
Verena, 12 April 1635 [Image 65]
Agatha, 4 February 1637 [Image 66]
Anna, 21 May 1639 [Image 69]

Ludwig Ruckli & Maria Estermann, 1638 [Image 158]
Child: Catherine, 19 April 1640 [Image 69]
John, 16 March 1643 [Image 72]
Anna, 29 January 1646 [Image 76]
Elisabeth, 28 April 1649 [Image 81]
Anna Maria, 5 June 1651 [Image 84]
John Jacob, 30 March 1654 [Image 88]
Anna Maria, 17 September 1655 [Image 90]
John Henry, 21 August 1657 [Image 94]
Marina, 6 March 1659 [Image 98]
Fridolin, 12 January 1661 [Image 100]

George Schmid & Margaret Estermann [married 20 November 1673]
Children:
Verena, 11 October 1675 [Image 121]
Anna Maria, 11 October 1678 [Image 125]
John William, 9 December 1680 [Image 128]
Anna Maria, 31 May 1683 [Image 130]

Jacob Senn & Maria Estermann [married 25 January 1604]
Child: Verena, 17 September 1607 [Image 30]

Ulrich Stoker & Barbara Estermann
Children:
Elisabeth, 19 June 1657 [Image 94]
Verena, 19 June 1657 [Image 94]

Johan Caspar Sullis & Margaretha Estermann
Child: Maria, 30 March 1628 [Image 58]

Anthony Estermann & Maria Hussler
Child: Margaret, 21 December 1672 [Image 118]

Blasius Estermann & Appolonia Schurxer/Schurfer/Schurman
[Blasius married Anna Duys, 19 October 1625]
Blasius was buried on 13 February 1640.
Children:
Dorothea, 21 December 1627 [Image 58]
Catharina, 20 October 1630 [Image 60]
Barbara, 20 August 1636 [Image 66]

Balthasar Estermann & Anna Schoriggel/Schormigell/Schoreiggell
Children:
Joseph, 19 March 1638 [Image 68]
Ursula, 31 January 1645 [Image 74]
Sebastian, 15 September 1647 [Image 78]

Bartimus Estermann & Maria Esterpf
Child: Michael, 24 October 1642 [Image 72]

Daniel Estermann & Catharina Arnold
Daniel may be the man buried on either 5 April 1632 or 8 September 1636.
Children:
Catharina, 29 November 1610 [Image 35]
John, 18 October 1612 [Image 36]
Wilhelm, 19 June 1617 [Image 43]
Peter, 1 September 1619 [Image 47]
Maria, 25 May 1623 [Image 52]

Daniel Estermann & Maria Hussler
Children:
Jacob, 10 February 1668 [Image 110]
John Jacob, 3 March 1670 [Image 114]
Barbara, 29 August 1671 [Image 115]
John, 6 January 1675 [Image 120]
martin, 6 March 1677 [Image 122]
Appolonia, 14 May 1679 [Image 126]
John Henry, 15 November 1680 [Image 128]
Maria Magdalena, 30 May 1682 [Image 129]
Maria, 16 August 1684 {Image 131]

George Estermann & Apollonia Schupfer
Child: Adam, 6 May 1617 [Image 23]

Hans Estermann & Magdalena Dorfhler (?)
Child: Elisabeth, 10 December 1627 [Image 57]

Hans Esterman & Maria Laper/Seger/Sager
Children:
John Caspar, 19 February 1683 [Image 130]
George, 24 April 1684 [Image 131]
John Udalricus, 10 August 1685 [Image 132]

Henry Estermann & Margaret Heglin [married 10 February 1641]
Child: Eberhard, 11 February 1642 [Image 71]

Henry Estermann & Catherine Frackis/Fwank/Franck
Children:
John Martin, 13 June 1642 [Image 72]
Maria, 8 February 1645 [Image 74]
Anna, 30 January 1647 [Image 77]
Margaret, 18 June 1648 [Image 79]
Anna, 1 November 1650 {image 83]
Catherine, 26 December 1659 [Image 99]

Henry Estermann & Maria Krauler/Traubler/Kraulwer/Ewasser/Kwanlern
Children:
Henry, 25 November 1643 [Image 73]
Anna, 5 December 1644 [Image 74]
Fridolin, 23 January 1646
Michael, 15 November 1649 [Image 81]
Ludwig, 14 January 1652 [Image 85]

Jacob Estermann & Anna Schupffer
Child: Margaret, 28 December 1618 [Image 45]

Jacob Estermann & Barbara Bachhoffner [married 17 February 1608]
Child: Magdalena, 4 December 1609 [Image 34] [buried July 1624]

Jacob Estermann & Maria Habermacher
Child: Elisabeth, 22 March 1681 [Image 128]

John Estermann & Magdalena Trossler/Trochsler [married 1 March 1609]
Children:
Anna, 19 November 1612 [Image 36]
Anna, 29 December 1614 [Image 39]
Peter, 27 May 1617 [Image 42] [widower buried 7 April 1643?]
John Rudolph, 3 April 1622 [Image 51]
Martin, 26 March 1625 [Image 54]

John Estermann & Anna Schmid [married 5 August 1629]
Children:
John, 7 June 1630 [Image 60]
Jacob, 18 August 1632 [Image 62]
Anna, 11 November 1635 [Image 65]
Anna Maria, 23 January 1640 [Image 69]
Catherine, 16 March 1642 [Image 71]

John Estermann & Verena Stocker/Stofer/Pfoffer [married 8 October 1634]
Children:
Maria Jacobea, 21 February 1636 [Image 65] [buried 5 August 1639]
Maria, 15 September 1639 [Image 69]
Daniel, 22 December 1645 [Image 75]
Elisabeth, 2 April 1648 [Image 79]
Dorothea, 25 March 1651 [Image 83]
Joseph, 13 November 1652 [Image 86]

John Estermann & Anna Kauffman/Hauffman
Children:
Maria, 13 April 1641 [Image 70]
John Udalricus, 15 March 1642 [Image 71]
Anna, 16 August 1643 [Image 73]
Verena, 20 June 1645 [Image 75]
Henry, 7 December 1648 [Image 80]
John Francis, 4 October 1655 [Image 90]

John Estermann & Anna Koster
Child: Catherine, 29 May 1659 [Image 98]

John Estermann & Maria Estermann
Children:
Catherine, November 1664 [Image 105]
Anna Maria, 18 August 1668 [Image 111]
Maria, 11 March 1671 [Image 115]
Jacob, 12 January 1674 [Image 119]
Maria Barbara, 4 December 1676 [Image 122]
Verena, 22 February 1679 [Image 126]
Waldeburg, 27 April 1681 [Image 128]
Daniel, November 1684 [Image 131]

John Jacob Estermann & Anna Sigrist
Children:
Udalricus, 1 July 1650 [Image 82]
Anna, 9 August 1652 [Image 85]
John Ludwig, 3 February 1654 [Image 87]
John Jacob, 21 July 1657 [Image 94]
Anna Barbara, 12 December 1659 [Image 99]
Barbara, 15 November 1661 [Image 101]
Martin, 1 November 1663 [Image 104]
John Martin, 21 June 1668 {Image 111]
John Henry, 14 August 1673 [Image 119]

John Rudolph Estermann & Anna Baumerwettin
Child: Henry, 11 March 1644 [Image 74]

John Rudolph Estermann & Regula Eycher/Paula Eichen
Children:
Anna, 18 August 1647 [Image 78]
Martin, 2 September 1648 [Image 80]
Elisabeth, 12 January 1651 [Image 83]
Catherine, 25 November 1652 [Image 86]
Elisabeth, 10 February 1655 [Image 89]
Michael, 19 December 1658 [Image 96]
Peter, 3 April 1662 [Image 102]

Joseph Estermann & Ursula Boern/Danner
Children:
Anna, 31 March 1662 [Image 102]
Joseph, 21 April 1665 [Image 106]
Maria Magdalena, 19 June 1668 [Image 111]

Martin Estermann & Maria Naff
Child: John, 1 November 1625 [Image 55]

Martin Estermann & Maria Naff/Moff/Muff
Children:
Caspar, 26 Nume 1650 [Image 82]
Stephen, 8 March 1653 [Image 86]
Anna, 6 November 1654 [Image 89]
John, 1 March 1656 [Image 91]
Theodore, 14 March 1658 [Image 95]

Martin Estermann & Elizabeth Wafs?
Child: Verena, buried 21 March 1628

Martin Estermann & Ottilia Caladrschull
Child: Appolonia, 31 October 1644

Michael Estermann & Verena Waber
Children:
Clara, 21 December 1645 [Image 75]
Martin, 31 October 1647 [Image 78]
Maria, 30 March 1649 [Image 80]
John Jacob, 4 June 1652 [Image 85]
Wilhelm, 30 June 1654 [Image 88]
Anna Maria, 13 July 1656 [Image 92]

Martin Estermann & Maria Muller
Child: John, 20 March 1661 [Image 100]

Martin Estermann & Anna Lang [married 17 February 1676]
Children:
John, 15 April 1677 [Image 122]
Catherine, 20 September 1678 [Image 125]
John Jacob, 20 December 1682 [Image 129]

Nicholas Estermann & Dorothea Jurt
Nicholas may be the man buried on 21 October 1634.
Child: Maria, 17 January 1618 [Image 44]

Stephen Estermann & Magdalena Lang [married 17 February 1676]
Children:
Michael, 1677 [Image 124]
Maria, 24 November 1679 [Image 127]
Maria, 26 November 1681 [Image 129]
Maria, 5 December 1682 [Image 129]

As can be seen in this list, there were a number of Estermanns living in Neudorf at the same time as Martin Estermann and there are probably hundreds more Estermanns living within a very few miles of Neudorf in the same time period.

Perhaps records will become available that allows researchers to tie some of these couples to parents and siblings. If the search parameters are widened from 1600-1650 and includes neighboring towns, this list becomes quite unmanageable!

If you have Estermanns in your early family tree, please leave a comment.

Today, we will look at other Estermann family members who married before 1644. Marriage books covering 1644-1685 are missing. Since the surname is relatively uncommon, they are undoubtedly all related.

All records are for Neudorf, unless otherwise stated, and are found on Family History Library film 8194319.

Andreas Brawalder married Elisabeth Estermann, 29 October 1601 [Image 148]

Jacob Estermann married Barbara Bachoffner, 17 February 1608 [Image 148]

John Estermann married Magdalena Schrossler/Trossler, 1 March 1609 [Image 149]

Jacob Estermann married Elizabeth Letwerin(?), 30 October 1617 [Image 150]

John Naff married Anna Estermann, 25 October 1620 [Image 152]

Fridler Ruckli married Dorothea Estermann, 20 February 1621 [Image 153]

Martin Estermann married Maria Wapf, 24 October 1621 [Image 153]

Blasius Estermann married Anna Duys, 19 October 1625 [Image 154]

Eberhard Danner married Catherine Estermann, 27 June 1628 [Image 155]

John Estermann married Anna Schmid, 5 August 1629 [Image 155]

John Estermann married Catharina Schneider, 14 October 1630 [Image 156]

Peter Estermann & Catherine Schmid, 5 October 1636 [Image 157]

John Wupfer & Lucia Estermann, 1636 [Image 157]

Henry Estermann & Maria Bracerman, 21 September 1642 [Image 158]

Hans Estermann & Maria Bersalter, 20 November 1673 [Image 135]

George Schmid & Margaret Estermann, 20 November 1673 [Image 135]

Joseph Brunner & Anna Estermann, 15 January 1674 [Image 135]

John Udalricus Estermann & Anna Maria Weber, 25 June 1674 {image 135]

Michael Danner & Verena Estermann, 11 June 1675 {Image 135]

Martin Estermann & Anna Lang, 17 February 1676 [Image 135]

Stephen Estermann & Magdalena Lang, 17 February 1676 [Image 135]

Hans Estermann & Anna Hammer, 9 February 1682 [Image 136]

Hans Jacob Estermann & Barbara Baumgartner, 3 September 1684 [Image 136]

Next, we’ll look at some Estermanns, male and female, who had children baptized in the same time period in Neudorf.