Understanding at least some of the general history; including government, laws, religion, economy, along with specific events; of where your ancestors came from is necessary to finding records for your ancestors, but also critical to understanding your ancestor and the lives they led. You probably already know this as well.
So, for those of you with German and Swiss ancestors in early America, who can appreciate the value of history, here is a history book worthy of your time: Historic Background and Annals of the Swiss and German Pioneer Settlers of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and of Their Remote Ancestors.
Compiled originally in 1917 by H. Frank Eshleman, this book examines “an authentic history, from original sources,” the leading events during “several centuries before and especially during the two centuries following the Protestant Reformation,” as these relate to the lives of early Swill and Palatine Mennonites and other Germans of eastern Pennsylvania, and particularly of Lancaster County.
Annals in this book are presented chronologically, beginning as early as 1009 with “Earliest Authentic Appearance of the Herrs” and progressing forward through 1782. These pages document the lives and the migrations of thousands seeking religious freedom and salvation from persecution throughout Europe, and ultimately the drive west across the ocean to settle in mass in the areas of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill valleys and outward from there.
There are two indices in this book. The first serves is an index of items which servers as something of a non-chronological, but alphabetical table of contents. The second is an index of personal names. There are 19 1/2 pages of names listed for an estimated 1800+ surnames for individuals and families.
If your family history includes colonial period German and/or Swiss ancestry, then Historic Background and Annals of the Swiss and German Pioneer Settlers of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and of Their Remote Ancestors may very well be the book you need to read. Available from Family Roots Publishing. Now on Sale, 50% OFF through Thanksgiving, 2015.