After the last large plague epidemic in Eastprussia ( 1709 - 1710)  and religious strife in Austria, France, and southwest  Germany König Friedrich the I  initiated a campaign to attract Lutheran settlers to Eastprussia. Many followed his offer.  This is a brief overview where a majority of them settled. Do not despair if you can’t  find your ancestors there. These are the areas you should look at first, unless naturally you have already detailed information.

If you have a French  (Hugenot background) sounding name.  The majority settled in the Gumbinnen - Judtschen Area.

If you have a Austrian(östereichisch)  sounding name:

If you have a Pfälzer (pfälzerisch)sounding name

If you have a Nassauer (nassauisch)sounding name

If you are a Salzburger go to : www.salzburger.homepage.t-online.de

If you have a Württemberger (württembergischer)sounding name

 How do you know where they came from ?

Last Update: February 11, 2002