1798 Census of the German Colonies along the Volga: Economy, Population, and Agriculture by Brent Alan Mai.

From 1764-1772, thousands of German families left war-ravaged Central Europe and accepted the invitation of Catherine the Great to start new lives on the Russian steppe. By 1798, there were more than 38,800 individuals living in 101 German-speaking colonies along the Volga River near Saratov. In this year, the Russian government conducted a household by household census of these colonies, enumerating the economy, population, and agriculture of each colony. The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia purchased copies of these documents along with the right to translate and publish them. Now, all parts of the census have been translated into English and are available in a 1,500-page, 2-volume cloth-bound set that has been edited by Professor Brent Mai of Purdue University.

The Czar's Germans by Hattie Plum Williams.

A recent edition of the history of the Germans from Russia (begun about seventy years ago and left incomplete at her death in 1963) by Professor Williams concentrates on the Volga Germans, giving scrupulously researched and highly detailed descriptions of conditions in Germany during the 18th century that made emigration so attractive. Also discussed are the activities of the Russian immigration agents, the trek of the immigrants to the interior of Russia, the difficult early years, eventual prosperity, and final decline following the outbreak of hostility against the colonists, their immigration to America, and the difficult pioneer years. The book includes fifty-three rare pictures, two maps, and an index.

 

The Emigration from Germany to Russia in the Years 1763-1862 by Karl Stumpp.

Professor Stumpp's monumental work is the fruition of forty years of research. It is of inestimable value to genealogical researchers, since it contains alphabetical lists of thousands of names of German immigrants to Russia, many with vital statistics, place of origin in Germany, and locality of settlement in Russia. The information is nearly complete for Black Sea immigrants, less definitive for Volga Germans. Most valuable is a list of mother colonies of the Volga and Black Sea, giving both the German and Russian name of each village, its governmental district, religious denomination, year of founding, and population statistics. The book also includes fifty pages of compact and authoritative history of unser' Leute and a packet of eight 16" x 20" maps.

 

Einwanderung in das Wolgagebiet, 1764-1767 (Band 1)
Immigration to the Volga Region, 1764-1767 (Vol 1) by Dr. Igor Pleve

This book addresses the earliest period of German settlement in the Volga Region of Russia for which information is available. Volume 1 contains the long-awaited lists of original settlers to the Volga Region as compiled in 1767-1768 for the following villages:
Anton, Balzer, Bangert, Bauer, Bettinger, Boaro, Boregard, Brabander, Cäsarsfeld, Chaijsol, Degott, Dehler, Dietel, Dinkel, Dobrinka, Dönhof, Dreispitz, Enders, Ernestinendorf, Fischer, Frank,and Franzosen.
This is groundbreaking research, containing information never before published. This book, printed in German and Russian, is available for purchase through AHSGR.

Einwanderung in das Wolgagebiet, 1764-1767 (Band 2)
Immigration to the Volga Region, 1764-1767 (Vol 2) by Dr. Igor Pleve

This book addresses the earliest period of German settlement in the Volga Region of Russia for which information is available. Volume 2, now available, contains the long-awaited lists of original settlers to the Volga Region as compiled in 1767-1768 for the following villages:
Galka (Ust-Kulalinka), Goebel / Göbel (Ust-Grjasnucha), Graf (Krutojarowka), Grimm (Lesnoj Karamysch), Herzog (Susly), Hildmann (Panowka), Hoelzel / Hölzel (Kotschetnaja), Holstein (Werchnaja Kulalinka), Huck (Splawnucha), Hussaren (Jelschanka), Jagodnaja Poljana / Yagodnaya Polyana, Jost (Popowkina), Kamenka, Kano (Caneau), Katharinenstadt, Kauz (Werschinka), Keller (Krasnorynowka), Köhler / Koehler (Karaulnyj Bujerak), Kolb (Peskowatka), Kraft (Werchnaja Grjasnucha), Krasnyj Jar, Kratzke (Potschinnoje), Kukkus (Wolskaja), and Kutter (Popowka).
This is groundbreaking research, containing information never before published. This book, printed in German and Russian, is available for purchase through AHSGR.

From Catherine to Khruschev by Adam Giesinger

Professor Giesinger's book is the most complete, authoritative, and well-written history of the Germans from Russia to have appeared in English. He deals in detail with all German settlements in Russia and all religious groups among them from 1553 to the present. The final chapter covers emigrants from Russia to the Americas. The book includes a useful chapter locating individual colonies within their geographical and governmental districts, twenty-seven pages of maps, and a bibliography of nearly 200 items.

German Colonies on the Lower Volga by Gottleib Beratz.

This English translation is a must for those interested in the proud Volga German heritage. First published several decades ago, it has been described as the most reliable work on the early years of the German Volga Colonies, based on materials in the Archives at Saratov and in the Colonies.

The German Colonies on the Volga:The Second Half of the 18th Century By Igor R. Pleve (Translated by Richard Rye)

This book traces the history of the Germans on the Volga in the second half of the eighteenth century, and it presents a rich source of archival material, much of which is published for the first time. Special attention is paid to the development of the mechanism of inviting and settling foreign colonists on the Volga. For the first time, the economic situation of the colonists is examined in detail. The causes of the initial critical situation of the immigrants in their first years of residence in the Saratov region and their successful economic activities during this time are revealed. The system of government in the colonies is also researched in detail.

Presented for the first time is one section of one of the so-called "Kuhlberg Lists" (for the ship Anna Catharina), which lists passengers arriving in May, June, and August 1766. Also presented for the first time are the lists of first settlers of ten German colonies on the Volga: Seewald, Kautz, Schuck, Leichtling, Kamenka, Vollmer, Preuss, Merkel, Rothhammel, and Kratzke.

German Migration to the Russian Volga 1764-1767: Origins and Destinations Brent Alan Mai and Donna Reeves Marquardt.

This book is the culmination of several years work by the authors locating, translating, and transcribing manuscripts to verify the previously published compilations and to look for additional clues about the origins and destinations of the Volga Germans…In addition to translations of the marriage lists previously published in part Büdingen, Danzig, Lübeck, Roßlau, Schlitz, and Wöhrd, an additional 72 marriages from St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church in Lübeck were located, 3 in Fränkisch-Crumbach, and 57 in Friedberg will also be included…The book includes three indices: (1) by name of individuals; (2) by German origin place name; and (3) by Russian colony destination.

 

German-on the-Volga colonists' record lists of 1767 by Dr. Igor Pleve.

The 1767 colonist record list is included for the following Volga Villages: Anton, Balzer, Bangert, Bauer, Boregard, Bettinger, Boaro, Brabander, Caesarsfeld, Chaisol, Degott, Dehler, Dietel, Dinkel, Dobrinka, Doenhof, Dreispitz, Enders, Ernestinendorf, Fischer, Frank and Franzosen. Purchase directly from Dr. Igor Pleve, written in Russian and German.

Germans in the Land of the Volga by Peter Sinner.

The Volga German schoolteacher, Peter Sinner, published this collection of short articles, personal reflections, and poems about the history and development of the German colonies in the Volga Region in 1927. It was created expressly for the young people and introduces them to their heritage from the first arrival of Germans on the vast steppe to the establishment of the Autonomous Volga German Republic. The book includes an autobiography of Peter Sinner, translated by Adam Giesinger, and a bibliography of Sinner's writings.

A History of the Volga Relief Society by Emma Schwabenland Haynes.

This is an important work for the individual seeking to understand the terrible famine in Russia during the 1920s and the help extended to their families and friends by relatives in the United States. It describes how money and goods were collected in the United States and distributed among the German colonies along the Volga. The time span covered is from August 1921 until November 1922.

Letters from Hell: An Index to Volga-German Famine Letters Published in Die Welt-Post 1920-1925; 1930-1934 Compiled by Samuel D. Sinner; Preface by Eric J. Schmaltz.

An important research tool for German-Russian studies, this fifteen-page publication lists in alphabetical order by village from Alexanderdorf to Wolsk, letters composed by German-Russian villagers in the Soviet Union during the most dreadful periods of persecution and famine. These chilling first-hand accounts mailed to friends and relatives in the United States and Canada were published in several German-American newspapers. Those appearing in Die Welt-Post, published in Omaha, Nebraska are carefully indexed here. The compiler provides an illuminating introductory essay while the preface places events in their historical context. All materials indexed in "Letters from Hell" are available on microfilm from the AHSGR.

 

Russian-German Settlements in the United States By Richard Sallet.

The book provides a historical background and a sociopolitical study of the Germans from Russia in America. It includes details on customs, beliefs, organizations, and German-language newspapers. Final chapters discuss the difficulties of the German Russians during the First World War and the process of assimilation into the surrounding American culture. New material added to Sallet's original thesis includes a description of German-Russian architecture, lists of place names, twenty-one maps, and more than sixty illustrations.

Transport of the Volga Germans from Oranienbaum to the Colonies on the Volga 1766-1767 By Brent Alan Mai

This book is a compilation of nine transport lists of early German colonists to Russia. The lists cover the years 1766 and 1767. There are a total of 7,501 individuals mentioned on the lists. These lists were compiled upon the colonists arrival in Saratov and before their departure to their specific village.

Thunder on the Steppe: Volga German Folklife in a Changing Russia by Dr. Timothy J.and Rosalinda Kloberdanz

The authors collected numerous examples of modern Volga German folk traditions in Russia, and many of these are described in Thunder on the Steppe folksongs, folk medicine, proverbs, nicknames, poetry, dialect stories, drinking toasts, and foodways including recipes for Volga style vegetable soup, Gatletta (meat patties), Grebbel, Trockne Nudel, Riwwelkuche, Petschenya (cookies), and other dishes. Shortly after their arrival in Russia, the Kloberdanzes witnessed a country undergoing rapid political and social changes, culminating in a frightening military coup and thunderous collapse of Soviet Communism. A vivid description of the events surrounding the Second Russian Revolution as personally experienced by the two authors in a Volga German village also is included in the book.

The Volga Germans in Old Russia and in North America: Their Changing World View by Dr. Timothy J. Kloberdanz

This 14-page reprint of an article originally appearing in Anthropological Quarterly in October 1975 carefully documents the historical and cultural background of the Volga Germans and the changes that their values and attitudes have undergone in the New World.

The Volga Germans In Russia and the Americas, from 1763 to the Present by Fred C. Koch.

Coming to the U.S. from the Volga German colony of Kolb, Mr. Koch tells the entire history of his ethnic group in this well-documented narrative. He paints a vivid picture of their pioneering activities, meeting the challenges of a hostile environment and raids by brigands, their subsequent adventures in the Americas, and the story of those who remained in Russia. Chapter VIII provides informative insight into such areas as folklore, superstitions, medicine, games, marriage and funeral customs, and holidays. Includes a valuable chapter entitled "A Bibliographical Survey."

These books are written about specific Volga villages, most will be available for purchase from AHSGR. A few are self published and not available from AHSGR, and direct e-mail contacts are provided for information or purchase.

A Voice from the Past "Eine Stimme aus der Vergangenheit" by Pauline Dudek.

The foundation for this book is translation of articles written by Heinrich H. Rehn who was part of the first group to come to America in 1876 with Scout Franz W. Scheibel. These articles gives an insight into the lives of the early immigrants to America. Copies of original documents are included. It also contains background material of the Germans from Russia as well as information about the first group from Kolb. A short article about the Bruederschaft, selected census records, the churches in Campbell, Nebraska, etc. Lastly there are pictures of Kolb and the Rehn family. If there are any persons who have connections to Campbell, Nebraska or the first group from Kolb, this is a must book. Contact Norman & Pauline Dudek for purchase.

Return to Berry Meadow (Yagodnaya Polyana) by Richard Scheuerman.

A colorful collection of stories about the dramatic experiences of the Germans from Russia, gleaned from the writings of the author and other historians. Contains the account of Scheuerman's remarkable journey to the Volga region in the fall of 1990 as the first westerner since the 1920s allowed to visit the old German colonies.

Frank: A German Village on the Volga by Igor R. Pleve.

 

Kolb: A German Colony on the Volga by Igor R. Pleve.

This volume lists information on various German Russian families from the Volga colony of Kolb, based on censuses from 1798 to 1858. The material has been gathered, compiled, and edited by Dr. Igor R. Pleve of Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia.

Kukkus, a German Village on the Volga by Betty Engel Muradian.

The contents include the history of Kukkus, personal stories, customs, maps, photos of Kukkus, photos of artifacts, documents from Kukkus, and much more. It can be purchased from the Central CA Chapter of AHSGR.

Norka: A German Village in Russia by Marie M. Olsen and Anna M. Reisbick.

A description of Norka and some reminiscences of individuals who lived in the village during different time periods. This is not a definitive work, but a compilation of research done by these village research coordinator.

Unsere Leute von Kautz

by Elaine Frank Davison.

These 10 volumes of books spans research from 1979 through 1989 on the descendants from the Volga village of Kautz, Russia (Russian name is Werschinka). Contact Julie Loiacono directly for purchase.

Muhlberg by V. Durov Wasenmueller.

The first 40 pages of the book translated into English by Werner & Ella (Wasenmiller) Wadewitz, gives facts and historical information, a narrative of the mind and soul of the Germans from Russia people living in the village of Muhlberg (aka Shcherbakovka and Tscherbakowka), a Volga village in the Saratov district of Russia. Contact Janet Laubhan Flickinger for purchase.

Yagodnaya Polyana, Daughter and Granddaughter Colonies by Kris Ball.

This comprehensive resource book on Yagodnaya Polyana and its daughter colonies will help any researcher of these villages. Topics covered include: history, daughter colonies, destinations the Americas, resources, books & indexes, family histories, emigrant to Y.P. and list of current researchers by surname. Contact Kris Ball directly for purchase.

Volga Colony Census Books

Various censuses 1767 through 1890 mainly for Catholic Volga villages including Beauregard,Fridental, Graf, Herzpg, Katharinenstadt, Liebental, Louis, Mariental, Neu-Obermunjou, Obermunjou, Pfeifer, Rohleder, Schoenchen and Wittmann. Compiled by Tony Leiker & Kevin Rupp.

The Ehrlichs, Volga German Millers, from Shcherbakovka, Russia to Marion, Kansas by Kathy O'Malley.

Contact Kathy O'Malley for purchase.

 

Papa, How did you say Goodbye? by Emma Wassenmiller Kerbs.

This is a 76 page transcript taken from audio tapes done by Emma for her children. It is the story of her early life in Tscherbakowka (Shcherbakovka/ Muehlberg) and her family's escape from Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution in 1921-1922. Contact Kathy O'Malley for purchase.

Family Genealogy Books

Numerous family genealogy books, most starting from the 1700s, mostly Catholic families. Compiled by Tony Leiker & Kevin Rupp.

The Story of Lehigh (KS) by Loren Weinbrenner.

A settlement of Germans from Russia in Kansas, Lehigh was a booming little town founded in 1877. The manuscript written as a research paper and edited by Janet Flickinger, includes 1895 census records, market prices in 1906, church & school history, early day business owners & more. Contact Janet Laubhan Flickinger for purchase.

St. John Lutheran Church - Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1909-1999

200 pages including a general index. Includes a history of Yagodnaya Polyana, Russia, a brief history of Calgary, AB, a history of the church, ladies of the church, photos, memories, youth, music and brief biographies of the ministers. Appendix includes confirmation classes, first communion participants and listing of ministers. Contact Marlene L. Michel for purchase.

St. John Lutheran Church - Russell, Ks 1900-1951

200 pages including a general index; 1928 picture of the sanctuary; list of pastors; limited "Family Register"; "Marriage Register"; "Baptism Register"; "Confirmation Register"; and "Death Register." Contact Janet Laubhan Flickinger for purchase.

Trinity Lutheran Church - Bender Hill, Ks 1883-1955

60 pages including index; list of pastors; a "Chronicle" of the church; early communion lists; limited "Family Register"; "Marriage Register"; "Baptism Register"; "Confirmation Register"; and "Death Register."

Declaration of Intentions filed in Russell Co., KS (1876-1943)

52 pages. Contact Janet Laubhan Flickinger for purchase.

Declaration of Intentions filed in Marion Co., KS (1907-1950).

24 pages

Contact Janet Laubhan Flickinger for purchase.

Colorado & Nebraska Church Books

Numerous church books for the towns of Berthoud, Brighton, Brush, Denver, Eaton, Fort Collins, Fort Morgan, Fruita, Greeley, Loveland, Milliken, Sterling, Sugar City, Windson and McCook, (NE). Order form. Prepared by the AHSGR Denver Metro Chapter.

Germans from Russia in Colorado, 1910 US census

Order form. Prepared by the AHSGR Denver Metro Chapter.

Colorado Naturalization Records of Immigrants from Russia

Order form. Prepared by the AHSGR Denver Metro Chapter.