There is great interest in genealogy today along with an increasing search for family health history. In this third edition, readers will discover a dictionary that chronicles the past centuries including wars, disease, and longevity of life. A historical preface and introduction examine village life in Germany throughout the centuries leading up to the present day. Photographs of people and places enhance the introduction. The genealogical dictionary spans four centuries, following families from their European origins in 17th-century Germany up to the present day. Many German families left Europe to settle the Iowa prairie in the 19th century, and some of their lines can be traced back through as many as thirteen generations. Entries are arranged alphabetically by surname with dates of birth, marriage, death and burial, and place of birth wherever known. Also listed are the names of spouses and children, places of residence and occupations. A full-name index completes this work.