Geneology Alsace Lorraine France

by Joe Wells, Jr.
(Austin, Texas)

I have ancestors who immigrated to America in 1752. Records show that Johann Jacob Whipkey was born between 1736-1739 in Weissembourg, Alsace, Lorraine, France.

His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1749 in Alsace, Lorraine, France. They settled first in Maryland and then in Pennsylvania among German immigrants.

Is it appropriate to call them Germans, or would they be considered French?

Which language would they have spoken?

I would appreciate any insight you could offer about this matter. Thank you in advance.

Joe Wells, Jr.

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Neither French nor German in my opinion
by: Suzele

Hi Joe

In the early 1700s technically they were French.

But how French were they really?

It's hard to say without more info. The average person in Alsace didn't speak much French or German.

They spoke a germanic language but it wasn't German or even old German.

Alsace was part of the Holy Roman Empire, the German empire, the French kingdom, and more.

But at different times.

Hope it helps,
Suzele

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