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July 17, 2005

Mennonite Genealogy in Berne Indiana

David Habegger of Newton, Kansas, a genealogist and historian who with Karen Adams co-authored "The Swiss of Adams and Wells Counties," will be speaking in the Heritage Room of the Berne Public Library at 1:30 P.M. on August 8.

He will tell about his current research on the Kleintal Gemeinde (congregation) that consisted of Anabaptist/Mennonite residents who mostly lived on the Munsterberg/Montagne de Moutier, the Greitery, the Chaluet Valley, and the community around Moron. Most of the Mennonites who came to Berne, Indiana in the 1800s were members of this congregation. In 1832 there were 143 Anabaptist families living in the area, all of whom were from the Emmental of Canton Bern.

Habegger will tell of the beginning of this congregation, name some of the prominent families who were members of this congregation, and the ministers who served. The sources for his research will be mentioned for any who wish to do research.

It is the hope of Habegger to have the results of his research published so that descendants will be more aware of their history.

While pre-registration will not be necessary, the Heritage Room would appreciate an approximate count of those intending to come to this meeting. Contact the Heritage Room at 589-2575, or heritage@bernepl.lib.in.us.

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