Ottersheim by Landau: A Home Town History: Celebrating 1200-years of the village in 1968

This book is not a work of fiction or novel, nor does it have a political agenda. It is a historical and social text on life in a rural German village. Originally written in German, this book was published and distributed in limited quantities during 1968 to celebrate the 1200-year history of the village of Ottersheim by Landau, a small village in the District of Germersheim in the Rhineland-Palatinate of Germany. This book describes the secular and religious history of the village of Ottersheim by Landau within the framework of the many historical events that occurred within the Palatinate: Luther’s Reformation, the 30-Years War, the Peasants' Revolt, French occupation, and the French revolution; and more recently, the World Wars. It attempts to convey in simple terms, somewhat repetitively at times, those events that shaped the village and the character of the people that lived there. It provides insight into the impacts of wars, pestilence, and rules of law on the villagers at a time when serfdom was the predominate class system. The book describes early village life, the roles of key village occupations, customs and traditions, and determined community spirit of the village inhabitants. With an occasional interjection of irony or subtle humor, it provides a unique perspective of Ottersheim village life during the Middle Ages and its evolution to near present day. If your ancestors originated from Ottersheim, this book can be a good genealogical reference. It identifies potential sources of information that may further your German heritage research. Ottersheim was the origin of over 300 Germans who left the village in the 18th and 19th centuries destined for America. Not only are names of the emigrant families listed, but also their departure dates. Ottersheim emigrants bore the family names of Bischoff, Böhm, Braun, Brüderle, Burgermeister, Damen, Dörzapf, Ehli, Föhlinger,Frank, Gaab, Gadinger, Gensheimer, Gerstner, Glatz, Günther, Hanck, Hatzenbühler, Heckman, Heider, Hindert, Hoffmann, Jennewein, Job, Jochim, Knoll, Kölsch, Konrad, Kopf, Kreiner, Kröper, Kuhn, Lenz, Ludwig, Merdian, Metz, Moock, Muller, Reichling, Rösch, Scheurer, Schultz, Seither, Stadel, Störtzer,Trauth, Wingerter, Winkelblech, Zwißler, and a few others. All attempts were made to provide a reasonable English translation. It is hoped that the information contained in this book provides the reader with insight into their ancestral heritage, and certain pride for the people and Village of Ottersheim by Landau. No financial gain is attained from the sale of this book.