Maria Elisabeth Riegel

The Becherbach bei Kirn Evangelical Church register lists the baptism of Maria Elisabeth, daughter of Jacob Hönen and his wife Anna. Although this register records events that happened elsewhere, including the birth of Jost Riehell in Münster Emmel, since there is no contradictory evidence, we must assume she was actually born in Becherbach bei Kirn instead of some place like Limbach. Elsewhere the register states, "Jost Riegell has married 1662 just in the beginning of the year to Maria Elisabeth legal daughter of deceased Jacob Hönen" (p. 353). Thereafter in the register she is referred to as Elisabeth or "Maria Elisabeth wife of Jost Riegel," but never as Maria Riegel. Women did not adopt their husbands' surnames at that time in that part of what is now Germany.

Contributed by Keith Riggle

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Dec 30 2019, 19:16:44 UTC