Latin word in marriage record
Hello - can someone please help me with a word in this German marriage record - from Voltlage, Osnabrück, Niedersachsen, 4 Nov 1698, Johan Steinke and Adelheid Fey ...what is the word after the name of the witness Lambert Meyer? I see it, or a similar word or abbreviation in every record with his name as witness, and assume he must have a duty to witness marriages, but can't figure out the word... C...? Record is on the right side, second from the bottom...
Respuestas
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Hi Liz,
This is tough. The Latin word might be "custos" = watchman or guard[ian] or custodian.
Let's see what others have to say.
Best to you, Robert
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Hello again, Liz,
See this entry for custos from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custos
See the third entry under "Titles". Lambert Meyer was quite possibly the church's sexton or under-sacristan, which would explain why he appears in so many marriage records as a witness.
Robert
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Here's yet another article about the word "custos" (under-sacristan) from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custos_(under-sacristan)
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Hello Robert - that sounds like a good guess .. it's not crucial for this record, but I like to understand the bigger picture. I did search for different church/parish roles but didn't find anything better. Thank you for looking into this.
Best to you
Liz
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You're always very welcome, Liz.
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Hello Robert - the word was indeed "Custos". I looked into "Custos" a little more, through a local historian in Voltlage (Osnabrück, Niedersachsen. You may be interested in what she told me: Lambertus Meyer (Mayer) was Custos, (Küster in German), and also an organist and teacher in this Catholic parish. The combination of teaching and church service was common in that area. She also commented that for church services the Custos received accommodation, i.e. a house, a piece of land for self-sufficiency and certain taxes from the farmers, e.g. beer. Fees were charged for special services such as baptisms, funerals, visiting the sick with the priest, ringing the bells on special occasions raised, which were added to their salary.
She also commented that at that time, the teaching service was not very respected (one could not live from teaching alone). Teachers were not trained and this position was usually passed from father to son. Some "teachers" could not read and write well themselves.
Interestingly, Voltlage's most famous son, Bernhard Heinrich Overberg (* 1751 in Höckel, + 1826 in Münster) was the first to introduce the idea and practice of teacher training and is considered the "teacher of teachers".
Best Regards and Happy Easter
Liz
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Hi Liz,
Thanks for the information about Custos/Küster -- I found this very interesting. I printed out your message and have filed this in my German word folder. I appreciate your follow-up on this word. Thanks very much.
Wishing you a blessed Easter Sunday.
Sincerely, Robert
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