Best translation of "egregius" in burial record -- also need sense made of location

1stackgen4

A. The Google Translate website translates this burial record as "Joannes Marder an excellent man of Oberalphen..." and then I think it says he was 57 1/2 years old...and something about "rite" which I am guessing means he received the last rites.

But the Latin dictionary online also translates egregius as:

1. distinguished
2. eminent
3. excellent
4. exceptional
5. extraordinary
6. singular

Which would be the best word to use in the context of a burial record?

B. I wonder about the record stating he was from Oberalphen, when the record is in Walkirch, which is 55 miles away.

According to Merysgaz, Oberalphen didn't have a Catholic church, but there were many villages much closer than Waldkirch which did. Any help with this will be much appreciated.

A copy of the enlarged burial record is below and also a copy of the full page with the translation info. The burial record is just one line, the third entry on the top left of the page.

1778-5-14 Joannes Marder burial-Waldkirch-record large.jpg

1778-5-14 Joannes Marder burial-Waldkirch-full pg w-info.jpg

Thanks for your help.

Elizabeth

Robert Seal_1

Hello Elizabeth,

With respect to question A:

You could use either: distinguished or eminent -- it's your choice -- whichever you prefer.

Both words work well in this context.

Yes, he was provided with the last rites.

Robert Seal_1

Hello Elizabeth,

The Latin word "egregius" used in this context is new to me as well.

Given that the scribe specifically used the word "egregius" as opposed to the frequently used "honestus", it is quite probable that your ancestor did do something to earn this distinctive honorific.

Ulrich Neitzel

@1stackgen4

A: My English language feeling is probably not good enough to choose between the alternatives, but "distinguished" seems to be suitable. Note that most of the other men have the epithet h:[onestus], honorable.

B: The place name is Oberalpfen (https://www.meyersgaz.org/place/20351038) which is situated right next to Waldkirch (https://www.meyersgaz.org/place/21061116).

1stackgen4

@Robert Seal

@Ulrich Neitzel

Thank you both so much.

This use of the descriptor "egregius" is new to me. Is it common for this type of designation?

I've seen lots of records using "honestus" to describe a bridegroom, including this man. His marriage record refers to him as "Honestus Viduus" as he was a widower. Since honestus seemed ubiquitous, I assumed it was just boilerplate, especially since a reprobate would be less likely to be approved for marriage.

I wonder what he did to distinguish himself that would have caused the priest to use that verbiage. In any case, it is lovely to know that my 4th great-grandfather was well thought of. I need to find some way to fit this tidbit into the family history book I am writing. So many ancestors, so few pages...:)

Thank you.

1stackgen4

@Robert Seal_1

Thank you so much. Your answers are always so helpful. You are a gift and a blessing.

I always read your answers to all the posts, not just mine. I so often learn from you. You are so kind to help all of us.

Robert Seal_1

Thank you so much for your very kind message, Elizabeth. You are very much appreciated.