Suggestions for second witness in 1789 Alsace death record?

Tom Randolph

I can't make sense of the given name or relationship of the second witness in the 1789 death record for Barbara Heinrich née Mittelhauser -- any suggestions? I read it as: Mortzalf mittelhaußer der Wer star Ean Eruter

Transcription:

:Ein tausend siebenhundert neun und achtzig den neun und zwanzigsten May morgends um fünf Uhr starb allhier Barbara Heinrichin, gebohren Mittelhäuserin, Johann Martin Heinrichs des hiesigen Bürgers und Ackermanns gewesene Ehefrau und wurde derselben entseelter Leichnam den dreysigsten eiusdem vormittag gegen eilf Uhr zur Erden bestattet. Ihres Alters neun und fünfzig Jahre, neun Monathe, neunzehn Tage, welches bezeugen:

:Johann Martin Heinrichs des Ehemanns welcher nicht schreiben zu känne aussagt Hand [III] Zeichen.

:[signed] Mortzalf mittelhaußer der Ver star Ean Eruter

:Ph R Ehrenpfort  Pfarrer

 

Translation

:1789, the 29th May at 5 o’clock in the morning, Barbara Heinrich, née Mittelhäuser, formerly the Wife Johann Martin Heinrich, local Citizen and Farmer, died here and her lifeless corpse was buried in the Earth on 30th of the same [month] at about 11 o’clock in the morning. Her age 59 Years, 9 Months, 19 days. As testified by:  

:Johann Heinrich the Husband who does not know how to write, made his mark [XX]

:[signed] Mortzalf?? Mittelhauser the ??

:Ph R Ehrenpfort  Pastor

Oberhoffen-sur-Moder - Paroisse protestante (Avant 1793) - Registre de baptêmes mariages sépultures 1788-1791 - 3 E 345/5

Image consulted at https://archives.bas-rhin.fr/detail-document/ETAT-CIVIL-C342-P2-R206949#visio/page:ETAT-CIVIL-C342-P2-R206949-2317173; Image 40 of 131; 

StH31

@Tom Randolph

Johann Martin Heinrichs des Ehemanns welcher nicht schreiben zu können aussagt Hand [III] Zeichen.

:[signed] Moritz Alf. Mittelhäuser der Verstorben ?Bruder?

Ulrich Neitzel

@Tom Randolph

"...der Verstorben[en] Bruder" means "brother of the deceased [woman]".

Ulrich Neitzel

https://community.familysearch.org/discussion/comment/525691#Comment_525691

I am not fully sure about the first name(s). Actually, I don't see Moritz written (no i-dot). Using Google I found this: Marzolf deutsch -elsäss. Form für Marcellus (»klasse Marcus«), Heiligenname Marzell, vergleiche elsäss. »Marzolf der bobst«; entstellt Marzluff, Merzluft (https://forebears.io/de/surnames/marzolf).

So it could be that Martzolf is a very specific Alsatian first name.

Tom Randolph

Thanks @StH31 I had considered 'verstorben' at one point, but couldn't figure out how it could make sense that someone deceased could be a witness, unless of course the person was somehow a close relation (spouse or child) of the deceased brother. Or unless it isn't someone signing as a witness and it is instead some type of explanatory note. What's your take? I guess the name then would be Moritz Alfred Mittelhäuser?

Tom Randolph

OK, that works, thanks @Ulrich Neitzel ! The logic escaped me ;) Would the given name of Mortiz Alfred make sense for Moritz Alf.?

Tom Randolph

@Ulrich Neitzel I also didn't see the 'i' but thought it was possible. But your extra effort has sorted it! Much appreciated!