Hans Michael/Michel Dieter, born on March 26, 1671, in Schwaigern, Germany, was a significant figure in his community. He was the son of Wolfgang "Wolf" Dieter and Anna Catharina Zimmerman. His life, as revealed through church and city records, showcases his rise to prominence and the roles he played in the social and administrative landscape of Schwaigern.
Family and Early Life
Hans Michael Dieter's lineage traces back to Wolfgang "Wolf" Dieter and Anna Catharina Zimmerman. The family resided in Schwaigern, Germany, where Hans Michael was born and raised.
Civic and Administrative Roles
Hans Michael Dieter's career trajectory demonstrates his increasing importance in Schwaigern's governance. Church records indicate that in 1699, Hans Michel Dieter was General Magistrate. By 1702, he held the positions of Tax and Fee Collector and Church Warden (Burgermeister). He further ascended to First Magistrate and Deputy of Mayor in 1710. These roles highlight his involvement in the financial and administrative aspects of the town.
The term "Burgermeister" in 1700s Wuerttemberg towns signified the individual responsible for collecting payments in money and services from the citizens. As a church warden, he performed a similar function for the Lutheran church. These positions underscore Dieter's integral role in managing the town's resources and obligations.
Involvement in the Schwaigern Witch Trials
Hans Michael Dieter's involvement in the Schwaigern Witch Trials (1712-1716) places him within a significant historical event. He held the third-ranking position after the High-Earl of Neipperg and attorney Johann Balthasar Muller, indicating his influence within the legal proceedings.
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Mayor of Schwaigern
His death record, dated May 2, 1734, identifies him as "gewesener Schultheiss" (late the Mayor) of Schwaigern. This title confirms his leadership role in the town. In 1724, Hans Michael Dieter was entrusted with the office of Mayor by the lord of Neipperg.
Marriages and Children
Hans Michael Dieter married twice. His first marriage was to Maria Catharine/Katharina Frey, daughter of George Frey, on November 19, 1695. After Maria Catharine's death, he married Maria Elisabetha, whose surname remains unknown. Maria Elisabetha died in 1737. Records from the Lutheran Church at Schwaigern document the children from Hans Michael Dieter's marriage to Maria Catharina Frey.
Estate and Heirs
Hans Michael Dieter's will, made in 1716, mentioned four children. A subsequent will in 1724, after the death of his first wife, listed three children. The partition of his estate on July 5, 1734, named his widow Maria Elisabetha, his son Hans George (who had emigrated to Pennsylvania), Eberhardina (wife of Jacob Baumgartner), and Juliana (wife of Dieter Eberle) as heirs. The records also note that Juliana died in 1733, and Dieter Eberle remarried Christina, who died in 1741.
Emigration of Hans George Dieter
The records indicate that Hans George Teter (Hans Jorg Dieter), Hans Michael Dieter's son, emigrated to America in 1727. He received 855 Guilders as his share of the estate.
Serfdom and Obligations
As Mayor, Hans Michael Teter was bound in serfdom to the High-Earl and Lordship of Neipperg. His heirs were obligated to pay twenty guilders from his estate in equal parts.
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Education and Literacy
According to Mr. Wagenplast, Hans Michael Dieter's clear and faultless handwriting suggests that he had academic studies. This level of literacy was uncommon for the time and highlights his dedication to education.
Personal Life
He bought a new pair of gray cloth pants for his marriage to his second wife, Maria Elisabetha. Before he owned only one pair of buckskin pants. He also bought a new doublet of black cloth and a new grey coat. Also he owned only two paris of stockings and two pairs of gloves.
Legacy
Hans Michael Dieter's life exemplifies a prominent figure in 18th-century Germany. His roles as General Magistrate, Tax and Fee Collector, Church Warden, and ultimately Mayor, demonstrate his commitment to public service and his significance in the Schwaigern community. His involvement in the Schwaigern Witch Trials and the emigration of his son to America further contextualize his life within the broader historical narrative.
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