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Hardegsen-Ellierode in the History of our Family

The 400 year old known family history of our ancestors Hillebrecht began in Ellierode with Andreas Hillebrecht (1603 - 1685). Together with his wife Cath., born Otte, they had 12 children known to us. The baptismal records in the church book of Ellierode started in 1645. The first child known to us, Henrich Hillebrecht, is baptized in that year. Their youngest son, also an Andreas Hillebrecht, born 1678, continued the line of our forefathers till we come to Johann Heinrich Hillebrecht who moved via Barterode to Esebeck in 1822.

The village of Ellierode is situated between the eastern slopes of the Solling mountains and the Gladeberg hill in the valley of the Schöttelbach creek. Its beginning goes back till around the year 1100 A.D. The name Ellierode means "wood clearing at the water". Click on the picture to see an enlargement.

Ellierode was one of the 12 city villages of Hardegsen and often shared its history with this neighbouring city. In the great feud of 1486 between the cities of the hanseatic league und Duke Wilhelm the Elder (the pugnacious), whose son Wilhelm the Younger resided in Hardegsen, Ellierode - then lying on the slopes of the Gladeberg - was destroyed by the forces from Goettingen. It was rebuilt in its present location in the valley. The 30-Years-War, the 7-Years-War and the Napoleonic wars brought death, occupation, pillage and poverty.

The inhabitants lived from farming, charcoal-burning, the production of potash for glass manufacturing and from home craft, e.g. weaving. Very few owned enough land to gain some wealth through farming. Only in the 19th century the improved traffic connection, the regional potassium salt mining and the cement works offered more income. Many inhabitants went outside for work and gained their humble wealth. Today Ellierode is a beautiful village, incorporated into the City of Hardegsen in the district of Northeim.

The parish of Ellierode also looks after the parish of Hettensen. The first Lutheran service was held in 1527. The present church was built 1747 till 1749. The church steeple is unique. It was added in 1865 and built in complete masonry up to the very top, without any roofing structure. Click on the picture to see an enlargement.
 
 
 
 
 
 

This is a postcard from Ellierode from 1920. Click on the photo to enlarge it. In the left corner is "Hillebrechts Inn". In the right corner is pictured the mainstreet, the present Sollingstrasse. Hillebrechts Inn was situated in this street. Until today families Hillebrecht are still living in Ellierode.

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