Overview
The Schmalschläger family tree can be traced back to the early 19th century in the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. From the villages of Rossenbach and Oberlückerath in the Oberbergischer Kreis, a branch of the family migrated to Limburg in the southern Netherlands, establishing a lasting presence in the town of Brunssum.
The genealogy below draws from records on Ancestry, Geni, and GenWiki.
German Branch — Bergisches Land
Gerhard Schmalschläger — Rossenbach
The earliest known ancestor. Lived in Rossenbach, Oberbergischer Kreis, North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Spouse: Anna Margaretha Bestgen
- Known child: Johann Jakob Schmalschläger (b. 1834)
Johann Jakob Schmalschläger (1834–?)
Born June 21, 1834 in Rossenbach. Likely a farmer (Ackerer).
- Parents: Gerhard Schmalschläger & Anna Margaretha Bestgen
- Spouse: Maria Magdalene Müller
- Children: 2 known, including Helena
Helena Schmalschläger (1868–1947)
Born November 12, 1868 in Oberlückerath. Died 1947.
- Parents: Johann Jakob Schmalschläger & Maria Magdalene Müller
- Spouse: Wilhelm Stommel
- Children: 6
Source: Ancestry — Helena Schmalschläger
Dutch Branch — Limburg
Gerard Schmalschläger — Brunssum
The first known Schmalschläger in the Netherlands. Settled in Brunssum, Limburg province.
- Spouse: Maria Hubertina Notermans
- Known children: Johannes Gerardus, Johannes Hendrik
Johannes Gerardus Schmalschläger (c. 1874–1957)
Born circa 1874 in Brunssum, Limburg. Died February 9, 1957.
- Parents: Gerard Schmalschläger & Maria Hubertina Notermans
- Spouse: Maria Agnes Arets
Johannes Hendrik Schmalschläger (1878–1962)
Born November 3, 1878 in Brunssum, Limburg. Died November 7, 1962.
- Parents: Gerard Schmalschläger & Maria Hubertina Notermans
- Spouse: Maria Magdalena Schuffelen (married September 29, 1905, in Born)
- Occupation: Pottenhandelaar (pottery merchant)
Source: Geni — Gerard Schmalschläger
A Growing Archive
The Schmalschläger genealogy presented here is the beginning of a much larger story. Our records currently trace the family back to the early 19th century, but we know the name reaches further — into church registers, civil archives, and family memories that have yet to be uncovered.
We are actively expanding this genealogy through ongoing research into historical records across Germany and the Netherlands. Future updates will include deeper archival findings, newly discovered family connections, and contributions from Schmalschlägers around the world.
If you carry the Schmalschläger name and have family records, stories, or corrections to share, we would love to hear from you. Every detail helps complete the picture.