Salzer - The surname Salzer is generally accepted to be of German origin. It was an occupational name for someone who was an extractor and seller of salt, a precious commodity in medieval times.[1]
Although the surname Salzer is not very common in America there are a number of Salzer families found in several states. John Jacob Salzer was the first known Salzer of his immediate family, and this lineage, to emigrate to America, arriving from Germany about 1848.[2] No known relationship exists between him or his descendants and any other American Salzer family. Furthermore, other than his parents, no known lineage exists between John Jacob Salzer and his German ancestors. It would be safe to assume however that some relationship does exist between those of this lineage and those with the same surname, both hear and abroad, particularly those known Salzers in the Rochester, New York area.
The genealogies compiled here begin with John Jacob Salzer, the immigrant ancestor. They are intended to chronicle only him and his American descendants born with his surname. As such all other Salzer's are ignored.
[1] | Patrick Hanks & Flavia Hodges - A Dictonary of Surnames - (Oxford University Press) - pp468 |
[2] | There is some confusion on this date. John Jacob Salzer is listed as arriving in 1881 ("45 years" in 1926) on his death certificate. This is unlikely as his first child Frank was born about 1873. This death certificate entry is possibly the incorrect recollection of son Chester at the time of death. 1848 is the date listed as "Year of Immigration to the United States" on the 1900 census and "52" as the "Number of years in the United States". As this is his own report it is thought the more accurate. |