I am collecting genealogical information on the Schexnaydre, Schexnayder, Schexnailder, Schexnaildre, Schexnyder, Schexnaider, Shexnidre, ________ (fill in your version) families. These families are descendants of Heinrich Albert Schexnaydre who was a native of Brussels, Belgium and came to the German Coast (St. Charles Parish) Louisiana in the early 1700s. There are probably over 100 different variations of the name found in records today; however, all Schexnaydres can trace their common ancestor to Heinrich (Henry) Albert Schexnaydre and are therefore actually ONE family. Also the surname of Albert was also used in some early records. Most of the descendants today still live in South Louisiana (particularly in the River Parishes between New Orleans & Baton Rouge) but the descendants can be found nationwide and are quite numerous. Another large branch of the family moved westward into Southwest Louisiana in the “Acadiana” region. I know the name is not Acadian/Cajun in origin but many of the descendants married into the Acadian/French families and have enough Cajun blood in us.

My attempt is to publish a book on this family and this is by no means a small task. I welcome any help, tips, information, resources, or contacts that you may be able to provide. I have already received some information from some branches of our family, but I need as many as possible to help my research. I would like to include everyone born with the Schexnayder/Schexnaydre/etc. name and their children.
I am a member of the German-Acadian Coast Historical & Genealogical Society.
If your last name is Schexnaydre, Schexnayder, Schexnaildre, Schexnaider, etc...(or if you're related to one) Please e-mail me at jayschexnaydre@att.net , I want to hear from YOU! THANK YOU AND BEST OF LUCK!!!!