Diane, The largest database of worldwide names is at FamilySearch. Although not definitive, there are no entries for the surname MATZAT in France (includes Alsace-Lorraine). That database does show hundreds of that surname from East Prussia. At 02:00 AM 4/10/2008, you wrote: >From: "Diane Fletcher" <diane.fletcher@bsd.wednet.edu> >Subject: [A-L] Surname Matzat > >I too, am looking for some information on my great-grandfather. My >aunt said his family was from Alsace Lorraine. I don't think any of >them know where in the area. His name was Frederick Carl >Matzat. He was born in 1860. He came to the United States in 1888 >with his wife, Sophie Finis and a young daughter. I don't know her >name and she passed away soon after arriving here. It is said the >name was LaMatzat and was changed at some point in time. If there >is any small bits of information, I would truely appreciate the help. >Thank You, >Diane