There is never a dumb, stupid or idiotic question. I too have been confused as to what to ask about the Alsace Lorraine area because of the regions vast history and area. We are all here to learn and assist or that's what I try to do. I've been on other family tracks of late and haven't worked on the Alsace Lorraine connections but read each comment. I hope that everyone will continue to contribute so that we all may learn about our ancestors and what they have taught us. Heck, I just learned that in addition to being from the AL area, I'm also Scots-Irish. Now that's combination. I wonder how they communicated? :) Cynthia Bolick Bolch, Bolick, Swink, **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)