Hello A-L readers, I am stumped about finding the descendants of my great grandfather, Lucas DECKER's siblings. Lucas immigrated to the US in 1866. I would like to contact any relatives from the family who may be living today in Germany or France. Four siblings remained in Germany as far as I know. Two sisters were unmarried and had no children as of the 1870's. Two others, Valentin DECKER and Helena DECKER SCHMID may have settled in Strasbourg. Their parents were Johann Nepomek DECKER and Zazelia SCHREMP of Holzwald, Rippoldsau, Baden. I have two family photos of men done by Strasbourg photographers. One is hand-marked "Albert SCHMID, husband of Helen Decker". The back has printing that includes the photographer, "I. (or J) Gerschel aine" and two addresses, "46, Rue Du Vieux Marche' Aux Vins, Alter Weinmarkt 46" and "Rue Du Jeu Des Enfants 56, Kinderspielgasse 56". (addresses repeated in both French and German?) The young man in the photo wears a military uniform with a standing collar, two rows of four buttons down the chest and a leather belt. The man in the second photo is not identified, but strongly resembles Lucas. I'm guessing it's Valentin DECKER. He appears well dressed with a long coat and top hat. The photographer is identified as "Firmin Laveissiere, 3 Rue Rochechouart, Maison des Bains au 2me Etage". To focus on Helena DECKER first, what I know is her birth, 16 August, 1834 in Rippoldsau, Baden, Germany. She married Mathias (not Albert) SCHMID, 28 October, 1858 and they had a son, Edward, born 1 Sept. 1859. The family was Catholic. Valentin DECKER was born 1833 and married Franziska KIMMIG, born 1834. The Rippoldsau church records include children of this marriage: Apollonia, b 1858; Sigmund, b 1859; Augustin, b 1860; Caecilia, b 1862; Lorenz, b 1863; Gordian, b 1864 and Christina, b 1866. They were Catholic. The trail ends here. Does anyone have ideas that could help me? I would appreciate any suggestions on finding out more about Valentin and Helena's families. Anna Decker Bablak