Hi Listers, I am seeking information about Jean Georg Kovis, estimated birth date 1767, birthplace unknown. Some years ago through a professional researcher a birth cert. for one of his children, born in 1807, was found. The child was registered in the town of Wingen; a fellow researcher found a subsequent death cert. for this child at age 18 months. The family were living at Lichthoff, George a shepherd on a share farm. The mother of the child was Marie Ann Heilig, and I believe her to be Georg's second wife as the 3 older children could not belong to her. The hired researcher could find no further trace of this couple. In the summer of 1809 they immigrated to Russia, departing from Frankfurt. It has indeed been a challenge to find information about this family. The occurance of the Kovis/Kowis/Kowitz name is rare in Alsace. One other person Anne Marie Kowis was married in 1786 to George Fritsch of Windstein according to LDS records. Considering the proximity of the towns and similarity of ages, Jean Georg and Anne Marie might be siblings. Where do I start? A Civil Registration for the marriage of Jean Georg Kowis and Ann Marie Heilig which likely took place between 1805 and 1807 could yield much valuable information but how would I access it? I've considered they might have been itinerant workers and be from the German side of the border. If there is anyone who can give me research guidance, I would be very appreciative. Regards, June McDonald Queensland, Australia