My ancestor, Conrad Kremer, is cited in two Virginia local histories as a "Hessian deserter from British service." He was born about May 1778 in Hesse-Kassel and may have served in Grenadier Regiment von Rall and captured at Trenton. His true surname may have been a variant of Kremer, perhaps Krammell, or Kram. He was literate, probably Lutheran (he had a Lutheran bible printed in Hesse), probably an experienced regular soldier -- possibly a noncommissioned officer. He died at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia on 29 May 1837. While a prisoner of war he enlisted in the American Army in May 1777, at Valley Forge, as a Private in the Company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Bartholomew von Heer (Col. Procter's 4th Artillery Regiment). He reenlisted in July 1778 in Captain von Heer's newly organized Company of "Marechausee Corps" and became Quartermaster Sergeant. There may have been other former Hessian soldiers in the Marechausee Corps. Conrad was discharged from the Marechausee Corps in July 1780 at Reading, PA. This is part of a lengthy history of Conrad Kremer who became the first police chief of the City of Winchester, Virginia; a Blue Dyer; and the licensed proprietor of a hotel and tavern on Court House Avenue. He was a property owner, a bondsman, a naturalized American citizen on 18 March 1818, married the eldest daughter (Catharine) of Major Peter Helfenstein who was a local Rev. War hero. Conrad was awarded federal bounty land in Ohio for his Rev. War service, also a Rev. War veteran's pension. He was an officer of the Masonic Lodge. He and Catharine had six children between 1784 and 1797. I have no reliable information on the parents of Conrad, his place or exact date of birth, or any information on his family in Hesse. Any information would be appreciated. Don Fehlings 17227 SE 187th Street Renton, Washington 98058-9545 Tel: 425/255-8588 Dfehlings@aol.com