davidstroebel@yahoo.com writes: >Yes, that's them. What database was I looking at and will it tell me something other tahn Sigmaringen? David, I tried Johann in a lot of ways, including range of dates and alternate spellings. Again, I know little compared to most on this list, but he must be in another database. You said he left later - I find that very odd, for the wife and children to travel alone and leave first! Not doubting you, just that it sounds like there's real story here. he hasn't appeared yet for you, but he will. The database is the same one where I miraculously found my own line's starting point (which is now going to help me trace in Württemberg in Hardthausen am Kocher): >http://www.auswanderer-bw.de/auswanderer/index.php?sprache=en Landesarchiv baden-Württemberg. It took me at least 5 years to get to my line. It sounds silly, but I was almost in tears to think I had gotten so much closer by simply clicking on the right links. And by lurking on this list. Now that one of my lines is anchored in Niederroedern and another in Württemberg, I can hope the trip to their roots (because after all, this is about the roots of the ggggrandparents more than about ours) will happen. It was frustrating for me last December to be in Germany for the first time for a conference and know I could not do any further investigation of a genealogical sort because I did not have more specific information. I am now only missing the very elusive Hilimire line, which has zillions of spellings on both sides of the Atlantic. Knowing German and other languages as well as European history is the best way to maneuver a lot of this territory. If it's important enough, we will get where we want to go. Even if going looks more like plodding a lot of the time : ) Much luck in your serach. Kathleen March (Mörz)

(Note: replying back to entire list for the benefit of all since valuable info is contained about spelling errors in last names on castlegarden.org) Kathleen, I found my ggrandfather yesterday on www.castlegarden.org. I did a search for "Str*" (with the asterict *) and between 1883 and 1885. They have his last name spelled differently, as "Strobl" When will the variations in spelling stop! I have seen it spelled 7 different ways in my research. I know he did not come with wife Bertha and three kids in 1883 because she was listed on the ship lists with the children, but no husband. I saw the original photocopy of the list. Now I can move on and find where he was born and find his parents and siblings. Thank you for your kind help. The more I learn about Germany, the more I love it. - David