Wilhelm: Thank you most kindly for your response about Oldenstein. However, the information on Karl's birthplace was taken from his application for a passport from the US Government so he could visit his homeland. I am not arguing with you about this, but I'm wondering if the map you mentioned might not have taken into account name-changes between 1880 and the present. The other possibility would be if the official who wrote "Oldstein" on the application did not hear the name correctly. Is there an "Altenstein" on the map you mention? Thank you once again for your help. Regards, Bernard