To aid in locating a town of origin: You might want to try looking at obituaries, (American) Church death records where they attended at the time of their death, and / or county death records. Also check the county health dept. for a death record or death certificate. Check these records for your ancestor and any others of the same or similar surname in that area. If it is a somewhat "uncommon" surname, you might wish to keep an eye out for info on other immigrants (even to other areas) of the same / similar surname. Then, check the online German telephone directories. These will most likely provide clues that you can follow up on. Larry ----Original Message---- Does any one know what the most popular ports too board the ships to the USA our ancestors would have taken from Bavaria? I'm having a problem finding my grandfather's (John Robl) city of origin in Bavaria.