Thank you all so much for your help. I am reading about the history behind Thuringia now and it is helping me to see things better. To get a picture in your mind of where an ancestor came from is just wonderful. I am new to this and really appreciate all the responses I get. I didn't even think about there being an encyclopedia on-line. I've even received an address for the right church in Sondershausen! I hope I did not take too much time from important e-mails, just am really thankful for you all. Sincerely, Lori