I have both of the above surnames connected with my family, but haven't really pursued the older generations. That being said all of mine are centered in and around Carlyle, Breese, Highland and Damiansville Clinton County Illinois. What I have found is that many of the families first settled in the Damiansville area and then branched out from there. If you will check the LDS files I am sure you will find quite a number of different areas in Germany where they are both found. I did a quick check and on the IGI files and there are a pile of them there. However, until you can identify the emigrant family you will for the most part spinning your wheels by jumping across the big pond. The first admonition I received from experienced researchers is start with the known then go to the unknown, thus my comment about finding your emigrant ancestor. Bill Buchholz Surnames of Interest: BUCHHOLZ anywhere -BECKMANN-CASSIDY-DeL0NJAY-DREES-MOSBACHER-NENTWIG-NEUTZLER-PONCOT-RENSIN G-STAUDER-STIEFFERMANN ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!