I am researching the Knoebel family who established themselves in St. Clair County IL around 1840, the Kanofsky and Merckel or Merkel family would have arrived at the same time or close to it. Also my gg grandfather, Richard Finke came to St. Clair County, IL from Germany in 1856 along with a group of brothers and probably his parents. Names of the brothers and parents are unknown. He married Sophia Knoebel in 1875. I think that they were married in Shiloh. There is a good possibility that some of them attended the Luthern or German Reformed church. If anyone has a connection please e-mail me: eleanorsjoy@yahoo.com Thanks, Eleanor __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com