Jean: My first German relatives came over (most settled in Michigan) between about 1848 and 1883. There is only one family name but many spelling variations as shown below. By using German parish records I have confirmed that all of these spelling were used by the same immediate family. Also, the name(s) is (are) are even in Germany so virtually anyone of them is probably a relative. Some went first to England, others to Canada, but my great grandmother, sister and uncles seem to come directly to the US and then up to Michigan. The earliest spelling I have found in Hofenbecher but that later became: Hoffenbecher Hoffenbächer Hoffenbacher (in the US and England) Hoffenbecker (in the US) Hoffenbacker (a 1940s spelling change) Bob Peck California

Hoffenbecher - nothing undre this surname Hoffenbächer Hoffenbacher (in the US and England) Ludwig Hoffenbacher, age 17, male occupation, laborer Last residence, Germany Date of Arrival, November 25, 1872 Final Destination, USA Ship's name, Ohio Port of Embarkation, Bremen Port of Debarkation, Baltimore Hoffenbecker (in the US) - nothing under this surname Hoffenbacker (a 1940s spelling change) - nothing There is a John Hoffenberg, and Leonh. Hoffenberger, Marie Hoffenberger, Tolikars Hoffenberger. If you want info on these three let me know. Jean -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.8/621 - Release Date: 1/9/2007