----- Original Message ----- From: <miller-request@rootsweb.com> To: <miller@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 12:00 AM Subject: MILLER Digest, Vol 1, Issue 27 I ran into the same problem with my ancestor who 'said' in one census he was born in Prussia and another in Germany. One of the other ancestors Alsace Lorraine France in one and Austria in another, Upon research I found the same as you, There was no Germany at the time of birth and the small countries later became parts of Germany, France and Poland and Austria as well as perhaps other countries. One brother and sister were born in same place only a few years apart yet it was a differnt name. Also some 'errors' by the census regarding the spelling of names so you just have to know the history of the family and areas somewhat. Ferne.