Just learned that my direct ancestor (Nicholas Muller, b1844 [Germany], d1902 [Chicago]), son of Nicolaus Muller and Anna Maria Franz, claimed on an 1872 church marriage register from Joliet, IL, that his family came from the town of Neuses bei Hanau, Churhessen (modern-day Freigericht-Neuses, Hessen). It's a VERY small town anywhere from 5-10 miles west of Hanau, and within 25-30 miles of Fulda and the other towns that you listed. Nicholas reportedly came to the US in 1870, but I have no information, as yet, concerning any siblings that he might have had, or anything about his parents (Nicolaus & Anna) except for their names. Based on the dates that you gave in your message, it looks like your "Ida" was one generation or so later than my Nicholas; however, considering how close Fulda, etc., is to the area that I'm referring to, it's entirely possible that we're talking about a family connection of some kind. Looks like you have no information on Ida's siblings, but, if you have any info on her parents, grandparents, etc., that establish a connection to my Nicholas or his parents, you're welcome to call on me for data about that branch of the family. John Muller --- Woodridge, IL Email: jmuller3@email.msn.com July 17, 2001 --- 8:55 AM local time