This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/ZVC.2ACE/4118.2.1.1 Message Board Post: Mary Beth, What I discovered about Diepholz, at least for my family, is that a lot of people stayed put for centuries. Very few of my lineage came from out-of-town. Chances are that your husband and I are related in some remote way. When you get your info, let me know about family names. Falk provided me with electronic copies of all Diepholz church records from about 1609 to 1800 for everyone in town. After 1800, inquiries must be fielded by Falk. Once you trace back to 1800, the flood gates may open up. Thanks to Falk, Klaus Mueller, and Herr Gutzeit, I found family history much easier to trace from 1600-1800 than to find living relatives in the USA! John