This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jvanraalte1 Surnames: van Raalte, Hanau Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.tompkins/5097/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have asked this question before but had less information then - and never got the problem resolved. I am looking for the ancestors of a Benjamin Jacon van Raalte who was born on November 6, 1822 (according to New York death certificate) and died in New York City on March 7, 1876; who immigrated to the USA around 1847-1849 (according to same death certificate); who was born in "Holland" (no city mentioned) according to several New York census' (1860, 1870, and some of his family after his death); who married a Julia Hanau (born in London to German parents in 1825 and died in New York City in 1912) around 1853-1854 and who had seven children. He and his family lived in New York City for many decades according to 1870 census and next ones; in 1860 they supposedly lived in Ithaka New York. He appears to have been naturalized (became US citizen) in 1868 claiming to be a "British subject, born in Holland". This might mean that he first went to England with his family before coming to the USA. This man does not show up in the family trees from Raalte and Zwartsluis, but he may still be related to the Jewish family? He is listed here as a cigar maker and several van Raalte's were living in London and in the cigar business in the early 1800's. I would be very grateful if someone could find his ancestors, birth certificate, birth city, marriage certificate, or British naturalization. Thank you John A van Raalte 73 Elm Ridge Road Princeton, NJ 08540 USA Tel.: 609-737 1006 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.