Those who settled in Switzerland Township and Salem Township, Monroe County were predominately as you state. Born in the Canton of Bern, Alsace and across the Rhine in Germany. Most spoke German and were farmers or in agriculture related professions in small communities. It is a wonderful experience to visit those small towns. Most don't speak English once you leave Strasbourg, but they are so helpful. We visited two years ago and went to one of the government buildings that contained marriage, birth and death records. One lady spoke French and a little English, she called a gentleman who had the day off to come in because he spoke French but could read the German records and then there were us poor Americans that could only speak English. It was a WONDERFUL experience; don't believe the negatives you might hear about the French. They truly wanted to help us and they did. My mother's name was Mehl and there were Brunners that married family members. But I don't have info to help you determine your relationship. Gene Huffman ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com