You may well have found a connection. Many families changed their name to a more English sounding and spelling after coming to this country. It would be worth investigating further highles@nationwide.com wrote: > > On a recent visit to Brownsville in search of HIGHLEY and HENSEL graves, I > noticed a stone for John & Mena HILE in the German Lutheran cemetery. He > 1814-1902, she 1817-1886). Was curious if this was a variation on my > family name HIGHLEY. Any information supporting or contradicting that > theory will be appreciated.