This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: PLEIMAN, GAUSPOHL, DRESSMAN, VOISARD Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/CYB.2ACE/606.1 Message Board Post: Although I do not have any ORTMANNs in my database, I am also researching the German Catholics who settled in Shelby, Auglaize and Mercer Counties in Ohio ... in the land of the cross-tipped churches. Do you live in the local community? Have copies of the local history books? Been in contact with the Hoyings (local historians, genealogists)? I've recently relocated 'back' here (from Califoria), to help my father, and to work on the family histories ... I'm related to almost everyone. I have most of the books and access to most of the records. For starters, in "Pilgrims All", the history of St. Augustine's: 1) Bernard ORTMANN became a member in 1834. It looks like he had 2 children; possibly Bernard and Dina (Bernadina?), who were 14 and 17, respectively in 1852. 2) Bernard Heinrich KOESTERS was a member in 1837. Most of this region was settled (by the Germans) from 1832-to the mid-1850s. Your Ortmann was born a bit later ... but could have followed Bernard Ortmann. (An uncle or grandfather?) Let me know what additional information you have and where you would like me to look. I can easily do this when I'm doing my research. And most likely, there will be some other sort of connection within my database. :) Becky