In a message dated 1/5/00 11:14:32 AM Eastern Standard Time, ORCLACKA-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > Does anyone know the reason for the multitude of Germans that came to the > US in the late 1800's? Almost all of our German families came over during > that time and did not stay on the East Coast. My German grandparents came in 1881 from northern Germany (Westphalia to be exact). They left Germany so that my grandfather (a Catholic) would now have to serve in the Prussian army. Catholics were drafted into the lowest ranks and given the most dangerous assignments. They decided that there was a higher chance of survival in America. Their reason for moving west was the same as for most people: cheaper land. Sue Streett ==== ORCLACKA Mailing List ==== Your life is in the hands of any fool that can make you lose your temper. Listmom:Linda Nichols <famtree51@yahoo.com> ============================== Free Web space. ANY amount. ANY subject. RootsWeb's Freepages put you in touch with millions. http://cgi.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/acctform.cgi