We have Mater families in this area before 1800. We had thought they were German speaking but now suspect that they may have come from Mater, a village in Belgium. They may have come very early to the colonies as De Mater or De La Mater. They may have spoken Dutch or French. This is a very general question but we are just beginning to understand this early Mater family. Any comments appreciated. We do have them from Cumberland County into Ohio down to the present day - although in 1860 our family changed their name from Mater to Mateer - and I can prove that. Regards Hal