Hi Marilyn, Yes, I know Custer was Kuester and have quite a bit on them thanks in part to notoriety of one descendant, maybe a grand nephew (or g grand nephew) of Rebecca's father, George. But it might do me good to read the Easton reference. Yes, I know re Jones and his books but I don't know re: subgroups you mention. Fresh perspectives, like this, could contain important information. Yes, I've read some Loyalist books and looked a bit in PA archives. The brothers had to register with the militia, and some even served, until grandma Mary Roads Custer remarried Wm. Thomas; some were tempted back away from any 'rebellious' aspirations (I'm thinking)... OR, the neighbors talked the family down to roving Rebels. Old man Thomas - he really was old - led some Tory 'volunteers' at one point, so was known for his leanings. Thanks for fresh perspectives, and I'll gain from checking them out. That's really what I'm after. w -----Original Message----- From: Marilyn Souders [mailto:msouders@nyc.rr.com] Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 6:28 AM To: Wendy Hiefield Subject: Re: [PANORTHA-L] HOLDER; VOLCK; GRAEFF; CUSTER I'm reading your posting early in the morning with only one cup of coffee in me, so my answer may tell you what you know already. The name "Custer" according to an essay by Heller in Historic Easton, p. 90 (Reprint available from the Easton Public Library, Marx Room, for ca. 15.00) derives from Kuester and has many variations. You must know about Hank Z. Jones' books about the 1709 Palatinates, right? There was a sub-group of the 1709ers that were located in London for a while, and another group of German=speaking people who were relocated in North Ireland around the same time. There are also reference books giving names of Loyalists who retreated to Canada, though I can't recall titles right now. Sorry if I've told you what you already know. Marilyn