I am searching for the parents of Rachel O'BRIEN (or O'BRIAN - or BRAUN), who was born in 1820 and died 20 Mar 1893 in her home on Carpenter St., South Bethlehem, Northampton Co., PA. She was married 6 Jan 1839 to Joseph SIEGFRIED (1817 - 1892). Their marriage was announced in two German papers, "Friedens Bote," and "Unabhaengige Republikana," but in both papers, her name was listed as Rachel BRAUN, and both papers stated that she and her husband, Joseph SIEGFRIED, were "from Bath." However, Rev. Allehorn recorded their marriage in Friedensville Church Records, Upper Saucon Twp, and recorded her name as Rachel O'BRIAN. In baptism records of their children at Friedensville Church, the pastor clearly showed "Joseph and Rachel (O'BRIEN) SIEGFRIED as their parents. When their oldest son, James Siegfried died on 14 Jan 1915, the pastor also wrote clearly, "James F. Siegfried, born Nov 3, 1839, died Jan 10, 1915, age 75 yrs, 1 mo, 27 days, of apoplexy. Parents: Joseph and Rachel (O'BRIAN) Siegfried." Joseph and Rachel SIEGFRIED are in the following PA Census:: 1850 Northampton Co, Lower Nazareth Twp., with 7 children. 1860 Northampton Co, Lower Saucon Twp, Hellertown P.O., with 5 children. 1870 Lehigh Co, Lower Saucon Twp, Seidersville P.O. with daughter & grandchild. 1880 Northampton Co, South Bethlehem. Joseph (64) and Rachel (60) In the 1880 Census, Rachel stated that her mother was born in PENNSYLVANIA, and her father was born in ENGLAND. The Census-taker in 1880 also indicated that Rachel could not read or write. Is there a PANORTHA-L subscriber who can help me find out what Rachel's maiden name REALLY was - and who her parents were??? I'd be most grateful for any help! Best wishes for success in finding your ancestors, too! Irene Diehl Konrad My website: <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/idkonrad/Mynames.htm"> http://members.aol.com/idkonrad/Mynames.htm</A>