In 1969, we had a 16 year old German exchange student. In 1970, his parents, Hans and Leni came to visit us. Hans was appalled that we did not know our German roots and seemed to show no interest. Hans was just Gerhard's father, our friend, and "did" something with the German government concerning waterways. Hans went home and did an extensive research for us from the mid 1700 until they came to America. I did a little work, but was still involved with raising a family.I kept getting letters from German officials and mayors of towns until I finally wormed it out of Hans that he was indeed a RATHER important man and wrote on his official stationery to the mayors and other officials that his American friend NEEDED this information ASAP. Needless to say we got it!About 5 years ago, I picked up my papers and started in again and am now knee deep...or up to my eyebrows.Turns out Hans has done extensive genealogy work for himself and others..is the author of several religious books for his church and is currently working on another. I plead with him to get a computer and get on-line, so I can write him, but he insists he would never do anything else but play on the computer.I don't know who deciphers his notes. I know I never could.Recently, I sent him my information and he kindly gave me an A+ for effort. He didn't mention accuracy!I've come a long way, Baby!...with much credit and help from very nice people. Genealogists are THE BEST! Still researching BATDORF,CALKINS,DEFFINBAUGH,FRITZ...and when I finish them, there are the Mc GILVRAYS AND GRAYS. Mary Jo Fritz