The first line describes the family as being of German origin. Last night at dinner, Gus and I were discussing this. We all have to become students of general history to really do this family history thing right. As we know, the borders between nations were very fluid throughout history and the French/Dutch/German area of the Rhine valley was particularly changeable. Gus suggests that the "German origin" referred to in the book probably meant the Belgium/Luxembourg, much of which eventually became French. Also, about the word "bounlet" in the healdry description. His big French dictionary did not have this word. Maybe someone can find an internet French enclyclopedia if they are really interested. If so, I can ask Gus to translate whatever is found. I'd be pushing my luck to try to get him to look <g>. He's not interested in genealogy and he's not overly fond of the internet. Gretchen Kohl [Alameda,CA] - GretchenKohl@aol.com