Hi. My understanding is that the term 'Dunker' or 'Dunkard' was applied to a number of subsets of the Anabaptist/Pietist German Baptist Brethren movement because they believed firmly in adult full-immersion baptism. These groups would include most if not all of the early Baptist churches in our history, the Moravian Brethren, the Mennonites, the Hutterites, and other specific groups. I think the confusion over the 'separate and always have been' issue may be that in the 1920's, a more conservative group broke away from the Baptist brethren and took the name of 'Dunkard Brethren'. But in historic terms, 'Dunker' was a much more general term. Billy is right -- the Church of the Brethren website is a goldmine of historic and genealogical information! They have done a wonderful job. (I have no affiliation with this church; my beliefs are very different; this is not an ad <gr>). But I might start searchers out at: http://www.cob-net.org/america.htm This is the section on the history and migration of the peoples in early America. Well worth a good read, even if you don't much care about the religious history per se. Then follow links to the European roots (terrific!), the history of the various denominations (very well done!), and - Ta Da! - the genealogy section and genealogy ring! There are lists of early congregation members by church and baptisms done by early ministers. Unfortunately for us, they concentrate in PA, but most of our folks were there at some early time. There are links of relevant sites, including genealogy hunters looking at Baptist families. Also see (didn't find an easy link on the recommended pages): http://www.cob-net.org/docs/brethrenlife.htm Despite all the excellent work done by others, this has to be the most detailed and fascinating site about various roads and traces, settlements, and life in migration that I have seen anywhere. This site is a series of chapters from books written by a Merle C Rummel. Click on the chapter links. And if you are looking for specifics, also click on another of his book links to: http://www.cob-net.org/docs/brethrenlife_journal.htm This appears to start a bit dry <gr>, but browse down. Here are three sample entries to tempt you to take a better look: 1722 Refugees of the "Unitas Fratrum" (Hussites) gather at Herrnhut, on the estates of Nicolaus Ludwig, Count Zinzendorf. They form a Pietistic conclave. This is the start of the Moravian Brethren, who expand the Pietist tradition of Christian Missionaries -to the world. They form colonies in America (Bethlehem and Nazareth PA, Salem NC, etc) and missions to the Indians (New Philadelphia, Gnaddenhutten, Schoenbrun Village -in Ohio, among others). Peter Becker with two Brethren visit the scattered Brethren in Berks and Lancaster Counties. 1748 Beaver Creek Church (Newberry Co, So Carolina) David Martin, min; congregation moved mostly from the Conococheague, MD. Migration was down the Great Valley Road, and at the Roanoke River, the Carolina Road left through the gap and followed the face of the Blue Ridge down to the Yadkin and on. Northkill Congregation (Berks County) George Kleine, minister Alexander Mack Jr left Dunkards Bottom, (prophetic) dream of Indian Raid. Alexander Mack Jr (Sander Mack), and Christopher Sauer Jr are given oversight of the Germantown Church (Gemeinschaft) (advanced to Eldership "on trial"). 1790 Hinkston Creek Church (Montgomery County, KY) Peter Hahn, Daniel Ockerman, Joseph Molar, John Garver -ministers; largest KY Church, settlement from Carolinas. Beech Creek Church (Shelby County, KY) Jacob Stutzman, George Boone, ministers: settlement from Carolinas and Maryland, near the Falls, Louisville: Elk Creek Church (Spencer County, KY). Drakes Creek Church (Warren County, KY) John Hendricks, elder; settlement from Carolinas, Brethren Universalist (may be "John H.." of 1798 AM bann). Dutch Settlement (Muhlenberg County, KY) Francis Stump, elder; George Wolfe, minister; settlement from Pennsylvania (Henry Rhoads -Brother's Valley). Stephen Bolender/Christian Waltsmith, ministers -to Penns Valley, PA. David Colglazier comes to the mouth of Indian Creek (Clermont County, OH). John Bowman family comes to Obannon Creek (Warren County, OH) Elder Daniel Leatherman died (MD). General Josiah Harmer leads frontier army to disaster near Fort Wayne; Miami Indian Confederation under Little Turtle . The Church of the Brethren site is a bit slow to load, at least on a Sunday morning <gr>, but not too bad. And it is worth the wait! Have fun, Linda