This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dmacdumes Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.ceeurope.germany.schleswig.general/6434.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The method you outline would likely not result in useful results, and as you mention the process would be daunting. A better option would be to look for documentation in the country where your Schleswig-Holstein ancestor emigrated: census, passenger lists, naturalization documents, military, and possibly church books in the community where they settled. Once you have some clue about a birth town or last residence in Schleswig-Holstein, you can contact the archive where these records are kept in Schleswig-Holstein. Personally I've had good luck hiring a professional genealogist who is familiar with Schleswig-Holstein archives. It's a lot easier and more productive than trying to do it myself. If you want a referral once you've determined the town you're looking for, feel free to email me, contact info is at my website. Regards, Debra MacLaughlan Dumes http://sakionline.net/familypage Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.