Hello: I am researching the Brofft, Gates, Johns (Jones) families that settled in the Ross County areas of Ohio about 1850s. I am particularly interested in the families of Franz Brofft (b. Aug 19 1829 in Frankfort am Main Germany d. 1904 Ross County), and wife Catherine Henkelmann (b. 1828 Frankfurt; married 1855, d. Feb 12 1875 age 47 in Ross County, OH) Also; Heinrich Wilhelm JOHNS (later changed to JONES) born 1804 in Hanover Germany and his wife Melsena (last name unknown) who married abt 1834 in Springfield Twp Ross County. All died in Ross County. Melsena died in 1877 at the age of 66. She was born Jul 14 1811 in Hanover Germany. The sons and daughters moved west thru Indiana to KS in late 1860's. WOuld like to know where they lived when in OH and if anyone has knowledge of there destination? A Mary GATES married a Lewis (Lew) JOHNS; and Laura JOHNS (sister of Lew above) married a Jim GATES. A Hannah JOHNS married a cousin to Franz BROFFT named Franz Rudolph BROFFT. A son of Hannah JOHNS & F.Rudolph BROFFT named Henry married another GATES, Margaret Amanda but I do not know if she is related to the GATES above. Henry drowned in the Arkansas River (assumed to be in KS) but cannot find a death record for him. Will exchange information with anyone researching these families. Thanks for your time and attention. Roger Brofft Cincinnati, OH