This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Shelton Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wNHBAIB/2769.1.1.1 Message Board Post: For circa 1850, I would suggest checking passenger records for New York or New Jersey in that time frame. Also, if you find where he settled, you should check court records for declaration of intent and/or naturalization records that might provide information on his place of origin in Germany. If he was in the 1900 census there is a column there that would show when he emigrated as well as the year he was naturalized. Good luck