My ancestors by this name originated in Alsace, France. I don't know how or when they left. I suspect that they left on a small boat or raft, under cover of darkness, and left from a Scandinavian Port. I am equeally sure that neither France or Germany would grant them permission to leave because no one really wanted to move there, since the two countries were always warring over ownership. I see French & German & Scandinavian influence in the spelling of given names. The earliest record of this family was at St. Domingue in the Carribian. They left , I am sure during the revolt of the 1790's. The next appeared in New Orleans, LA about 1827. I need to know: 1. Where & when they left the Old World? 2. Name of ship? 3. Where did they go first? 4. When & how there arrived St. Domingue? 5. Where did they go before New Orleans, LA? Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Please answer directly. Martha Dutsch--mid3@juno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]