In a message dated 10/26/99 2:17:02 PM, genrsch@gve.ch writes: << Geneva, Switzerland 26 October 1999. >Your question is almost the same as that asked of Terry's. We have to make a >make a distinction and many factors have to be taken into account including the >reasons for leaving Switzerland which could be economic, religious, financial >as opposed to economic, political, etc. >The greatest years of immigration from Switzerland appear to be starting with 1848: DearJacques, Thank you SO much for your reply. You have certainly given me a good reference with the immigration dates beginning in 1848. Since Wilhelm Bucher was born 12 Jul 1833 (Bern) and married in Leavenworth, KS in 1857 it seems a likely period of time as he would have been about 15 in 1848 if traveling with parents. Or he might have been traveling alone if traveling within the next few years. It is frustrating to know so little about him. He died in Leavenworth, KS in 1866 at the age of 30. He was known to be lawyer although I have his shingle which reads "notary." It has been said that his family were "hotel" people (probably in Switzerland) and that they disowned him because he married a "low" German.( His wife, my gr- grandmother was from Varel in northern Germany). Family given names besides Wilhelm (his first son) were Henry Robert, my grandfather, his second son. However, the name Heinrich was on his wife's side of the family. (grandfather). Henry Robert's sons were: the 1st, William again and my father Henry Edwin. I wonder why these names all sound so English? Are there German equivalents to Robert and Edwin? My father's sisters were Bertha and Marie. I do have a cousin still living in Leavenworth but she has no interest in Genealogy and knows no more than I do. And yes, there is a military base in Leavenworth. It is or was a military prison. Thank you again for your helpful email. Best regards, Billie Bucher Beeler