Hello, Thanks to listers for the information. Johann stated on his intention to become a citizen of the U. S. that he immigrated from Hamburgh and arrived in May, 1853. If that is correct, he was 56 years old when he immigrated. He brought at least three grown children with him, Adam, John, Elizabeth, and Anna Maria. His son Adam was born in what we think is Pellingen, so he apparently lived there, too. Were there conditions at that time that people were trying to avoid or was the hope of inexpensive land ownership a great incentive? Ann