I posted a message asking (amongst others) if MIES and TOOS were Dutch names. I have been told that these names can either be given names and family names. The names appear in my tree as follows and I wonder if they might have come from the Netherlands. I have a Hanns GASSAN born 7 Aug 1788 Heinersbruck, east of Dresden married to a Maria TOOS born 26 Nov 18787 in the same village. Her father was Hanns TOOS. Hanns Gassan's parents were Hanns GASSAN and Anna MIES. Any suggestions where I should look from there? Kay Gassan Maryborough Queensland Australia -----