Oh, my gosh!! I expected a suggestion or two , but the response has been most heart-warming. I have received many wonderful suggestions,which I intend to follow up. The first criticism I got was not including the names. I really did not want you to do my leg work for me. Just some suggestions on what avenues I should pursue in my quest. But since you insist <Grin> here goes. Lewis BEAN was born approximately 1825 in Maryland to parents (unknown) whose origin was supposedly Holland. I have even written to a Bean in Holland, and he had not a clue of anyone who had migrated. So, the next record I have of Lewis BEAN is in Lee Township, Shenandoah County, Virginia. He marries HANNAH SHEETZ in 1852. Their oldest GEORGE M. BEAN is born in 1854.GEORGE M. has a liaison with CATHERINE WEAVER daughter of John and MAry Weaver of the same area which produces GEORGE THOMAS BEAN in 1873. GEORGE THOMAS is my grandfather.And, in the 1880 census, that poor child is not listed with either father George M., or mother, CATHERINE WEAVER.. GEORGE BEAN is already, by now, married to SARAH V. BARR, and they have started their own family. CATHERINE WEAVER is about to be married to ABRAHAM MILLER of Shenandoah Cty. Now, my problem is finding Lewis Bean's parents.In reading census reports from George BEAN from 1900, he states his father was born in Germany.Was Holland ever a part of Germany? And how would I find German BEANS? And, last and most important. Thank you, each and every one of you, for taking the time to respond. To have so many willing to help is just overwhelming. Carol