I am seeking information on my grandparents John Peter and Louise (Bernahl) LABAHN, both of whom originated in Pomerania (now part of northeast Germany). The former was born in 1843--reportedly in Usedom and was a brick manufacturer. My grandmother was born in 1853--reportedly in Stettin (German spelling). They emigrated separately to the U.S.--my grandfather in 1862 and my grandmother in 1867. Both settled in and lived thereafter in Chicago, Illinois. They were married in 1871 and died in 1916. I have no information on the Bernahls. My grandfather had four siblings who reached adulthood and also settled in the Chicago area. Their names were Carl, Fredericka, Ludwig and Frederick. All were married and had children. I have little information on Labahn family members who currently reside in the Chicago area.

I have limited information on my great grandparents, Carl and Fredericka (Behrendt) LABAHN. Both of the latter also originated in Pomerania--in the early 1800s. I have no information on their places or dates of birth, marriage or death--or if they also emigrated to the U.S. However, I understand that my great grandfather was a brick manufacturer in Germany. During a brief trip to Pomerania in September 2001 I was able to confirm that, despite 2 world wars and over 140 years, more than 100 Labahns still reside in Pomerania. Unfortunately, I had insufficient information on my ancestors to make meaningful contact with Labahns still residing in the area--or to effectively use German archives.