Hi Ross. I'm attempting to solve the mystery surrounding the birthplace my husband's gr-gr grandmother...Friederika L. Gotzke Volstorff. I've also seen her maiden name spelled Goetzke. I have never found any documents that specifically state her birthplace as anything more specific than Pommern, Germany. Her grandchildren have told me that she was born in Schoelzow...January 29, 1850. I believe she immigrated in 1867. She married Frederick A. Volstorff (whose actual given name is Christian) on April 17, 1870 in Elgin, Kane Co., IL. Seems odd that a young woman would come to such a place without family there, but I haven't come across anything to suggest there were other Go(e)tzkes in town. I've seen some in Chicago, but I simply can't draw any familial relationships. I'd be curious to know if you've learned any more about the surname origins in Germany since your last posting or information regarding migration to the States.

Thanks,
Lisa Hopp