I have recently conducted a thorough search of the census records for this branch of the Giesy family. I have concluded that there were 2 brothers who were born in Basel, Switzerland in the 1790s.

The elder, Andreas Giesy, was born 17 Nov 1791. He came to America about 1816 with his wife and 2 eldest children. They settled in Allegheny County, PA, and had a total of 15 children between 1813 and 1840. I have found him and his family in the 1820-1840 Census records in Pitt or Indiana Townships.

The younger brother, Martin George Giesy, was born in Switzerland (presumably Basel) in 1794/95 where he married and had 12 children before bringing his family to America in 1847 (as reported by a few of his sons in the 1900 Census).

Before 1850 Andreas moved his family to Bethel, Shelby County, Missouri, and by 1860 they were in Pacific County, Washington where Andreas died in October of that year. Several of Andreas' children continued on to settle in Aurora, Marion County, Oregon. While Martin George and 2 of his sons, Martin (b. 1829) and Frederick (1834-1921), remained in Allegheny County, many of Martin's sons also made the migration to Pacific County, Washington and, ultimately, Aurora, Marion County, Oregon.

Those who migrated to Missouri, Washington, and Oregon were following the very charismatic Dr. William Keil. More of their history can be found at the web site for the Aurora Colony Museum (http://www.auroracolonymuseum.com/).

I am virtually certain that this Giesy branch and my own Geesey family tree are closely related. I also can trace my lineage back to Basel, Switzerland. I would be interested in contacting a male with the sur-name of Giesy from this lineage who would be interested in participating in a genetic genealogy project that I have started. See my personal web page at: www.geesey.org or the web site for the genetic testing at: https://www.familytreedna.com/public/Gysi/

Please also feel free to contact me directly. I will be happy to share the results of my research with any family members.