As I am sure most are now aware, Harter is not an uncommon name in Germany. However, the question still remains: were any of the Harter immigrants to the U.S. during the 1700s related? There are at least five lines that have received at least some genealogical study. It would be interesting to know whether they were related, and Y-DNA testing now provides a method of ascertaining this. I would encourage any male of their direct Harter line to have this done. Let's start getting this sorted out! If they don't want to bother, how about some of you women who are interested talking them into giving you a sample. It is painless enough, just a couple of swabs of the cheek inner surface.