Would like to exchange information on these surnames in Alsace, Lorraine, Switzerland and southwest Gemany, 1700s and earlier. I believe my probable immigrant ancestor, Christian Maurer, came to Pennsylvania on the ship Polly, 1765, and settled in Berks County, later Northumberland Co. and what is now Snyder Co., later Wayne Co. Ohio.
Christian Maurer's son, Christian, married Elisabeth Erni in the 1790s in Pa., and their son Johannes Maurer married Elisabeth Baer in about 1819. I think my Maurers and some of these allied lines originated in Switzerland, quite possibly the Berner Oberland, but moved to Alsace before emigrating to America.
Also on ship Polly was a GEMBERLING from Alsace, who later lived in what is now Snyder Co. Pa.
I speak German, too, but only a few words of French.
Thanks to all who sent e-mails to me on this subject in years past.
I am an American, but have lived in Germany for 30 years, near Heidelberg, one hour from Alsace.