Hello, I am on a long quest of searching my family's genealogy, but am having difficulties with my German ancestors. Their names were Nicholas Maas who was born Jan 25 1832 in Prussia. I do not know where at in Prussia he was born, but now Prussia is no longer and was divided into parts of other countries. Nicholas immigrated into the U.S.A. in circa 1850's presumably with his wife Clara Sreit, It is unknown if they were married in Prussia or if they were married in the U.S.A. I would imagine they were Married in Prussia and came to the U.S.A. together. Clara Streit was born September 8 1836 in Prussia, also her place of birth in Prussia is unknown. Nicholas and Clara first settled in Princeton,Illinois and had their first 3 children Susan Maas-Weber, Peter John Maas,and Mathias Maas. They along with their two children moved to Independence,Iowa where they had their remaining 7 children: Catherine(McDermott),Mary(Fetter),Nicholas,John Andrew,Clara(Sand),John Leonard, and Hemrietta(Shaffer). Nicholas Maas died on February 15 1909 in Waterloo,Iowa, and his wife Clara died on October 2 1884 in Independence,Iowa. I am hoping that someone can help me locate the birth place in Prussia for Nicholas & Clara so I can locate the names of each Nicholas & Clara's siblings, and parents names. The name of Nicholas' parents supposedly are Johan Maas & Anna Maria Wahm. The birth information i have to Johan is he was born on May 5 1803 in Prussia, and his wife Anna Maria Wahm was born October 28 1809 in Prussia. I do not have any further information about Clara Streit. Her maiden name of Streit has been recorded in various ways, so the correct spelling is unknown. Any help with this family would be of great appreciation, and help. Thanks