Searching for origin in Germany (possibly Hessen) of Johan MEININGER, born 1720 (?), left for Russia and settled in colony of Messer, approx. 1766, with family including sons Johann, Peter, Jost, daughter Anna Maria, and wife (?) name unknown. In addition, other MEININGER families, probably brothers, also accompanied to Messer, including Friedrich, another Johann or Johannes, and probably at least one more who died before 1775.