Kurt - I have Amens in my family. They came over, as best as I can figure out, in the mid or early 1800 from Oggersheim, Speyer, Germany. They were using the name "Amend" at that time and settled in Illinois. The fartherest I have gone back to is George Philipp Amend, b. 1786 at Schriesheim, Gastwirt, Germany. He m. Anna Maria Betz, b. Apr 06, 1785 at Oggesheim, Speyer, Germany. They were m. July 14, 1807 at Oggersheim, Speyer, Germany. He d. in 1849 at New Orleans, LA. She d. 1868 in Adams County, IL. Do you think you would be related in any way? Dottie