There are Antes families in the Southern Rhineland-Pfalz area of Germany. Another variation of the name in the same village is 'Anthes'. This village is right on the German side of the French-German border. The village is named Oberotterbach. As far back as 1686 there are records of the Antes family living there. This is the wine region of Germany and very beautiful. The information that you heard about the Antes family being from Germany may be true, as far as my records go. Good luck in your search!
Steve Dahl