Attempting to trace back Behn's from Chicago area. My father-in-law was Wilbur William Behn, born in Chicago in 1910. Son of Clarence John Behn (1886 - 1954) and Anna W. Ihde ( 1885 - ?). Clarence John Behn was the son of Christ Behn (1849 - 1934) and Margaretha Schiehorst (1854 - 1923). Christ was the son of Fred or Friedrich and Dorothe (all 3 came to the US in 1854, arriving in NY on 23 Oct 1854 on the Catharina from Hamburg). (also a bit confusing since there were two Christ Behn's in the Chicago area born within a year or so of each other.

I believe that Fred Behn is Christian Friedrich Behn born in 1812, married first to Sophia Maria Rohde, then to Maria Dorothea Brüdejam on 30 Sep 1842 in Daenschenburg Parish, Blankenhagen, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. The marriage record has Joachim Behn as Christian Friedrich's father. Joachim would have to be born before 1796 or earlier to be Chr. Friedrich's father, but I haven't been able to track anyone. Also can't chase Johann Brüdejam - Maria Dorothea's father - again he would have been born before 1796.

Any help on this tree would be greatly appreciated. Or any direction for chasing ancestors in Germany.

Thanks.