Ronad- Did I ever reply to you? Sorry - Busy, busy summer. Trying to spend a little time again on genealogy. I think we are talking about 2 different Herman DeBoers. My greatgrandfather was Herman Antoni DeBoer born 11/23/1861 in Norden-Astfriesland, Germany. Interesting, however, I also have a second cousin named Hilda, but she is in California. I think, as you said, they changed the spelling of that name several times, which makes it very difficult to trace. Thanks - Connie