Hello, Sophie, were you replying directly to me, or was it just a lucky coincidence that you put out the information about the Polish/Australian Mendelsohns? In any event, my family certainly fits the description. Please look at my letter on the message board for details on my ancestor search, if you haven't already. My father's mother was Estelle Mendelson, born in Queensland in a little town called Nanango. I knew her quite well. My father was also raised in Australia and came to the US in the 1930's. Estelle's father was Sol Mendelson. (These spellings could vary.) Her mother was Abigail Rosensweig. Do you suppose you could be related? I've got dates, and lots of family stories I can send if you wish.

Sol was called "Sali." He was born either in Schneidemuhl, Poland (now Pila) or in Berlin, Germany in about 1841. Sali and Abigail ran a grocery store in the gold fields, and traded food and supplies for gold and opals. At one time, my father, and maybe the whole family, lived in Melbourne. I can check. The family was Jewish, so they must not have been descended directly from Felix the composer, or from his father, who converted to Christianity.

I know that many of the Jewish records from Poland were destroyed, but that some are now in Berlin. Do you or your brother know anything about this? I would very much like to find Sol's birth act. You could email me for more info at tdkeepers@aol.com.

It's very kind of you to offer help. I'd be interested in hearing about your own background, too.

I'm in Boulder, CO, USA. I've still got Mendelson relatives in Oz and also in New Zealand. Thanks again for your note on the bulletin board.

Sylvia Keepers