Babcock Family Forum

We flew from Dublin to Brussels after seeing Jean safely on her way back home. We stayed with Philippe and family in Lovain La Nueve, where they have lived "forever!" It is a new (20 years old) French-speaking University town, and very modern. We spent two days on a trip to western Germany, to visit towns where Judy's Derhake, Kerkering, and Edeler ancestors lived before emigrating in the mid-1800's. The Sunday after we returned we spent the day touring downtown Brussels with the extended family Lambrecht. Pictures to follow!

Ammeloe, west of Ahaus, was the home of Bernard Derhake (b. 1831) and his father, Johann (b, 1789). They were in the axel grease business there. Judy's great grandfather, the second son of Bernard, settled in St. Louis and began an axle grease business there. It was exciting to walk the same roads they walked and visit the church they attended.

We visited Holtwick and Coesfeld, south of Ahaus, where Judy's Kerkering ancestors came from. The church at Holtwick was similar to the one at Ammeloe, built in a kind of central square with houses and shops around. Coesfeld is a much larger town, with a larger church. We found Kerkerings and Edelers in the phone books, but no Derhakes. Herman John Kerkering (b.1792 in Holtwick) was Judy's Great great grandfather.

I need to correct myself!! The two church pictures above are of the Ammeloe and Holtwick churches. I'll skip the Coesfeld plaque!

We spen Sunday with Philippe's family in Brussels, at the park, looking at the cathedrals, and eating lunch:

When you visit us, you can see all 300 pictures!
Next up, our June camping trip!