Cees ,herein a message originaaly received from Dan Macke in the USA.
Henk Aalders
Good morning, Mr. Aalders,
I received a quick answer from my acquaintance in Germany. She looked into the archives at Vechta and found the following:
Henrich Ahlers married 23 November 1688 Anna Voet. Witnesses Johan Meyer, Wernecke Foht. St. Georg, Vechta.
In Visbeck she found the following entry:
Hinrich Alerß born 02 February 1653. Heilecke Habermanß son Johan of Varnhorn, the godparents were Helmerich Hoberman and Heileke Alerß.
Then there was also the following connection:
26 November 1651 married Hinrich Alerß and Helena Hoberman. Witnesses Alerdt Hagestede and Hinrich Fogelsank.
I am almost certain she is referring to Visbek which is just north of Vechta. There is a Visbeck much farther to the south. I have translated the information literally, exactly as I received it. You will notice that spelling was a bit erratic back then. The letter "ß" is an "s" sound.
I am curious as to how the Ahlers got to Australia. Would you mind sharing some of the story with me? If you are interested, I will tell you a little about the Ohio Ahlers story. We may have some distant connection.
I hope this has been of some help to you.
Dan Macke