Thanks Bobbi,
I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. Had to spend some time away from my research, but I am back looking for my ancestial Ahlers. The Leer OSB said that my g,g, grandfather came to Leer from Oldenburg but family records say that he was born in Dedesdorf which seemed to me to be on the wrong side of the river. Your information seems to have resolved my problem. Thanks again.
Happy Holidays
Stan