What german State are you working in?
Baden-Wuertemberg, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, mostly.
I have many books of my own on German research
also I keep files on each German name and basic info
on the town, state, map, etc. which helps when doing
research.
Where did your German folks live in the US? and when?
and their names?
Mine came in 17 & 1800s and I traced them back to 1500s
For my grandfather, they settled in Pittsburgh, PA. My grandmother was raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I admit my mom's side has received short shrift because my dad's side --especially my grandmother's side-- are much easier.