Almost all the families emigrated from the German kingdoms of Württemberg or Hesse, with the exception of leader Wilhelm Keil, who was Prussian.  A few families came from other areas, such as France and Switzerland.  Because Germany was not united until 1870, the families are usually identified with region rather than country. Most-but not all-of the Württemberg families were followers of George Rapp, who founded the Harmony Society in western Pennsylvania in 1805.