Himmelreichs in Akmene, Lithuania

My husband's family has been in Lithuania from some time in the mid 1800's. His great grandfather Ernestes  was born in Bavaria in 1820?, and moved to Lithuania. Does anyone know if there was an immigration program then, and if so, would there be any records? His son Eduards was born in Lithuania and had a farm at Akmene. He married Aneta Lina Labeja, and they had 6 children. Three sons came to Australia in 1949. There is still family in Akmene, but they have no records or documents. I hope someone can give me an idea where to look for information. Thank you, Suzanne