Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Zuch Family Back: Frederich, Elizabeth, Otto, Edward, Christoph, Annie, SuzanneFront: Barbara, Emma, Christian, Gustav Towards the bottom of one of the boxes I received when my grandma passed away I found some rolled-up papers in rough shape. I unrolled the papers and found photocopies of "History of Sauk County." No author,… Continue reading Gustav Eduart Zuch (1846-1914)
Updating the Brecka Book, Part 1: The Childhood Home of Anton and Wenzl
Approximately 40 years ago, an amazing 2nd cousin of mine and her mother started piecing together a book. This book holds a ton of information on the Brecka family. They gathered pictures and recipes. They had conversations with the first generation of Breckas born in the United States. They visited libraries gathering census data, newspaper… Continue reading Updating the Brecka Book, Part 1: The Childhood Home of Anton and Wenzl
Why did Richard Seymour leave England? More on Thomas Hooker.
Thomas Hooker Statue at the Old State House In his book, "The English Home and Ancestry of Richard Seamer..." (Stanhope Press, F.H. Gilson Company, 1917), George D. Seymour states that "... it was probable that the emigration of Richard Seamer to New England was due to the influence of Rev. Thomas Hooker." So, who was… Continue reading Why did Richard Seymour leave England? More on Thomas Hooker.
Are We English “Royalty?” Part 1: The Story of Richard Seymour (1604-1655)
Seymour Family Crest I was talking with my mother on the phone the other night. She mentioned that her Grandpa always used to claim that our family, the Seymour family, is "royalty." I get the feeling that many thought this was crazy... or perhaps they believed him, but how do you prove it? And who… Continue reading Are We English “Royalty?” Part 1: The Story of Richard Seymour (1604-1655)
Why do I have this old photo album?
When my grandparents passed, I was given a garbage bag, two shopping bags, and 3 shoe boxes full of pictures and other mementos they gathered throughout their long lives. Towards the bottom of one of the shopping bags I found this gem (pictured above and to the left). I have no idea who put duct… Continue reading Why do I have this old photo album?
Charlie Jernander (1877-1958)
Carl Arvin “Charlie” Jernander is one of my great-great grandfathers. Charlie’s parents were both immigrants. His father, Carl Gustaf Jernander, came to the US in 1868 from Sweden; his mother, Hansine Pauline Andreasdr, from Norway in 1870. Charlie Jernander - Taken at his brother's (Albert Jernander) wedding in 1896. Carl Jernander (1844-1920), Hansine Andreasdr (1851-1943),… Continue reading Charlie Jernander (1877-1958)
Edward William Waters (1835-1902)
I first wrote about Edward Waters back in 2015 after I initially started researching my family tree. This guy was a "brick wall" of sorts for years. He was my great-great grandfather. However, after searching for years, I found very little information on his life prior to 1886 (when he was married at 50 years… Continue reading Edward William Waters (1835-1902)
Madame Rowley’s Toilet Mask
I absolutely love this ad. Madame Rowley’s Toilet Mask dates back to approximately 1887. Helen Rowley from Van Wert, Ohio patented this bizarre piece of beauty history in 1875. She called it a “Mask for Medical Purposes” and claimed that it would “excite perspiration with a view to soften and clarify the skin.” It is… Continue reading Madame Rowley’s Toilet Mask
Captain Peter Wright, Esq. (1740-1821)
Captain Peter Wright, Esq. is my 6th great grandfather. Although he is a very well-known American Revolutionary patriot, and was a prominent resident of his community in Shaftsbury, VT, his ancestry is unknown. St. George's Church 1732 - Served as a place of worship for British Loyalists during the Revolutionary War There is spotty evidence… Continue reading Captain Peter Wright, Esq. (1740-1821)
The Genealogy Nerd 