The sweep of family history across the generations
Widow Patty Smith Swett and six children by two husbands were among the first settlers who staked claims in Wapello County near Ottumwa in May 1843
Isetta Stetson descended from early Massachusetts colonists, going all the way back to the Mayflower on one side. Nine generations later, her midwestern parents still upheld Yankee values
Families from Connecticut settled northeastern Ohio in the early 1800s
Seymour, also called Samuel, was partly estranged from the family. He worked as a truant officer in the New York City schools. His daughter Harriet Berkowitz discovered our blog and contributed a trove of precious documents.
A surprising artifact discovered after a parent's death leads to a series of discoveries and a new pastime in genealogy
Social reformer Nathan Meeker was among nine men killed in an uprising of Ute Indians at the White River reservation where he was serving as U.S. agent. His wife and daughter—Smith family descendants—were held hostage for three weeks
How and why did Stan Ruby's important post-graduate research go wrong, and what impact did it have on his career in physics?
Meta, Blossom and Sadie
During the course of my genealogy work, I have discovered and connected with cousins from all my family branches. Here are some lessons learned.