Entry #29 July marked the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. I do not purport to be an expert on this battle or the Civil War in general. In fact, I find it a little intimidating to write about events that are so historically significant; however, I do feel that it is noteworthy to document…
Author: Cheryl Biermann Hartley
Joseph Köhler – It’s Nice to Know You Better – #52 Ancestors #28
Entry #28 I am visiting family in Pennsylvania this week and staying with my mother-in-law. She has been telling my husband and I for a few months that she found boxes of “really old photos.” At my request, she dragged out the five boxes in her keeping. Mostly, I was disappointed. There are only a…
Johann Wippel – Emigrated When He Was Dead? 52 Ancestors #27
Entry #27 My four times great-grandfather, Johann Wippel, was born to Jacob Wippel and Anna Maria Eisenhauer in Roxheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, on 10 May 1796. He appears to have been the second child named Johann from this union. The first Johann was born around 1791 and died 25 Jan 1796; so, when a baby was…
Barbara Ackermann – A Clue from a Postcard – 52 Ancestors #26 (or #10 continued!)
Entry #26 Last week was full of genealogical finds, mostly because I had some new films to view at my Family History Center. This is going to be one of the biggest pleasures of my new retirement. It has been very difficult for me to travel an hour and twenty minutes each way to view…
Henry O’Donnell – Died on the 4th of July (Heat Exhaustion) – 52 Ancestors #25
Entry #25 Henry O’Donnell was the husband of Sarah J. McGaughey, who was my husband’s 2nd great grandaunt and sister of Moses McGaughey Jr. Both Henry O’Donnell and Moses McGaughey Jr. were members of the Philadelphia police force, but at separate times. The two brother-in-laws were stone polishers prior to becoming police officers; perhaps they…
John Joseph Biermann – Born on the 4th of July (almost) – 52 Ancestors #24
Entry #24 I have now been retired a week. Boy, does it feel good to say that, but also a little strange. I have fallen behind on my posts because of moving my office and a few other distractions that came with retiring. July has several notable family events. Even though this is a June…
Friederica Catharina Diederica Ruwolt – Poor Friederica! – 52 Ancestors #23
Entry #23 With the help Fritz Kruse and Dolly Jackemeyer Kikuchi from the Mecklenburg Germany Region Genealogy Facebook group, I am feeling fairly comfortable that Friederica Catharina Diederica Ruwoldt and Friedrich David Schatz are the parents of Johann “John” Schatz. As mentioned in week #8 of my blog, Johann Schatz was my two times great-grandfather,…
William Heritage, Senior – Heritage Unknown – 52 Ancestors #22
William Heritage is another one of those tricky ancestors who just bugs the heck out of me. This time I have chosen someone from my mother-in-law’s family, and William Heritage is my husband’s 5th great-grandfather. I keep going over and over my evidence for him. I have been doing this for years. It ought to…
Philipp Müller (Miller, Mueller) – First West Virginia Cavalry – 52 Ancestors #21
Entry #21 Philipp Müller (Miller)was the brother of my two times great-grandfather, Andrew Miller. As with many who are blogging this weekend for the 52 Ancestors Challenge, I have chosen a Civil War soldier to honor. Both brothers served, but Philipp paid the ultimate price. Philipp was the son of Philipp Müller and Catharine Reich….
Kate Daniel: One Arm Annie? – 52 Ancestors #20
Entry #20 I have long been fascinated by this photo of Kate Daniel. Kate, born 28 October 1890 was the youngest daughter of Gerhardt and Mary Daniel. As you can see, the photo has the inscription, “1 arm Annie” on the left. On the right, it appears to say, “Please be 2 to me your…