For many years, I believed a story passed down in my family: that Francis Stephan, my great-grandmother Julia Stephan Maier’s only brother, had disappeared and was believed to have drowned in the Ohio River. His body was never recovered. The tale was told with such conviction that I never questioned it—until DNA told me otherwise….
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From Brick Walls to New Branches
More than a decade ago, I began this blog as part of the “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” challenge. It started simply — a way to discipline myself to write, to document my research, and to preserve family stories before they faded. After a while, I became more involved in helping others with their research,…
500 Years Since the Wedding that Changed the World – Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora
I haven’t posted anything in a very long time, but yesterday was a significant date. It marked the 500th anniversary of a marriage that was both personal and profoundly political: the wedding of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora on June 13, 1525. For me, it’s more than history—it’s heritage. I’m their 11th great-granddaughter. Their…
Caspar Mayer – Who can read this?
Sometimes the record is there, but the technology won’t cooperate when you are uploading an image:
My Direct Line to Martin Luther – Yes, THAT Martin Luther
One of my most popular blog entries is Martin Luther – Yes, THAT Martin Luther – 52 Ancestors #13 I have been surprised to learn that there are a lot of people wondering is Martin Luther has any living descendants. He has, and I am one! Here is my direct lineage to Martin Luther, who…
52 Ancestors Redux
Last year I attempted to complete a second year of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. The goal was to write about an ancestor a week all year. I found myself bogged down by optional themes that didn’t always fit my research interests. I fell about seven ancestors short of my goal. I may still write…
Johan Jacob Elsässer – “Die Schulmeister” – 52 Ancestors 2015 #35
I am behind with my posts because we were traveling. A nice visit to Montreal and Quebec City definitely got in the way of writing. The theme for week 35 was “School Days,” and I am focusing on Johann Jacob Elsässer, who was my 4th great-grandfather and a teacher. He was also the father of…