Names Behind the Numbers - Nielsen & Westlund

My paternal grandparents, my Dad’s parents, were immigrants to America. My paternal grandfather, George Martin (née Jørgen Martinus) Nielsen, emigrated from Denmark in 1890.  My paternal grandmother, Ida Maria Westlund, emigrated from Sweden in 1900. Besides the obvious language barrier, tracing the names of my ancestor’s in these countries presents unique challenges not faced when tracing my Creger & Blayden families.

Phebe Browne (1620-1664) - The Immigrant

It was surprising for me to see how many historians and genealogists have written about my 9th great grandmother, Phebe Browne. A Google search for her name returns nearly 50,000 results—a staggering number for a woman who lived in the 1600s. 

Names Behind The Numbers - Creger & Blayden

My childhood was filled with my Mom’s family: her parents, her siblings and their children, her aunts and uncles, her 1st and 2nd cousins. They came to our home for visits and we went to visit them. We saw each other at holiday gatherings and family reunion picnics. They sent Christmas cards with newsy letters. Their names are familiar. These are my people.

Louis J. Houlette (1764-1841) - The Immigrant: Finding Louis

Numerous descendants, myself and my parents included, have spent countless hours trying to find records in France for Louis J. Houlette, my 4X great grandfather. Despite our efforts, we all came up empty handed. Will recent discoveries finally break down this brick wall?

How many ancestors do we have?

Constructing your family tree is simple enough. You simply put your name in the box at the bottom and then enter each preceding generation—parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. great-great-grandparents, etc.—into the preceding boxes creating an ever expanding upside down pyramid.

Helen Pauline Creger (1915-2012) - In Her Own Words

My Mom, Helen Pauline (Creger) Nielsen, lived a long, full life. We were blessed to have her with us until her death at the age of 96 on 18 June 2012. She is missed every day.

George Edgington I (1707-1791) - The Immigrant - Part Five: The Rest of the Story

George Edgington built a sizable farm on Dillon’s Run in the backcountry of western Virginia. Here his wife Margaret gave birth to their eight children. Six of those children would wed and start families of their own there. Despite such deep roots, George, Margaret, their children and grandchildren would all move away.