Have you ever heard someone dismiss family history research as a hobby for “old people”? While it’s true that some may associate genealogy with dusty archives and microfilm reels, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there’s a growing fascination with ancestry across all ages.
Shows like “Finding Your Roots” and “Genealogy Roadshow” have sparked a national interest in uncovering our heritage. DNA testing has also become increasingly popular, offering a new avenue for piecing together our family stories.
But DNA is just one tool in the genealogist’s toolbox. Traditional methods, like collecting vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and obituaries, remain the cornerstone of genealogical research. These records can provide a wealth of information about our ancestors’ lives, from their places of birth and occupations to their migration patterns and relationships.
Sometimes, traditional research methods reach a dead end, especially when faced with immigration records, name changes, or missing documentation. That’s where genealogical societies come in. These local organizations are treasure troves of historical resources, often staffed by passionate volunteers eager to help you climb over your brick walls. And their fees are often surprisingly affordable!
If you’re curious about your ancestry but lack the time or resources to delve into research yourself, there are family history research specialists like myself available to help. Whether you need a comprehensive family tree compiled or simply guidance on where to begin your research journey, I can tailor a package to fit your needs.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about your roots, don’t be discouraged by the perception that genealogy is a niche hobby for the elderly. The past is waiting to be explored, and there are many resources available to help you on your journey. Visit my website at www.loganalogy.com today to learn more and begin your own adventure into family history!
Thanks for reading, Marlee L. Logan
Private message me at m.me/Loganalogy
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Johann Henrich Heilig, my 6th great-grandfather, was born in 1700 and married Susanna De Wees Rittenhausen in 1729. Susanna’s family was prominent in early American industry, particularly in the Rittenhouse paper mills, which I’ve written about previously. If you’re a descendant or admirer of the Rittenhouse legacy, I recommend exploring the Rittenhouse Family Descendants and Friends Facebook page and learning about their efforts to preserve this rich history. The Rittenhouse Town Board of Directors actively maintains the historic Homestead House (built in 1707), the surrounding village, and a barn constructed during the WPA era.
Henrich’s origins remain debated among historians. Earlier accounts suggest he was born in Hannover, Germany, while newer research points to Baden-Wuerttemberg. What we do know is that Johann arrived in Philadelphia in 1720 aboard the Polly. Since passenger lists weren’t required until 1727, his exact journey is pieced together through indirect evidence.
By April 11, 1747, Johann was officially naturalized as a resident of Pennsylvania, meeting the colonial requirement of seven years’ residency. By this time, he was known as Henry—a clockmaker by trade. Clockmaking was a respected profession during the 18th century, vital for navigation, surveying, and precise timekeeping.
Henry and Susanna initially settled in Cheltenham but later purchased land on the borders of Pennsburg and Upper Hanover Townships in Montgomery County in 1749 and 1750. This property, acquired from surveyor William Parsons (an associate of the Penn family), remained in the family for generations. Passing from Henrich to his son George, and later to George Jr., the land was eventually sold to the Hoch family in the 1860s. Remarkably, the Hoch family still owns the house today—a living testament to centuries of stewardship.
Before 1684, the Lenape Indians roamed the hills and fished the streams of the land on either side of the Perkiomen Creek. In 1684, the Indians lost this land when William Penn purchased it for reportedly “two watch coats, four pairs of stockings and four bottles of cider.” In time, Pennsylvania Germans settled in the area. Around 1840, the area now known as Pennsburg began to appear like a village. The hub comprised a general store, a carpenter and blacksmith shop, and several houses. Most of the land was owned by the Heilig Brothers. They owned and resided in the oldest house in Pennsburg, located at Seminary and Fourth Streets. The Heilig Brothers took it upon themselves to refer to this village as “Heiligsville.” Residents had their ideas, and out of loyalty to the then Pennsylvania Senator, James Buchanan, wanted to name the area Buchanansville.
As the village grew, a meeting was held in 1843 at the Hilleg family store to decide on a permanent name and layout of boundary lines. After a week-long, bitterly contested battle, it was finally decided to name the village “Pennsburg” after William Penn.
i. Heinrich Heilig, b. 1722, ii. Jurg George Heilig, b. 1720; d. 1796, Upper Hanover Township., iii. Johannes Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.). iv. Anna Maria Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), m. Michael Slonaker., v. Susanna Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), b. 1726; m. Henry Deany.
Johannes or John changed the surname to Highley. The other children kept the German spelling of Heilig.
This notation appears on a locally sold postcard by Len Hillegass of the Heilig House: “The Heilig House at 313 W. 4th Street is considered the oldest house in Pennsburg. Wounded and ill Colonial Soldiers were cared for there by the very compassionate Heilig family during the Colonies’ fight for independence from British rule during the American Revolution.” Album by Reid Heilig You can see other pictures of the house at https://imageevent.com/heilig/heiligheritage/heilighousepennsburgpa?n=1&z=2&c=4&x=0&m=24&w=0&p=0.
Henry was a clockmaker. He passed down the art of his clockmaking skills to his children and nephews. One of the most famous was David Rittenhouse, an avid astronomer; he built complicated astronomical clocks and orreries, or planetary models, that kept time and predicted celestial events.
David Rittenhouse tall case clock. 1984.0416.007.
Henry is listed in the U.S., Craftperson Files, 1600-1995.
With hand made brass works in the German style, it consists of 19 bells, a wooden cylinder with pins that activate 19 hammers to play tunes, a bone wave to switch tunes. Iron frame is dovetailed together. You can read more about each piece on Reid Helig’s site at https://imageevent.com/heilig/hheiligclock/themusicmechanism
Henry was buried along with his wife in the mostly Rittenhouse family cemetery, Methacton Mennonite Cemetery. Click here for a partial list of burials with links to tombstone photographs. Henrich’s and Susannah’s are below. This cemetery is located in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, PA.
Henrich Heilig .. Died May 14, 1775 .. Aged 74 year 11 Mo 12 daysSusannah Rittenhouse .. Departed This Life December 13, 1769 .. Aged 71 YearsThe interesting thing about Susannah’s tombstone is that it shows her maiden name as “Rittenhouse.” However, this would be the correct person calculating the birth year by her age at death.
A wonderfully thorough history is written by Linton E. Love, a descendant of the Rittenhouse family. In it are the descendants of Henry and Susannah. Linton has created a database extending from the 17th century up to the 21st century from Claus to his 12,810 descendants as of March 2005!
Johann Henrich Heilig’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and enduring family ties. From his arrival in Philadelphia to the land that remains in familial care, his legacy is woven into the fabric of American history. Whether as a skilled clockmaker or as part of the Rittenhouse connection, his contributions remind us of the resilience and dedication of early immigrants. By reflecting on his life, we not only honor his journey but gain inspiration for preserving our own family stories for generations to come. Do you have a Heilig clock? You might!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
While this is not a story from my own family history, its weight and importance compelled me to share it. The murder of Emmett Till in 1955 remains one of the most harrowing and significant events in American history. Understanding this tragedy is vital to ensuring we do not repeat such an awful chapter.
Emmett Till: A Life Cut Short
Emmett Till was a 14-year-old boy from Chicago visiting family in Mississippi when his life was brutally taken. His death began with an accusation by Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, who claimed Till made an inappropriate advance toward her. In the racially segregated South of the 1950s, such an accusation carried devastating consequences. Days later, Bryant’s husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, abducted, tortured, and murdered Till.
The Role of Media in Spreading the Truth
At the time, print media covered the events based on sections of the country—Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and West Coast., but the magazine Jet played a critical role in exposing the brutal reality of Till’s death. It published shocking photos of his mutilated body, ensuring the story reached a wide Black audience and sparking outrage across the nation. For many, Till’s murder was a stark reminder of the deep-seated racism and violence that permeated the South.
A Flawed Trial and Unjust Verdict
On September 23, 1955, an all-white jury in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, acquitted Bryant and Milam despite overwhelming evidence of their guilt. It later emerged that eight of the jurors, a defense attorney, and the sheriff were all related to the accused men. This was no jury of Till’s peers but a community bound by familial and cultural ties to the defendants.
Even more chilling, Bryant and Milam later admitted to the murder in an interview published in Look magazine. They sold their story for $4,000, openly confessing to the crime, knowing they could not be retried due to double jeopardy laws. Although their admission brought public scorn, neither man faced legal consequences for their actions.
The Impact of Political Rhetoric
Author Wright Thompson’s book, The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, sheds new light on the forces surrounding Till’s murder. He reveals how the racially charged political climate of Mississippi in 1955 played a significant role. A heated governor’s race focused on segregation and integration created an atmosphere of hostility and fear. Emmett Till’s visit to Mississippi coincided with this volatile period, underscoring how political rhetoric can have deadly consequences.
Efforts to Preserve the Memory
Thompson’s investigation into the barn where Till was killed revealed a disturbing effort to erase this history. He unearthed forgotten records and uncovered key evidence, including the murder weapon in a Greenwood, Mississippi, bank. This work highlights the ongoing battle to preserve history against those who seek to bury it.
The Aftermath for the Guilty
Though Bryant and Milam faced no legal punishment, their lives were forever altered. The Black community boycotted their businesses, forcing them into financial ruin. Both men eventually moved away, struggling to find stability. Milam died of cancer in 1981, followed by Bryant in 1994. Carolyn Bryant, who maintained her false accusations until her death, left behind a legacy of deceit and injustice.
Reflection and Responsibility
As Wright Thompson eloquently states, understanding and preserving stories like Emmett Till’s is essential for reckoning with our collective history. He encourages Americans to examine their own communities and histories, ensuring that the lessons of the past are neither erased nor forgotten.
A Call for Justice and Equality
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us honor Dr. King’s legacy by recommitting to the pursuit of justice and equality. The story of Emmett Till reminds us of the cost of silence and the importance of speaking out against injustice. By reflecting on the past, we can work toward a future where such tragedies are no longer possible.
“The white men who lynch Negroes worship Christ. That jury in Mississippi, which a few days ago in the Emmett Till case, freed two white men from what might be considered one of the most brutal and inhuman crimes of the twentieth century, worship Christ. The perpetrators of many of the greatest evils in our society worship Christ. This trouble is that all people, like the Pharisee, go to church regularly, they pay their tithes and offerings, and observe religiously the various ceremonial requirements. The trouble with these people, however, is that they worship Christ emotionally and not morally. They cast his ethical and moral insights behind the gushing smoke of emotional adoration and ceremonial piety,” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Young Emmett Till wears a hat. Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally murdered in Mississippi after flirting with a white woman. Credit: Bettmann Archive/Bettmann
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Mamie Till Mobley family.
By sharing and preserving these stories, we honor Emmett Till’s memory and continue the fight for a just and equitable society.
Isn’t she beautiful? This is my great-grandaunt, Mabel Agassiz Wescott Martin. As the youngest child of John Thomas Wescott, she defied the odds, living to be 99 years old, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. Born into a family where her oldest sibling was 20 and my great-grandfather just 17, she might have felt like an only child, but her spirit shone brightly.
Captured in this picture around 1924, Mabel was a student at Trinity College, now Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. It was at Lake Junaluska, where she met George, that their love story began. In just six weeks, he swept her away to Kentucky, a testament to the power of love and destiny.
Together, they raised four children and celebrated over 50 years of marriage until George’s passing in 1977. Today, her 83-year-old daughter continues to share their legacy, sending me this cherished picture and illuminating their family history. Her father had the vision to own the Surf Ranch Motel in Daytona Beach, and with my great-grandfather, they became partners at the Del-Aire Motel and Sea Winx Motels, creating a lasting impact.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Galbraith name, with its various spellings (Calbreath, Colbath, Colbreath, Galberth, Galbreath, Galbreth, Gilbraith, Gilbreath, Gilbreth, Gilreath, Kilbreath, Kilbreth, Kulbeth), carries a rich history. My journey to uncover the origins of my Galbraith ancestors has been a fascinating exploration of genealogy, leading me back to the rugged Scottish Highlands and the early days of colonial America.
According to historical accounts, the Galbraiths have deep roots in Scotland, tracing back to the “Parish of Baldunoch” in Stirling.1 One source describes them as “Britons, or the children of Briton,” a testament to their ancient lineage.2
Culcreuch Castle
In Fintry, Stirlingshire, Scotland was recently a hotel, now a private residence, but once was the ancestral home of Clan Galbraith; built in 1296. This castle replaced the clan stronghold of Inchgalbraith in Loch Lomond. Other Galbraith castles included Gartconnel, Balgair, Balvie, Bannachra, Bardowie, Barskimming, Craigmaddie, Garscadden, Mains, as well as Kincaid House. All were located between Stirling and Glasgow. ~From the Clan Galbraith Society
My own Galbraith line begins with Martha, my 3rd great-grandmother, born around 1800. She married John Stitt in 1817, and their family continued the Galbraith legacy.3
Research reveals a proud military tradition within the family. Martha’s father, John Galbraith, was likely born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.4 His father, James, served as a Captain in the Pennsylvania troops during the American Revolution.5 James, in turn, was the son of John Galbraith, born around 1717.
Revolutionary War Battalions & Militia Index Cards. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
The story takes a dramatic turn with Andrew Galbraith, born around 1692 in Ireland. He emigrated to America with his father and became a prominent figure in early Pennsylvania, serving as a justice of the peace and a member of the Provincial Assembly. His wife, Mary Kyle, famously led a procession of mounted men to ensure Andrew’s election to the Assembly, demonstrating the strength and influence of early settlers.
Appletons’ Cyclopedia of American Biography; Volume: Vol. II
Further back, we find James Galbraith, born around 1666, one of the founders of the Old Derry Church. While his origins remain somewhat unclear, it’s believed he emigrated from Ireland in 1718.6
Ca. 1880s lithograph: Old Derry Church – – Built A. D. 1720 – – Repaired A. D. 1760 (Palmyra, PA, Dauphin County)
Connecting these early generations to the Scottish homeland has been a challenge. While DNA analysis suggests a link to other Galbraith families, definitive proof remains elusive.
We do not know if James of 1666 was born in Ireland but he came from there in 1718. We don’t know that his father was John and we have failed to link James back to the first Galbraith family of Ireland, who arrived there about 1613. Our last Chief from Culcreuch fled to Ireland in about 1625 and left living sons in Scotland who might have lines to the present. We are pretty sure that Group 1 links back to the 1400s at Culcreuch–but we do not know if the Chiefs maintained the DNA into the future (or past to Bretnach of 1150).
From William Gilbreath of the Clan Galbraith Facebook group
We know the two groups have the same YDNA Haplogroup and most of the same markers, which leads us to believe they were related at some point, but they are several generations apart. We haven’t found any source documents to tie them together.
From Dana Love of the Clan Galbraith Facebook group
DNA has become an important tool in genealogical research, and as more people take the test, the number of matches increases, making it even more helpful. Hopefully, this will be true for these family lines.
This genealogical journey has been a reminder of the resilience and determination of my ancestors. Their stories – of military service, political leadership, and community building – continue to inspire me today.
Egle, W. H. (1886). Pennsylvania Genealogies: Chiefly Scotch-Irish and German. ↩︎
Burke, J. (Ed.). (1846). A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 1. ↩︎
A billboard advertising Strawberry Hill is displayed on the corner of North 6th Street and Central Avenue on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Kansas. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A Serendipitous Encounter with the Past
My journey into the world of genealogy has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading me down fascinating paths and uncovering hidden stories. One such discovery was the neighborhood of Strawberry Hill, a vibrant and historic community in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Stephanz Family Connection
My initial encounter with Strawberry Hill came about while researching the Stephanz surname in my family tree. In my blog post about Mathias Paul Stephanz, Jr., I mentioned that he resided at the rear of 411 Sandusky Avenue. This seemingly insignificant detail sparked my curiosity and led me on a deeper dive into the history of this particular address.
Unveiling the Past: The Chops and Wolfs
As I delved further, I discovered that the Stephanz family had neighbors with the surnames Chops and Wolfs (or Volf). Intriguingly, these families also shared a connection to 411 Sandusky Avenue, having lived in the same house at different points in time. This revelation piqued my interest even more, prompting me to explore the history of Strawberry Hill in greater detail.
A Fortunate Discovery: Don Wolf’s Blog and Book
While exploring the rich history of Strawberry Hill, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of information: Don Wolf’s blog and book. Don Wolf, a descendant of the Wolf family who were once neighbors to 411 Sandusky Avenue, had dedicated himself to preserving the history of Strawberry Hill. His work provided invaluable insights into the neighborhood’s past, including stories about the Chops and Wolfs, as well as other families who had called Strawberry Hill home.
Click on the photo to purchase “Croatian Love Story.”
The Heart of Strawberry Hill
Through Don Wolf’s writings and other historical resources, I began to piece together the vibrant tapestry of life in Strawberry Hill. I learned about the neighborhood’s diverse community, its rich cultural heritage, and its significant contributions to the history of Kansas City.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community
As I continued my research, I was struck by the resilience and community spirit that defined Strawberry Hill. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, the neighborhood has persevered, maintaining its unique character and cultural identity.
A Personal Connection to History
My journey into the heart of Strawberry Hill has not only deepened my understanding of my family history but also provided a valuable connection to the broader historical narrative of Kansas City. It is a reminder that every place, every street, and every house has a story to tell, and that by exploring these stories, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and the people who shaped it.
Most of the children attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School. I found another interesting blog with photos of Strawberry Hill. One of the pictures I like the most is of his mother walking with groceries – one picture is before the highway, and the other is after. Croatian History.
Strawberry Hill History & Culture “Situated in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, Strawberry Hill is a Slavic American community with a rich and unique history. It is one of overcoming obstacles and pulling together as a community to thrive and carve out a new home in the Heartland.
During the late 1800s, immigrants from Eastern Europe, a large number of them from Croatia, settled along the riverfront in an area known as “The Patch.” Most of these residents worked in the meat packing industry connected with the livestock exchange.
In 1904, a great flood destroyed many of these homes, forcing residents to move uphill from the river. Many of these immigrant families were forced to build their homes from materials salvaged and recycled from the homes destroyed in the flood and could only afford a narrow parcel of land, giving rise to the modest sized homes in close proximity to each other that dominate Strawberry Hill’s streets and avenues. The wild strawberry vines that covered the hillside gave the new community its name.
Over time, many families chose to grow their homes as their savings and income allowed. Some of the elaborate or stately Victorian homes in Strawberry Hill began as single story homes, or even shot-gun houses, while some of these modest houses have been preserved and retain their cottage size and style. The original paver sidewalks connect the turn-of-the-century folk houses, many of which retain their turned spindle work, stained glass windows, and, above all, their welcoming front porches.
Tragically, in 1918 the Spanish Flu arrived on The Hill. The tightly packed neighborhood exacerbated the spread of the deadly diseased which killed many adults in their 20’s and 30’s, leaving behind many orphans and widowed single parents. In 1919, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church purchased the Cruise-Scroggs home on 4th Street and opened an orphanage to help the orphaned children. It continued to operate as an orphanage until 1988, after which it became today’s museum and cultural center.
In 1957, 219 homes were destroyed to make way for the I-70 bridge. 1st street, 2nd street, 3rd street, and parts of 4th street were destroyed as well as the sections of neighborhood avenues that intersected these streets. Members of our association witnessed the destruction of their childhood homes and lost a portion of their heritage for the sake of the viaduct that connects Kansas City, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri. St. John’s Park was created in the process of the construction and features a spectacular view of the Kansas City, Missouri skyline.
As recently as 2016, pedestrian trails have been improved as a part of the Riverfront Heritage Trail. This system of trails and pedestrian bridges now allows residents to travel by bike or on foot from Strawberry Hill to Kansas City, Missouri or the nearby Kaw Point Park, among other destinations realized by the extensive network of sidewalks and trails. The pedestrian bridge beneath I-70 near 3rd and Armstrong stretches across the river and features sculptures by a local artist.
The unique history of Strawberry Hill is one of perseverance, hard work, and surviving tragedies as a community. Whether natural disasters, epidemics, economic hardships, or certain destruction in the name of progress…our people have pulled together and weathered the hardest of circumstances. We have built a vibrant and beautiful community from the rubble and continue to thrive as an organized neighborhood that advocates for the preservation of our historic homes and the safety and well being of all residents–regardless of race, gender, age, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or political preference.
Our neighborhood association invites you to become a part of our bustling community!”
One of the best depictions of Strawberry Hill is by the artist Marijana Grisnick. Check out these links for her fascinating paintings and a glimpse of where our ancestors grew up.
My unexpected discovery of Strawberry Hill has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my genealogical journey. It has opened my eyes to the rich history that surrounds us and the power of personal stories to connect us to the past. As I continue to explore the depths of my family tree, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounters that have led me to this fascinating corner of history.
I encourage you to embark on your own genealogical journey and uncover the hidden stories within your own family history. You never know what fascinating discoveries await you. And if you have any stories or insights to share about Strawberry Hill, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s work together to preserve the rich history of this vibrant community.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interior of J Plater’s Cart, Van and Carriage Works, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, 1903. The interior of the workshop with the craftsmen grouped together with their equipment. Two of the apprentices are young boys. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
Robert Emmett Cofer, my third great-grandfather, was born over 187 years ago in the heart of Surry County, Virginia. Though much about his life remains shrouded in mystery, a few key details paint a vivid picture of his existence.
As the fifth child in a family of ten, Robert experienced the challenges and dynamics of a large household, especially after his father remarried and added four more children to the family. Growing up during a tumultuous time in American history, he was raised in a household that included enslaved individuals, an experience that would shape his perspectives and values.
At the tender age of 16, Robert embarked on a journey of apprenticeship, learning the intricate craft of carriage making alongside two of his brothers. By 1860, he had established himself as a “mechanic,” but his skills would eventually earn him the title of “wheelwright” in future census records. This profession required a remarkable blend of woodworking and metalworking expertise, and skilled tradesmen like Robert were invaluable to the Confederate army, assisting in the war effort much like soldiers wielding muskets.
Robert lived through the Civil War, a time marked by significant events such as President Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, as well as the fierce and pivotal Battle of Chancellorsville. After 43 devoted years of marriage to his beloved wife, Martha, Robert faced a tragic end at the age of 67. He spent the last three years of his life battling dysentery, which ultimately claimed him.
Martha, resilient in her own right, lived to the age of 78, passing away from heart disease. Both are lovingly interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk City, Virginia, where their legacies continue to rest.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A few years ago, I took the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge created by Amy Johnson Crow. Amy is a certified genealogist whose podcasts, webpage, and social media accounts have taught me a lot.
The challenge was “Long Line.” This phrase can be interpreted in many ways, but what came to my mind was, “I come from a long line of water-loving ancestors.” The Wescotts, Chadwicks, Midgetts, and Tilletts all served in the Life-Saving Service (now called the U.S. Coast Guard).
The Logans, Beans, Royces, and Roots grew up along the coast, with family ties ranging from Scotland to New Hampshire and England to Massachusetts. Additionally, the Kunkles, Younkins, Hawks, Rittenhouses, Nices, and Morrisons hail from Germany and the Netherlands, settling in Pennsylvania.
We also have the Wescotts, Chaddicks, Midgetts, Chadwicks, Pughs, Woodhouses, and Jennetts from various places along the East Coast, with roots in England and France. The Cofers, Moodys, Wards, Barhams, Argalls, Davises, Harrisons, and many more emigrated from England to Virginia.
Even my trans-Appalachian pioneer ancestor journeyed from Virginia to Tennessee, eventually settling on Boone’s Creek and the Watauga River. My German, Slovenian, Croatian, and Polish ancestors also lived by the coast, and my connection to Jamestown is coastal as well!
Today, the Logans still reside in Michigan and Pennsylvania, while the Wescotts and Chadwicks are in North Carolina, Jacksonville Beach, and along the Gulf Coast.
I live in Florida and have a deep love for the water—be it the ocean, rivers, or lakes. Now, I understand why. Could we all have a gene for seafaring? According to an article published in the journal, Genetic Determinism Today, researchers at Mystic University in Connecticut have identified a gene linked to a love of the sea.1
My “Long Line” is the enduring connection to the coast, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Just a moment…” genotopia.scienceblog.com/9/scientists-find-gene-for-love-of-the-sea-2/. Accessed 18 Jan 2020 . ↩︎
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Exploring family ancestry can provide fascinating insights into history and migration patterns. One weekend, while delving into my family tree, I discovered my 10th great-grandfather, Nicholas Granger. His journey is particularly noteworthy, as he was approximately 9 years old when he was sent to America. This highlights an important aspect of immigration history: many immigrants were children, and not all arrived with their families.
I exist today because of this brave boy.
(All wording is how it was spelled in colonial records.)
In 1618, the Virginia Company petitioned the London Common Council with a request for assistance in bringing over one hundred poor and vagrant children. This reflects the early colonial efforts to populate Virginia, as well as the social challenges faced by many in England during that time. They asked that one hundred poor and vagrant children, who lie in the streets… having no place of abode nor friends to relieve them, be shipped to the fledgling colony of Jamestown, at the city’s expense.1
Seventy-five boys and twenty-five girls were accordingly transported for running wild in the streets, for being vagrant, on 27 February 1618; though it should be said that none of those apprehended and sent over were formally convicted in the London court system.2
“The Prospect of Bridewell” from John Strype’s An Accurate Edition of Stow’s “A Survey of London” (1720)
Only a few of these children survived in the harsh realities of early Virginian life, including two “Bridewell Boys” called Nathaniel Tatum and Nicholas Granger, who appear to have found some success in their new world. “Bridewell Boys” referred to young boys sent from England to the colonies as indentured servants, most often as a form of punishment for minor crimes. 3
Nicholas married Elizabeth circa 1627. His wife was probably the Elizabeth Gringer, aged 33, who made a deposition in Mar 1634/5 in Northampton County.4
On 13 Aug 1638, Alice Robins was reported as saying that if Nicholas Granger had not come to Virginia, he would have been hanged; but 9-year-olds were not hanged, even in 1619.4
Side note: According to my research, Alice Robins was in the courts frequently. It seems she and her husband liked to cause trouble.
“The deposition of R…this deponent aged…that he goeinge to…Nicholas Granger…the said p…Robins…her one…Robins…wise…Upon…Allice…the wife…whore…also at one…and Crabbing…therefore ordered that said woman for her misdemenoes shal be towed over the Creeke tomorrow at ten of the clock”5
Goodwiffe Robbins’ wife was brought into court for slandering Richard’s wife Mary. Goodwife Robins’ wife Alice received twenty lashes for this offense. It appears that Alice Robbins was a disagreeable person evidenced by the fact that she was quite often in court. For her slanderous offense she was “…lashed to the end of a canoe and towed over the creek”.
In another deposition, she is quoted as saying that Mary Hudson “was as badd as anie salte Bitch.”
Nicholas Granger is documented in the colonial records from the early 17th century. In his will, dated April 1, 1639, Nicholas Harwood acknowledged Goodman Granger for his care and generosity by leaving funds to buy a “calf for Nicholas Granger, my godson.”6
Such bequests were common in wills of the time, underscoring the importance of community and familial support within colonial society. On August 3, 1640, Nicholas Granger was granted a certificate for 200 acres of land, with his wife, Elizabeth, named as one of the headrights—this system allowed landowners to claim land based on the number of people they transported to the colonies.
On October 1, 1647, in Northampton County, Nicholas Granger transferred a heifer to his daughter, Christian Granger, and this transaction was witnessed by Henry Armitradinge, who was involved in similar transactions on the same day, likely in preparation for marriage. Christian married Henry Armitradinge later that year, indicating that land ownership and livestock, like a heifer, played a significant role in family wealth and social standing.
Nicholas Granger patented land on September 20, 1647, in Northampton County, Virginia. He initially received a patent for 350 acres near the head of Nassawattocks Creek, adjacent to Stephen Horsey’s property; however, this land was later found to be already part of a patent held by Colonel Francis Yeardley and was subsequently lost. He also had another patent for 350 acres along Pungoteague River and Pocomeck Creek, which he assigned to Nicholas Waddilow, as recorded in Waddilow’s patent on April 2, 1655.
On March 25, 1651, Nicholas Granger took the oath of allegiance, promising loyalty to the Commonwealth of England as it was established without a king or House of Lords. This reflects the political shifts of the time and the complexities of allegiance during a period of significant change in England’s governance. At that time, he was officially recorded as Nicholas Granger, linking his personal story to the broader tapestry of early American history.
Nicholas died after 25 March 1651 in Northampton County, Virginia.
My line stems from Nicholas’ son, Nicholas (abt. 1627).
Through exploring the life of Nicholas Granger, we gain a better understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early immigrants to America, as well as the importance of family legacy and community in shaping our histories.
Citations
Theodore K. Rabb, “Sandys, Sir Edwin (1561–1629. ↩︎
Records of Individuals ordered to be sent to Virginia, ca. 1618-37 from Bridewell Royal Hospital↩︎
Accession 26237, Library of Virginia: “Records of Individuals ordered to be sent to Virginia, ca. 1618-37↩︎
John Frederick Dorman, Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5, p. 68 and p. 119 (Granger Family). ↩︎
Recently, I’ve been assisting several clients with their DNA matches from the DNA tests they’ve taken. As I wrote here, Ethnicity estimates shouldn’t define your family tree. Since I have either built or helped expand their family trees, we’ve had success connecting many of those matches to their trees. However, it’s frustrating for both my clients and me to encounter the large number of matches that either have no tree linked to their DNA test or only a small tree with just two or three people. This lack of information is not helpful for anyone involved. While some may be primarily interested in ethnicity reports, even they are missing out on the full story. Let me explain.
Why Link Your DNA Results to a Family Tree?
Using Ancestry.com as an example, linking your DNA results to a family tree is essential because it allows you to identify how you are related to your DNA matches. By comparing your genetic information to individuals in your family tree, you can gain valuable insights into your ancestry and discover new family connections through shared ancestors. Essentially, it bridges the gap between your genetic data and your known family history.
When you link your DNA results to a public tree on Ancestry.com, you activate shared ancestor hints, which appear in the ThruLines tool. The larger your linked tree, the better your chances of finding common ancestors. This connection allows you to:
Identify who in your tree is a DNA match.
See how you’re related to your matches.
Keep a record of these connections.
Determine which parts of your tree they can help with and which shared relatives they might have stories or information about.
Link Your DNA Results
At Ancestry, you need to link your test to “you” in a tree. If the DNA test belongs to your mother, link it to your mother in your tree. Note that your test can only be linked to one person in one tree at a time. If you decide to disconnect and reconnect to another tree, record everything first, as you will lose your current ThruLines. These will regenerate based on the new tree but may differ depending on the tree’s content and other factors.
To receive green document leaf hints, potential parent hints, and DNA hints such as ThruLines, you need to provide enough information for Ancestry’s system to connect the dots. This includes:
Birth and death dates
Birth and death locations
All spouses, not just the one you descend from
Children and their spouses
At least one additional generation of descendants
Every generation added gives Ancestry’s software more “info” to use for connecting the dots.
Best Practices for Hints and Trees
Never blindly accept hints or assume their accuracy. Early in my genealogy journey, I trusted information without verification, believing that older generations had everything correct. Today, we have more resources to validate information and acknowledge that errors can occur. In your family tree, the leaves represent document or record hints, not DNA matches. The leaves on your DNA match page indicate a common ancestor identified in the tree of your DNA match.
When reviewing a hint, use the “maybe” button to move it into an Undecided folder if you’re unsure. I try to keep my leaves organized so I can easily identify new hints. While I ignore Ancestry Member Trees as sources (because they are not a source!) in my tree, I use them as research starting points and messaging opportunities.
I also ignore DNA icon picture hints, as these images often represent personal identifiers rather than actual ancestor photos. And they make for useless hints you do receive. I also do not use them in my own trees for that very reason. Instead, use Ancestry’s MyTreeTags to organize your tree. Tags help label people as DNA matches, military veterans, direct ancestors, and more. Tags can be universal (e.g., “DNA” or “Common DNA Ancestor”) or custom (e.g., for unique family history needs).
Understanding ThruLines
ThruLines are calculated for a maximum of seven generations, counting your parents as generation one. (“seven generations” is equivalent to the “5th generation” when counting back through your ancestry.) The three requirements for ThruLines are:
You must have a tree.
Your DNA test must be linked to a person in that tree.
You must have DNA matches to other people with the same ancestor in their tree.
To maximize ThruLines, enter names of spouses and children for eligible generations. Feeding the machine with more data improves results.
Why Sharing Matters
I totally get why some folks might hold back from sharing their family trees; it can feel like you’re “giving away” a piece of your puzzle. But I like to think of it differently! Imagine if my efforts help someone stumble upon a long-lost ancestor’s photo or finally break down that stubborn brick wall in their research. Or what if I inspire someone to dive into Y-DNA or mitochondrial DNA testing? That’s what it’s all about! Collaboration in genetic genealogy can lead to amazing discoveries. Let’s come together and unlock these family stories—who knows what we might find!
Closing Thoughts
Genetic genealogy thrives on collaboration. By linking DNA results to detailed family trees and embracing tools like ThruLines and MyTreeTags, you can unlock powerful insights and connections. Sharing your research and findings enriches not only your own journey but also the broader genealogical community.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
You must be logged in to post a comment.