The Landes cousin who may or may not have existed
One of the first mysteries I encountered when first starting my research into my family history has still not been solved. Maybe you can help by looking at the facts and sharing your thoughts, interpreting the incomplete documentation, or seeing if you find something I’ve missed.
Ancestry DNA finally comes through with the discovery of Steckler cousins
Thanks to Ancestry.com DNA matches, artful sleuthing on FamilySearch, and a bit of luck, I’ve discovered dozens of “new” cousins, descendants of my third great grandparents, Wolf Steckler and Pearl.
Another name change discovered: Nachamin/Neckameyer
The Neckameyer name was originally Nachamin, as I’ve discovered by reconsidering what I thought was an engraving mistake and with the help of new FamilySearch indices.
From Hirschenbein to Hirsch and back again
The Hirschenbein family, cousins of my mother’s family, changed their name to Hirsch. With this new information, I can learn more.
Ancestry.com adds 14 million New York records to database
Indexes to New York City births, marriages, and deaths are now available on Ancestry.com, as are the 1855 and 1875 New York state census records.
Landes family in the Canadian Census of 1921
Martin Landes and his family appears in the Canadian Census of 1921, but the listing doesn’t solve a mystery.
My fourth great grandfather, Israel Loew Sturmwald, and his descendants
Working together with a distant potential cousin, I’m finding more clues about the Sturmwald branch of my family.
Sometimes the clues fall into place
Reviewing documentation I received months ago helped me make a new connection. Pay attention to the small details.
Discovered cousins in the Lepianski branch: the Ratzken family
Searching for one set of potential cousins revealed more blood relatives, descended from my second great grandparents, Shloma Lepianski and Rochel Shai Lepianski.
The Lepianskis in Lithuania
Just days ago I had little information about my great grandmother. Now, I know about her entire family in Lithuania.
Pearl Kerstman Rosenberg and her descendants
Another family’s own research provides stories about my relaitves and starting points for my own research.
Who are the Neckameyers?
When I began my research, I didn’t know my maternal grandfather’s mother’s name. Now I know more about her family.
Sorting out the Herman kids
Personal stories from my close relatives leave many questions about my maternal grandmother’s family.