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.

New York City marriage affidavits and licenses

Order marriage licenses and affidavits from New York City, not just marriage certificates using new online indexes.

Death certificate for my great grandmother: VitalChek orders

I received the death certificate for my great grandmother from New York City via VitalChek.

Herman family photographs

These photographs of the Herman family are courtesy of Shari Berman Landes.

Klein family photographs

These photographs of the Klein family are courtesy of Shari Berman Landes.

Berman family photographs

These photographs of the Berman family were provided by Shari Berman Landes and Joel Landes.

Reach out to relatives to reconnect and discuss family history

I spoke with my great aunt (or grand aunt — the terminology can be confusing — my mother’s mother’s sister) over the phone a few days ago, and by asking a few specific questions I was able to correct some errors and fill some holes in the family tree.

Marriage certificates received: Berman/Neckameyer, Lustig/Sturmwald, and Klein/Herman

My family history research continues with the first records received from the New York City Department of Records.