Josie and I went on a cemetery walk this evening in search of some of my ancestors. I knew that some of my recent ancestors had migrated to the States from Germany, but my Father really didn't know who. So last week while I was on vacation, I did some more searching of the archives, and I learned that it was actually my Great Grandfather Otto Schies who had come to America from Germany in 1891. Well tonight we found his graveside, along with his first wife Gertrude who died at a young age of 32. There was also a gravestone for their daughter Margaret who also died very young, at the age of 18 in 1912. So now I have a few more names to research. I did learn that my relatives in Germany lived on land that was utilized for the building of the first section of the Autobohn, and they were forced to move. The first section from Cologne to Bonn was finished around 1931. So with this informaiton I am assuming they lived in that general area. At least that is where I will begin my search. I see a trip to Germany sometime in the future.
Cool images! I've been a genealogy buff for years, having inherited boxes of documents and old photos from all branches of my family. My German ancestors came over between 1844 and 1858.
That's so exciting! I have a tree on ancestry.com and love doing genealogy! These are great finds!! I love how you put the grave markers in a collage. What a great idea! Fav!
There is something about connecting to the previous generations that helps you to know a little more about yourself. This will continue to be a fun adventure for you! Nice collage!
What a fabulous collage, Rick! That's very cool that you were able to trace your ancestors back that far. My great-grandmother's parents came from Germany at about the same time, but most of the family was wiped out in the influenza epidemic of 1918. I hope you do make it to Germany. Think of the photos!
Wow .... fantastic capture and what a great story! My relatives also came from Germany and became farmers here. So interesting to find out their origins .... would be wonderful to go over to Germany and see where it all began.
I love historical research. Would love to take a couple of months off and tour through Scotland, Ireland and Finland to trace my relatives. But, need to win the lottery first! :)
I'd have to go back to Indiana to do research like this. Moving out to California when I was 3 had its advantages and disadvantages. I'm definitely farther away from all of my relatives.
Wow! Awesome collage and what an interesting idea. I don't know much about my family. My parents moved across the country away from everyone. I only remember talking on the phone a couple of times to my grandparents. Recently, thanks fot fb, I've been able to connect up with first cousins for the first time. I love that and am slowly getting know them as they are me.
This is quite interesting Rick.. I knew the name Schies was German. just saw Mike's comment..I'm sure you understand what he said..if not let me know.
I wouldn't even know where to start looking for ones ancesters. funny thing a few days ago I received a message from facebook via e-mail it had my first name and my maidenname on it.. how did they know my maidenname? and the message was from a man of about 30 years old looking for his a mother as he had been adopted..same last name as my maidenname. so I went on google and found more people with that name..no idea if any of them could be related to me. would be interesting though to find out.
Interesting shot!!
I wouldn't even know where to start looking for ones ancesters. funny thing a few days ago I received a message from facebook via e-mail it had my first name and my maidenname on it.. how did they know my maidenname? and the message was from a man of about 30 years old looking for his a mother as he had been adopted..same last name as my maidenname. so I went on google and found more people with that name..no idea if any of them could be related to me. would be interesting though to find out.