I just got an e-mail from my English sister-in-law wanting my help in getting hold of the birth certificate of her grandmother, who was born in Brooklyn of parents who emigrated from Ireland. Apparently she was orphaned very soon after her birth and her Irish relatives had her sent back to Ireland. A generation later, this woman's children relocated to England where my SIL was eventually born and raised.
I never heard of anyone who came to the US and went back to the mother country, though in this case I guess it makes sense. But it did get me thinking of my own grandparents' arrival in the US in the '20s, and how I've never bothered to trace their grandparents. I probably never will, either, because both sets of grandparents loved their new country so much more than their old and always considered that the best part of their lives started here.
So this all makes me 2nd generation American. I was wondering now about what generations y'all are? And where from?
Replies
22
Beach Fanatic
I was just looking at all this stuff because that's what happens when you move. Instead of putting boxes away, you end up poring over the contents.
In 1635, my ancestor on my dad's side, Robert Chapman, left Hull, England at the age of 18, and landed in the new world (Boston).
He settled in Connecticut, and flourished.
My dad left me a book, published in the 19th century. It traces all our generations back through to this man through one of Robert Chapman's sons.
We found his grave at Saybrook, Connecticut.
Robert Chapman must have been the great grand-daddy to many people, because his little historical paragraph is found all over the internet. But our connection with him is not acrophyal. The book covers each of Robert's children and their descendants. It's eerie seeing my dad's unusual first and middle names show up on Google because of the fact that his grandfather was a prominent 19th century physician who published many books. (My dad never knew what the internet was, let alone Google.)
My dad's mom's side is documented quite far back as well, her people came over from Galway, Ireland in the 18th century.
On my mom's side, it is much murkier. My mom tried to trace her family history, but could not find much in the way of documentation. Her dad's side was Irish, her mother's was Scottish. All she could find was that her great-grandparents came over from Ireland and settled in Wyoming in the mid-19th century, then moved to Ft Collins in northern Colorado. The school where my grandmother taught is still there.
I always was amazed that they began in Wyoming first, it must have been awfully lonely there at that time.
In 1635, my ancestor on my dad's side, Robert Chapman, left Hull, England at the age of 18, and landed in the new world (Boston).
He settled in Connecticut, and flourished.
My dad left me a book, published in the 19th century. It traces all our generations back through to this man through one of Robert Chapman's sons.
We found his grave at Saybrook, Connecticut.
Robert Chapman must have been the great grand-daddy to many people, because his little historical paragraph is found all over the internet. But our connection with him is not acrophyal. The book covers each of Robert's children and their descendants. It's eerie seeing my dad's unusual first and middle names show up on Google because of the fact that his grandfather was a prominent 19th century physician who published many books. (My dad never knew what the internet was, let alone Google.)
My dad's mom's side is documented quite far back as well, her people came over from Galway, Ireland in the 18th century.
On my mom's side, it is much murkier. My mom tried to trace her family history, but could not find much in the way of documentation. Her dad's side was Irish, her mother's was Scottish. All she could find was that her great-grandparents came over from Ireland and settled in Wyoming in the mid-19th century, then moved to Ft Collins in northern Colorado. The school where my grandmother taught is still there.
I always was amazed that they began in Wyoming first, it must have been awfully lonely there at that time.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
My mother's parents came from Johannestal, Ukraine, Russia. My great-grandfather escaped to America by hiding in whiskey barrels. Later he asked my great-grandmother to come over to Amercia, and my family history begins.
My father's family came from Ireland. While my mother lived in the north and my dad in the south, they met during WWII.
My father's family came from Ireland. While my mother lived in the north and my dad in the south, they met during WWII.
fartblossom
i have absolutely no idea mermy. i have never looked into our family tree before.
Meow
too long...
Beach Fanatic
I know I am a Daughter of the American Revolution and the Civil War. My dad has all this and I need to read up on it.
Beach Lover
We just recently did some tracing. My Grandfather came here in 1911 from Bellarouse (Minsk) to Boston and made his way down to Trenton. His father was a pediatrician and mother a school teacher. Their estate was taken over by the communists. My Grandfather sent for my Grandmother, she arrive here in 1913 to Ellis Island. We just acquired the boat manuscript that showed her name. Its now framed and on the wall. They settled and had 8 children. Only 3 of the 8 are left, one being my mother. She is the youngest.
My grandfather on my fathers side came here around the 1910 era from Italy. He was orphaned so we don?t really know what his roots are. He was raised by his family, just not his parents.
So Im second Generation Bella Russian and Second Gen Italian.
What a combo and boy to I have a temper
, in a loving way.
My grandfather on my fathers side came here around the 1910 era from Italy. He was orphaned so we don?t really know what his roots are. He was raised by his family, just not his parents.
So Im second Generation Bella Russian and Second Gen Italian.
What a combo and boy to I have a temper
, in a loving way.
Beach Fanatic
I don't know much about the history of my dad's side of the family, but my mom's father keeps pretty good track of his family history and regularly updates the family tree whenever there is a birth or a death.
My great-grandfather came here from Scotland in the early 1900s, and his wife (whom he had not met at the time) came here from Ireland a few years later.
And I'm fairly certain that my maternal grandmother's family has lived in the same house in West Virginia since the dawn of time. I'm also pretty sure there are some Hatfields hiding somewhere in my line of ancestors.
My great-grandfather came here from Scotland in the early 1900s, and his wife (whom he had not met at the time) came here from Ireland a few years later.
And I'm fairly certain that my maternal grandmother's family has lived in the same house in West Virginia since the dawn of time. I'm also pretty sure there are some Hatfields hiding somewhere in my line of ancestors.
Beach Fanatic
My grandparents on both sides were born here in NorthwestFlorida in the late 1800s.
Edited
Admin
I got into tracing awhile ago and got some family tree software. After a few weeks the tree was so big I realized we are ALL related. We're ALL cousins and there is a lot of comfort in that. I also found I have direct relatives in Walton County I didn't know about dating back over 100 years.
SoWal Expert
This month's Smithsonian had an interesting article on geneology. Basically between math, common ancestors, and people fooling around/unknown paternity noone can really know their geneology for sure or claim to be special because of a famous ancestor once you go back a certain number of generations.
Everyone on this message board is a descendant of Charlemange and Julius Caeser!
Everyone on this message board is a descendant of Charlemange and Julius Caeser!
SoWal Insider
I got into tracing awhile ago and got some family tree software. After a few weeks the tree was so big I realized we are ALL related. We're ALL cousins and there is a lot of comfort in that. I also found I have direct relatives in Walton County I didn't know about dating back over 100 years.
Hey Cuz!!
Guess in more ways than one, huh?My mother's side of the family is Irish, her maternal grandfather came from Ireland in the late 1800's, my mom's paternal side is black Irish. They all had dark hair, skin and the most beautiful crystal blue eyes. Her maternal grandfather and family came from England in the mid 1800's.
My father's side of the family is Swedish arriving in the states in the mid to late 1800's. They are all tall, blue eyed blondes....hmmm...wonder who I look like?
Does this make me a heinz 57?FFF's is 100% Italiano! Both sets of grandparents were born in Sicily and came over around the turn of the century, he still has his maternal grandmother's immagration card and a later dated photo id showing were they came through Ellis Island. His father was the first born Italian American.
Edited
SoWal Expert
My father's side of the family is Swedish arriving in the states in the mid to late 1800's. They are all tall, blue eyed blondes....hmmm...wonder who I look like?
We're probably related. My swedish ancestors were arriving about then!
SoWal Insider
We're probably related. My swedish ancestors were arriving about then!
cuz! Do we favor?SoWal Expert
No idea! I'm blued eyed and my mom sort of looks like your Glinda, but since I've never met you............
I'm definitely not a purebred either as I've also got danish, dutch, scottish, flemish and german blood.
SoWal Insider
No idea! I'm blued eyed and my mom sort of looks like your Glinda, but since I've never met you............
I'm definitely not a purebred either as I've also got danish, dutch, scottish, flemish and german blood.
I thought everyone knew what I look like 'cause I'm plastered all over SoWal. (no, I don't mean that kind of plastered DKA & Miss Kitty!) I am going to have to have a talk with DKA....he should know I have first right of refusal on all pics. I'm 5'8, blue eyed, blonde and look a little like Glinda myself....especially the crown part.
Edited
pickyAuthor
Way cool stories!!! 
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
I have no idea. I think a Stork brought me and my sister, and I am not sure where that Stork was from.
These are great stories.
These are great stories.
Beach Fanatic
My nephew traced my paternal grandfather's family (since he bears my maiden name as his last name) and when he was at FSU, he went to the state archives and was able to find the record of when the first one of us - probably at least eight generations ago - came over from Austria. We knew we were Dutch/German, but didn't have proof. It also didn't help that my paternal great-great-grandfather, who worked on a boat on the Alabama River, deserted his family in Montgomery and made a new family in Brewton/Mobile. We are from the "bastard" side of the family...
Meanwhile, my paternal grandmother's family showed up in Point Washington in the 1870's - 1880's. My great-great grandfather founded the Point Washington United Methodist Church (the fellowship hall is named the Stephen Center for my great-grandfather), and my great-uncle built the home now known as the Wesley Mansion at Eden State Park. The larger question, which is why did the Reverend John Wesley from Brunswick, Georgia suddenly show up in Point Washington with his two teenage sons in tow, has not yet been answered, far as I know. :scratch:
Meanwhile, my paternal grandmother's family showed up in Point Washington in the 1870's - 1880's. My great-great grandfather founded the Point Washington United Methodist Church (the fellowship hall is named the Stephen Center for my great-grandfather), and my great-uncle built the home now known as the Wesley Mansion at Eden State Park. The larger question, which is why did the Reverend John Wesley from Brunswick, Georgia suddenly show up in Point Washington with his two teenage sons in tow, has not yet been answered, far as I know. :scratch:
Beach Fanatic
What a great thread! I love family histories & stories!! Mine AND Everyone Else's too!!!!
Father's Paternal Side: My great-great grandfather, William Smith, came to America from Scotland in 1828 seeking Opportunity & Freedom. He was a shepherd & originally settled in Virginia...but couldn't abide slavery, so after 1 year relocated to Massillon, Ohio. My family branch is descended from The Old Scot's young 2nd wife, Ann Oldroyd Cole, whose family had emigrated from England to Ohio in the 1830's. The closest our family ever got to royalty was Ann's father, who served as a court portraitist.
We are very fortunate to have copies of letters The Old Scot exchanged back & forth with family in Scotland & England; in his words, urging: "Come to America, a land full of equal opportunity for anyone willing to bend their backs & bow their heads in Labor for Our Lord's Glory". One branch of our family still resides on the original family homestead, "Sunnyside Farm", outside Massillon. My parent's farm in Kansas is "Sunnyside Farm II" in honor of The Old Scot.
Father's Maternal Side: We don't know exactly when great-great-great Grandfather Isaacs arrived in America...but having come from Spain, he was of an age to serve as a spanish interpreter in the Mexican-American war.
Mother's Paternal Side: My great-great grandfather "Voelker" was a draft-dodging stowaway from Germany. His REAL family name is hidden in history; as he took on the name of a "German Benefactress" he met on the journey to America. So...perhaps he was also a smooth talkin' gigolo as yet another means of survival!! (Sorry Grandpa V....but you're the one who always sputtered "that old family history has NO business being kept alive"...so now we're forced to fill in the blanks with imagination!)
Mother's Maternal Side: The Holt's & Lindsay's arrived from England in the mid 19th century. They brought their skinny lips & big hips with 'em and bequeathed 'em to me
!!
Both sides of my family were part of the westward movement from Ohio, then to Illinois in the late 1870 - early 1880's. All were hard working farmers & teachers who were passionate about freedom, equality, family, community, education & religious choice. I think all of my Grandmothers got sick of camping out in covered wagons after a similiar # of westward miles ... because all 4 sets of my great grandparents ended up, independently, settling in & around what was to become Hoyt, Kansas (near Topeka) within 1/2 decade of each other in the mid 1880's.
"Through our past we find our future"
Father's Paternal Side: My great-great grandfather, William Smith, came to America from Scotland in 1828 seeking Opportunity & Freedom. He was a shepherd & originally settled in Virginia...but couldn't abide slavery, so after 1 year relocated to Massillon, Ohio. My family branch is descended from The Old Scot's young 2nd wife, Ann Oldroyd Cole, whose family had emigrated from England to Ohio in the 1830's. The closest our family ever got to royalty was Ann's father, who served as a court portraitist.
We are very fortunate to have copies of letters The Old Scot exchanged back & forth with family in Scotland & England; in his words, urging: "Come to America, a land full of equal opportunity for anyone willing to bend their backs & bow their heads in Labor for Our Lord's Glory". One branch of our family still resides on the original family homestead, "Sunnyside Farm", outside Massillon. My parent's farm in Kansas is "Sunnyside Farm II" in honor of The Old Scot.
Father's Maternal Side: We don't know exactly when great-great-great Grandfather Isaacs arrived in America...but having come from Spain, he was of an age to serve as a spanish interpreter in the Mexican-American war.
Mother's Paternal Side: My great-great grandfather "Voelker" was a draft-dodging stowaway from Germany. His REAL family name is hidden in history; as he took on the name of a "German Benefactress" he met on the journey to America. So...perhaps he was also a smooth talkin' gigolo as yet another means of survival!! (Sorry Grandpa V....but you're the one who always sputtered "that old family history has NO business being kept alive"...so now we're forced to fill in the blanks with imagination
!)Mother's Maternal Side: The Holt's & Lindsay's arrived from England in the mid 19th century. They brought their skinny lips & big hips with 'em and bequeathed 'em to me
!!Both sides of my family were part of the westward movement from Ohio, then to Illinois in the late 1870 - early 1880's. All were hard working farmers & teachers who were passionate about freedom, equality, family, community, education & religious choice. I think all of my Grandmothers got sick of camping out in covered wagons after a similiar # of westward miles ... because all 4 sets of my great grandparents ended up, independently, settling in & around what was to become Hoyt, Kansas (near Topeka) within 1/2 decade of each other in the mid 1880's.
"Through our past we find our future"
Beach Fanatic
On my father's side, I'm a second generation Swede. My grandfather came to Ellis Island from Korsnas, Finland, in the 1890's, to avoid the Russian War. They were called Swede Finns, a group of Swedes who lived in Finland. He worked until he was able to bring his fiance' here (who was a black swede, black hair, blue eyes and fair complexion) where they married. They lived in Michigan until about 1912, when they moved to SoWal, what was called Washington County at the time. My father was born in Escanaba, Michigan in 1909. My mother is a different story. She was English, Pennsylvania Dutch, and Scotch Irish. On the English side, we were Tories in the Revolutionary war, and descended from Pirates. My mother was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1925, and went to school in Walla Walla, Wa, then to New York, NY, then to FSU, then to SoWal in 1952.
SoWal Expert
I thought everyone knew what I look like 'cause I'm plastered all over SoWal. (no, I don't mean that kind of plastered DKA & Miss Kitty!) I am going to have to have a talk with DKA....he should know I have first right of refusal on all pics. I'm 5'8, blue eyed, blonde and look a little like Glinda myself....especially the crown part.
Dear, you are much prettier than Glinda.
SoWal Insider
Dear, you are much prettier than Glinda.
AAAAAAWWWW, you are too sweet and kind!
You also need glasses! You know I really just want her pink poufy gown, star sceptor and that big ole honkin' crown!Ok DD, how long has your family been here?
Edited
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.