Here is a link for a resource on using maps as part of your genealogical research, maps can provide clues to where our ancestors may have lived and where to look for written records about them.
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs09902
Source: US Geological Survey
Frohes neues Jahr! Möge 2020 mit großartigem genealogischem Lernen und Entdecken gefüllt sein
Happy New Year! May 2020 be filled with great genealogy learning and discovery
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/29/us/immigration-records-uscis-fee-hike-trnd/index.html
As I write this, I am not sure how much of this proposed hike in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) genealogy type records, the agency that oversees the country’s immigration and naturalization system, will actually happen or is true. This agency maintains a number of applications and documents, including historical records of deceased immigrants.
Many of these items should be free or nominal in cost for Genealogical Research purpose.
Look at the link for more information.
On this day, 60 years ago, my paternal Grandfather August Herman Christian Rettammel died on the evening of 23 December 1959 from a heart attack while shoveling snow at home in preparation for walking to the Children’s Christmas Service with his wife (my Grandmother Ernestina or Tina) at the Lutheran Church in Lyndon Station, Wisc.
As I have stated in genealogy lectures and other formats, my interest in genealogy began because I have many photos of my grandfather but he passed away shortly before I was born. Though a remembrance of a death can be sad, I am writing this as a way of keeping the spirit of my paternal grandfather alive through story and recognition of the day and time that he left his family and my own father who was named after him, August Jr.
The following remembrance of my Grandfather was written in the church bulletin shortly after his death in 1959.
1876 August H.C. Rettammel 1959
“Only a little while before the Children’s Christmas Service on Wednesday evening, December 23, which he had already prepared to attend with his wife, August Rettammel, faithful member of St. Luke Congregation of Lyndon, was interrupted by the Lord God with a heart attack and taken to heaven to spend Christmas there with Christ and the angels. He had spent 83 years, 6 months and 19 days here.
August Rettammel was born in Chicago June 4th, 1876. There he was baptized, attended a Christian Day School, was confirmed, and married in 1900. His first wife passed away leaving him two small children. In 1909 he married Ernestina nee Wendland with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary August 17th of this year. Ten children were born of this union, two of whom went before their father into eternity.”
My Grandfather approximately in 1895 to 1900
Today I completed the Certification Discussion Group 2019.3 (fall) series managed by Jill Morelli, CG. My group lead my Cari Taplin, CG for 7 weeks. It was a good group and will help as I prepare in 2020 to start my portfolio/application for the Board for Certification of Genealogists, so I too can be a CG. Plan to start in mid 2020.
More on progress over time.
A story I watched on CBS Sunday Morning show made me remember my Grandfather Orv Maas, an avid life-long golfer. Tomorrow will be 11yrs since he died after living for 94 years and playing golf for over 70 plus years.
Another aspect to the story (check link), is that this golf course was developed by one Man and African- American veteran after WWII, who loved golf, was denied access to private courses after serving his country due to his race. He then by hand and by myself developed the golf course. His daughter now is a golf ambassador who takes fellow women military veterans to the golf course her father developed.
Many of my ancestors served in the Armed Forces of US, from a Great- Grandfather in the Navy from 1899 -1903, to several Great-Uncles in the Army in WWI, 5 Uncle’s in Army in WWII, my father from 1953-1955 in Post War Germany and few distant cousins from Vietnam to present service. I did not serve but have a long tradition and acknowledgement of the sacrifice these Men and Women made in their lifetime. In some cases the scars and wounds of war they carried with them. One died as result of War.
At a Wisconsin Historical Society Genealogy Workshop given by Paula Stuart-Warren, Certified Genealogist (CG). “Records, Records and More Records!”
Church Records, School Records, Using Family History Library and Family History Centers, and Railroad Records.
Rettammel Genealogy Service 