It's been well over a month since I last posted, and this one won't be much - but I had to do something to let you know I'm still here, still doing research, and still (somehow) finding success!
My family history summer is continuing even though work is busier than ever. I'm filling the weekends with trips and connections. Tomorrow I'm heading to Altoona to visit my second cousin once removed and scan photos. I'm doing the same in a few weeks with another cousin on my father's side. Last night I received a call inviting me to a dinner with the Elgin Historical Society Sept. 16 and the Sienknecht Family Reunion is Sept. 7.
There's a lot happening!
A few weeks ago I visited my dad's cousin and she had a great number of photos, including some of my grandfather that I'd never seen before. She also had a great photo of all the Sienknecht family men at a reunion in the 1940s. It's the only photo I've seen (so far) that includes my grandfather and his grandfather in the same photo. Those are the kinds of finds I just love!
Right now I'm trying to reach out to Krambeck cousins in Rock Island, Ill., and find out how I can get some research done in Schleswig-Holstein. My father's side of the family has a roadblock that stops at the "old country". Strangely, it's just his "northern" ancestors. His ancestors from southern Germany have records online going back to the 1700s.
Of course, my own last name follows the northern route, so I can't go back past the names of my great-great-great grandparents.
Hopefully I'll have time soon to post more about my recent adventures and some about my discoveries. Happy hunting!
