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Papatschen Käserei (Meierei)
. revised: 22 Dec 2022 In Zeyervorderkampen during and before World War 2, there was a small Käserei (Meierei) Dairy that was owned, all or in part, by Richard Senger. Based upon maps and analysis of the region (today Kepiny Male) by Rainer Glodde-Mueller during his 2010 journey to the area, it is believed that the following photos are what remains of that past business. Obviously the buildings had been worked on in the early 1950s (see the photo with the dated stone near the roof peak). Discussions with Luise Senger Rabideau (Richard’s daughter) were not definitive in identifying these buildings positively. A mystery remains. Are these, or are they…
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Deutsche Musik mit Humor (sampler #2)
The songs on this page are from the early 20th Century Germany (pre-World War 2) and have intriguing titles! I’ll add more insightful songs as I find them!
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Recipes
Does anyone have access to West and East Prussian German recipes? I would like to gather a collection of food recipes that were local to the Germans who once populated the region of Europe between Danzig Marienburg, and Koenigsberg. Please contact me directly with any recipes or food names that you might have/ remember. I will eventually place everything I gather in a database here for all to see, read and copy. I suspect that might take a while and that assumes, of course, I obtain any recipes at all. But given it is the holiday season, and this is the time for foods, I thought I’d ask! Happy holidays…
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On the “Vertreibung”, Expulsions, and Hope
Of late, I have received numerous queries and comments from our readership regarding my position on and interest in the ethnic expulsions of German peoples from Eastern Europe after World War 2. I think this is a fair question that merits response. I guess I would begin my response by stating that expulsions and holocausts (genocides) did not start nor end with the Germans of 1930-1940s Europe. From a historical context some of the earliest genocides were (according to Wikipedia): the destruction of Melos by Athens during the Peloponnesian War (fifth century BCE) the genocides of Amalekites and Midianites (described in the old Testament). the Yu Ding records that Liwang…
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Adelgunde Wilhelmine Senger geb. Kiehl is found!
After searching for more than 70 years for documentary evidence, on 11 December 2010, we finally viewed the image of the birth record of Adelgunde Wilhelmine Senger geboren (born) Kiehl (my great-grandmother- “O-oma“). It was one of those ‘hoped for’ breakthrough findings. Earlier we had uncovered evidence on FamilySearch saying that her birth record was in fact located in Graudenz Mittelbezirk Westpreussen. Just about 6 weeks ago, we ordered the microfilm and sure enough, there it was. We now have the film on permanent hold in our local family history center in Parker. Her birth was on the 6th of October 1850. Her father was Erdmann Kiehl and her mother…
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The Beatles on Genealogy
Almost certainly the Beatles had no plans for relating these songs to genealogy, but I find them relevant. Hopefully others enjoy them as well.
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Sudeten Vertreibung- Sudeten German Expulsion
“Töten auf Tschechisch” Zwei Tage nach Kriegsende treiben tschechische Milizen deutsche Bewohner Prags mit brutaler Gewalt aus der Stadt. Es ist der Beginn der Vertreibung fast aller Deutschen aus der Tschechoslowakei. ZDF Film. This film details the history surrounding the expulsion of Germans from Prague, the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia. Both the NSDAP actions and crimes preceding the expulsion and the brutality with which the ultimate German expulsion were conducted by the Czech people and government after the war are detailed. Vertreibung der Deutschen aus der Tschechoslowakei Die Vertreibung von 200.000 Tschechen 1938-1939 – die Vertreibung der deutschen Bevölkerung 1945
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Genealogy & The Rule of Six
Genealogical research is an uncovering of truths as they apply to your life, others’ lives, the past and the future. There never truly is a single answer to what happened, how it came to be, and what was best or worst. The options and answers are often many, complex and perhaps even indeterminate. Inter-dependencies, inter-relationships abound. However, applying the rule of six can be a useful tool in helping you attain insights into the past you might otherwise miss. What follows is a brief description of the Rule of Six by Paula Underwood Spencer: One of the attitudes taught in my [Oneida] tradition is the Rule of Six. The Rule…
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Deutsche Musik (Sampler)
Popular German Music – Deutsche Musik. We are building this sampler collection and hope to add more music as we find it. It is our plan to add tunes from the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Over the longer term, we hope to build a similar collection for US tunes as well. Previously added Music: Das gibts nur einmal, das kommt nicht wieder- Odeon-Tanz-Orchester Bei mir bist du schön- Zarah Leander (1938) “Lilli Marleen” by Lale Andersen (1939) Das ist Berlin! by Ilse Werner J’attendrai (Komm zurück) in Berlin, 1939 Es geht alles vorüber, es geht alles vorbei- Lale Andersen (1942) Hallo! Du süße Frau- Bernard Ette Orchester- 1930
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Kriegsweihnacht- War Christmas
I have attempted to present videos offering the music and feeling of WW2 Christmases in Germany. It is, as you might imagine, very difficult to find films that are not extremely propaganda oriented. Those presented here are more oriented to the music and mood of the time and less towards the propaganda, which is what I seek to portray here. If you know of films and music that are available for use, please let me know where to locate them and I will add them.
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Alte Kriegslieder
Songs from the 2 World Wars. Kriegslieder aus die zwei Weltkriegen. Related Deutsche Musik (Sampler) Deutsche Musik mit Humor Zur erinnerung an unseren gefallenen 1914-1918 Einsam im Walde Ich hatt’ einen Kamaraden Es war ein Edelweiss Erika
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Die Rechtlosen- Those without Rights
Flucht und Vertreibung (II): Die Rechtlosen by OstpreussenTV
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Battle of Verdun 1916
This set of films documents the Battle of Verdun in which Richard Senger fought, was wounded and earned an Iron Cross 2nd Class. He served in the Prussian (German) Artillery. This is the same area where Adolf Senger was killed and is buried. World War I: Battle Of Verdun 1/4 World War I: Battle Of Verdun 2/4 World War I: Battle Of Verdun 3/4 World War I: Battle Of Verdun 4/4
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Verlorene Heimat- Lost Homeland
Inferno in the East (Inferno im Osten)-Flight and Expulsion (Flucht und Vertreibung) von OstpreussenTV Related Links Expulsion – Vertreibung Flucht und Vertreibung (Photo Gallery)
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Der Zerstörung Elbings… das Ende 1945
Und keine hat den Sieger begrüßt…. (and no one welcomed the victors) The destruction of Elbing (West Prussia).. the end 1945. 1945- Der Zerstoerung Elbings | The Destruction of Elbing Videos: (videos may load slowly) Images:
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Sharing & more
Sharing is a particularly wonderful aspect of human existence. If you have found ManyRoads to be helpful in the conduct of your research during the past months, we ask that you briefly reflect on the wonder of your family, community and life. Please also take a moment to remember those less fortunate than yourself. In remembrance of those you love, we ask that you provide a small donation to those in need during this upcoming holiday season. We have placed a link in our side menu to Oxfam’s Unwrapped program to facilitate access to what we believe is a very good charity (see the Oxfam Cow on the right and…
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Christmas… and another war
For some reason Christmas, this year, reminds me of WW1. I know it shouldn’t. I have no idea why I am reminded of WW1- perhaps it is because I have been doing a lot of genealogy and I spend a lot of time thinking about the past. And, the past always reminds me of my Opa (Richard Senger). His life and mine have been deeply affected by the Great War (his directly.. mine vicariously). I know a war is historically over at a definitive point in time, but emotionally that may not be the case. It seems more like waves… each following the other, getting smaller and shallower with time…
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DNA based genealogy search
Which genetic genealogy DNA service is best? This is the question with which I am currently wrestling. Perhaps one or more of our knowledgeable readers has some insights to share. I certainly would appreciate experienced observations and insights into our dilemma. Here are the basic objectives of our DNA search: We’d like information and insight on any Native American information on the male Rabideau and female Deyo line (I do not currently have access to male Deyo DNA); we also seek information on the background of both lines in Europe and before. We seek information on the Senger- Recht matrilineal lines; there is no DNA material available for either line…
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Simple Gifts…
Rejoice in your family, from where you have come, and all that you are. We wish these joys to everyone on this Thanksgiving and every day. As the old Shaker song reminds us, it is truly “The gift to be simple”.
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Zeyers Friedhofen (Cemeteries )
The cemeteries of the former Zeyer, West Prussia have severely deteriorated over the years. Clearly the destruction of the Zeyer ev. Kirche by Russian bombardment did the most complete removal of burial sites. But time itself has eroded the Zeyer Mennonite burial grounds as well. The photos below are what is left of both the Lutheran and Mennonite Cemeteries (2010). Lutheran Cemetery All that really remains of this burial ground, beyond ruins, is a marker placed there in 2009. Mennonite Cemetery As evidenced by the photos, this burial ground has been left to the elements and time. As Rainer wrote me: We follow a track on the left of a…
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Ethnic Cleansing Discussion Groups
Recently a new Internet Expulsion (Ethnic Cleansing) Discussion Group opened its doors for business. If you are interested in learning more about, or are researching, the European Ethnic Cleansings of the 20th Century as described below, these groups may be of interest. Hopefully the discussions will remain constructive as well as informative. The European-Expellees Expellees * EUEEP * EUFV * UESE group describes itself as follows (click here to visit their site): Flight, expulsion, ethnic cleansing, banishment and exile are fates suffered by millions of Europeans in the 20th century and represent a widespread political phenomenon in the world up to this day. This group is intended to serve as…
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Family friends…
Who says genealogy is not full of surprises? Well, not me! Over the past few months I have had the wonderful good fortune of coming into to contact with two magnificent people (families). One of them grew up near the village(?) where my grandmother (Frieda Senger) was born and raised- Pietzkendorf. The other has been a family friend for more than 250 years and now lives in Dakar, Senegal. I am truly amazed that this website and my genealogical efforts have introduced me to both Rainer and Hans; or more precisely, these efforts have made it possible for us to find each other. All three of us and our families…
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Wasserstrasse, Elbing
On the 22nd of October, 2010, I received an email from a long-time (since 1762) family friend (more on that later). Rainer and his family were in Poland looking at the alte Heimatland. AND… they had been to visit the street where my mother lived as a teenager with her Onkel Robert and Tante Olga. The email I received contained these photos. I was visiting with my mother when the photos arrived. Es war wirklich eine Ueberraschung! (It was truly a surprise!) Meine Mutter war sehr froh alles wieder zu sehen (My mother was happy to see everything again.). She had not seen her Onkel’s house since the mid- 1940s,…
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A Banner Day!
11 months to the day from when we began ‘full-scale’ usage of WordPress on ManyRoads, we were graced by our 50,000 visitor. 13 November 2010 is truly a landmark day for ManyRoads. Unfortunately, we do not know the name of our 50,000 visitor; however, we do know that they have visited us some 81 times before. We also know that their Internet Service Provider is located in Redwood, California. During the past 11 months, we hope you have found our information helpful and even a bit fun. It has been a learning experience for us; one we plan to continue working on down the road. We extend our sincere thanks…
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NDR Flucht & Vertreibung Geschichten- Expulsion Histories
Flucht und Vertreibung Geschichten von Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR). German Expulsion histories broadcast and published by North German Radio (NDR). Damals in Ostpreußen: Die Geschichte einer Region Flucht und Vertreibung Flucht bei Minus 20 Grad
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Hermann Hesse & Genealogy
On planes I often spend time reading ebooks. Generally they are of the less current, more esoteric variety. Recently I read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse; the story describes the spiritual journey of a boy from the Indian subcontinent during the time of the Buddha. As I read the tale, I noticed I was not only reading about the journey of Siddhartha but also a story that related to my genealogy efforts. What follows are quotes from Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha relating to what I have seen and learned while searching for my family… I’m telling you what I’ve found. Knowledge can be conveyed, but not wisdom. It can be found, it…
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GPS & Genealogy
Should genealogy rely on GPS data? When I recently heard the query, it gave me pause especially since people seemed pretty agitated over the point. I have to admit, it does seem that the value of GPS data is a point worth pondering, at least for a little while. It is probably worth noting that commercial GPS is really only about 10 years old and is primarily a US national system for establishing global location. To quote the ever popular Wikipedia: GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. Government as a national resource. Also, there are at least two competing and one non-competing GPS system online or soon to…
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Traditional Genealogical Sources #1
What is a traditional genealogical source? To me that seemed to be a good question. So naturally, I Googled the term ‘Traditional genealogical source’ to see what I would find. The first item I came up with was the topic of a January/February 2003 issue of Ancestry Magazine by Mark Howells: Tombstone inscriptions have been a source of genealogical information for centuries. I could see tombstone inscriptions as being considered normal and traditional. Although with the way my brain works, I could also see that tombstones might rapidly be coming passe. As the article itself describes, today’s headstones are nothing like those of yesteryear. Strangely, to me anyway, the next…
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Genealogy & PC Operating Systems
Which Operating system is best? Mac, Linux, Windows? Well aside from the inaccuracy of the phraseology in the above query, this is a question I often see discussed, debated, and fought with religious fervor. Truth of the matter is quite simple. Use the operating system you like best- for me that means Linux. For you, well, you get to to pick. However, when making the choice of one operating system over another, people seem to believe they are forced to leave everything about their previous (or simply another) operating system behind. In the genealogy space that often means, a move to Mac or Linx from Windows confounds people as to…
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9 October Presentation- Parker Genealogical Society
I am pleased to inform everyone that the presentation on 9 October 2010 went quite well. We had 15 folks in attendance. As always, the discussions were lively and interesting. You may notice from the photo, we are a very young and energetic bunch! Oh, and I am getting thinner every day – I mean hair-wise, of course. A copy of the presentation is available for free download: Quebec Genealogy
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Quebec Historical Documents & Newspapers- Quebec Research Tip #3
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Frieda Senger Birth Record!
Thursday the 7 October 2010 was one of those spectacular days for a family genealogist! I went to the Parker Family History Center to do research in the Ladekopp/ Pietzkendorf Evangelische Kirche records. I had no idea what, if anything I might find. What I found was both amazing and joyful. I found my grandmother’s baptismal record (birth record): Frieda Auguste Recht I also found the records for two of her siblings, Ella and Ernst and Otto (who died an infant). Ella Selma Recht Ernst Hermann Ferdinand Recht Based on the information I uncovered here is what I believe to be the situation. The Hermann Recht- Auguste Kunz family moved…
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Genealogy Song #1
Genealogy theme songs? While seeking a song on Youtube, I came across song that seems apropos to the genealogist and the search. […] And I took you by the hand And we stood tall, And remembered our own land, What we lived for. And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. […] I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
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Heimatsortskartei & a true history
By the end of WW2, the destruction of Germany was nearly total. Almost every city had been leveled; the remnants of families were scattered all over Germany, Europe, North and South America. Everyone had lost family members or friends. According to Wikipedia losses in the Third Reich were: Country Population 1939 Military deaths Civilian deaths Jewish Holocaust deaths Total deaths Deaths as % of 1939 population Austria 6,653,000 261,000 58,700 65,000 384,700 5.8 Germany (within 1937 borders) 69,310,000 4,456,000 700,000 to 2,284,000 160,000 5,316,000 to 6,900,000 7.7 to 9.9 Ethnic Germans from other nations 7,292,000 601,000 200,000 to 886,000 801,000 to 1,487,000 11.0 to 20.4 Soviet citizens in the German…
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Otto Wedhorn- Ella Recht Family
The Otto und Ella Wedhorn history is an unusually sad one. It is also one of resilience. Otto and Ella were Luise Senger’s Aunt and Uncle (Ella was sister to Frieda Recht). Our families had basically been lost to each other until 2011 when Norbert Grohmann contacted me here on ManyRoads. Otto Wedhorn was born on October 17, 1878, location under investigation. Ella Recht was born in Pietzkendorf, West Prussia on born: 21 Dec. 1896 – baptized: 21 Feb. 1897 The Wedhorn’s and their family, like the Senger’s, were severely impacted by World War 2; many did not survive. Here is what we know: Otto Wedhorn Senior was fortunate and…
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Quebec Genealogy
This is a copy of my Quebec Genealogy presentation delivered on 9 October 2010 at the Parker Genealogical Society in Parker, CO. You may download it to your PC or read it on-line below. The Download [download id=”13060″]
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Technology Advantages
Technology can and should be an crucial adjunct to your genealogical efforts. As a matter of fact, I contend that no effort is complete, nor can your genealogy efforts be fully effective, without effective technological support. The support can be as simple as using a word processor or as complex as writing large databases to manage and maintain your data, documents and images. As I am sure you are aware, today’s technology options are both extensive and cost effective. They can even be free. As a web developer and genealogist, I, personally, rely almost exclusively on OpenSource technologies. To give you a rough example of my software costs, I will…
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Russian Human Rights Memorials
While doing research today, I came across two affiliated human rights sites in Russia. Both seem interested in archiving, remembering, and teaching about oppression of the past and present in Russia and the old Soviet Union. Memorial Memorial is a movement which arose in the years of perestroika. Its main task was the awakening and preservation of the societal memory of the severe political persecution in the recent past of the Soviet Union. Memorial is a community of dozens of organizations in different regions of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Georgia. Memorial is a group of specialized research, human rights, and education centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and several other…
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Chelyabinsk, RU
Today while I was reviewing at the locations of the ManyRoads readers I came across, what for me was, a rather large surprise. ManyRoads had a reader from Chelyabinsk, RU. For those who follow the site closely, you will note that this is the same town where my Oma (grandmother) was forced to work for several years in one of Stalin’s Gulags as a slave laborer (then refered to as a mobilized German). I am very pleased to welcome the Chelyabinsk reader to ManyRoads. I hope they find the information presented here interesting and informative. Additional Information: Frieda Senger- Post WW2 Gulag Frieda Senger -Suchdienst & Soviet Records Chelyabinsk ITL…
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Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies
This is a copy of my Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies presentation delivered on: 16 Sept 2010 at the LDS Family History Center in Parker, CO. 16 April 2011 at the Castle Rock Genealogical Society in Castle Rock CO. You may download it to your PC or read it online below. The Download [download id=”358″] The Presentation Click on the link below to view the presentation. Survey of Genealogical Related Technologies
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Remembering the sorrow
What a cruel thing is war…to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world. Robert E. Lee Wars are destructive. The glory of war is an illusion. Wars accomplish little more than to cause death, heartache, pain, and loss. If you have read our family history, you will know that many family members have gone to war; fewer have returned. It matters not whether their cause was victorious or even remembered; their sacrifice was total. In honor of these family members and in the hope that their sacrifices are neither repeated nor forgotten, we dedicate two ballads…
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Thoughts on genealogy
Based on some very insightful and caring comments from an email friend and genealogist, today I have taken a pause to reflect. What do I mean when I wish people “pax vobiscum”; how does the world deal with difference, historical wrongs, reconciliation? Obviously there are no simple answers here but I do have some thoughts on these matters. When contemplating concepts such as pain, peace, family, tolerance I often read the writings of one of my favorite thinkers and authors- Thich Nhat Hanh. Today as I read, the following seem particularly relevant. on genealogy: If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and…
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Verda Marie Rich Henss
The following obituary was published in Mennonite Weekly Review: 8 Dec 1926 p. 7 Verda Marie Rich, wife of Paul Henss, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Rich, May 9th, 1905 near Crawfordsville, Iowa and departed this life in Wayland, Iowa, November 27, 1926 at the age of 21 years 6 months and 18 days. Early in life she was admitted to the Eicher Mennonite Church at Noble. Her Christ-like disposition won the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She graduated with honors from the Wayland High School with the class of ‘23. Two years ago the mother was taken from the home after which Verda,…
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Speaking at: Parker Family History Center
Tell your friends! It’s now official. I am pleased to announce that I will be speaking at the Parker (Colorado) LDS Family History Center. Meeting Location: Parker LDS Church Colorado 7160 E Bayou Gulch Rd Parker, Douglas, Colorado, United States Phone: 720-851-0916 My session will take place on 16 Sept. 2010. The presentation will run roughly from 7:15 pm until 8:15 pm (or military time: 1915-2015). The topic will be Surveying Genealogy Technology. I will post a link to the presentation on this site for those of you who are interested to download and read.
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Nine Questions About Friends (Quakers)
Numerous Henss forebears were devote Quakers. Robert Owen was even incarcerated for 5 and a half years for his beliefs and finally brought to the New World from Wales by William Penn. The following 9 Questions provide good insight into Quaker (Friends) traditions and beliefs. Who are the Quakers? Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends, a community which began in England about three hundred and fifty years ago. Friends were probably first called “Quakers” by a seventeenth-century judge who wanted to insult them; Friends, however, accepted the name. What do Quakers believe? Friends rely on direct experience of the Inner Light, which the Gospel According to John…
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Gerald Deyo
Gerald Deyo was one of the first US paratroopers trained in Panama, during World War 2. After his training, he became a member of the the 503 Parachute Battalion. Ultimately he attained the position of Jumpmaster. During the war, Gerald was based in Australia and fought mostly in New Guinea. On one of his jumps into New Guinea he was wounded by the enemy with a bayonet stab to his back, as he landed. this account was related by Fred Rabideau to Mark Rabideau and Linda Ziegler
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Clarence Deyo
Clarence Deyo spent most of World War 2 as a platoon Sargent in the Timberwolf Division fighting through France and into Germany. While in Northern France his platoon unwittingly captured a German payroll truck. After the capture, his squad got drunk and burned all the money to keep warm. Clarence’s most traumatic incident in the Second World War involved the killing of a German sniper, who had pinned down his platoon and was shot out of a tree. Upon examining the dead sniper, he discovered a pretty young French girl. That incident troubled and haunted him for the rest of his life. this account was related by Fred Rabideau to…
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Tools for date calculations
Date calculations are quite useful and necessary in doing genealogy work. If you are like me, I constantly need to count backwards and forward from one event to another: death to birth, birth to marriage, etc. I find this type of calculation is more necessary when there is a paucity of information and documentation available for a single person. Here are some links to help: Time & Date Calculator Date Calculator Page (Duke Univ.) Birth Date Calculator from ProGenealogists
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Erich Senger
Erich Senger was born in Zeyersvorderkampen, West Prussia on 10 Dec 1921 to Richard and Frieda Senger. He spent his youth growing up on the Senger farm along with his sister Luise. Erich was a mischievous, precocious and inventive child. As a children he and his sister Luise walked from their home across the Schulweg to attended a small public school in the village of Zeyer. When they were out of school they both helped work the farm, as best they could. However as with most children their love was with their pets, a chicken and a little dog named Fifi. Among his early childhood adventures, Erich built a small…
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Archivalia
ManyRoads has been acknowledged as providing a helpful source of original Prussian & German archives and documentation by Archivalia. You may see our mention on their site. As perhaps most of you already know, it is our objective to be a provider of useful genealogical and historical information, especially with regards to those areas we research most heavily. Most of our information is readily available from our: Libraries Galleries Downloads If you know of information including documents, images, video or sound media that you believe would be a positive adjunct to our libraries, please use our contact page to let us know.
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Genealogy within context
Learning about your past, the past, any past requires an open mind and open eyes. An attention to detail, circumstances, and motivation are crucial. Preconceived notions, biases and wishes need to be set aside so that a clear and open mind is available to absorb the scenery. As an Frank Zappa once said: A mind is like a parachute- it works best, when open. Over the past few months, I have come into contact with a fair amount of web traffic, email and other-wise, where it seems, to me anyway, that many people are operating with a “closed parachute”. It seems to me that many conversants seem to be operating…
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