“Family Archaeologist” explores a century of family letters, diaries, and artifacts, and how they illuminate history and our shared humanity. To get an overview of the blog, click “Welcome to Family Archaeologist.”
Missler Wallet with Josef’s Gärtz’s diary inside. Note: “Missler” was a ticket agent in Bremen, Germany, but for years people thought it was the name of this “ghostship.” Scroll down to the “Missler” link to learn more. I [...]
In 1910 Josef began a second book, this time the notebook in which I found his Military Draft notice handwritten on the first page. (See post, Drafted 100 Years Ago). After making some inquiries with Transylvanian natives, the consensus at [...]
Katarina (Schnell) Gärtz, Josef and hissister, Katarina. About 1902-03 When we asked my grandfather why he had come to America he always said, “Nothing from nothing makes nothing.” A little background may illuminate that statement. Like Lisi, he had [...]
Jickeli Household Help. Lisi Ebner seated 2nd from left. Mrs. Jickeli, center in black. This photo hung in my grandmother’s house for her entire life. The image has been carefully stylized to depict what women did in at [...]
Maria Schuster marries Samuel Ebner May 22, 1899recorded in the Church “Family Book” in Grosspold, Romania Samuel Ebner, my great-grandfather, did not remain a widower for long (see how my great-grandmother died at Life and Death Abbreviated). In May 1899, [...]