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Every family has stories. Some are well-worn tales passed down through generations, while others are fragments — half-remembered, scattered like leaves caught in the wind. My book, Gathering More Leaves, Volume I, was born out of a desire to collect those fragments, to preserve them before they were lost, and to weave them into something meaningful for both my family and anyone who values history, … Continue reading Gathering More Leaves
Almost 25 years ago, a fellow researcher in Belgium shared with me some information regarding my 6x great-grandfather, Jacques De Backer (1686-1764) who became a Bourgeoisie foraine by buying his citizenship in the town of Ronse. My correspondent told me that the source for this information was “familiearchief de backer” (De Backer Family Archive) records that were digitized by Herman Van Isterdael in 2001. I … Continue reading Familiearchief de Backer
About twenty years ago, I corresponded with a fellow researcher over in Belgium. He was a descendent of Andreas Mollaert, the brother of Marie Catherina Josepha Mollaert, first wife of my 4x great-grandfather, Andreas De Backer. (I am a descendent of Andreas and his 2nd wife). In one email he sent to me the images of a three page document written Flemish and explained to … Continue reading Agreement Between Andreas De Backer and Andreas Molleart (1788)
Had artificial intelligence been around in the 1990s, I probably would have retired as a PBX installer instead of becoming a software developer—not that there is anything wrong with that! But history took a different path. My interest in tracing my family history spans nearly 50 years, ignited by Alex Haley’s landmark miniseries, Roots, which aired over eight consecutive nights in January 1977. I have … Continue reading AI assisted genealogy: Van Coppemolle Branch
I believe this information will be of great interest to my DeBacker cousins. I recently discovered that there was a much higher frequency of intermarriage among cousins within our Belgian lineage than I had previously realized. Currently, I am working on a video series intended for my grandchildren to watch when they grow older. These videos feature me walking them through our family tree on … Continue reading DeBacker Cousins
The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a milestone I eagerly anticipated. This celebration holds deep personal significance for me, particularly as my genealogical research over the last few years has uncovered several ancestors who served in the struggle for independence in various capacities. Over the past few years, I discovered that I have a total of ten ancestors who were documented as participating … Continue reading A Revolutionary Idea
I asked Google Gemini to tell me about an ancestor on my mother’s-side of our family, the Rev, John Rogers, Proto-martyr of the Marian Persecution in 1555, and here is their response: The Reverend John Rogers was indeed the “proto-martyr” of the Marian Persecutions—the very first person executed under the revived heresy laws of Queen Mary I. His execution on February 4, 1555, at Smithfield … Continue reading Rev, John Rogers, Proto-martyr
I went looking for my father’s military records thinking that I won’t learn anything new. I found his draft registration from 1948, two years before the start of the Korean War. To put things into perspective the Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when the Korean People’s Army (KPA), equipped and trained by the Soviets, launched an invasion of the south. In the absence … Continue reading David DeBacker Draft Registration (1948)
My mother’s great-grandfather, George C. Spiegel, was a German-born seegarmaker who joined the US army in October 1862 as a private in Company E of the 58th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment (XI Corps). He was 23 years old at the time. The 58th was known as the “Polish Legion” and also the “International Regiment.” I sent the following prompt to Gemini and asked it … Continue reading George C. Spiegel – Seegarmaker and Soldier
I have an ancestor who was at the Battle of Stones River. His name was Frank Gaume and he was with Co. I of the 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry under the command of Major Manderson . With this information is it possible to place his whereabouts during the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee on Dec 31, 1862 to Jan 3, 1863? Yes, it is … Continue reading Frank Gaume & the Battle of Stones River
This history is in regard to my father’s 5X great-grandfather, Samuel Stearnes, who was at the Battle of Monmouth on 28 June 1778. Lately, I’ve been using AI more and more to help me sort through questions about family history and history in general. It’s become a really handy way to explore ideas, check facts, and think through problems from different angles. Sometimes I’ll even … Continue reading Samuel Stearnes (Starnes) & the Battle of Monmouth
Gathering Leaves 