Grinda Josephine (Hanson) Van Allen  had a life full of challenges, including becoming a step-mother to six, including teenagers, when she was only fifteen, losing her husband when she was 29, and almost losing her young daughter at the same time.  These were only a few of the challenges in Grinda’s life.   The Early Years Grinda Josephine (Hanson) Van Allen was born February 4, 1885 in Richwood, Wisconsin.  She was the daughter of Magnus

  What happened between 1905 and 1910 that caused Delarma Lawrence McCracken to suddenly report his age as several years older?   The Early Years Delarma Lawrence McCracken was born to Lemuel Lawrence McCracken, my great-great grandfather, and Sarah Dufer, Lemuel’s first wife, in Lee County, Iowa.  Lemuel and Sarah had married September 23, 1854.   Prior to their marriage, Lemuel was living in Montrose Township, which lies adjacent to Jefferson Township, along its southern border.

  Was the first known Passco/Pasco Peelle really named Isaac?  Where did the name Passco come from?  And, why did it stick being a family name for generations?   The Early Days Robert (b. 1709) and his wife Elizabeth (Edgerton) Peelle, my 5th great grandparents, were Quakers.  They married in 1728, likely in Nansemond County, Virginia.  Following the tradition of previous generations, they perpetuated the name Robert by giving that name to their first son. 

  It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. This one is also worth a thousand memories.  Not only did my ancestors and other relatives live in and around Hiattville from its earliest days, I have fond memories of visiting that very building shown in the photograph.   The Photograph The photo was taken sometime after A.M. Routh rebuilt his store following the Hiattville fire of 1905, which devastated many of the

  As 2025 begins, years of research have already passed, DNA tests have been done, stories have been written, records have been found, and mysteries have been solved.  However, much more remains to be done.  This article takes a look at the current state of my research as the year begins with an update on my special projects, which dig deep into DNA and traditional genealogy.   The Family Tree Evolves Every year my family