Caroline Milberg was the first born of my eight second great-grandmothers. It becomes ever more difficult to research the ancestors as we go back in time, and this is particularly true of our female relatives. As I’ve worked on the family history, I’ve become acutely aware of how little I know about my distant grandmothers. … Continue reading Caroline Milberg

Johann Carl Heinrich Herbst (John Charles Henry Herbst as reported on his death certificate) was born April 13, 1822 in Luttrum, Germany. In public records throughout his long life he is referred to as Carl, Charles, and John.  His surname, which means “autumn” or “fall” in German, is sometimes spelled with a “p” and in later years … Continue reading John Charles Henry Herbst

My dad’s paternal grandmother, Lillie Caroline Herpst, was born in Butler, Montgomery County, Illinois, on December 1, 1868. Lillie’s German-born parents were John Charles Henry Herpst and Caroline Milberg. Lillie was the third of nine children born to John and Caroline, all girls except the oldest and the youngest. Lillie also had six older half-siblings … Continue reading Lillie Caroline Herpst