Emily J. Holmes was born around 1843 near Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. She sometimes used the nickname Emma. Whether Emily or Emma, she seemed to consistently use her middle initial “J” throughout her life, but I’ve not found a single document to tell us what the “J” stands for! Emily’s parents were Palmer Holmes, born in … Continue reading Emily J. Holmes
Myers
Caroline Milberg
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
Andrew J. Myers
Andrew J. Myers was born in about 1830 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Both of Andrew’s parents were born in the United States. Although I do not have definitive proof (yet!), I believe Andrew’s father was Henry Myers. His mother is unknown. DNA connections and genealogical research suggest that Andrew’s ancestors originally came to America … Continue reading Andrew J. Myers
John Charles Henry Herbst
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
Lillie Caroline Herpst
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
Henry A. Myers
My dad’s paternal grandfather, Henry A. Myers, was born in Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois, on May 26, 1867. Henry’s parents were Andrew J. Myers and Emily J. Holmes. Great-grandfather Henry was the second of four children. His older sister Minnie was born in 1866 and his younger brothers Albert and William were born in 1869 … Continue reading Henry A. Myers
Henry A. Myers, Jr.
My dad’s father, Henry A. Myers, Jr., was born in Peoria, Illinois on January 2, 1908, to Henry A. Myers, Sr. and Lillie Caroline Herpst. Grandpa Hank's birth record shows his middle name and his father’s as “Anderson,” but his was lined through and replaced with the initial “A”—I wonder if the correction was made at … Continue reading Henry A. Myers, Jr.
The Singing Oak 