Welcome to Family Finds
An Adventure in Genealogy
In addition to stories about my ancestors, I share tips for conducting online family history research. Genealogy is a great past time, join me on my journey to uncover and document my ancestors lives.

Nearly Forgotten
When I research an ancestor who has very few identifiable records, I think how sad that they are lost to history, or nearly forgotten. George Koontz, 1806-18??, is one…
Luck
I wonder how my ancestors avoided becoming infected with the 1918 influenza. Would it be luck?
Strong Woman
My great grandmother, Ella Anne Rumple 1867-1962, experienced many hard times, she was a woman who drew on her experience to keep her family together, a strong woman.
Family Disaster
A family disaster can happen in the blink of an eye. The tragic loss of a parent can change everything for a child, and their descendants.
Favorite Discovery
My favorite discovery is finding the common ancestors shared by my parents. Don’t be alarmed, the common ancestors are 10 generations removed.
Same Name
I get excited when I discover an ancestor with the same name as a friend, or co-worker, or neighbor. Maybe we are related!
So Far Away
My great-uncle Frank immigrated to the United States from Japan in 1905 to further his education, so far away
Close to Home
My grandparents. Earl and Pearl, met at church, close to home, in 1914,
Long Line
It occurs to me that genealogy could be analogous to the mathematical theory of long line topology.
William and Uva Lafara: Favorite Photo
I have many favorite photos among my collection of family artifacts. Currently, my favorite photo is of two little children from 1916 who were a complete mystery to me until last spring.