Finding Our Roots
For over 30 years we have been researching our family's past. It's a never-ending process, much like putting together a massive jigsaw puzzle. With each discovery, learning a little more about our ancestors' lives, unearthing hidden stories and celebrating their resilience. Along the way we have enjoyed interacting with many distant cousins and have come to understand that there are thousands of people living today with whom we share some piece of our family trees.
Our mission? To trace the footsteps of those who embarked on transformative journeys during the last 200 years, leaving their European homelands behind to forge new paths across the ocean in a new land. Join us as we unravel the mysteries, honor their legacies, and seek to identify every immigrant ancestor who shaped our family tree. Together, we'll bridge the gap between generations and celebrate the rich diversity that binds us.
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Rich's father was born the 3rd of January 1924, but tragically died at the young age of 43. His children never had the opportunity to know him as adults, and his grand-children and great grandchildren know even less of him. This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth, we will be focused on bringing his story to life so that these descendants can learn more about him and carry his memory forward.
The Tulpehocken Settlement in the northwest part of Berks County, Pennsylvania, is the cradle for Rich's Thomas family line in America. Our ancestors settled this area and interacted with the native American Lenni Lenape who previously lived there, both in peace and terror. This includes our first ancestor to arrive in America in 1710. An historic Provincial fort was located on one of our ancestor’s lands, and the descendants of a group of neighbors here formed a significant part of our family tree.
Rich's ancestors came from Germany (from the Rheinland to Bravaria), Switzerland, France, England, Scotland and Wales. Here are the stories of their homeland and how they made the dangerous trek to a new world. Many were just teenagers traveling on their own. What attraction of opportunities were driving them to take on such an undertaking?
Each of the tabs below provide links to our grandparents. Click on them to examine their ancestral heritage, stories, supporting documentation and photos.
Born: 22 June 1890, Shamokin, Northumberland Co., PA
Died: 23 August 1954, Newtown Square, Delaware Co., PA
Bill married Mildred Rodenberger about 1915, who died in August 1916 giving birth to their first child (Donald). In 1917 he married Ruth Sarah Davis, and together they had 6 children over the next ten years.
He was a private in the U.S. Army during WWI, serving France and Germany (mostly post-war peace keeping). He was well known while living in Shamokin as the Scout Executive for the area Boy Scouts. However, after the Great Depression the population of Shamokin was decreasing and the Boy Scouts were unable to maintain a paid Commissioner. In 1936, the Thomas family moved to Littlestown, PA, where he worked in a furniture factory. Ultimately, he relocated to Newtown Square, PA, near Philadelphia, and worked as an assembler in a General Electric assembly plant until the time of his death. His daughter Dorothy described his personality as being very mild enjoyed working with children.
Born: 8 April 1892, Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co., PA
Died: 9 December 1980, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., PA
Ruth married William Edgar Thomas in 1917, and together they had 6 children.
Ruth had a dominant personality and ruled the house as described by her daughter Dorothy. She had started working in a clothing factory in Shamokin at age 14, and later worked as a salesperson to assist Dorothy in getting through college. He 2 daughters never married and continued to live with her.
Born: 10 April 1903, Manheim Twp., York Co., PA
Died: 22 April 1970, Hanover, York Co., PA
Ira married Esther May Gotwalt in October 1923 and together they had 4 children.
He attended school through the 4th grade and grew up working on the family farm. After getting married, worked as a florist in a greenhouse. Ultimately, he was a house carpenter and even built his own house. He had a side career of sharpening blades of all sorts (knives, saw blades, even lawn mowers) for people who would bring their items to his workshop in the basement of his home.
Born: 13 October 1905, North Codorus Twp., York Co., PA
Died: 22 March 1992, Hanover, York Co., PA
Esther married Ira Milton Mummert in October 1923, a week after her 18th birthday. Together they raised a family of 4 children.
She attended school through the 8th grade and like her husband, had grown up on a farm. After the children were in school, she worked as a laundress out of their home, and later worked as a housekeeper for a local wealthy family. She was able to pan-fry round steak to an incredibly tender state.
Born: 1 August 1897, Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY
Died: 5 May 1982, Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY
Harry married Lillian Bond in March of 1925, and together they had 3 children, one of whom died at age 1.
Born: 10 May 1902, Liverpool, England
Died: 18 September 1986, Rockville, Montgomery Co., MD
Lillian arrived in the United States in 1905 and married Harry Schwartz in March of 1925, and together they had 3 children, one of whom died at age 1.
T.B.D.
Born: Bet. 1892-1893, Austria
Died: 6 Mar 1952, Brooklyn, NY
Morris immigrated to the United States in 1914 and married Tillie Segal in October 1915. Together they had 5 children.
T.B.D.
Born: 8 April 1895, Toporow, Austria
Died: 23 May 1965, North Hempstead, Nassau Co., NY
Tillie arrived in the United States in 1913 and married Morris Gold two years later. Together they had 5 children.
T.B.D.
Family history and genealogy are vital for understanding our personal identity and cultural heritage. They provide a window into the past, revealing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. By exploring our lineage, we gain a sense of belonging and continuity, connecting us to a lineage that has shaped the world we live in today. It's not just about names and dates; it's about discovering the human narratives that have been woven into the fabric of history. Knowing our family history can foster a sense of pride and resilience, as we learn how our forebears overcame challenges and contributed to society. It can also inform us of inherited traits and health issues, allowing us to make informed decisions about our well-being. Ultimately, genealogy is a journey of self-discovery, providing a unique story that belongs to us and can be passed down to future generations. Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/24/2024
We've been researching this family name for over 30 years. I found lots of information at the Archives, but once the internet exploded with genealogy, many more doors have been opened for me to research.
If you have something you would like to add or if you would like to submit documents for inclusion on this web, please let me know.
You can use this area for a short sentence before the surname cloud.
We make every effort to document our research. If you have something you would like to add, please contact us.
