Category: genealogy

  • Ambrose’s Choice: One Letter, a Lifetime of Change

    Ambrose’s Choice: One Letter, a Lifetime of Change

    Ambroise Abraham Richard, born in 1815 in a French-Canadian community in Québec, faced significant choices shaped by political unrest and personal circumstances. His decision to migrate for land and opportunity in Ontario led to cultural adaptation and the anglicization of his surname to Richards, impacting his descendants’ identity and legacy profoundly.

  • Basketball’s Inventor and My Family: A Shared Heritage

    Basketball’s Inventor and My Family: A Shared Heritage

    The author reflects on their family’s history, particularly how their ancestors, the McKenzies, were part of the Scottish community in Ramsay Township, Ontario, where Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, spent his formative years. Through genealogy research, she discovers that their families lived as neighbors, attended the same school, and participated in local events.…

  • On Genealogy: Part III – The Loyalist, The Spy, and The American Revolution

    On Genealogy: Part III – The Loyalist, The Spy, and The American Revolution

    The author recaps their ancestors’ roles as Loyalists in the American Revolution, primarily focusing on Joseph Hicks who entered the war at the age of 14, who endured personal tragedy, and ultimately settled in Canada, leaving a lasting legacy in his wake.

  • On Genealogy: Part II – The Loyalists, The Spies, and the American Revolution

    On Genealogy: Part II – The Loyalists, The Spies, and the American Revolution

    Edward Hicks Jr. was captured during the Revolutionary War and faced a rebel court martial. Despite being captured, he managed to escape to British lines. After the war, he settled in Ontario and obtained official recognition as a United Empire Loyalist, securing land grants for his family.

  • On Genealogy: Part I – The Loyalists, The Spies, and The American Revolution

    On Genealogy: Part I – The Loyalists, The Spies, and The American Revolution

    In the first part of this compelling three-part series, I embark on an ancestral journey honoring my 6x great-grandfather, 5x great-grandfather, and 5x great-grand-uncle. These remarkable men were unwavering supporters of King George III during the American Revolution, facing ultimate trials of loyalty. Personal and passionate, my quest to unravel their lives during this tumultuous…

  • On Genealogy: Did My 3x Gramma Meet the Infamous Lizzie Borden?

    On Genealogy: Did My 3x Gramma Meet the Infamous Lizzie Borden?

    The Lizzie Borden case has gripped the public imagination for years, with its layers of mystery and unanswered questions. As I researched my family history, I discovered a connection to Fall River, Massachusetts, where Lizzie Borden made history. My ancestors, Napoleon, and Georgina, lived there alongside the Bordens, shaping the city’s industrial growth. Despite their…

  • On Genealogy:  My Irish ‘Patrick James Mullen’ Eyes are Smiling

    On Genealogy:  My Irish ‘Patrick James Mullen’ Eyes are Smiling

    After researching my Irish roots through my 2x grandfather, Patrick James Mullen, updated DNA origins revealed narrowed Irish ethnicity to approximately 6%. Despite extensive research and connecting with distant relatives, uncovering details about my Mullen ancestors remains a challenge due to the commonality of the name and the inconsistencies in historical records. Additionally, the varied…

  • On Genealogy: My Scottish Roots: The McKenzies and Leckies of Lanark County

    On Genealogy: My Scottish Roots: The McKenzies and Leckies of Lanark County

    My recently received updated DNA estimates prompted me to document my proud Scottish heritage. My Scottish roots include the Leckie and McKenzie families, with ancestors immigrating to Canada. The Leckies had ties to Lanark, while the origin of the immigrating McKenzie family is still unclear. The two families merged through Andrew McKenzie II marrying Agnes…

  • On Genealogy: His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York & Me

    On Genealogy: His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York & Me

    Blogger Reveals Royal Connection and Prince Andrew’s Troubles The blogger casually mentions their link to the Royal Family, downplaying its significance due to widespread Anglo-Saxon ancestry. As Prince Andrew faces legal issues, the blogger discusses their familial tie and the absurdity of such distant relations. Meanwhile, the Duke of York settles a lawsuit over alleged…

  • On Genealogy:  The Life of WWI Pte. Émile Lamothe

    On Genealogy: The Life of WWI Pte. Émile Lamothe

    This post is an update to a genealogy blog about Émile Lamothe, covering his life and military service during WWI. Born in 1897 in Bonfield, Ontario, Émile was drafted into the 1st Depot Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment in 1918. His short stature and single status classified him as Class One, Category A2. Despite limited…

  • On Genealogy:  MY Relation to Ezra CORNELL – Founder of Cornell University

    On Genealogy: MY Relation to Ezra CORNELL – Founder of Cornell University

    This post delves into my surprising ancestral connection to Ezra Cornell, a prominent figure in American history. As a fifth cousin six times removed or a seventh great uncle’s second cousin twice removed, Ezra Cornell was a key figure in the establishment of Cornell University and Western Union. Despite facing hardships, including expulsion from the…

  • Rh- Alien Blood, Royal Blue Bloods, and My Lineage to King John I

    Rh- Alien Blood, Royal Blue Bloods, and My Lineage to King John I

    The post discusses the significance of blood types, particularly Rh- blood, and its potential connection to an ancient alien civilization. It delves into the history of blood typing, the role of RhoGAM injection in pregnancies, and the theory that Rh- individuals may possess “alien DNA.” The post also explores the lineage of US Presidents and…

  • On Genealogy:  MY ROYAL CONNECTION to King Louis VIII of France

    On Genealogy: MY ROYAL CONNECTION to King Louis VIII of France

    I’ve always thought I was special — a princess, you might say — and now I have a little weight behind it: my 24th great-grandfather was King Louis VIII of France. This discovery has set my whole genealogical journey on a wild new path, linking me all the way back to the Plantagenets, the royal…

  • On Genealogy:  My Connection to Explorer, Louis Joliet!

    On Genealogy: My Connection to Explorer, Louis Joliet!

    It’s dreary and rainy out today, and I don’t wanna get out of bed.  Since I am taking a bit of a break from traveling, I thought I’d focus more so on the Genealogy part of my blog … I still have so many lines that I need to “EXPLORE”. I select which one to…

  • On Genealogy:  Updated DNA Ethnicity Estimate

    On Genealogy: Updated DNA Ethnicity Estimate

    As you know, I’m a genealogy nut, or more like nerd. I love working on my family tree, although in the past 6-8 months I’ve barely looked at it more or less worked on it. I can’t even remember the last genealogy blog I posted (hang on let me check — other than a quick…

  • On Genealogy: The English LEE Side of ME …

    On Genealogy: The English LEE Side of ME …

    The blog focuses on the author’s English roots, particularly the Lee family from Yorkshire. It describes their blue-collar lifestyle in Meltham Mills, Gramma Sally’s origins, her struggles as an orphan, marriage during WWII, and immigration to Canada as a war bride. The narrative highlights family life, challenges, and memories until her passing in 1993.

  • On Genealogy: Willis Carrier – One COOL Dude!

    On Genealogy: Willis Carrier – One COOL Dude!

    I haven’t written a blog on genealogy in what feels like a long while.  We’ve been going through a bit of a heat wave in Southwestern Ontario the last few days, it’s cooler and less humid today at around 25 Celsius.  For the better part of the last week, it has been hitting near 40…

  • On Genealogy:  The Loyalist, The Spy and The American Revolution

    On Genealogy: The Loyalist, The Spy and The American Revolution

    I took a bit of a break from my close relatives because I found another interesting leaf hint and decided to follow it.  I saw this one before, but, I felt I would have to do a lot of research so I passed.  Then I came across something else on the same person and decided…

  • On Genealogy: Filles du roi – Descendant of Jeanne-Claude De Boisandré

    On Genealogy: Filles du roi – Descendant of Jeanne-Claude De Boisandré

    Who Are the Filles du roi?  Most Canadians are familiar with the King’s Daughters’/Filles du roi, especially those with French descent. If you aren’t familiar, they were some 700 women who arrived in the colony of New France (Canada) between 1663 and 1673, under the financial sponsorship of King Louis XIV of France. Most were…

  • On Genealogy: My Ancestor Was an “Afflicted” in the Salem Witch Trials!

    On Genealogy: My Ancestor Was an “Afflicted” in the Salem Witch Trials!

    The author reflects on their ancestral connection to the Salem Witch Trials, particularly focusing on Elizabeth Weston, who accused Lydian and Sarah Dustin of witchcraft. The trials, rooted in Puritan beliefs and societal pressures, led to miscarriages of justice, exemplified by Lydia’s tragic death despite her acquittal, highlighting the historical significance of words and accusations.

  • On Genealogy: Exploring My Grandfather’s WWII Journey- Benjamin George Richards

    On Genealogy: Exploring My Grandfather’s WWII Journey- Benjamin George Richards

    Hello and welcome to my newest genealogy blog! Today, I want to share the story of my grandfather, Benjamin George Richards, and his remarkable life, with a particular focus on his service during the Second World War as a Canadian soldier. A few years ago, I requested a copy of Grampa’s military records from the…

  • On Genealogy: Story of WWI Pte. George V. Lee – KIA

    On Genealogy: Story of WWI Pte. George V. Lee – KIA

    Welcome to story #2 of my family tree.Today, I’m going to share with you the story of my paternal grandmother’s father’s brother – my Great Grand Uncle, George Victor Lee, who was killed in action (KIA) in The Great War. Researching George’s Story For this story you’re going to have to stretch your memory all…

  • On Genealogy:  The First Franco-Indigenous Marriage in New France to How I’m Related to Louis Joliet

    On Genealogy: The First Franco-Indigenous Marriage in New France to How I’m Related to Louis Joliet

    The author shares their deep obsession with genealogy, tracing their family lineage back to figures from colonial New France, including Olivier Le Tardif and the first documented marriage between a French settler and an Indigenous woman. They highlight personal connections to ancestors and emphasize the journey of understanding heritage through history.