James J. Halvis (1896-1987) was my 1st cousin 3x removed. Until now there had been an unclear connection between his family and my own Halvangis line. Here is the story of how this Greek mystery was solved.

Hunched, paint brush in hand, this older man casts his own shadow on the side of the building he is painting. Who is he and what is his story?

Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957) was my 1st cousin 3x removed. He has, perhaps, the coolest name in my family tree. This is his story.

If born just a few weeks earlier than her February 17, 1900 birthday, Ida Rhoads Sears (1900-2002) would have achieved the rare distinction of having lived in three different centuries! This is her story.

A lovely family portrait, this cabinet card appears to be the family of Moses (1844-1917) and Fannie Raisor Devore (1855-1926). Can you help me find and tell their story?

James William Halvangis (1920-1973), my maternal grandfather, was the only one of my four grandparents who died before I was born. I’ve enjoyed “meeting” him through photographs. I hope you will too.

An early 1900s postcard sent between cousins. Can you help me find and tell their stories?

The beard of David Costlow (1853-1924) is a soft and greying cloud in active weather. David’s calm eyes rest contemplatively above a yard that teeters tenuously between kempt and neglect.

This is Bernice Smith of Springfield, Missouri. She’s the daughter of Elmer and Lizzie Smith; sister of Thelma. I found her photo. Can you help me find her story?

“I Christopher Adkins, of Epsom, in the County of Daviess, and State of Indiana, merchant, being of sound and disposing mind and memory …” - I believe this to be the last will and testament of my 4th great grandfather, Christopher Adkins (1825-1887).

Military man and New Yorker John Chrisville puts on shoes outside a temple. But where? Can you help me find out?

Marie Zuchowska Pawlowski was my 2nd great grandmother. Born around 1851 in what is present day Poland, she came to the U.S. with her husband, Baltazar, in 1907. They settled in Detroit, MI to join their children. This is her story.

This 1911 postcard is delightful for two reasons: the beautiful pastel drawing and the extremely legible handwriting. Can you help me tell the stories of Ida, Wilber, and Stella?

In 1925 two recent Greek immigrant brothers, Nicholas and Angelos Tsardoulias, purchased and began operating the Hotel James in Greenville, Ohio. They are likely cousins of mine. This is their story.

Illinois boy, Charles Shauk, wears a unique outfit. Can you help me tell his story?

Letterman (1942) of the Saint Michael High School Basketball team in Flint, MI and my grandfather, Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015). This is his story.

A boy, Hans Joachim Röda, and his Christmas (Germany, 1928).

How I decided to hire expert genealogy help to research my Greek roots: The story of my 2nd great uncle, Sophocles Tsardoulias (1895-1895).

A moustache like this just needs to be shared! Check out these vintage photographs of mustachioed and bearded men!

Agnieszka “Agnes” Szaroleta Grzeskowiak (1854-1918) was my 2nd great grandmother. She was married to my 2nd great grandfather, Albert Grzeskowiak (1849-1931). They came to the U.S. from Poland in the early 1880s and settled in Detroit, MI.

“Being Good is Such A Lonesome Job” - A 1908 postcard from Elsie Crothers Lamb to her husband George. Can you help me find their relatives?

Laverne Rhoads Vallance (1899-1962) had four stillborn babies (one set of twins) between 1922 and 1924 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. These were her only children. Here are their stories.

Joseph Costlow (1855-1932), a lifetime bachelor of Cambria Count, PA, was my 3rd great uncle. He died, seemingly alone, from complications of his alcoholism. This is his story.

From my personal collection, this photograph shows several of the Cambria County, PA Rhoads men in my family tree. Here are their stories.

This is the story of my 3rd great aunt, Rebecca Rhoads Seese (1859-1940).

A 1913 postcard picturing a smiling watermelon wearing a top hat and bow tie. Beneath him are the words: “I’m Your Melon Honey”.

Tragically, Anthony Karatzis (Karr) was struck and killed by an automobile before his 5th birthday. This is his story.

A mature man well into his 80s sports white hair and a thin, wispy, beard. His leathery hands carry a cane as he sits in a carved wooden chair. Who is he and what is his story? 

My 1st cousins, 2x removed, Chester Joseph Stuve (1913-1978) was "A good-natured fellow, an enthusiastic athlete, and a diligent student." Apparently his also had a strong neck. Here is his story as told through yearbook photos.

Two well dressed men with closemouthed smiles cast calm and friendly gazes towards the photographer. Germany around 1945.