Those Places Thursday: Naverstad, Sweden to Tacoma, Washington

This serene looking church in Naverstad, Västra Götaland County, Sweden is the parish where August Julius Olson was born on 17 January 1866 to the maiden Oleana Nilsdotter. No mention is made of Gus's father in the parish record. On his marriage license Gus gave his father's name as Ole Bryngel (circa 1896) and his birth place as … Continue reading Those Places Thursday: Naverstad, Sweden to Tacoma, Washington

Surname Saturday – Szczerba Family of Małopolskie, Poland

This is the Szczerba Coat of Arms of our Polish family, associated with the Rawa (Rawicz) families. It is a very ancient crest with over 460 Polish names. My grandmother's father was Piotra (Peter) Szczerba (1840-1882), born in Brazna, Malopolskie, Poland. Kraków, is the capital, but our Polish family comes from little villages south of … Continue reading Surname Saturday – Szczerba Family of Małopolskie, Poland

Doran Sisters – From Ireland to New Jersey – Those Places Thursday

This beautiful portrait is of Ellen "Nellie" Doran McVeigh Smythe Pearson (1884-1932) on the right, and it was most likely taken when she was a young woman in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The lovely linen blouses, and scarfs, accent their fair Irish complexions and gorgeous hair styles. They could be Gibson girl models. Since the photo … Continue reading Doran Sisters – From Ireland to New Jersey – Those Places Thursday