Andre Burner

It is a story of war, the complex borders of Europe, a staggering battlefield coincidence, and ultimately, reconciliation in America.

Standing on opposite sides of the line

My maternal grandfather, Sgt. James R. Mansfield, was a second-generation Irish immigrant whose family hailed from Tipperary. Filled with patriotic duty, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1918 and was among the first doughboys shipped over to France with the American Expeditionary Forces. He served as a medical professional in the 79th Infantry Division — a unit heavily engaged in some of the most brutal fighting of the war.

James Mansfield in France, 1918, wearing his gas mask (right)

Meanwhile, my paternal grandfather, Jean Burner, was living an entirely different reality in the Meuse region of France. Because of the complex history of Alsace-Lorraine — a region that constantly shifted between French and German administration — my grandfather and his family were caught in the crosshairs of identity.

“One time they were German, one time they were French,” I remember hearing.

Jean Burner, Andre’s paternal grandfather who fought in WWI in the German army

Because the region was under German control at the time, Jean was impressed—forcibly conscripted—into the Imperial German Army. He was a Frenchman at heart, forced to wear the uniform of Germany.

In the autumn of 1918, both of my grandfathers fought along the fronts in the Alsace and Meuse-Argonne sectors. As it turns out, during the ferocious Battle of Montfaucon, they were positioned within a single mile of each other. One was saving lives in an American uniform; the other was fighting for his survival in a German one.

I’m still not sure which one of them was the worse shot, but I am profoundly glad they both missed. If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here to tell this story today.

The distinguished service cross and a great escape

My grandfather Jim Mansfield survived the war as a decorated hero. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the United States’ second-highest military decoration for valor, for his extraordinary bravery in aiding wounded U.S. soldiers under heavy fire.

James R. Mansfield proudly wearing his Distinguished Service Cross medal

Looking at his old World War I photograph, with his overseas cap tilted just right and that beautiful cross-shaped medal pinned to his high-collared tunic, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. 

For my French grandfather, Jean, the aftermath of the war brought only bitterness. The region was exhausted by the constant tug-of-war between French and German cultural dominance. Jean was tired of the endless stories of conflict involving his grandfathers and great-grandfathers. 

Seeing the lingering animosity after Germany surrendered, Jean knew deep down that another war was coming. He realized it was just a matter of time. Seeking a fresh start, he chose to leave Europe behind, immigrating through Ellis Island in 1920.

Jean Burner arrived on board the ship La Touraine on February 7, 1920, as recorded line 17 in the ‘Ellis Island and Other New York Passenger Lists, 1820–1957’ collection.

Immigration record of Jean Burner arriving in the United States

Sadly, his predictions came true. Decades later during WWII, his own brothers back in Europe were forced into the German army. One tragically died in Russia in 1945, and another was interned in a French POW camp.

From adversaries to best friends

After arriving in the United States, Jean settled in Boston and became a master chef, working in some of the city’s largest hotels. He threw himself into the American Dream, emphasizing education and success for his children.

Jean became a master chef

However, the shadow of the war was long. In Boston, my father and uncle were strictly instructed never to speak German outside the house due to the lingering anti-German sentiment from World War I. Sadly, because they stopped speaking it, I never learned the languages properly, and today I find myself squinting at old French and German family documents, wishing I had pursued language studies.

Meanwhile, Jim Mansfield returned home to become a city clerk in Northampton, Massachusetts, later working for the state’s employment services.

Eventually, the universe pulled these two former battlefield adversaries into the exact same circles. Their children met and began dating. When Jean and Jim finally met as future in-laws, they began comparing notes about their time in France. They were stunned to discover that they had been less than a mile apart in the mud of Montfaucon.

Instead of holding onto past hatred, the two former enemies became the best of friends.

What being American means to me

A few years ago, I visited the World War I Museum in Kansas City. I happened to be there during the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. At the exact moment the war had ended a century prior, all the church bells began to ring. Standing there, listening to those bells, the emotional significance of what my grandfathers endured hit me like a wave.

My family went on to plant deep roots in America. My ancestors placed a massive emphasis on education, a tradition that continues today, as most of my family holds at least a college degree, working in education, medicine, or government. My own father went on to become a military veteran of World War II.

When I think about my Irish and French Alsatian heritage, I feel a strong desire to travel to those ancestral homes in Ireland and France to better understand the cultures they left behind.

But most of all, this journey has taught me what it truly means to be American. To me, it means having a profound respect for all those who served to preserve our freedom — and a deep gratitude for the American melting pot that could take two opposing soldiers from a battlefield in France and turn them into family.

Many thanks to MyHeritage user Andre Burner for sharing his grandfathers’ beautiful story with us. Explore more American Family Stories and discover how ordinary families experienced extraordinary moments in U.S. history on MyHeritage’s America 250 hub.

The post Less Than a Mile Apart: How Two WWI Foes Became Family in America appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Daniele Serena, currently based in Galway, Ireland, originally from Vicenza, Italy

Over time, I started building our family tree little by little, especially on my maternal grandparents’ side, whose roots are in the Salerno area of southern Italy.

Daniele with his mother and grandparents

During the pandemic, I decided to have my grandmother Anna take a DNA test. At the same time, winter arrived, and I spent long nights indoors scrolling through thousands of scanned pages from the State Archives of Salerno, available online for my grandparents’ hometowns. Every time I found someone connected to the family, I added them to the tree — you never know. Slowly, leaf by leaf, the tree began to grow.

A strange match from Florida

As the tree expanded, I started paying closer attention to my grandmother’s DNA matches. One of them immediately caught my attention: a man from the United States named Ralph. He had already passed away, but soon afterward I received a message through MyHeritage from his sister, Elizabeth, an older American woman living in Florida.

In her family tree was the surname Amato — a surname that also existed in mine. But we had no idea how the two families connected.

MyHeritage estimated that Elizabeth’s family and my grandmother shared ancestors several generations back, around the level of great-great-grandparents. In practical terms, their grandfathers had likely been first cousins. It was enough to make us curious.

We started writing through the MyHeritage inbox. Then we exchanged phone numbers. Over the following months, we spoke often, sharing every small discovery and every new clue. Sometimes one of her findings helped me understand where to dig deeper in the archives. Other times, my research helped her.

It felt strange at first, spending hours on the phone with someone on the other side of the ocean whom I had never met. But the excitement kept growing. Every little detail fed it.

Neither of us wanted to give up.

Finding the missing link

One night, while searching through the archives, I found the record that connected our families.

I still remember the feeling.

There, in front of me, was the missing link. We had finally identified the direct ancestor we shared in both of our family trees. The grandfather of their grandfathers.

The history had been reconstructed.

The relationship diagram between Elizabeth and Daniele’s grandmother, Anna Vaccaro

I immediately called Elizabeth. We were overjoyed. We weren’t just people with matching surnames anymore — we were relatives, and now we knew exactly why.

Elizabeth’s grandparents, Luigi Campanile and Maria Amato, had emigrated from southern Italy to the United States in 1900, eventually settling in New Jersey. My grandmother’s grandfather, Antonio Alfonso Vaccaro, was Maria’s first cousin. Though my grandmother never met him, she had always felt a strong connection to him.

Elizabeth’s grandparents with their children. Back row, left to right: Maria, Luigi, Frank (Elizabeth’s father); front row, left to right: younger children Rose, Jeanne, Mille, and Domenic

What amazed me most was how quickly strangers could begin to feel familiar. We had started as two people trying to solve a mystery, and somewhere along the way, we became friends.

A Christmas trip to the ancestral homeland

Then Elizabeth told me something incredible.

She and her son Brian had booked a Christmas trip to Italy to visit the land their family came from. It would be Elizabeth’s first time in Italy.

At the time, I was visiting my grandparents in Fondi (Latina) for Christmas, which is northwest of the Avellino area where Elizabeth’s maternal family had originated. I gave her the address, and she and Brian drove there to meet us.

It was unbelievable.

Daniele with Elizabeth and Brian

We spent a couple of hours together at my grandparents’ house. My grandparents didn’t speak English, but somehow it didn’t matter very much. We communicated through photos, gestures, smiles, and stories translated back and forth.

Elizabeth and Brian with Daniele’s grandparents

Elizabeth arrived carrying a booklet full of old family pictures. My grandmother brought out her own photographs in return.

Elizabeth shows Anna the family photo of her grandparents with their children

At one point, we even joked about whether we resembled each other.

And honestly, there really was a little resemblance.

It was strange finding parts of yourself in the face of a stranger.

My grandfather played the accordion during lunch. We laughed constantly. Elizabeth was lighthearted and warm. From the very beginning, it felt as if we had known each other for much longer than a single afternoon.

A family story restored

Later, Brian decided to remain in Italy permanently. Today, he lives in the medieval village of Montemiletto in the province of Avellino, not far from where his ancestors once lived before crossing the Atlantic. He works remotely and has built a life there, even growing olives with distant cousins on land that has belonged to the family for generations.

Sometimes I think about Maria Amato arriving in New York in June 1900 with her two young sons, carrying only $20 in her pocket while her husband waited for them in America. I wonder if she could ever have imagined that 121 years later, her descendants would reunite in Italy because of a DNA match.

Immigration record of Maria Amato, Elizabeth’s grandmother, with her two sons in June 1900

Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in October 2024, a little more than a year after that unforgettable meeting. We only met in person once, but we stayed in contact until the end of her life.

I will always be grateful that I had the chance to know her. It wouldn’t have happened without MyHeritage.

Many thanks to Daniele Serena for sharing his incredible story with us. If you have also made an amazing discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it! Please send it to us via this form or email it to us at stories@myheritage.com. 

The post I Reconnected With a Long-Lost Cousin Across the Atlantic Thanks to MyHeritage appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Answering the Lexington alarm

When the alarm sounded on April 19, 1775, announcing that British troops were marching toward Lexington and Concord, Norman Seaver answered the call. He was 41 years old, with a wife and at least 10 children at home, yet he left his farm to defend the patriot cause.

Norman served as a Sergeant in Captain Noah Miles’s company, which marched on the Lexington alarm to Cambridge and joined Colonel John Whitcomb’s regiment.

AI depiction of Norman mustering his troops

He served for 11 and a half days before returning home, noted in records as not having enlisted into the regular army.

Though his first service was brief, it came during one of the most critical moments of the Revolution’s opening days. Like thousands of other New England men, Norman helped form the citizen army that surrounded British forces in Boston and laid the foundation for what would become the Continental Army.

Rising through the ranks

Norman’s military service continued and advanced throughout the war.

In 1777, he served as an Ensign in Captain Francis Willson’s company in Colonel Danforth Keyes’s regiment, completing two separate terms of service — from June 27 to July 27, and from December 1, 1777, to January 3, 1778. Both rolls were dated at Providence, Rhode Island.

From 1778 to 1779, he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant in Captain Ebenezer Belknap’s company in Colonel Nathaniel Wade’s regiment, serving in Rhode Island from April 1, 1778, to January 3, 1779.

During this final term of service, muster rolls were taken at North Kingstown and East Greenwich, Rhode Island, documenting his presence on multiple dates throughout the fall and winter of 1778.

What strikes me most is that Norman’s military service was truly a family affair. Two of his sons — Benjamin and Isaac — also served in the Revolutionary War, as did his brothers Moses and Samuel Seaver. After the war ended, Norman may have been commissioned as a Captain in the militia, as he was styled “Captain” on both his death record and gravestone.

The grave of Captain Norman Seaver in Westminster, Massachusetts

A carpenter and respected member of the community

Military service was only one part of Norman’s life. In Westminster, Massachusetts, he was known as a skilled carpenter, a trade that supported his large family and contributed to the growth of his community.

One of his most significant projects involved Westminster’s second meetinghouse. Norman took the contract to enclose and shingle the building, an important responsibility that reflected both his craftsmanship and the trust placed in him by his neighbors. In colonial New England, the meetinghouse stood at the center of community life, serving as both a place of worship and a venue for town meetings.

His standing in the town is also reflected in his ownership of Pew No. 2 on the lower floor near the wall of the meetinghouse — a valuable property that cost between $31 and $66.

A tragic end

Sadly, Norman’s story ended unexpectedly.

On July 31, 1787, while working on the frame of the very meetinghouse he had contracted to finish, he fell and suffered fatal injuries. He died almost immediately at the age of 52.

A report on Norman Seaver’s death in the Boston Gazette, August 13, 1787. Source: OldNews.com

The loss must have deeply affected the Westminster community. Here was a Revolutionary War veteran, a skilled craftsman, a father of 13, and a respected community leader — gone in an instant while working in service of his town.

As I researched Norman’s life, I was struck not only by his military service but also by the everyday contributions he made to his family and community. He was one of countless ordinary Americans whose lives helped shape a new nation. His story reminds me that the Revolution was not built solely by famous generals and statesmen, but also by farmers, carpenters, fathers, and neighbors who answered the call when history came to their doorstep.

Today, more than two centuries later, I can still trace the outlines of that life through military records, town records, and family history. In doing so, I am reminded that the legacy of the American Revolution lives not only in the nation’s founding documents, but also in the lives of the people who helped make them possible.

Many thanks to genealogist Randy Seaver for sharing the story of his ancestor. Read a full biography of Norman Seaver on Randy’s blog, and explore more American Family Stories on MyHeritage’s America 250 hub.

The post My Ancestor Answered the Lexington Alarm and Helped Build a New Nation appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Featuring nearly 4 million historical records, this collection is a valuable resource for anyone researching RAF ancestors, exploring their family history, and building their family tree.

Key takeaways about the British Air Force lists

• The collection includes nearly 4 million RAF historical records from 1919–1945
• You can discover ranks, roles, honors, and career progression
• Many individuals appear across multiple years, helping you trace their service over time
• Both men and women are included in these records
• Searching with name variations can help uncover more results

What are Air Force lists?

Air Force Lists are formal printed registers of commissioned officers serving in the RAF at the time of publication. These lists were published regularly, although many are now confidential. This collection focuses on the period following the end of World War I through the end of World War II. The lists include a wide range of roles within the RAF, such as pilot officers, flight engineers, and navigators. Women are also represented, including medical staff and members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

What can the records tell me?

Depending on the time period you research and the individual’s rank, you may discover:

1. The person’s name (often recorded as initials and surname, such as S. A. Smith)
2. Their occupation (for example, navigator)
3. Their rank (for example, flying officer)
4. Their commission date
5. Honors received (such as OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire)
6. Gallantry and service awards (such as DFC – Distinguished Flying Cross)
7. Training institutions attended (such as IDC – Imperial Defence College)
8. Educational background (including degrees such as B.Sc.)
9. Whether they were on probation (often marked with a bold “P”)
10. Notes on missions or assignments
11. Whether they were seconded from another government department

How to use these records to trace your RAF ancestor

Step 1: Search for your ancestor on MyHeritage

Begin by searching for your ancestor in the MyHeritage historical records collection. Enter any details you know, even if it is just a name. Try both full names and initials to uncover more results.

Step 2: Review all matching records

Finding your ancestor in these lists confirms their service in the Royal Air Force on a specific date and shows their rank at that time. Many individuals appear multiple times across different years.

Step 3: Trace career progression

By reviewing multiple entries, you can follow your ancestor’s career path, including promotions and role changes over time.

Tracing an RAF serviceman’s career

A nice example of such a career would be John Edward Franklin Voss, that appears more than 100 times in the British Air Force Lists. Born in 1915, he had a long career in the RAF. In 1937, he was listed as Grade III in the RAF Educational Service and held a Bachelor of Science degree. By April 4, 1939, he had reached the rank of pilot officer, the most junior commissioned officer rank, and was also listed as an honorary flying officer on probation. In the 1941 list, he was recorded as a flying officer as of September 1, 1939, serving in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, a date that coincides with the beginning of World War II. By 1945, he had advanced to squadron leader in the Technical Branch; this rank was marked as temporary, indicated by a “t” next to his name. 

John E Voss in the U.K. RAF lists

Researching female ancestors in Air Force lists

The process for researching female ancestors is similar, with a few key differences. Many women married during the war, so it is helpful to search using both maiden and married names. Titles such as Miss or Mrs can also help with identification.

Women may appear in organizations such as the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), or Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS). Their ranks and roles are recorded in the same way as those of men.

A typical female example

Hilda Muriel Laborde was born in Barbados in 1916 and moved to London in 1919. In 1940, she was listed as an assistant section officer in the WAAF, and her record shows that she was unmarried and received this role on September 7, 1939. By 1941, she had advanced to section officer, with the promotion dated May 11, 1941. A “w” appears next to her name, indicating “War Substantive,” meaning she had held the rank for a sufficient period to make it official. 

Hilda Muriel Laborde in the U.K. RAF lists

Continue your discovery on MyHeritage

If you discover that your ancestor served in the Royal Air Force, you can continue your research by exploring related historical documents on MyHeritage. These include additional military collections and billions of historical records that can help you uncover more details about your family’s past, like the United Kingdom, Royal Air Force Personnel collection covering between 1914-1928, as well as the De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour 1914-1924 collection, which contains the biographies of over 26,000 men who were in the British Army, Navy and Air Force and who died during WWI.

You can also build your family tree and connect these discoveries to create a fuller picture of your family history. Where will your journey take you?

FAQs about the British Air Force lists

What are RAF Air Force Lists?

RAF Air Force Lists are official publications that record commissioned officers serving in the Royal Air Force at specific points in time, including details about rank, role, and service history.

How can I find my RAF ancestor?

Search using your ancestor’s name in MyHeritage historical records. Try variations such as full names and initials to uncover more results.

What information can I learn from these records?

You can discover ranks, roles, commission dates, honors, training, and career progression over time.

Are women included in these records?

Yes, women appear in several RAF-related organizations, and their roles and ranks are recorded similarly to those of men.

Why do some individuals appear multiple times?

Many RAF personnel are listed across multiple years, allowing you to trace promotions and career development.

Chloe O’Shea is an English genealogy specialist with an MA in Museum Studies and founder of The Past Revealed. She has authored several books, including Tracing your Staffordshire Ancestors (2025), and is a regular contributor to “Who Do You Think You Are?” Magazine, Family Tree, and Dorset Magazine.

The post Discover Your British Royal Air Force Ancestors Using Historical Records appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

But I decided to start tracing the line backward, generation by generation. My research eventually led me across the centuries to 18th-century Pennsylvania, where I uncovered an official Revolutionary War legacy: SAR Patriot #P-248836 and DAR Ancestor #A078750.

There, waiting to be rediscovered, was my 5th great-grandfather: Private Johann Daniel Miesse.

A close-up of the weathered bronze Revolutionary War veteran medallion placed beside Johann Daniel Miesse’s final resting place to commemorate his military service.

12 men, 12 fires: the Decoy of Trenton

My ancestor was born on January 28, 1743, in Elsoff, Germany. He eventually immigrated to the colonies and settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. By the winter of 1776, the American struggle for independence was on the brink of collapse. Morale was low, the weather was brutal, and General George Washington desperately needed a miracle.

On the historic, freezing night of December 25, 1776, Washington prepared to lead the Continental Army across the ice-choked Delaware River to execute a surprise attack on the Hessian forces at Trenton. For this highly dangerous mission to succeed, absolute secrecy was required.

Washington tasked one of his generals with finding 12 of the most trustworthy, reliable soldiers in the militia. To my absolute astonishment, I discovered that my 5th great-grandfather, Daniel Miesse, was chosen as one of those 12 men.

Commissioned directly under Washington’s strategy, Daniel and his small group remained behind on the Pennsylvania side of the river. Their mission was intensely tactical and pivotal: maintain the campfires all night long to trick the British and Hessian scouts into believing the entire American army was still asleep in their camps.

A 19th-century depiction of George Washington crossing the Delaware the evening before the Battle of Trenton

They stood their post through the bitter cold, feeding the blazes until daylight. Because of their bravery, the army crossed the river completely undetected, leading to the monumental American victory at the Battle of Trenton. At dawn, their mission successfully completed, the 12 men slipped away into the morning light to return home before eventually rejoining the army to serve out the rest of the war.

The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, December 26, 1776, oil on canvas by John Trumbull

A legacy sealed in stone

Official military records from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Military Affairs confirm Daniel’s service as a 6th Class Private in Captain Will’s Company (7th Company, 3rd Battalion) from 1777 to 1778.

After surviving the war that birthed our nation, Daniel lived out his days in Pennsylvania and passed away on April 3, 1818, in Bern Township.

Today, his resting place at the Old Bern Church Union Cemetery is marked by a weathered stone inscribed in his native German, standing proudly alongside a bronze Revolutionary War veteran medallion and a Betsy Ross flag.

The historic grave of Revolutionary War Patriot Johann Daniel Miesse at the Old Bern Church Union Cemetery in Berks County, Pennsylvania, honored with a Betsy Ross flag and veteran marker

Gratitude, humility, and strength

As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, knowing that my direct lineage is bound to the very spark that kept the American Revolution alive is an incredibly thrilling piece of history. I am deeply honored to call him my 5th great-grandfather.

Knowing his blood runs through my veins fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility, providing a profound source of personal strength during modern challenges. I feel a strict obligation to keep his specific contributions alive, and his courage is a legacy our family will carry forever.

Many thanks to MyHeritage user Tana Allen for sharing her ancestor’s legacy with us. Explore more American Family Stories and discover how ordinary families experienced extraordinary moments in U.S. history on MyHeritage’s America 250 hub.

The post The Spark That Kept the Revolution Alive: How My Ancestor Deceived the British on Christmas Night, 1776 appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Before the year was up he had moved on from the NYS National Guard to become part of the regular army of the United States of America. He was the “baby” of his family with one sister and 4 brothers. The oldest brother, Chester, had already served in the Navy during World War I.

In time, he received his orders and was a little disappointed. He was going to ship out to Hawaii while two of his friends from Jersey City were going to the Philippines. He related to me that he was jealous of them as they had “heard” that being stationed in the Philippines was a great place to head. Remember, there was still a depression lingering and going to a “tropical” paradise for city guys had to be viewed as fantastic.

This 19-year-old Jersey City native and first generation American figured he’d tough it out in Hawaii. He celebrated his 20th birthday in October of 1940. The photographs that I’ve seen show him and his fellow soldiers happy, smiling, and playing with the company dog, Paperweight. Some photos showed him wearing a puka shell necklace, which kind of surprised me, but… when in Hawaii, as they say.

Eddie (bottom right) wearing a puka necklace and petting the company dog Paperweight. Photo colorized and repaired by MyHeritage

Eddie hanging out with his fellow soldiers. Photo colorized, enhanced, and repaired by MyHeritage

On Soldiers Beach

Two months after his birthday in 1941, the laughter, smiles, going to Soldiers Beach, or playing with Paperweight were over.

‘All hell broke loose’

On the morning of December 7, 1941 it all ended. At that time he was part of Company K, 19th Infantry housed at Schofield Barracks. When the attack started, he headed to his assigned post to defend the island. “All hell broke loose,” he told me. I don’t recall just how long he waited for an invasion that never happened but in time his company and infantry unit was sent to Australia for training. And yes, the company mascot, Paperweight, and the Rock of Chickamauga also shipped out. The dog and “rock” went with the men of the 19th infantry throughout the Pacific Theater.

The “Rock of Chickamauga”

Needless, to say the “kid” from Jersey City did the job that he was trained for and came back home to that city where he met and married my Mom, Evelyn Mielach.

Eddie and Evelyn on their wedding day

He didn’t talk much about his experiences. Veterans of that period of history put those events in a private place where only they could remember them or share small pieces when ready. He did share a couple of events with me but more with my son. Guess he was ready for some reason. Lots of repeat stories about a place called Good Enough Island and a mission to go out into the jungle, find and capture an enemy soldier. No matter what the story was he’d usually end it with, “I was just doing my job, we all were.”

When the 50th anniversary of the attack was getting close, his brother, Steve, shared a newspaper article announcing a commemorative coin for survivors of the attack. He didn’t want it. His brother got the form, filled it out and being an “older” brother told him to sign it because he deserved it as much as anyone else who was there on December 7, 1941. He got the coin and now since his passing I have it. He once said that he’d let people know he was a survivor when he was the only one left.

50th anniversary commemorative coin for Pearl Harbor survivors

As I was growing up I learned that he had multiple bouts of malaria and was hospitalized at least twice. He had trouble with one leg as a result of being wounded. With both of these he suffered on and off for years. Earning a living as an upholsterer in post-war America and for years after took a toll on both of his legs, along with several malaria-related episodes.

The second time I ever saw my dad cry

I’d only seen my Dad cry twice in my lifetime. Once when my Mother died after a long battle with cancer. The other was when he received a gift of a hat. Yes, a hat that was bought specifically for him. It was purchased at Pearl Harbor and it declared “PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR.” He cried for quite a while. Perhaps all of those years keeping things locked up and finally just burst though, but when asked “Are you okay?”, tears still flowing, he said: “All those guys in the Navy, on the ships, they really got hit hard.” Maybe he was seeing it all again, but in 2007, sitting in his wheelchair looking at his great-grandson, Joseph.

Eddie with his son, granddaughter, and great-grandson

My dad died in 2008. The Pearl Harbor hat went with him when he was laid to rest alongside his brother Steve.

His great-grandson Joseph just turned 19 and is entering his second year of college. While at Middletown High School, Joseph was a member of the NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and he loved it. I thought that he may go into military service once he graduated, or perhaps go on and join the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program in college. He and I have talked about his great-grandfather and how he viewed his “job” while in the military. Joseph had a lot of questions and sadly I had very few answers, answers that only my Dad could give. I have copies of all of his military records saved after the July 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center. There’s a lot missing but together we read and reviewed page after darkened and signed page looking for information about his years of service to the nation.  We actually found a reference to his Good Conduct Award in those papers.

Eddie’s military awards

 Now there are a total of 8 great-grandchildren and they all have seen his photo album and medals and asked questions that still have no answers. Sadly the only one that met him is Joseph.

Eddie with Joseph

Many thanks to MyHeritage user Edmund Maruszewski for sharing his father’s incredible story and photos. Explore more American Family Stories and discover how ordinary families experienced extraordinary moments in U.S. history on MyHeritage’s America 250 hub.

The post My Dad Defended Pearl Harbor. 63 Years Later, He Finally Let the Tears Come appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

From immigration and westward expansion to war, social change, and everyday life, family histories help reveal how national history was experienced on a personal level. Today, we’re excited to introduce the America 250 hub on MyHeritage: a new destination dedicated to exploring American history through the lens of family history, historical records, and real-life stories.

Visit the America 250 site now

What’s included in the America 250 hub

The America 250 hub focuses on different aspects of the American experience, including immigration, the Revolutionary War, military service, westward expansion, and more. Visitors can explore historical record collections, discover real-life family stories connected to defining moments in U.S. history, and learn how genealogy research can uncover personal connections to the nation’s past.

MyHeritage’s America 250 site

One of the highlights of the hub is American Family Stories, a growing collection of stories inspired by real family history discoveries. From ancestors who witnessed pivotal historical events to families whose lives were shaped by major social and economic changes, these stories help bring history into focus through the experiences of ordinary people.Further contents of the hub include:

• An overview of major U.S. historical record collections on MyHeritage, including census records, newspapers, city directories, immigration records, military records, and vital records
• Resources related to colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and the early years of the United States
• Articles and collections focused on 19th-century American history, including westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and immigration
• Immigration-related resources such as passenger lists, naturalization records, and immigration history collections
• Genealogical information about famous Americans and Founding Fathers
• Content exploring how names, identities, languages, and family structures evolved across generations of American families

The America 250 hub is a growing project, and we look forward to continuing to expand and enrich it over time with additional stories, historical themes, and genealogy resources connected to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Whether your ancestors arrived centuries ago or more recently, served in wartime or built quiet lives within their communities, their experiences form part of the larger American story. We invite you to explore the America 250 hub and discover how your own family history connects to 250 years of life in the United States.

Visit the America 250 site now

The post MyHeritage Celebrates America 250: Explore Your Family’s Connection to U.S. History appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Search them to discover a family treasure!

Explore the 15 new and updated historical record collections added this month

Collection	Description	Number of Records	Link to Search
Baltic Newspapers from OldNews.com	An index of historical national, regional and local newspapers, periodicals and gazettes from Baltic nations and territories of Latvia and Estonia.	387,916 pages added for a total of 1,710,677 pages	Search collection now
Belgium, Civil Birth Registers, 1800-1950	An index of birth records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1925.	11,609,100 records	Search collection now
Belgium, Civil Death Registers, 1800-1950	An index of death records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1950.	7,955,100 records	Search collection now
Belgium, Civil Marriage Registers, 1800-1950	An index of marriage records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1938.	10,233,500 records	Search collection now
Brazil Newspapers from OldNews.com	An index of historical national, regional and local newspapers, periodicals and gazettes from Brazil.	36,419 pages added for a total of 945,570 pages	Search collection now
California, County Death Registers, 1873-1994	An index of death records from various counties in California between the years 1873 and 1994.	8,838,880 records	Search collection now
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1948	An index of records of deaths and stillbirths registered in the state of Illinois between 1916 and 1948.	8,974,860 records	Search collection now
Italy Newspapers from OldNews.com	An index of historical national, regional and local newspapers, periodicals and gazettes from Italy.	2,108,140 pages added for a total of 3,934,149 pages	Search collection now
Netherlands, South Holland, Civil Deaths, 1900-1942	An index of civil death records from the province of South Holland in the Netherlands between 1900 and 1942.	2,145,220 records	Search collection now
New York State Deaths, 1880-2017	An index of death records from New York State, excluding New York City, between the years 1880 and 2017.	5,079,020 records added for a total of 9,812,128 records	Search collection now
Serbia Newspapers from OldNews.com	An index of historical national, regional and local newspapers, periodicals and gazettes from Serbia.	615,799 pages	Search collection now
Switzerland, Geneva Civil Births, 1800-1900	An index of civil birth records from Geneva, Switzerland, between the years 1800 and 1900.	493,240 records	Search collection now
Switzerland, Geneva, Civil Deaths, 1800-1900	An index of civil death records from Geneva, Switzerland, between the years 1800 and 1900.	474,222 records	Search collection now
United States Newspapers from OldNews.com	An index of historical national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from United States.	1,601,720 pages added for a total of 115,455,080 pages	Search collection now
United States, Incoming Passenger Lists from Canada, 1895-1957	An index of passenger lists of individuals entering the United States from Canada between 1895 and 1957.	5,237,130 records	Search collection now

1. Baltic Newspapers from OldNews.com
   
   This collection contains national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from the Baltic nations and territories of Latvia and Estonia.
   Search Baltic Newspapers from OldNews.com

2. Belgium, Civil Birth Registers, 1800-1925
   This collection contains birth records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1925. Records typically include the name of the child, the date and place of birth, the date and place of registration, the parents’ names, birth dates, and residence.
   Search Belgium, Civil Birth Registers, 1800-1950

3. Belgium, Civil Death Registers, 1800-1950
   
   This collection contains death records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1950. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of birth, the date and place of death, marital status, and the names of the parents and spouse.
   Search Belgium, Civil Death Registers, 1800-1950

4. Belgium, Civil Marriage Registers, 1800-1938
   
   This collection contains marriage records registered in Belgium, between the years 1800 and 1938. Records typically include the names of the groom and the bride, their dates and places of birth, the date and place of marriage, and the names of their parents. Search Belgium, Civil Marriage Registers, 1800-1938

5. Brazil Newspapers from OldNews.com
   
   This collection contains national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from Brazil published on OldNews.com.
   Search Brazil Newspapers from OldNews.com

6. California, County Death Registers, 1873-1994
   
   This collection contains death records from various counties in California between the years 1873 and 1994. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of birth, the date and place of death, and the names of the parents.
   Search California, County Death Registers, 1873-1994

7. Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1948
   
   This collection contains records of deaths and stillbirths registered in the state of Illinois between 1916 and 1948. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of birth, the date and place of death, the age at death, and the names of the parents and spouse.
   Search Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1948

8. Italy Newspapers from OldNews.com
   
   This collection contains national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from Italy published on OldNews.com.
   Search Italy Newspapers from OldNews.com

9. Netherlands, South Holland, Civil Deaths, 1900-1942
   
   This collection contains civil death records from the province of South Holland in the Netherlands between 1900 and 1942. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of death, age at death, and the names of the parents and spouse.
   Search Netherlands, South Holland, Civil Deaths, 1900-1942

10. New York State Deaths, 1880-2017
    
    This collection contains death records from New York State, excluding New York City, between the years 1880 and 2017. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of death, and the certificate number.
    
    Search New York State Deaths, 1880-2017

11. Serbia Newspapers from OldNews.com
    
    This collection contains national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from Serbia published on OldNews.com.
    Search Serbia Newspapers from OldNews.com

12. Switzerland, Geneva Civil Births, 1800-1900
    
    This collection contains civil birth records from Geneva, Switzerland, between the years 1800 and 1900. Records typically include the name of the child, the date and place of birth, and the names of the parents.
    Search Switzerland, Geneva Civil Births, 1800-1900

13. Switzerland, Geneva, Civil Deaths, 1800-1900
    
    This collection contains civil death records from Geneva, Switzerland, between the years 1800 and 1900. Records typically include the name of the deceased, the date and place of death, age at death, and the names of the parents and spouse.
    Search Switzerland, Geneva, Civil Deaths, 1800-1900

14. United States Newspapers from OldNews.com
    
    This collection contains historical national, regional, and local newspapers, periodicals, and gazettes from across the United States published on OldNews.com.
    Search United States Newspapers from OldNews.com

15. United States, Incoming Passenger Lists from Canada, 1895-1957
    
    This collection contains passenger lists of individuals entering the United States from Canada between 1895 and 1957. Records typically include the name of the passenger, the date and port of arrival, age, gender, marital status, nationality, and last permanent residence.
    Search United States, Incoming Passenger Lists from Canada, 1895-1957

Example of what you could find in these records

One notable individual found in the United States, Incoming Passenger Lists from Canada, 1895-1957 collection is Helen Keller (1880–1968), the renowned American author, educator, and advocate for people with disabilities. 

A passenger list records her arrival in Seattle, Washington, on November 8, 1948, at the age of 68, following a journey from Yokohama, Japan. The record documents Keller’s return from a landmark postwar tour of Japan, where she inspired thousands and helped advance support for blind and deaf individuals throughout the country.

Summary

We hope these valuable collections help you make new discoveries in your family history research. Searching the collections on MyHeritage is free. To view the records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data, Complete, or Omni plan.

For newspaper collections from OldNews.com, an Omni plan, or an OldNews Pro plan, is required to view the full newspaper images on OldNews.com.

If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from these collections match your relatives. You’ll then be able to review the record and decide if you’d like to add the new information to your family tree.

Enjoy the new collections!

The post MyHeritage Adds 66 Million Historical Records in May 2026 appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

For generations, Swedish surnames were remarkably fluid. That changed with the introduction of the 1901 Names Act, which effectively froze the country’s traditional naming system and required citizens to adopt permanent, hereditary surnames. While the reform brought order to administrative records, it also created an unexpected consequence: millions of Swedes now share a relatively small number of common surnames, while thousands of unique family names have become increasingly rare — and some are now on the verge of disappearing altogether.

A comparative analysis of historical and modern data from MyHeritage’s databases, which contain billions of historical records, reveals a striking picture. Rare surnames make up a vast “long tail” of Swedish family names: nearly 9 out of 10 distinct surname types are borne by 20 people or fewer.

Under policies used by Swedish authorities, primarily Statistics Sweden, surnames with fewer than 10 bearers are hidden from public databases to protect privacy. Researchers generally classify these vulnerable surnames into varying levels of risk. A surname with 10–20 bearers is often considered endangered, while a name with only 2–3 bearers is regarded as critically endangered.

Our research identified dozens of historic Swedish surnames with extremely small numbers of living bearers. Among them are 19 names facing imminent disappearance:

• Ahlverström
• Alkström
• Alpengård
• Ackesjö
• Bjällqvist
• Svedgren
• Drakenberg
• Bodeen
• Carby
• Underberg
• Waeström
• Cederflycht
• Lagersparre
• Gyllenstam
• Silfwercreutz
• Liljesvärd
• Gyllenbielke
• Nordenstråle
• Rosenklinga

So how did Sweden arrive at this point, and why are so many distinctive surnames fading away?

Sample page from MyHeritage’s Swedish Household Examination Books collection

How Sweden’s patronymic naming system shaped modern surnames

Unlike many European countries, Sweden adopted fixed family names relatively late.

Historically, most Swedes followed a patronymic naming system in which a child’s surname was derived from their father’s first name. Sons typically received the suffix “-son,” while daughters received “-dotter.” A man named Anders, for example, might have children named Andersson and Andersdotter.

Because a relatively small number of male given names — such as Anders, Johan, Karl, and Lars — dominated rural Swedish society for centuries, this system naturally produced large numbers of people sharing the same surnames.

The Names Act

In 1901, the Swedish government passed the Names Act, requiring citizens to adopt fixed, hereditary family names. The goal was to simplify administration, taxation, and record-keeping.

Many families simply retained their existing patronymic surname and passed it down permanently to future generations. The legacy of that decision remains highly visible today: nearly one-third of all Swedish surnames end in “-son.”

While the reform created stability, it also marked the end of a system that had continuously generated new surname variations. Over time, many unique family names became increasingly concentrated within small family groups.

Why are rare Swedish surnames disappearing?

Several historical and modern forces have contributed to the decline of uncommon Swedish surnames.

One major factor was the wave of trans-Atlantic emigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. As millions of Europeans, including large numbers of Swedes, settled in North America, many altered or simplified their surnames to fit more easily into English-speaking society. In some cases, a highly localized Swedish surname effectively disappeared from Sweden altogether.

A family of Swedish immigrants from Nerikes Kil establishing themselves in Rush City, Minnesota, circa 1880

Today, ordinary life events continue to reduce the number of bearers of rare names. Marriage, adoption, and voluntary name changes can all contribute to the gradual decline of a surname.

Modern legislation also plays an important role. Under Sweden’s current Names Act, which took effect in 2017, any Swedish citizen may adopt a surname shared by at least 2,000 people nationwide. However, surnames with fewer than 2,000 bearers receive special protection. To adopt one of these names, individuals must generally prove a direct family connection.

While these protections help preserve family identity, they also create an unintended demographic challenge. Because unrelated individuals cannot easily adopt rare surnames, the survival of these names depends almost entirely on the descendants of existing bearers.

A piece of family history

Surnames can serve as living connections to generations of family history, migration, social status, occupations, and local communities.

When a rare surname disappears from everyday use, a unique thread of cultural and genealogical history risks fading from memory as well.

With thousands of Swedish surnames now considered endangered, researching and documenting family history has become more important than ever. Even if a surname eventually disappears from modern records, its story can still be preserved through historical research and family trees.

Could one of these names be in your family tree?

If you recognize one of these surnames in your family history, now may be the perfect time to explore its origins.

You could be connected to one of the last remaining branches of a family line that stretches back centuries. Documenting that connection not only helps preserve your own heritage — it also contributes to preserving the story of a rare Swedish surname for future generations.

Explore your Swedish heritage with MyHeritage

Build your family tree on MyHeritage

Start with yourself and work backward through the generations. Documenting each generation helps establish connections to rare family lines. Ten generations alone represent 1,024 direct ancestors.

Search Swedish historical records

MyHeritage offers access to extensive collections of Swedish church records, census records, birth records, death records, and other historical documents that can help trace a surname back through time. Right now, in honor of Sweden’s National Day yesterday, all Swedish records are completely free to explore — but only until the end of the day today (June 7, 2026), so start your search now!

Preserve your family’s story

Even if a surname eventually disappears from modern use, documenting your lineage ensures that its history remains available to future generations.

Don’t let your family’s unique story vanish. Start exploring your Swedish heritage today on MyHeritage.

The post Vanishing Swedish Surnames: 19 Historic Family Names on the Brink of Extinction appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

• 261.9 million Swedish records across 53 collections
• 127.4 million Danish records across 32 collections

The collections include household examination books, church records, censuses, passenger lists, newspapers, and vital records that can help you trace relatives across generations and uncover stories from Nordic communities and family life.

Whether your ancestors remained in Sweden or Denmark or emigrated elsewhere in the world, these records may reveal new details about their lives, families, and journeys.

Take advantage of free access through June 7 and see what you can discover.

Explore the collections at myheritage.com/research.

Happy Swedish National Day and Danish Constitution Day!

The post Enjoy Free Access to Swedish and Danish Records appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.