One of the most ironic things about Josh attending Bethel College is that it is a Mennonite College. He didn't choose Bethel because it is Mennonite but the irony is that our family ancestry on my father's side is Mennonite. Because of this Mennonite connection, Josh had a stop in South Dakota on a recent choir trip. The choir sang in a Mennonite church that cousins of my dad attend. After the concert, Josh had a chance to visit with our extended family members. I'm guessing the topic of family history came up (Josh is a history buff) and a couple weeks later, they sent Joshua a copy of our family history (which I have) and a copy of this incredible book. It's full of family trees, old family pictures, pictures of family heirlooms, and copies of old documents. It was so
kind of them to send it to him and when we saw him last month, he had to show it to me right away. Of course, I had to borrow it so I could take the time to get a really good look at it. The book also documents the story of our ancestor's migration to America from Russia. They came over for Religious freedom. I think this is just an incredible thing for him to own.
On the pages below, there is a copy of a notebook of one of our ancesters. It's full of her handwriting all in German and someone began translating it as the English words are written above the German words. This document is dated 1872!
Thanks for reading today and check out Kelli at No Place Like Home for more Show & Tell.
20 comments:
This is a wonderful thing to have.
I could only wish my genealogy
was published, I have a long way
to go. Terrific Show & Tell for
a family history buff like me!
How fun! I too come from a Mennonite background with relatives from Russia. Most of my Mennonite relatives live in Canada, but maybe somewhere along the line we are related!
Wow, what a delightful discovery! We are surrounded by Mennonite friends here where I live.
Kathi
How very blessed you are to have that history and what a kind thing to be given to your son.
This is a true treasure!! Wow....I would give both my ovaries for this. Seriously. That is something to hold on to and keep. I'd have it locked in a glass case.
Happy Show n Telling ---
Happy Friday.
How special to have the history written down like that. What a keepsake.
Have a good weekend & thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful keepsake! Thanks for sharing it. I love the old writings....
This is beautiful! I love that there have been S&T's this week that feature our family's histories! These are priceless treasures. As our family's Historian, I know how much time, love and energy go into comprising these labors of love. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Connie
I want to read it! How neat that he was able to meet those cousins- did you know them?
Having your family history is truly a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
what a wonderful thing to have.
Nancy
Your family history is fascinating.The show and tell is a lovely family heirloom.
What an interesting post and a great treasure to have in your family.
Thanks for visiting me.
What a wonderful thing to have aquired! I've been doing out family tree for years and this would have been so much easier.
Rue :)
how cool!
OK...it's the red flag! Just had to pop over and say Yea! Great comeback so far for the 24!!!! Hope it ends well! It's not over til it's over! :)
This reminds me of my show and tell this week. I just love little slices of family history like this!
Oh - I have a son named Josh too!*smiles*
Wow! This is so interesting. My daughter has done a lot of research on our family and has written a book. I'm glad people are getting more interested in their ancestors than they were previously. It's nice to know who and where you came from.
Hope you're having a great weekend.
What an absolute treasure!!
That is awesome--what a wonderful thing to have!
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