I am originally from the Chicago area; many of my ancestors on my mother's side are buried in Saint Adalbert's cemetery in suburban Chicago.

I am more of a genealogist than a collector of FindaGrave memorial pages. I have over 20 years of experience obtaining original records from Poland (Pomorskie), Germany (Bavaria) and elsewhere in Europe. I was born a dual citizen of Germany and the USA. I am able to read and translate old German church records. I have visited many places in Poland, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Much of my research involves documenting the European origin of American families whose ancestors migrated from the region around Danzig in West Prussia. Today Danzig is called Gdansk, Poland.

Two families of special interest are Goike (Goyk, Gojk) and Bieszk (Bieschke) who lived near Kielno, formerly Kölln. DNA suggests that Jan Bieszki 202418669 who married Victoria nee Goike should be a very close relative of Elizabeth nee Bieszk 188703454 who married Jacob Hiland. Claims that she was born in 1821 are not consistent with earlier documentation or her giving birth in 1871.

I am related by blood or by a relative's marriage to most of the individuals whose memorial pages I manage. That said, I am not related to many of the individuals whose memorial pages I manage. I would be glad to transfer management in those cases.

When I submit suggested edits to other FindaGrave users, it is always after doing thorough research. It's frustrating when other users --usually individuals who manage tens of thousands of memorial pages-- disregard my input.

I am originally from the Chicago area; many of my ancestors on my mother's side are buried in Saint Adalbert's cemetery in suburban Chicago.

I am more of a genealogist than a collector of FindaGrave memorial pages. I have over 20 years of experience obtaining original records from Poland (Pomorskie), Germany (Bavaria) and elsewhere in Europe. I was born a dual citizen of Germany and the USA. I am able to read and translate old German church records. I have visited many places in Poland, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Much of my research involves documenting the European origin of American families whose ancestors migrated from the region around Danzig in West Prussia. Today Danzig is called Gdansk, Poland.

Two families of special interest are Goike (Goyk, Gojk) and Bieszk (Bieschke) who lived near Kielno, formerly Kölln. DNA suggests that Jan Bieszki 202418669 who married Victoria nee Goike should be a very close relative of Elizabeth nee Bieszk 188703454 who married Jacob Hiland. Claims that she was born in 1821 are not consistent with earlier documentation or her giving birth in 1871.

I am related by blood or by a relative's marriage to most of the individuals whose memorial pages I manage. That said, I am not related to many of the individuals whose memorial pages I manage. I would be glad to transfer management in those cases.

When I submit suggested edits to other FindaGrave users, it is always after doing thorough research. It's frustrating when other users --usually individuals who manage tens of thousands of memorial pages-- disregard my input.