Discovering My Roots Through Relativitrees
Even more moving was learning about the long line of military service in my family, stretching all the way back to the French and Indian War. The research team even solved a lingering mystery about my Civil War ancestor, Private Levi Kelly. Family lore painted him as a giant of a man who fought for the North, but no one seemed to know what became of him. The records revealed he enlisted at 21, died at 22 in Frederick, Maryland, and now rests in Antietam National Cemetery, plot #3565. You can bet I’ll be making a pilgrimage to visit his grave.
Another discovery left me speechless: my sixth great-grandfather, Ludwig Derr, who founded Derrstown, later renamed Lewisburg! Born in Germany in 1720, he immigrated to Philadelphia in 1750 and, around 1763, moved north to lay out the plans for the town that would bear his name. He owned a grist mill, a sawmill, and a trading post, and even purchased land directly from the William Penn family. Known and admired for his good relationship with the local Native Americans, Ludwig was a great example of the pioneer spirit, as he built a community, encouraged trade, and defending the land he called home. Both he and his only son, George took up arms to fight for America’s independence in the American Revolution.
This past week, I traveled to Lewisburg to stand beneath the historic marker honoring him. I snapped photos of “Derr Drive” and “Ludwig Alley.” To stand there, knowing this was part of my story, was surreal.
The journey didn’t stop there. I learned my 14th great-grandfather, Johann Von Syberg-Westhofen IV, was born in the Netherlands in 1470. It’s hard to wrap my mind around reaching that far back in history. It sent me on a quest to find out what the Netherlands were like in the 1470s. Think of it, Johann would have been wearing a tight padded jacket over hose, with a fancy hat! Picture Christopher Columbus. Life would have been difficult without many of the luxuries we enjoy, but also filled with music, dancing and art.
I was equally captivated by the story of my 9th great-grandfather, Anthony Emery. Born in 1598 on Goose Day (September 29) in Hampshire, England, he was the son of Sir John Emery, a knight whose title reflected his service to the crown and his elite social standing. Despite this privileged beginning, Anthony and his twin brother, John, chose a very different path. In 1635, they boarded the James of London and crossed the Atlantic, leaving behind their social standing to practice carpentry in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This colony was established to be a place where Puritans could worship in freedom, without risk of persecution.
Anthony built a life first in Newbury, Massachusetts, then in Kittery, Maine, and finally in Newport, Rhode Island, where he died at the remarkable age of 81. I love that his story captures his adventurous spirit! He was willing to give up wealth and status to create a new legacy in an unknown land, where hard work and the pursuit of religious freedom mattered more than his family status. Today, “Emery Lane” in Kittery still bears his name, a place I’ve now added to my ever-growing list of family history destinations to visit.
I could go on and on about these discoveries, but I’ll simply say this: exploring my roots through Relativitrees has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has given me a deeper sense of identity and connection and ensured that my family’s stories will not be lost.
If you, too, have a burning desire to learn where you came from and to preserve your family’s history, I highly recommend the Mifflin County Historical Society’s Relativitrees service. To begin your own ancestral journey, contact the research library at (717)-242-1022 or email library@mifflincountyhistory.org
By Rhonda S. Kelley, Executive Director, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce