Category Archives: Ancestor Features

Research into the four family Lines, Roberts, Brown, Howell, and Darling.

Nancy Strain (1802-1844)

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Don Taylor

Nancy Strain (1802–1844) was likely born in Pennsylvania and married William Lister of Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1822. Together they had five children before her untimely death at 42. This ancestor sketch explores her life, conflicting birth records, and the research still needed to uncover her full story. Continue reading →

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Biography of Frank H. Raidt (1851-1931)

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Don Taylor

Frank H. Raidt (1871–1933), was born in Watertown, Wisconsin. A carpenter who moved to Minneapolis, MN, he became a building contractor, raised a family and contributed to his community. His life shows the migration of Midwestern families in the late 1800s. He rests today in a Minneapolis cemetery. Continue reading →

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Using mtDNA to Tackle a Maternal Brick Wall:

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Don Taylor

Exploring mtDNA matches to solve the mystery of Fanny Taylor’s maternal origins, I traced several exact matches but found no direct link—yet. This post outlines recent findings, including surnames from match lines and next research steps. The goal: to break through the maternal brick wall that is Fanny Taylor (1806–1889). Continue reading →

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Mary Eliza (Lyons) Daly (1862-1940)

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Don Taylor

Welch ProjectWelch-Daly-Lyons LineAncestor #19 SketchBy Don Taylor Mary Eliza Lyons was born in County Cork, Ireland, likely between April 16 and May 10, 1865. She immigrated to the United States in 1884 or 1885. She married Timothy Daly on November … Continue reading →

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Asa Taft (1774-1839) – Ancestor #84

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Taylor

Roberts-Brown ProjectRoberts-Barnes-Taft LineBy Don Taylor Asa Taft is my double-fourth great-grandfather. He was born in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1774. He had between 10 and 12 children and two wives, Sarah and Lucy. He moved west to Partridgefield (now Hinsdale), Mass, … Continue reading →

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