Category Archives: Family Lines

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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Montran Monday – A Watch Lost and Found in Pasadena, 1922

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor As part of my ongoing “Montran Monday” series[i], I search historical newspapers for any mention of individuals bearing the Montran surname. Each small discovery helps me piece together the broader story of my maternal grandmother’s elusive father. … Continue reading →

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The Brewer Surname: Origins, Ancestors & Legacy

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Don Taylor

Discovering Brewer Roots 🧬🍺

From 17th-century Wales to colonial Maryland and colonial Virginia, my wife’s Brewer ancestors left a remarkable legacy. The surname “Brewer” comes from the Old English brēowan — to brew — and today over 160,000 people share this historic name. Her earliest known Brewer, John Brewer (1620–1664), helped lay the foundation for generations that followed. Continue reading →

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Ida & Donna in the News: Discoveries from the Albion Recorder

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor Thanks to recent digitization efforts by NewspaperArchives.com, I’ve uncovered several fascinating mentions of my ancestors in the Albion Recorder (Albion, Michigan). These newly discovered newspaper clippings have provided valuable glimpses into the lives of my great-grandmother, Ida … 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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