[IronJack]

I love this stuff. It's reassuring somehow to be able to see yourself as a link in a long chain that actually goes back into those historical events. It makes the places and dates bear directly on who and where you are today.

I've managed to trace my surname back to the Alsace (now part of France, but THEN, a part of Germany) around 1690. There the trail ends.

What's interesting is that the very first one of "us" had the same name I now bear. How's that for a link to the past!

[blam]

"I've managed to trace my surname back to the Alsace (now part of France, but THEN, a part of Germany) around 1690. There the trail ends."

This Englishman traces his line back 9,000 years. It's amazing, this guy hasn't moved more than 2 miles from his anscestoral homeland in 9,000 years. (My ex-wife said I didn't like to go anywhere, lol.)

Descendent Of Stone Age Skeleton Found (Cheddar Man - 9,000 Years Old)

[ut1992]

"I've managed to trace my surname back to the Alsace (now part of France, but THEN, a part of Germany) around 1690. There the trail ends."

That's funny. That is the same neck of the woods my Mom's family comes from. Grandma always says that this branch of the family were Huguenots. Also according to her, my great-grandfather was still in periodic contact with distant relatives that still lived there until the 1920-30's.