Unbelievable. The World War I Military Personnel Index that I am involved with now has almost 70,000 entries. Ok, so it's really ONLY 67,989 entries.
These entries are all marching in from old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, newspapers courtesy of my genealogy buddy, Lynn B in Arizona.
The most recent entries are coming from dates after the war ended in 1918. It's really cool to read some of the stories of the boys as they come home from the horrendous battlefields in Europe. Even the headlines of the daily newspapers provide a snapshot to the emotions and events at the end of the Great War.
I found myself just stopping my daily routine just to spend time reading some of the articles. One article which caught my eye is from the January 19, 1919, Pittsburgh Press. While the article is about one John E STANTON who was among the first Americans in German territory, names of his family members are also mentioned. What a great find for that family!
Other articles provide pictures and memories of battles in France. What great reading!
The index can be seen here: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/death-index.htm
If you are among the fortunate to see your beloved's name, you will be able to identify the date and which newspaper and page to search. Even if you don't readily find your family, the tales are fascinating.
Ahh, genealogy. While my grandfather's name hasn't been seen yet, he was exposed to mustard gas in France and ended up losing part of one leg due to being wounded.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
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