Exploring My German Heritage: A Family Journey Through Time

My fascination with my German heritage has been a continuous journey through time, starting from the early 1700s and continuing to present day. The story of the Snyder bloodline, tracing back to Bavaria, is just one aspect of my intricate family tree. Meanwhile, my maternal grandfather’s lineage brings another fascinating tale of Welsh and English immigrants who arrived in the 1700s, weaving their way through America until landing in Iowa in the 1860s.

The Snyder family lineage is particularly intriguing. The Snyder bloodline, originating from Bavaria, arrived in the early 1700s. Their journey through time brought them from Bavaria to New Jersey, then to Pennsylvania, and finally to Iowa in 1864, the year my father passed away. This side of the family has been rooted in Iowa for 160 years, with my uncle still residing there. Another fascinating detail is the surname Custer, which is of German origin but Anglicized for generations.

German Immigration and Family Stories

My German heritage runs deep. Besides Snyder, I also carry German blood through my mother's side. The surname Baumgart, which means 'orchard' or 'tree garden,' adds a unique flavor to my family tree. However, I took back my maiden name after my series of marriages, bringing back the true essence of my heritage.

My grandfather on my mother's side and his wife were descendants of Welsh and English immigrants, arriving in America in the 1700s. They entered through New York and eventually settled in Ohio before moving to Iowa. My mother's surname, which once was Plaster, was Anglicized from Plascher, highlighting the cultural shifts over generations.

Further genealogical research revealed interesting facts about these ancestral lines. Some other German surnames on my mother’s side, such as King (originally Koenig) and Keuster/Kuester (perhaps Anglicized to Custer), add a diverse tapestry of names. Another noteworthy finding was the Gottscheer lineage, which extends back to 1640, a time when my mother’s family lived in this region before being expelled by the Tito communists and arriving in the U.S. as legal immigrants after World War II.

Additional Cultural Influences

While uncovering the German heritage, I also discovered that my family has native American ancestry, a fact that I have kept a secret due to the complex nuances and potential emotional impact. It's a journey that I continue to uncover, with each finding shedding light on the rich, diverse tapestry of my family's history.

Conclusion

My exploration into my German heritage has been a fascinating odyssey, revealing much about my familial roots and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped me. The stories of the Snyder, Baumgart, and Gottscheer families are but a few threads in the larger picture, each contributing to the intricate design of my heritage. This journey is not just about the past but a bridge to the future, reminding me of the resilience and adaptability of our ancestors.