Roots Trails
Short reads on genealogy finds, helpful tips, and inspiring ancestor stories. Got a story to share? Tell us about your ancestor — we may feature it!
John Swartz: German Soldier, Railroad Walker, and Civil War Immigrant
Posted on July 31, 2025
Born: April 26, 1826, Schwaigern, Heilbronn, Baden‑Württemberg, GermanyDied: October 30, 1889, Parryville, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, USA John Swartz’s life embodies the spirit of a generation—rooted in the old world…
Remembering William E. Swartz: Railroad Contractor and Chief of Police of Lehighton, Pennsylvania
Posted on July 24, 2025
William E. Swartz was born on July 18, 1870, in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Son of Henry Swartz and Matilda Elizabeth Remsley. A respected railroad contractor by trade and a dedicated public servant, William rose to serve…
Remembering Tracy Marie Kroh
Posted on July 24, 2025
Tracy Marie Kroh was born on April 15, 1972, in Pennsylvania. A bright, petite, and talented young woman, Tracy was just 17 years old when her life suddenly and tragically changed. On August 5, 1989, Tracy was last seen…
Life and Legacy of Mingo West: From Africa to America
Posted on July 23, 2025
Mingo West was born around 1830 in Benguela, a coastal city in what is now Angola, part of the vast and diverse region historically known as the Congo and West Africa. His early years unfolded in a rich and complex Afri…