Henry Johnson Archives - Megan Smolenyak

Genealogy Roundup, June 21

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:27:23 +0000

In Ireland, I learned what life was like for my kin. (But sleeping in a castle was more fun) – Ms. Moloney explained she’d learned a long time ago to take things slowly when revealing the past to her clients. “Every family has skeletons in the closet. I try not to shock, I have to be careful about that.”

Army base in Louisiana sheds Confederate name for a Black war hero – Pleased to have had a chance to speak about WWI hero, Henry Johnson.

Was just asked to share this in one of the genealogy groups I participate in and thought it was worth re-sharing here because somehow this frustrating myth never seems to go away!

Camryn and Milo Manheim to lead off premiere of new Jewish-themed genealogy TV series – Another genealogy TV series headed our way!

How to plan a genealogy trip to connect with your roots – Whoa, is this right? Ancestry’s (ProGenealogists) roots travel services start at $3,000/day?! Time for some of us to increase our rates, eh?

Top Photo Credit: Verne Becker under Creative Commons license

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Genealogy Roundup, June 14

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:16:48 +0000

DPAA begins multi-year “Hellship” Accounting Project – I’ve been getting a lot of these soldiers’ cases over the last year or two, so I hope they’re able to start making identifications soon. What these heroes endured was absolutely brutal.

A New Front in Reparations: Seeking the Return of Lost Family Land

Records Reveal Mario Changed Name From “Jumpman” at Ellis Island – Even when it’s a joke, it irritates me. Consider this your periodic reminder that names were NOT changed at Ellis Island!

We’re Taking Our Children’s Names: Honouring legacy in broken families – Interesting read. My first thought was that this would confuse future genealogists, but unless this couple has additional children of their own, the exact opposite is true. Descendants of the now 4-year-olds will have an easier time picking up their trail

With no next of kin, the dead tax county resources. How they end up in coroner offices. – This is one of the best series of articles I’ve seen on Unclaimed Persons since I began researching them back in 2005. Still helping Lackawanna, PA – the first county I ever worked with – with their cases. 5 in just the last week.

A New Book About Madonna and Other Hollywood Stars of Abruzzo Origins – Italy following in Ireland’s footsteps ramping up its efforts to attract roots tourism.

Fort Polk is now Fort Johnson after US Army moves to honor World War I hero – Honored to have researched Sgt. Henry Johnson in preparation for his posthumous Medal of Honor Award and so very pleased that this base will be named after him.

Photo Credit: James McNellis under Creative Commons license

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Genealogy Roundup, July 15

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 14:44:13 +0000

Medal of Honor Recipient Henry Johnson – Several years ago, I had the privilege of researching WWI hero Henry Johnson for the Army in preparation for his posthumous receipt of the Medal of Honor. If you’d like to see what he did to earn this distinction, this just released graphic novel tells his story.

How to make masks that everyone will want to wear: National Geographic contacted engineers, physicists, psychologists, and fashion designers to find out the best tips for building better masks – check out what my niece has been up to!

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – If you’re looking for some mindless escapism and have Netflix, I suggest you give this a go. Those have any kind of attachment to Iceland will enjoy it even more.

Top Image Credit: Association of the United States Army

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Genealogy Roundup, April 4

Megan Smolenyak — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:59:59 +0000

Europe’s emigration museums: Remembering the long goodbye – Europe’s departure ports – counterpoints to Ellis Island

Funeral Announcement For Soldier Missing From The Korean War (McDowell, W.) – This makes 8 in 2 weeks. I researched this soldier waaay back in 2006! RIP to Cpl. William C. McDowell of Arkansas who lost his life in Korea. Welcome home, Sir.

Tennessee soldier killed in North Korean camp identified and honored – More re: Cpl. Thomas H. Mullins of TN who gave his life in the Korean War.

The Amazing Women in Stephen Colbert’s Family Tree – As both Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month wound down, I thought I’d share this about the family tree of Stephen Colbert.

War Numbers: Counting the Irish-born Dead in WWI – Got my geek on!

Commemorative Silver Coin-Shaped Medallion To Honor Sgt. Henry Johnson – Any artist friends or family members? Or maybe you’re one yourself? Here’s a contest to design a medallion to honor Henry Johnson, a WWI hero. I had the privilege of researching him for the Army in preparation for his long overdue award of the Medal of Honor by President Obama a couple of years ago. Please share with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!

The Immigrant Ancestors Ann Coulter Wishes She Didn’t Have – Well, this is a surprise. Medium decided to feature my article about Ann Coulter’s immigrant roots. If you haven’t seen this before and happen to read and like it, I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d “clap” for it by clicking on the little pair of hands at the bottom left of the article on MEDIUM. Sorry to keep asking, but it helps with the visibility of my articles. In fact, it might be what helped them select this one to feature! Thanks so much!

Rick Steves’ European Easter: Easter Egg Traditions

People reveal the unusual items they’ve found after a loved one’s death

Photo Credit: megatick under Creative Commons license

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A Letter from Langston Hughes regarding Sgt. Henry Johnson

Megan Smolenyak — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 16:00:45 +0000

Here’s a letter I found while researching Henry Johnson for the Army last year. Sgt. Johnson was an African American WWI hero who finally received the Medal of Honor from President Obama last year. All told, I dug up over 1,300 pages of material on this overlooked soldier. Among the more interesting finds was this letter by Langston Hughes seeking information on him back in 1958.

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