As genealogists and family historians, we often focus first on documenting our ancestors’ names and key life events like births, marriages, and deaths. Once those foundational facts are established, our attention typically turns to uncovering the stories behind the dates and gaining a deeper understanding of who our ancestors were. But, there’s still one importantContinue reading “Family History Tip: Preserve the Mundane”
Category Archives: Genealogy
Is Genealogy Biblical?
As a family historian, I love researching genealogy—especially discovering the stories behind the people in my family tree. As a believer in God, I also love reading the Bible and striving to live according to its teachings. One day, I began thinking about the question posed in the title of this post: Is genealogy biblical? My firstContinue reading “Is Genealogy Biblical?”
Hero on D-Day—Murder Victim at Home
The D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 helped turn the tide of World War II and forever shaped the lives of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy that day. In this month’s Fortitude post, I commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day by honoring one veteran who fought there with extraordinary courage. I thenContinue reading “Hero on D-Day—Murder Victim at Home”
Valor Remembered: History of the Medal of Honor and a Soldier Who Earned It
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States, presented by the President to service members who distinguish themselves in combat through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”.1 In this month’s Fortitude post, I delve into the history of the Medal ofContinue reading “Valor Remembered: History of the Medal of Honor and a Soldier Who Earned It”
Patriot Prisoners: Spaulding POWs in the American Revolution
As we enter 2026—the year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States—I’m reminded of the remarkable stories that shaped our nation’s beginning. In past posts of The Fortitude Blog, I’ve explored many facets of the American Revolution, including: Sons of the Founding Fathers, An Unsung Hero: The Story of Joseph Warren, Sons of Liberty and History’sContinue reading “Patriot Prisoners: Spaulding POWs in the American Revolution”
Bringing Family History to Life for Kids
This month’s Fortitude post is a little different. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I love exploring history—especially the moments where a family ancestor crossed paths with it. Sharing those stories has always been a passion of mine. As a grandfather of five, I also enjoy passing these stories down to theContinue reading “Bringing Family History to Life for Kids”
Beneath the Symbols: Meanings Behind Colonial-Era Gravestones
Before I jump into this month’s post, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate a little milestone. This month—November 2025—marks four years since I launched The Fortitude Blog! I’m deeply grateful to my readers and subscribers who have been along for the ride and shared in the stories and history we’ve explored together over these past fourContinue reading “Beneath the Symbols: Meanings Behind Colonial-Era Gravestones”
The Enduring Mark: Exploring Ancestral Signatures
Throughout human history, few things have remained as personal and powerful as the signature. Whether written with ink, stamped with a seal, or typed with digital encryption, a signature stands as a testament to identity and agreement. But where did the idea of signing your name come from and how did it evolve? In thisContinue reading “The Enduring Mark: Exploring Ancestral Signatures”
From the Frontier Files: The Story of Buckskin Johnny Spaulding
Do you ever get envious of someone with a really cool call sign or nickname? The movie Top Gun immediately comes to mind with the naval aviator characters of Maverick, Iceman, and Viper. Let me introduce you to man who lived back in the 1800s with an equally cool nickname—“Buckskin Johnny” Spaulding. Buckskin Johnny is a distantContinue reading “From the Frontier Files: The Story of Buckskin Johnny Spaulding”
A Family’s Fight: The Spauldings at Gettysburg
July 1-3, 1863 marked the turning point in the American Civil War. In a small town in central Pennsylvania, a massive force of Union and Confederate troops clashed at a place called Gettysburg. Gettysburg was the “High Water Mark” of the Confederate Army’s penetration into the north. The fate of the republic was at stake – ifContinue reading “A Family’s Fight: The Spauldings at Gettysburg”