genealogy project

The Story to Shape A Life

By Brandi Miller

Events To Shape My Life…

1776

Robert Morris signs the Declaration of Independence, enabling me to live in a free country today. He had also signed the Articles of Confederation and would later sign the Constitution.

1861

The onset of the Civil War. Edwin Matthews, my great-great-great grandfather was a general in the war, fighting as a member of the Union. This may lead to my family living in Indiana and Illinois in future generations.

Events To Shape My Life…

1902 1908The opening of Ellis Island allowed my ancestors to emigrate over from France, England, and Germany. From Germany, my ancestors brought over a wooden fence. My family cherishes this fence and we place it around our village underneath our Christmas Tree.

Thanks to Henry Ford and his assembly line, my parents are able to tote me around to all the places I need to be (and I drive a lot myself too).

Events To Shape My Life…

1912 1958My great-great grandfather, Glenn Samuel Bushong, received his teaching certificate. Later, my great-grandmother became a teacher, as did my grandmother, and now my mother is a substitute teacher. Perhaps this encouraged me to become interested in school.

My grandfather began his short career as a lifeguard. This most likely sparked my love for swimming. Also, he taught me how to swim as he has lived on the water for his entire life.

Ancestry MapMy ancestors came from France, Germany, and England, for the most part.

My mother and father were both born in California. My father’s family is from Pittsburgh, PA (mostly), while my mother’s family is mostly from the mid-west. This includes Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.

A copy of my great great grandmother’s citizenship paper.

My great great grandparents on the Bushong side of the family.

My great great grandparents (and their kids) on the Bortner side of the family.

Left: Obituary of my great great great grandfather in the Civil War.

Right: Obituary of my great grandmother.

Down: Obituary of my great great great grandmother.

Birth Certificate of my great great grandmother, who was born in Kidderminster, England.

And just for some humor…

A copy of a report card that my great grandfather brought home. He got F’s in History, but he changed them to A’s.