Naturally the first question you might ask is, does she weigh the same as a duck? However witches in historic American narratives have a much darker past. As it stands, we have one in ours and her story is worth remembering to this day.

Her name is Ann (Alcock) Foster and she died in prison in Salem Massachusetts. She was accused of witchcraft after some people who were searching for the source of another woman’s illness “fell into fits” upon seeing her. At that time she was 72 years of age. She was “put to the question” (tortured for her confession) but refused to admit any wrong doing. It wasn’t until they threatened to charge her daughter and grand-daughter as well, that she finally accepted the charges and pled her guilt. Convicted after two and a half years, she went to prison where she died 21 weeks later.

Her Son and our ancestor Abraham petitioned the authorities after the trials were discredited and ended to recoup the money spent on her upkeep in prison. This was considered testament to her innocence.

Now for a twist on this story, the other side of the Salem witch trials was the Putnam family, amongst which we also have family members. That’s right, the great grand-daughter of Deacon Edward Putnam married the 2x great grand-son of Ann Foster. In fact, one of Ann Foster’s accusers was Ann Putnam, Edward’s niece. We can hope the reconciliation was touching.

When researching genealogy you find a very human story.

Lets take a moment to discuss the farthest reaching relative in any of the trees posted here. That is Achiulf. Now first, this research is not our own. It comes from a worldbook encyclopedia of research on a tree at Ancestry.com which was shared. This connection is through Charlemagne and the link to Charlemagne is well documented. However does that mean we should call ourselves descendents of the Ostrogoths? Well sure, if you want your friends to look at you sideways.

In the end the ancient records on this site are more for informational purposes to show how diverse human progress has been and how our lives were shaped by it. You cannot get to know Achiulf. Not a lot is even written about the Amali dynasty on Wikipedia. However it is an interesting dive into history none the less. Take it for what it is. A curiosity and a reason to see the whole world as tied together in an amazing organic way.

The Smith family is interesting in that there is very little recent immigration compared to other families. Most of the ancesters were in the “New World” in the 17th century, either in New France or the English colonies. Many of their children would later become the revolutionaries that set our country up for battle against England.

A number of relatives were soldiers in the US revolution including:

• Captain Adams Bailey
• Private Seth Bailey
• Captain Jacob Packard
• Lieutenant Seth Mann Sr.
• Seth Mann Jr.
• Lieutenant Nathan Putnam
• Private Stephen Fuller

If you’re looking to join the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution, now is your chance.

If there was a family which took the phrase “go forth and multiply” seriously it was the Bistodeau’s. In fact there are hundreds documented in the family tree. At a recent reunion for a small part of the family, the sign posted only had a letter “B” because they didn’t want to put out the call to the hundreds of people who might just happen by.

If you are a Bistodeau from Albertville, MN or related to one, you very likely descent of Louis Oliver Bistodeau who immigrated from Canada. Louis had 13 children. His children went on to have double digit families. There are in essense innumerable numbers of Bistodeaus out there and amongst the many families launched from them.

Much is known about Louis. He was a doctor and he obviously liked delivering babies. (Or making them. This topic is not currently under great speculation.) Either way, he was successful in the process. Pictures of Louis are posted and of much of the family. Click here for a direct link.