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“The History of Silver Lake as Told Through Its Deeds” was made possible, in a large part, thanks to the invaluable wealth of information available through online genealogical records. These records, accessible through various platforms, encompass a vast array of data ranging from birth, marriage, and death records to immigration documents, military records, trade and occupational directories and more. Such digitization initiatives aim not only to preserve historical documents but also to enhance accessibility and streamline the research process.
Central to the success of these digitization efforts are partnerships and collaborations between libraries, archives, government agencies, and genealogy websites. Platforms like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage, and Findmypast serve as comprehensive repositories for digitized records, offering subscription-based services or free access to select collections. Co-author Kathleen Webb utilizes platforms like Ancestry.com to locate primary sources for genealogical research.
Many long-time residents of Silver Lake and nearby Lewisberry borough know that there were many generations of Stonesifers in the area in the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. How did William Grant Stonesifer fit into the picture? Charles Grayson Stonesifer, born 10 years before William, operated a cigar making establishment in Lewisberry borough in the late 19th century, with a retail establishment on Front St. in Harrisburg by 1896. As it turns out, they share a common 2nd great-grandfather, John Daniel Stonesifer, of Silver Run, Carroll County, Maryland. John Daniel immigrated from Seelbach Germany in 1752 and is the common ancestor of most Stonesifers in the border counties between Pennsylvania and Maryland. So “our” William and Lewisberry’s Charles were related, albeit quite distantly.
The significance of online genealogy records extends beyond mere research interests. For Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as “Mormons,” the belief in eternal families underscores the importance of strengthening connections with both living and deceased relatives. The Genealogical Society of Utah, now known as FamilySearch, has played a pivotal role in advancing these efforts within the Mormon community.
The digitization and online availability of genealogy records have revolutionized the field of family history research, breaking down barriers and fostering interconnectedness among individuals across the globe. Kathleen Webb’s journey in uncovering the history of Silver Lake, along with her expertise in navigating genealogical brick walls, serves as a testament to the transformative power of online genealogy platforms. Stay tuned for future updates, where we delve deeper into Kathy’s story and offer valuable tips for genealogical searches.
