cassies mom, the best way to figure out your family tree would have been to ask your grandfather. And his cousin.

Lots of names were altered during the trip through Ellis Island. And the family bible was the only record in many countries which did not maintain registries. (England being a major exception, with Somerset House which recorded births and deaths for eons!)

I interviewed my grandfather when it was almost too late; as it is best to be able to ask TWO people so they can agree, correct each other. I was able to verify most of what he told me, with a distant relative in the "home land," who was also aged. I now have 6 generations!

I have googled myself, just to make certain it is all accurate. And to get corrections made, where needed. sigh. It never used to be this complicated before the internet!