Research & Work

Current Research & Work

I’m generally spinning multiple plates because when the a trail runs cold on a search and/or I need a brain reset, I switch to a different one to maintain forward momentum.

• Gathering information from living relatives in Iowa. Specifically the one remaining farmer in my lineage who is currently the steward of Elmer “Bud’ Bals’ last 40 acres.

• Searching for deeds and/or plat maps related to US based farming in Iowa and Nebraska. It’s becoming apparent that very few documents are digitized and I would have to perform in person searches or hire local title examiners, as well as pay applicable fees.

• Ongoing search for Ferdinand’s [1885] and Henry’s [1888] passenger list documents from when they first came to America. These are proving to be frustratingly elusive and possibly no longer exists depending on the port of departure.

• Searching for a physical copy of Benninghausen - Contribution to Local History. I’ve found a copy for sale near Lippstadt and plan to purchase in person during our trip.

• Preparation for our 2026 trip to Germany - rough daily itineraries and compiling/printing research.

Future Research & Work

This list is perpetually expanding and evolving and trying to manage my self imposed expectations can be challenging.

• Traveling to Germany in April 2026 where we’ll be staying in Lippstadt for four days in order to explore and document multiple surrounding villages.

• Digging into the Nebraska history regarding Ferdinand/Henrietta, Henry/Elisabeth, and all their collective children.

• Traveling to Nebraska and Iowa to document applicable sites like David City, Crete, Madison, and Fonda.

• Spend more time with the Transkribus application in hopes of translating historical records/documents and publications.

• Possibly establish a quarterly video call [Google Meet] where family can members meet, share information, and catch up. This depends on the interest of others.