I love scouring old newspapers. I hit the jackpot with Joseph Billman from Erie - German-born and Civil War veteran.

1843 letter in old German handwriting from my 3x great grandfather, to his son telling him to hurry from the army before his mother dies.

Civil War 1862 Diary: Looking at just the week of August 26 highlights his experiences: rebels attacking, burning railroad bridges, fighting

Some old cemeteries have gravestones written in German. Here are some tips to help translate some key words.

One says he's German. The other says he's Danish. They're twins. It actually makes sense, but there's history to understand.