This site seeks to document research on my roots and those of my wife, Carole Mrak. My roots are mostly from Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. My wife's ancestors are from Slovenia and Croatia. They arrived in America between 1910 and 1930.
My main surnames of interest are Howey, Bowen, Harris, Everingham, Woodlin, Venable, Torbert, Paullin, Vandevere, Webber, Webb, McDaniels, Kensil, Genther, Shriner, Casper, Shaw, and Wellington
This site is for information purposes only. All conclusions regarding relationships should be considered unproven until you review original sources and reach conclusions for yourself. I've done my best to document all sources and explain my reasoning for making family connections but some of my links are supported by little evidence. If you have questions about my reasoning on relationships please send me an email.
I want to gratefully acknowledge the help of my cousin Valerie Nixon Caulfield. Her input, ideas, and feedback have made me better at this wonderful game. She constantly challenges me to view my ancestors in the context of the time and community in which they lived. Through her vision I see my ancestors and their families as living, not dead. Thank you to my ancestors for their hard work and perseverance through difficult lives and poverty. You made it possible for me and my children to have a wonderful life.
Many thanks to all those cousins who have helped me with ideas and leads. Special thanks to Brett Berry and Barbara Parks who've shared their extensive research of early American Howeys as well as their considerable analytical skills.
Thanks to my wife, Carole Mrak, the love of my life, for her love and support as I've pursued this time-consuming obsession. If you think you're related to me, please contact me. One can't have too many cousins. I welcome comment & corrections.