Family stories
The lives behind the names and dates.
Profiles pair family memory with records, preserve the original story, and identify the pieces that still need proof.
Verified recordsJohn Elmer Ervin
1947–2022 · Nebraska, Missouri, Vietnam, and beyond
A family-held DD-214 verifies active Army service from 1966 to 1968, airborne qualification, MOS 11C4P, Vietnam service, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and other decorations.
Family testimony identifies A Company, 1/503, 173rd Airborne and connects John to Hill 882 during the Battle of Dak To. The unit and battle identification is strongly corroborated, but the DA Form 20, orders, or morning reports are still sought for archival verification.
Developing profileAugust Ludwig Chingren
1854–1946 · Östergötland, Illinois, Nebraska
Born in Högstad, Sweden, August was already in Illinois when he married Helen Elizabeth Mohring in Mercer County in 1879. His story belongs to the pre-Ellis Island immigration era.
Migration storyElias Benjamin Ervin
1828–1916 · Ohio to Appanoose County, Iowa
The westward movement of this household helps connect the older Kentucky and Ohio line to later Iowa and Nebraska generations.