Digging Into the Past
All of the research we have done on our families, and Hartwick Township,
Osceola County, Michigan is presented here. Where it has been possible, we
have verified the details. These are documented with sources. Everything else
is most likely the result of the efforts of probably hundreds of other individuals
who have been gratious enough to share their work. This is our feeble attempt to
share in like kind. We have no intention of deriving any value from this other than
the satisfaction of having done it. We expect you to do the same if you find the
information we have presented here of value.
We are constantly looking to improve our understanding of our ancestors and their
way of life. If you have qustions, corrections, additional information, even constructive criticisms,
please feel free to send email to us at Bratman@bratmanandrobin.com.
We especially enjoy finding old photographs of our ancestors, their homes and their hometowns.
Some of which you can see here in the various family trees. If you would like to share
your old photos and have them posted here... (Especially your ancestors from Avondale
or Hartwick) PLEASE let us know.
| Knickerbocker's | The Knickerbocker's are the ancestors of Robin's Mother Margaret. This family tree includes the Knickerbocker, Watts, Mendell, and Shaw families. |
| Yonnick | The Yonnick's are the ancestors of Robin's Father Barney. Yonnick is an "Americanized" version of the Polish name Janisewski. There are several variations of the name including Yannick, Yanick, Yonnick, and Yonick. This family tree includes the Janisewki, and Swaintkowski families , plus several variations of these family names. |
| Peel Austin | This is Bob's (aka Bratman's) family tree, which includes the family tree of Bob's Father, Glenn Russell Peel, and Mother, Charlotte Austin. They are combined into a single tree because about eight generations back the trees join. This may explain why Bob is such a brat. |
| Avondale | Here is a family tree of most of the residents of Avondale and Hartwick Township, Osceola County, Michigan from 1870 through 1930. The surnames are too numereous to mention. If you look, you will find everyone listed in the U.S. Census in Hartwick Township, and, everyone (that we know of) buried in the Avondale or Cherry Valley Cemetery. Oh, and along the way you'll also find a little bit of the history of Avondale. |