Family Record Hunter

Yet another family record hunt complete! I had previously found a stash of records for the Schwartzel family in Pennsylvania. From there I tracked various members of the family to Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee. This hunt was focused on the family of Mathias Swartzel as they moved to Ohio. I have previously analyzed his branch of the family from Pennsylvania.

I have seen hints that the Swortzel family in Augusta County, Virginia were related to the Schwartzel's of Pennsylvania, but I have not previously seen any facts connecting the two. If we are able to make those connections I believe there is definitive proof that Johann Henrich Schwartzel is the progenitor of the Swatzel's in Mifflin, PA; Montgomery, OH; Greene, TN ; and Augusta, VA.

Another successful record hunt is in the books. This time my focus was on Greene County, Tennessee but also included nearby Cocke, Sullivan, and Washington Counties. The primary target for this hunt was Philip Swatzel and his immediate family.  

After several record hunts through the local libraries and FamilySearch archives I’ve collected about as much data on the Schwartzel family as I can without a trip to Pennsylvania. While sifting through the records and indexes I have found over 24 variations and counting of spelling their surname. I don’t expect all of these records to be accurate matches to the Schwartzel family, but better to cast a wider net and narrow my focus later than miss out with the limited time I have at the library.