Mexican naming conventions can make genealogical research very difficult, and also very easy. My 4th great-grandfather Jose Victoriano Compean (b. abt. 1803) and his family are a very good representation of this dichotomy.
Grandfather Benjamin Robledo (1919-1990): Trying to Solve the Mystery of His Given Birth Name
For 15 years, I have beaten my head against a wall in total frustration at being unable to locate a birth record for my paternal grandfather, Benjamin Robledo (1919-1990). 14 months ago, I finally had a breakthrough that only confused things more. Yesterday, I obtained a copy of his original birth certificate.
#52Ancestors: Different DNA, but Same Family History — My Parents
Since my last two posts have focused on the new search for my biological family, I thought it appropriate to focus on my parents (my real parents). This is the story of my adoption, and what family and family history mean to me.
Dad’s Ethnicity Estimates on AncestryDNA vs Family Tree DNA: Robledo, Nieto, Salas, Jimenez
Despite having Dad test with AncestryDNA over a year ago, I never really did anything productive with his autosomal DNA results until now, after learning about transferring the raw data to Family Tree DNA. My FTDNA results and matches got unlocked and processed last week. Comparing Dad’s ethnicity estimates from both sites is my first step into analyzing his DNA.
#52Ancestors: Grandmother Rosie Salas Married Benjamin Robledo Surprisingly Close to My Home
Despite them both living in Los Angeles County, California, and Benjamin having a very large family in Los Angeles County, my grandparents Rosie Salas and Benjamin Robledo chose to marry in nearby Orange County. I found this out when I discovered their marriage record, which came as a big surprise to both me and my dad….because his parents married one city away from where I spent my entire childhood.
#52Ancestors: Grandfather Benjamin Robledo, So Far Away in WWII New Caledonia
New Caledonia, in particular its port of Nouméa, became a strategic base for the Allies during World War II, serving as the base of operations for the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43 and the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Navy Station Nouméa is where I first find my grandfather serving in the war. My grandfather served here in 1944.
#52Ancestors: Closest Birthday, Uncle Robledo Shares My Birthday
My dad’s youngest brother and I share the same birthday. Profiling him in the “closest birthday” topic for the 2015 “52 Ancestors” family history blogging challenge.
