Wow, most of you are so much further along than I have been able to get. My father, Michael Emmanuel, would NOT discuss his background. Went to forest City, PA, where he was born and raised and his parents were even more secretive about background. Funeral home info listed Place of birth: europe. They must have hidden when the census takers came around, because there is no record of the family in the PA census records. I know only that Granpa was a young conscript in the Austrian army that rose all the way up to the Royal Guard (or whatever it was called - I have seen pictures). Gramma made incredibly intricate lace with many bobbins and very fine thread. I don't even remember Grampa's first name or have ever seen the correct (european) spelling. I found Dad's diploma from college hidden in his closet when I was a little kid, it said Michael E. Hajducin, and Dad wouldn't explain - he got very irritated that I found the diploma. I would love to find out where my people are from and if I have relatives in europe, but. . .
I am happy for all of you that have made connections, it must feel great - as opposed to this empty space I have in my background.