A genealogist’s reflections on bloodlines, history, and faith.
Welcome to my corner of the digital world! I am a long-time genealogist, an excellent researcher, and a perpetual student. For me, climbing the branches of family trees is a thrilling detective journey—always on the lookout for new clues, missing records, and hidden links.
Gathering the Scattered Leaves 🍂
Beyond my personal ancestral research, I am deeply passionate about using DNA matching and traditional genealogy to solve family mysteries. I regularly volunteer my time and expertise as a DNA detective to help:
Adoptees discover the identity of their unknown biological parent(s) and also assist individuals solve “brick walls” to find missing grandparents or great-grandparents.
Faith, Contemplation, & Providence ⛪
My research is deeply intertwined with my spiritual journey. I am a former student at Phillips Theological Seminary and an ACDP — Associate of the Congregation of Divine Providence (Sisters of Divine Providence of Texas). As a Religious Associate, I formally partner with the community’s mission, spirituality, and social ministries.
I am an aspiring contemplative. While I now explore the beautiful deserts, hike local trails, and walk prayer labyrinths in Northwest Arizona, my absolute favorite place to draw near to God is sitting on the sand, listening to the mighty waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the Southern California shore.
My Journey & Roots 🗺️
The Path to Arizona: I am originally a San Diego beach girl. I moved to Northwest Arizona in the summer of 2017 after spending time in rural Illinois and a beautiful year surrounded by the breathtaking mountains of Northwest Montana.
Education & Languages: I studied American Sign Language/Deaf Studies at Mesa Community College and Interdisciplinary Studies at National University, alongside various vocational programs over the years. Jeg snakker norsk!
Life Beyond the Records
When I am not deep in historical archives, you can find me embracing my creative and playful side:
🎄 Spreading Holiday Cheer: I absolutely love Christmastide! Every year during the holidays, I volunteer in full costume as a Mrs. Claus 🤶 bell-ringer for the Salvation Army. (*Jeg elsker juletider!*). Beyond ringing the bell, I am deeply honored to have been asked to serve on the local Salvation Army Advisory Board, partnering with leadership to support the community year-round.
🎵 Music & TikTok: I love to sing! You can frequently find me on TikTok, recording vocal duets and connecting through music with people from all around the world.
🖖 Sci-Fi & Classic Cinema: I am a lifelong Trekkie with a deep love for the Star Trek universe. I also enjoy classic movies, especially sweeping costume dramas and older films.
📜 Costumes & Living History: I am a closet actress who loves dressing up in full, elaborate costume for Halloween and local Renaissance Faires. This passion runs deep; back in the 1990s, I served as a docent and tour guide at Old Town San Diego State Park. Dressed in full, authentic historical costume, I spent my time bringing history alive while leading vibrant tours for groups of school children and tourists.
🫖 Simple Pleasures: I am a logophile (lover of words) and a true tea connoisseur ☕ and enthusiast. I also enjoy attending church, reading rich non-fiction, and exploring the web.
A Note on Copyright & Citations:
Much of the research shared here represents years of digging through archives and extensive research. If you use any information from my posts as a reference or source, please give credit and link back to my work. Unless otherwise noted, my work is © Anna A. Kasper 2011-2026. All rights reserved. Thank you.
Anna's Musings & Genealogical Writings 
Hi Lady Anna. I enjoyed reading your blog. You are articulate and your story flows smoothly. I’m looking forward to learning more from you.
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I just want to say that I too have the same traits as you. I taught myself sign language at age 18 and took various classes. Of course I am a not a certified interpreter. I too continue to advocate for people with Special abilities and also for Fragile X syndrome –as a self advocate. I am involved in Special Olympics in Bozeman,Mt for the past 17 years and also a global messenger. I play the piano, have my black belt in takewondo (a martial art)-hope to make it a future event for Special Olympics. I also want to say that in regards to the series Touch by an Angel-which I loved that show. I took the time to come up with my own creative stories that are different from the show. Thank you.
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I just want to say Lady Anna. I have the same interests as you.
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I am directly related to the same people as you, I am currently trying to look for information on Dirich Kuhl and Elizabeth Bohle with absolutely no luck, any idea where we were before maxsain?
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Hello C.K.:
I have not attempted to take the Kuhl and Staats lines further back then when they were in Zürbach, Maxsain, Westerwaldkreis, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. But I have taken the families back into the 1600’s. The population of Maxsain is only 60 people currently. I am not sure what it was when our family lived there. In most cases I have found that families stayed in the same area and villages/towns they were from.
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I found your article very informative and interesting. I’m redoing my geneology on my father’s side and related to James McTeer (from Ireland) , Elizabeth McTeer, etc Traced all.of it at the Knoxville, Tennessee genealogical society. I’m related to them through the Vinson line, from the Galyon line, Margaret McTeer.
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I found your article very informative and interesting. I’m redoing my geneology on my father’s side and related to James McTeer (from Ireland) , Elizabeth McTeer, etc Traced all.of it at the Knoxville, Tennessee genealogical society. I’m related to them through the Vinson line, from the Galyon line, Margaret McTeer. Some of this may be duplicate information.
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Dear Anna,
I am related to the L’Estrange family through my Purdy and Smith ancestors. They left the USA as they were loyalists and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia (the British gave them land there). My great grandfather was from Halifax, NS and came to Belfast, Northern Ireland where he lived for the rest of his life. Check out the Purdy House at White Plains which is still standing. The house was gifted to George Washington (I think he was of Huguenot descent), for the Battle of White Plains, great blog and every good wish with your genealogy searches and writing. Kindest regards, Valerie Northern Ireland
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