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Yes, I did a thing with my hair (or lack thereof) about a month ago. I like it. That’s not the point here. Today I visited the grave of my great great great grandfather Nicholas Steffen in Platteville, WI.

Mitch Keller

@mitchkeller.phd

2 Aug

Nicholas was born in Hollenfels, Luxembourg, in 1819. In 1857, he moved with his wife Annie and 3 children to Platteville. He lived there until his death in 1909. His son Mathias was one of the children born in Luxembourg and sailed with the family from Antwerp to New York aboard the David Hoadley.

Mitch Keller

@mitchkeller.phd

2 Aug

Mathias (by then Mathew) settled in NW Iowa, where my great grandfather was born. Mathias and his wife both died in Sioux City and they’re buried half an hour from the house I owned there. My great grandfather moved to ND, and that’s where the family stayed. Prior to March 2026, we knew

Mitch Keller

@mitchkeller.phd

great grandpa was born in Iowa and had a family tree going back a couple more gens, but it lacked any location info. I discovered the Luxembourg aspect on FamilySearch. Mathew decided, after moving to Iowa, that it was shameful to be foreign-born; his death certificate lists WI as his birthplace!

2/8/26, 3:21 am0 reposts0 likes

Mitch Keller

@mitchkeller.phd

2 Aug

The paper in my hand is my Luxembourgish nationality certificate, which arrived yesterday! Now I need to get an appointment at the embassy in DC or the consulate in NYC so I can get my passport!