AGHS American Global Heir Search

05/05/2026

Meet Darlene!

Darlene is one of our amazing Client Managers. She enjoys getting to know each of her clients and their individual stories. However, as a full charge bookkeeper for nearly forty years, she finds her happy place in the numbers in her dual-role. When she’s not at the office, Darlene is the best “Grams” a granddaughter could ask for. Spending time with her family and traveling with her husband of 50 years is where she finds true joy. In that same way, Darlene values connection and stays involved in her community through leadership roles at church and membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. One of her favorite places to visit is Scotland, as Darlene’s heritage has deep roots there. Here’s a little snapshot of her family history as American settlers from Scotland:

“I am a McDonald from the Clan in Glengarry and Keppoch Scotland, an area outside of Inverness. My 6th Great Grandfather, Alexander McDonald, left Inverness on one of Lord Oglethorpe’s ships on route to Savanah, GA to help with the settlement. As payment for helping, Alexander McDonald was given land, which he then named New Inverness, Georgia (now called Darien, Georgia). His son, Alexander McDonald, fought against the British in the Revolutionary War as part of Francis Marion’s, “The Swamp Fox,” regiment.”

We are proud to have such a storied and positive member on our team!

04/19/2026

In celebration of World Circus Day this weekend, here's a good read for you:

World Circus Day was launched in 2010 by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco to highlight the role circus plays in building community and fostering joy. Worldwide events can be found on the official website of the Federation Mondiale du Cirque - https://www.circusfederation.org/world-circus-day/

Most Americans think of the “Greatest Show on Earth” created by P. Barnum and James A. Bailey when they think of the early days of the American circus. However, the first modern circus in America took place April 3, 1793, in Philadelphia established by John Bill Rickets an English equestrian. The early circus performances were mostly equestrian acts with some other performances by acrobats and clowns.

Prior to Barnum & Bailey, in Indiana William Cameron Coup designed the first Mabie Circus show to take advantage of the new railroad transportation. From the 1880s to the 1930s Peru, Indiana became the “Circus Capital of the World.” Peru and other locations in Indiana became the winter quarters for many circus companies. These winter quarters were near the home of Lynda’s 3X great-grandfather William Walter Graham. This allowed “Billy” at age 16 to join the circus life to be an acrobat. His favorite activity was balancing upon a tight rope, and he joined an established troupe known as the “Wiretta Family.” Billy Wiretta would go on to perform with six different circus companies over 12 years always walking without safety nets. He was promoted as having been the only man to cross over Niagara Falls on a tightwire which in fact never happened but helped to bring people into his performances. Billy eventually left the circus to marry his wife Minnie A. Hinton.

Lynda’s late great-uncle Frederick H. Graham wrote a book Wait for The Muncie Boys: Indiana’s Early Circuses. His late wife, artist Bette Graham designed the cover art. The book focuses on the stories of the people who came from small-town Indiana who became circus stars. While the book is no longer in publication, used copies can still be located. Additionally, Ball State University houses the Fred Graham Circus Research Collection as part of the Stoeckel Archives of Local History in Muncie, Indiana.

AGHS would like to wish a Happy World Circus Day to all performers and fans who continue to keep the Big Top magic alive!

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!🍀

03/02/2026

- March is Women's History Month -

AGHS visited Dachau last year. Although a labor camp, thousands of people still died there, around 41,500 in fact, from disease, exhaustion, gassing, ex*****on, experimentation (malaria, altitude, cold water) or encouraged to commit su***de rather than face continued torture. As a Brit, Claire was particularly shocked to learn that four women working for the British organization Special Operations Executive (SOE) were shot there on September 13, 1944. SOE’s goal was to “set Europe ablaze” from within N**i occupied countries.

Yolande Unternährer was born in Paris in 1911 to a Swiss father and English mother. She joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and trained as a wireless operator. This experience combined with her language skills made her a good candidate for the SOE. She married dutchman Jaap Beekman in 1943. He died in the Netherlands in 2010.

Madeleine Damerment was born in France in 1917. Her family became involved in the resistance movement following German occupation and she helped about 75 downed British airmen escape. The British Embassy helped get her released when she was arrested and she was subsequently flown to Britain. Her knowledge of France and experience with escape lines made her a good candidate for the SOE.

Noor Inayat Khan was born in 1914 in Moscow to an Indian father and American mother. The family moved to Britain just before World War I, then to France in 1920 and back to Britain following German occupation in 1940. Here Noor joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and trained as a wireless operator.

Eliane Browne-Bartroli was born in France in 1917, to an English father and Spanish mother and received her education in England and Spain. She married Irishman Thomas Plewman in England in 1942 and joined the SOE in 1943.

These incredible women made the ultimate sacrifice. What other inspiring women will you remember this Women’s History Month?

02/13/2026

-A President’s Valentine-

This President’s Day, why not take a moment to appreciate the letters Second President John Adams exchanged with his wife, Abigail during their courtship and marriage. The couple were married for 54 years (1764 to 1818) and exchanged hundreds of letters. Several reflect the enduring strength of their relationship. Two years before their union on October 4, 1762, John wrote to “Miss Adorable” and mentioned the “two or three Millions” kisses he had given her! On October 16, 1774, while John was attending the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Abigail wrote of how she longed for his return and on December 23, 1782, during the American Revolution and while John was in Europe performing diplomatic duties, she wrote of their “affection heightened and improved by time.”

Check out these letters and more here: https://lnkd.in/e8SW2KBG

Abigail died on October 28, 1818 and John on Independence Day, 1826. Their tombs stand next to each other in the crypt of the United First Parish Church, Quincy, Massachusetts.

01/27/2026

Meet Merritt!
As a genealogist here at AGHS, Merritt is our documentation specialist, making sure all kinship connections are fully documented and proven to meet court requirements. In her 8 years here, she has come to enjoy making sense of all the records to tell a family’s story in a way that is clear and concise. Merritt also coordinates all of AGHS’ social events! She hosts a monthly luncheon to help keep our team connected, believing that higher spirits encourage more fulfilling engagement with our jobs and team members.

Off the clock, Merritt enjoys being creative and appreciates art of all kinds. She draws, crochets, cooks, and bakes but especially loves film and movies. Additionally, she loves connecting with the people in her life. When she’s not in office, you can find her on a walk talking on the phone with a friend (for record lengths of time). Merritt is of Swiss, German and English heritage and her genealogical roots trace back to at least 6 patriots of the American Revolution. She recently met a German fifth cousin!

01/02/2026

11/27/2025

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate🤎

11/11/2025

AGHS would like to thank all our veterans, past and present, for their service to our Country.

In particular, we'd like to recognize Staff Sergeant John Pagliuso for his sacrifice. John was killed in action during World War II. His remains were recently identified and he was finally laid to rest in Lyons, New York last week. Along with her work for AGHS, Claire has been researching military repatriation cases since 2013. John was one of her early cases. His identification 83 years after his death is a true testament to the military's commitment of not leaving anyone behind:

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt00000004pfpEAA

https://abc6onyourside.com/news/nation-world/world-war-ii-wwii-soldier-laid-to-rest-after-83-years-missing-in-action-john-pagliuso-lyons-ny-wayne-county

Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. John Pagliuso, a World War II hero, finally came home Friday.

10/29/2025

From all our cats at AGHS to yours, we’d love to say, “Happy National Cat Day!” With Halloween around the corner, the timing could not be more purrfect to bring awareness to cat rescue, care, and adoption. As a reminder: Black cats are not bad luck! On the contrary, they actually bring immense wealth and good fortune. Adopt one to find out more.

At AGHS, many of our members are lifetime supporters of rescue organizations like the American Humane Society and rehoming efforts like Pets for the Eldery. Any opportunity to push our favorite non-profits to the forefront, is one we’ll take. We encourage you to click the links below to discover ways to donate and get involved:

https://petsfortheelderly.org/

https://www.americanhumane.org/support-our-work/