Should My Last Name be Kramer??

[@MarkBrockman1956]

We adopted six children and it would hurt me to the bone if one of them changed their name back to what it was before I adopted them.

[@SR-zi6eo]

Thank you for taking us along on your journey; very interesting! I agree with you Re your Zeller name, to keep it as is. God bless the folks that did raise your kin. Again, much appreciated….🌝

[@Fish-on4dt]

For what it is worth, you were loved and cared for by the Zellers and are a Zeller. They are your family. Having said that, it is great that you are doing this research.

[@aliciamott1396]

This is fascinating!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@imahick5723]

Thank you for sharing your genealogy search. All families have secrets, mysteries and surprises!

[@Redgonetogray]

There is a Nicholas Kramer 1842-1917 buried in Evens City Cemetery in PA. It was actually in the movie Night of the living dead. Old black and white movie from the 60’s. KZbin channel Grimm-Life collective did a filming location on the movie. They feature Nicholas’s head stone in a seen of the movie. Check it out. Interesting.

[@TimeForNature1]

That was very interesting. I would keep the Zeller name out of respect to the Zeller family members who cared.

[@lilyd1010]

Our "real" roots are often grown in love, not necessarily blood. The name inscribed in ur heart is the closest to ur soul. (my opinion)

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Cliff, I do find family histories very interesting, I totally agree with you that you should remain a Zeller. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖

[@rikspector]

Cliff, Keep your name as it is! Cheers, Rik

[@MarkBrockman1956]

Very interesting Cliff. Thanks.

[@mh-im2kq]

Sometimes blood is not thicker than water.. the ones who take the time effort and resources to raise us are the ones who should be shown the love and honor.. I do feel your emotions though.. and I send good vibes your way

[@Unbridled13]

Thanks for sharing your story. I do genealogy as a hobby. Family history is so interesting.

[@bonniereis5876]

No, I would not change your last name respecting those who cared to take on that responsibility. This was very interesting even though I’m sure emotional in a way for you. Love your channel. I have family history in PA but raised in Ohio.

[@MarkBrockman1956]

My paternal grandmother’s name was Clara Kramer. She lived in Covington KY where I was born.

[@bridgetcornman4495]

Thank you for taking us along on your family history journey! Beautiful country side out there! I’m sorry your Grandpa didn’t seem to acknowledge you,he may have felt awkward too about the situation. Families seemed to keep secrets back then. Honestly it’s up to you about your surname,you have every right to want to acknowledge your heritage. Might be time to break the mold! Good luck with your continued journey!!🤗

[@unyieldingcreek1]

Family history is so interesting. As you dive down into things, there are definitely things that make you go hmmm... My maternal side several generations back are almost all from the southern U.S, so some of the things my ancestors did I am not exactly proud of, but it is a part of history and I personally can not change it, but I can help shape the future of the generations.

[@mikesweeney7190]

Thank Mr.Cliff. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@brianharris16]

Thanks for sharing!!! Spent this past weekend camping out in Somerset and visiting four cemeteries ranging from my great grandparents to 4th great grandparents between Confluence and Shade Township. Multiple Civil War vets as well.

[@jamesley4969]

My mother is a Kramer from Clearfield County. Changed from Cramer to Kramer in the 1850’s.

[@thisisindiana7082]

Very interesting video. And thanks for sharing family history. My thoughts are to keep Zeller. Also, I think I saw the last name Boltz twice on headstones. They could possibly be my family. My gr gr grandfather Abraham Boltz was born in Pennsylvania and moved to southern Indiana in the 1800’s. So, thanks for making it possible to see other last names when you are looking through cemeteries.

[@Bluemoon051]

Hi ! Cliff , I would keep the Zeller name. It sounds cooler . But then again , you do you . Whatever you are comfortable with . As far as family . Stuff happens . It is what it is . You seem like a really nice person , so I guess it worked out for the best . It's cool you looked for your folks . Good , bad or indifferent they are part of what makes you . I would not worry too much about what others think of you . Your grandfather . Some folks are like that . Just the way it is . As long as you like you . Plus , we enjoy your company . We like you . 😺

[@CharlotteFairchild]

Your afghan is crochet and a ripple stitch. It is pretty. My favorite kind of afghan.

[@lindadonahue9279]

Thank you for this. I absolutely love cemeteries. So much history to be learned.

[@rockjockey94]

Ok my comment is not as serious as some of the others… your comment on your grandfathers “plowing fields that were not his own” made me laugh SO hard, I m still laughing!!! I ve literally never heard that term before!!! Thank you for the laugh!!

[@susankerr9521]

My Lucas ancestors were members of the Host church back in the 1700s. I think my 5X great grandfather, Daniel, is buried there. They were living in the Tulpehocken back in 1755, so your vids about the LeRoy massacre and aftermath really got my attention. His son Philip, 4X great grandfather, served as a teamster during the Revolution, and his son Peter, 3X great, bought land in Clarion County in the 1820s. You might find that you have some distant relatives out here, Cliff.

[@hauntedbearchild]

It may sound strange, but when I go to the very old cemeteries where my ancestors are buried and stop to leave a flower and pay respects, I often feel they may know I'm there and are somehow watching. Not always, but sometimes there's that feeling. I think they appreciate when we find them and visit. Nice to think though.

[@beverlymerkel6522]

Families have their secrets. First time I saw my grandfather, he was in his coffin. I was a child, but unusual situation. Thanks for sharing your information and the process to get there.

[@oldguyinthewoods]

Zeller-Kramer. My opinion is there is always more to the story that you may never find out. But you will always be a Zellner and always be a Kramer. Good job doing the research and connecting the dots.

[@Zurtron]

I have a similar situation, my grandfather was raised from birth until 15 as “Tommy” Wilkinson. In fact he never knew his first name until he ran away to a family friend who addressed him as his actualy name, Donald. He adopted his adopted father’s name. And hence the last name Darling has been that of my father, and me and my siblings.

[@pamelaattrux336]

Very interesting Cliff thanks

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Really enjoyed that thanks. I would keep the name Zeller it’s your parents name. It’s wonderful you have included us in your exploration. I remember a few years ago you were looking at the Zeller family and said that you would also be looking into your Mums side too, hope you still do it. Please stay safe and take care

[@sonplusone7059]

A lot of work and research went into this. Great work Cliff. I really enjoyed it

[@marymagnuson5191]

I have a Charles Kramer married into my family in Indiana who died in Schuylkill County. Served in the civil war. b 1820 d 1906. M Elizabeth Hillbish/Hollingsbush. We might be distant cousins. His son George . B 1883 married Ruth Stanley my fathers aunt.

[@donalddewald8218]

John DeWald on the Revolutionary War Memorial is my ancestor. The DeWald reunion is held at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church there. Thanks for posting the video.

[@Caddl123]

I made Research about my family,too. My old father(90 years old) and his brother(95 years old) are the oldest i can ask. They are very nice and calm old men with a unbelievable knowledge of history.

[@bdickinson6751]

At some point I was thinking this was gonna turn into a version of the song "I'm My Own Grandpa".

[@alexandria8255]

I saw a gravestone there of Luckenbill. It's the last name of Lucie Arnaz' husband. Maybe it's a relative of theirs. Also saw a gravestone of Lutz and we had PA friends named Lutz that used to camp at our place in FL. It would be nice for you to get death certificates of the ancestors because it states what they died from. Family history is important for current medical issues as well. My great grandfather died of renal failure. So with some of my medical issues I have, I need to watch out for my kidneys, as the medical issues I have can affect their function. That was my dad's grandfather. My mom however had high blood pressure, CHF and CKD due to thyroid issues. I have thyroid issues and high blood pressure as well as T2 diabetes. My dad's mom had many strokes, died from that. And mom's dad also had stroke. So I also need to be careful for that as well. Just some infos to think about to stay healthy. God bless you Cliff. I like Cynthia's suggestion of Kramer-Zeller for your last name. ✨✨👍🙏👍✨✨

[@stephenstroup1084]

FYI, You can write to the National Archives , Washington DC to get a complete copy of your civil war ancestor's Isaac Pension file. You must file out a form to make such a request. I don't remember the form number. I am sure you can probably find it online. It has been about 20 years since I requested info on my Civil War ancestor. There was a wealth of family history info in my ancestors file. In addition, discovered he fought at Gettysburg. You might find it helpful in researching your family history as well. Just a thought. Good luck! Love all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomtransport]

Thanks for sharing your family with us. I was born in 42 mom was always tossing my dad out, last time was in 1943 or so and he died in 47 so I never knew him at all. Mom passed in 56, I had just turned 14. I stayed with various relatives till I was 18 and on my own. I was lucky, 4 main jobs in my life. I always seemed to have good paying jobs I liked doing, 3 were family owned and the last 1 was a huge corporation. People ask me was it rough, I usually say I only lived the one time and had nothing else to compare it to. LOL. I do always say I would never change a thing. Your life's experiences make you what you are, where you are and how your children/family are. For instance, If I don't move around when younger I would not meet my wife of 50 years, see what I mean? She passed 4 years ago. I say keep the name Zeller Cliff but go with your heart, only you can make the final decision. As to Grandfather not reacting to you, he may not have known what to do at that instant and regretted his standoffishness the next day, week, whatever. I know you'll give him the benefit of the doubt, you did seek out his grave, your heart is in the right place. I feel I know you but never met you but that's why you also have 56.7K followers too. Yeah, see you on the next one.

[@wandaswavely2523]

My grandmother name was Elsie Kramer.

[@voyage2aeon]

Census lists will tell you how many children were in the family at the time of the census... from 1850 on, it lists the names also.

[@cathyherron2157]

I can understand your interest in knowing your family history My father died when I was very young so I have a family that didn’t even know that I was part of their family Quit a family mystery surrounds their ancestry it would make an interesting story Good luck on finding your family

[@wandaswavely2523]

I just remember that my grandfather's name was Tom.

[@SandyD2022]

Take chalk with you, and you can rub it flat on the stone, and rub with your hand and it will shows the letters. Flashlight on the side of the graves makes the letter come out too. I was told years ago, from a guy in Pine Grove that there are two Kramer line. Do a free trial on Ancestry, and you'll be surprised what you can find in two weeks.

[@squidgameisaliarisawnosqui5341]

very cool I try to find out things about my family

[@SJFrzrbrn]

I'm in a similar boat. My Dad's dad left his family for some reason, and maybe he isn't even his real father. So who is my grandfather? What's my last name supposed to be? You know what, it doesn't even matter... My friends and family now is what's really important. Those people care about me and I care about them. And that's all that matter really. You know who matters to you and who you matter to.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

In the past 100, 200, or 300 years, names in families changed for many people. For every woman, it changed from their father's name to their husband's name. I am glad you are happy with the name you have. Many Indigenous peoples give a name that fits someone after their personalities are formed, and not from birth.

[@pamountains2]

My last name is Kramer and my Grandfather was also born in 1923. Small world

[@randiwilson3177]

You can contact the local VFW post to put the star back on his grave.

[@lovesmashbox]

i would not change my last name . the reason ...just because your grandfather father your father does not make him a dad . a dad is someone who cares about his kids . when my dad was born my grandfather left my grandmother to be with another women who he had another son with while he was married to my grandmother ...my father never talked about his side of the family so my research is a lot of guessing ....

[@nancykelly2006]

Andreas Kramer is my 5th Gr-Grandfather- nice to see that you are researching the same family lines

[@colleenunvarnished]

Such a difficult decision. Keeping the Zeller name honors those who raised your father, so I lean to keeping the name. We will support you regardless of the decision.

[@alexisking6126]

You can get a Genealogist to help you with family records

[@karencharny1497]

That was interesting had to watch it Twice.... my Grandparents.lived with me till they past away at Home 🏠 first one. Than year's later the other 👋

[@sharonbartlett2225]

What you are doing is so much fun and interesting, especially when you find out information about each individual. I do family research also. My great great grandfather was killed at the second battle of Bunker Hill. I think he is buried in Pennsylvania. He was from North Carolina. When you are searching online look out for discrepancies. I found an ancestor who was born three years after his father died! I still haven't found out the real birth date of the son. Good luck with your searching.

[@robertvirtue8070]

Cliff my Mom's cousin that did their side of my family always took a picture of the headstones when she found them. so she had all the info .for reference.

[@superditdit48]

You can hyphenate your name Kramer-Zeller. So many people are either adopted or never knew either parent because the grands raised them. Always do what feels right. But definitely when building a tree have the truth represented no matter how unsavory it can get. I know it is tough when blood does not "accept" you but their loss. Have fun and I hope you finally got to eat!

[@gladysmaroue9167]

Would want to know more about THE MAN before I took a name. Was he good to.grandma etc etc. Just Say in 👹👼🍹🙈🍖👿(👀🤶🐶

[@sharonbartlett2225]

I don't think you should change your name. What would your dad and his family think about it? You sure don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. You were raised a Zeller so stay a Zeller. God bless.

[@Harry-mi6vb]

Stick with Zeller. That's who you really are. Plus the hassle of changing would be a nightmare.

[@superditdit48]

my great grandmother's father James Elliott is in Charles Evans cemetery in Berk County he is my only Civil War relative.

[@misterm5325]

Your name with Kramer does have a nice ring to it! I wouldn't change it though at this point in your life! I like the family tree videos. I ran into nothing but disinterest and slight hostility from my relatives when I tried to find info on mine. Thankful for the info online or I would not have gotten too far.

[@moonoggin]

Sometimes older adults are lacking all the lovey dovey hormones, sadly. I bet he was glad to meet you. Maybe from his generation, the absence and lack of knowing anything much about you, he might have blocked all the love out. I've taught kids before and this is how they deal with deep hurt within themselves, when they have been away from a parent. Just keep finding out as much as you can about him and then decide. He could have had a hard life or a mental challenge. Forms of autism were not brought to the front in the old days. I never heard of it until the 80s when I had my own children and taught some that had it. My motto in life is to keep it all positive. Dont hurt the ones that 'could' be there and research all you can this Kramer family. My grandchildren are Kramers & are wonderful people.

[@wandaswavely2523]

This is funny! My grandmother name was also Kramer. Didn't know my grandpop, he died before my birth. Wouldn't it be funny if we were related? They lived in Northampton and were farmers.. I did read that everybody with the same last name are related somehow. Thanks for your videos..

[@stonemanson4884]

There’s a cemetery in New Gretna, NJ with a lot of Cramers but spelling is different than your family

[@jwwalker688]

Make it Mudd...more historic.

[@susiegnall3971]

My maiden name is Kraemer. You don’t hear the name much with either spelling. I did some search in ancestors, and I know where my grandfather and great grandfather are buried. They came from Germany. Good luck with your search!

[@mmmm-gr7xr]

Thank u 4 sharing with us. You are Zeller stemming from those who loved you. But you are Kramer based on lineage and DNA. I would take the name as a middle name. It belongs to you. The unloving grandparent does not matter. Let him spin in his unloving grave. You can not be denied. Good luck.

[@mawmawsims2578]

Suggestion: If you decide to change your name, consider Kramer-Zeller. It would make it easier for you as well as future descendants.

[@campsawyer]

Thanks for the video. As an FYI 116 PA Vol was part of the storied Irish Brigade of the 2nd Union Corps. You should be able to find quite a bit on them.

[@jdjd7127]

Very cool video

[@JOECorsoNova]

Great video Cliff, I too want to start researching my family tree, I soon run into roadblocks and don’t have many family members to ask, it will be an undertaking for sure but look forward to the results! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@BelievingBible]

It is a big pain changing yer name, least that is what I heared. Well done and God bless!

[@heidipapcunik4772]

Pretty neat 👌.

[@jayforkner2692]

Lot of family history. It gets confusing real quick. At one time I was going to court houses and researching my history. I ran into a retired gentleman that was also researching. He told me his doctor recommended to keep his mind active.

[@johnopphile1923]

Keep the name Zeller. I would try to look up your Kramer relatives though. Most of them would probably be excited to meet and get to know you.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

DNA could help you reach info a lot faster. I have been to Annville. Not the cemetery there yet. I used to go to the Quaker Conference called Friends Conference of Religion and Psychology. FCRP for Jung and Quakers started during WWII. Many of the speeches are online.

[@flammenwaffenfries3039]

Only if you change your first name to Kosmo

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Wow, your grandad lived the exact same years as my dad, 1923 to 2008. I would say you are technically a Kramer and obviously if you wanted to trace your ancestors you would search that name but hey, Zeller has meaning too!

[@johnmefford4455]

Keep it

[@kimolar810]

You have the knowledge of your bloodline, that's something that you could use if God forbid you ever need to search onto health history. In my opinion using the name Zeller honors the people who raised you. Just my opinion.

[@rickimoler7158]

So interesting...don't change your name.

[@joseleswopes1400]

It's always hard, you could hyphen your last name. Just to let you know my dad's father abandoned his family after the war. My dad saw him once when we lived in Monticello Utah I was about 3-4 years old and nothing after that. So sad when things like that happen 🌹🙏🕊️ My dad kept his father's last name, I do like the last name Tallent. I see myself as a Sanders and Horn also my mom's side. My dad's mom's name was Effinger in German spelling is Affinger. 🌹

[@eagletalons5333]

My wife and I got married in Monticello, Utah 39 yrs. ago today (8 Aug. 1983) after crossing the country from SW Pa..and her mother (my mother in law) has never seen nor met any of our three son. Strange world indeed.

[@MarkBrockman1956]

P.S. Keep Zeller 😊

[@gladysmaroue9167]

You are in my backyard ! We had an Arlene and Peter a Thomas too. Will watch later. He was old...Paul. Robbed The Cradle?

[@debbiehills2928]

Sorry you have this sad history in your family but sounds like you bear the name of someone who loved you so I wouldn't change a thing.

[@jwwalker688]

Maybe the other way around, robbing the grave?

[@janetsides901]

My husband's mother had a father who never did anything for her she was raised by her maternal grandmother and Aunt. She went to visit him when my husband,( her son) was about 7 years old. My husband said he never saw him after that and never knew him. When he died they a sent my mother in law a letter saying he left her nothing in his will. Like really??

[@janetsides901]

My mother in laws mom died of pnuemonia,when she was 24 and my mother in law was 3 years old.

[@BarbaraNotobartolo]

I was a Kramer, my dad was a brother to your grandfather Paul…his other brothers were Harold and Henry, my dad was the oldest, his name was William Charles Kramer and his dad was Charles William Kramer, you said Walter for the middle name which is wrong… Are you interested in old family photos of ancestors?

[@rgdodson]

Genealogy is a great hobby and one that I am deeply involved with. When most people start researching their family history they tend to focus on their last name and stick with the paternal line, but then at some point they realize that they are as connected with the maternal line and the paternal. It just happens to be tradition that most married women take the husbands last name. And...as a family history researcher this often makes it very difficult to find information about the maternal line. But...in the end, you are just as much a Zeller as you are a Kramer...so I'd stick with Zeller if I were you. My two cents.

[@arnoldhancock5104]

Do you think there is a Kramer reunion? You should have Kramer's of your age.

[@mistervacation23]

Prairie City South Dakota aboard the ship some claim was so safe even God couldn't sink as history recorded it one of God's icebergs proof otherwise of the 2200 award more than 1500 Parish but only evil stuff wasn't among the dead this is his story

[@joetrippi7356]

wondering if anyone sharpens up the old writing on stones, sometimes the information gets lost from wear. Is that even a thing?

[@lynnmor2101]

Physically it can be done, getting permission from others that are related might be difficult.

[@dsantos10]

My brother's last name is Cramer and you two look a lot alike 🧐

[@hauntedbearchild]

Keep the name. People change names throughout history. Adopted people don't change their name, why should you? But genetically, look at the Kramer line.

[@vman1654]

Maybe your related to Cosmo Kramer?

[@williamcrawford7982]

jung/young

[@catpatrick3838]

Harry R. was a Kramer. Below the Harry R it said "son of Ben and Kate Kramer". I didn't get the dates on the stone, you panned away too fast. As for your last name... Your father has been a Zeller from birth, you have been a Zeller from birth. Just because half your father's dna is from a Kramer doesn't make them his, or your, family. Family is the people whom you love and love you. But that's just my take on it.

[@michaelroucoulet3294]

let,s stop yapping!

[@superditdit48]

Research will be easier when you use familysearch.org. It is free and you will be amazed the information you can glean from one search.