| "Personal research references, especially for families | | | | history of Albany." |
| who once lived in the South End area of Albany, are | | | | Joseph Yakel, third generation Albany native, |
| very difficult to come by", said Yakel. "Lower Albany | | | | presents this unique family work with a simple |
| had a very strong mix of European immigrants, | | | | elegance certain to be enjoyed. To start, Joe |
| especially Germans, throughout the 19th century. | | | | provides some personal details on the life of his |
| These were spirited, hard working people, that | | | | grand aunt, Mary Yakel, and her family. Then, below |
| helped to build the city's distinction through their | | | | each original page entry, Joe has added interesting |
| values and all kinds of family run businesses", he | | | | details about each person or family mentioned in the |
| explained. "Unfortunately, unlike other parts of the | | | | book, if known. Over 30 surnames fully indexed. The |
| city, such as the Central Avenue thoroughfare and | | | | cover art and the background images come from the |
| the downtown district of Pearl Street, documentation | | | | original autograph book cover, and provide warmth |
| relative to much of the South End, especially around | | | | as well as symmetry from page to page. |
| the Second Avenue area, is far and few between." | | | | The Yakel family (originally spelled Jackel and Jeckel) |
| He added, "Knowing that others have experienced | | | | hails from the villages of Hergenfeld, Spabrucken and |
| the same frustration I have felt while trying to find | | | | Wallhausen, located in the Kreis Kreuznach, Rhineland |
| useful research information about the lower Albany | | | | area of Germany. Since emigrating to Albany in 1847, |
| area and families, I decided to take a wonderful | | | | the Yakel family has built upon the solid foundation of |
| source of family history I already had in my | | | | its Patriarch, Johannes Jeckel, to become well known |
| possession, my grand aunt's autograph book, and | | | | throughout the Tri-City area. |
| make it available to other researchers. The book | | | | "The Autograph Memories of Mary Yakel" can be |
| mentions dozens of surnames and individuals, and it's | | | | purchased directly from Pricing is $9.00, plus any |
| this kind of personal information that brings family | | | | applicable sales tax and shipping charges. |
| history and genealogical research alive. I'm excited to | | | | Printed: 75 pages, 8.5 x 11.0 in. |
| share this book, and help to preserve the family | | | | |