In 1867, a single decision reshaped the future of an entire family. At just 24 years old, Heinrich BÖRLIN left behind the mountains of Switzerland, inspired by a friend’s advice and driven by the promise of new opportunities in America. His journey marked the beginning of the Borlin family’s story in the United States—a legacy that continues to grow today.
This site is more than just names and dates. It’s an evolving chronicle that seeks to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the lives of our ancestors. Through the choices they made—the risks they took, the values they lived by, and the relationships they formed—our modern lives have been shaped in profound ways.
Spanning more than three centuries, the stories you'll find here are pieced together from official records, personal letters, photographs, and informed historical context. While some details may be lost to time, careful research and educated interpretation help illuminate the lives behind the names.
While the central focus of this project is the ancestry and descendants of Heinrich BÖRLIN, we recognize that family history doesn’t stop at a single surname. Through marriages and relationships, the Eising, Pegram, Roehl, and many other families have become part of this shared journey. Their stories are also woven into the fabric of this archive, offering valuable insights for all who explore it.
Whether you're a direct descendant, a distant relative, or a curious visitor, we invite you to dive into this rich tapestry of heritage. Your own stories, records, and discoveries may hold the key to unlocking new connections and deeper understanding.
BORLIN Family Crest is officially recorded at the State Archive as the crest for the "BÖRLIN VON OLTINGEN" family at the Basel-Landschaft Canton
In each of the following chapters there will be a final section labeled Opinions and Endnotes. These sections will document any references noted in the chapter, comments about sources of information, and modern perspectives by the author on the events described in that chapter.