Milly Levan’s Lineage: Untapped Mysteries & Evolving Connections
Adrienne’s maternal roots trace back to Milly Levan, a branch of the family tree that remains shrouded in intriguing gaps and unanswered questions. While foundational research began years ago—drawing on oral histories, scattered documents, and occasional contributions from relatives like Gunter and Myra Lawson (née Aronowitz)—this section of the family narrative remains incomplete, awaiting fresh insights and renewed collaboration.
The Wonsoff Sisters: A Tangled Web
Central to this lineage are two sisters, Hannah and Miriam Wonsoff, whose marriages intertwined two branches of the same family. Hannah wed Abraham Harris Arnowitz, while Miriam married Aaron Levy Aronowitz. Historical records suggest both men were related—either as uncle and nephew—but their exact connection remains unclear, compounded by the puzzling detail that they were roughly the same age. This anomaly hints at deeper complexities in the family’s migration or record-keeping practices, inviting further scrutiny.
Name Changes & Hidden Histories
A recent breakthrough revealed that some Wonsoff descendants anglicized their surname to Harris upon settling in England—a common practice among immigrant families seeking assimilation. This discovery opens doors to potential connections with living relatives, such as Jack and Janet Harris, a sibling pair linked to this name-change lineage. Their recollections could shed light on the family’s Dutch roots and the significance of Salmon Street, a location mentioned in fragmented accounts but not yet fully contextualized.
Collaboration as Key
While Milly’s branch of the tree has been quieter in recent years, its dormant stories pulse with potential. The patchwork of data—gathered through interviews, faded photographs, and handwritten notes—calls for renewed energy. Did the Wonsoff sisters maintain ties after their marriages? How did the Harris name evolve across generations? What role did Salmon Street play in their lives? These questions linger, awaiting input from descendants or historians who might hold missing pieces.
Current Snapshot of Milly’s Lineage
- 167 Individuals mapped across generations
- 47 Surnames preserved or adapted over time
- 60 Family Groups identified, with ties spanning continents
- Earliest Recorded Birth: 1830
- Most Recent Birth: 2005
A Call to Revisit & Reimagine
This branch of the family tree is far from static. It is a living archive, ripe for reinterpretation. Whether through DNA testing, archival digging, or reconnecting with figures like Jack and Janet Harris, every thread pulled could unravel decades of mystery. For those with ties to the Wonsoff, Arnowitz, Aronowitz, or Harris families—or knowledge of Salmon Street’s significance—your voice could transform fragments into a fuller story.
The work continues, driven by the belief that even the smallest clue might bridge centuries of silence. Let’s reignite the search.