Welcome!
Thank you for visiting They Lived in Berkeley County. My name is Tiffini Theisen, and I have been researching genealogy since 2015, with a primary focus on Berkeley County, West Virginia, the homeland of my mother line. My family’s history in the region dates to the 1700s and includes ancestors from Ireland, Scotland and Germany.
For me, genealogy research is a passion that weaves together many of my interests and professional skills. As a journalist, I’ve always been drawn to uncovering untold stories and digging for the truths that lie just beneath the surface. Genealogy allows me to do that on a personal level, tracing the lives of my ancestors and connecting the dots between their experiences and the lives we lead today.
I have loved learning, for example, that my grandmother ran a humble antiques shop that drew buyers from several states. That she spent hours making pies and plucking chickens with the help of her widowed sister, who lived down the street and would walk up the hill to visit. That her father had canned tomatoes and distilled moonshine up on North Mountain.
I am captivated by the history of regular people — their struggles, triumphs, and quiet moments of resilience. These are the threads that make up the fabric of history, yet they’re often overlooked. I enjoy not only writing stories, but also exploring how cultural and societal shifts shaped the lives of those who came before us, and how their values and challenges can echo through generations.
To me, it feels sacred to honor our roots by discovering the lives of those who paved our way. I believe this practice helps us find grounding and connection in a changing world. I believe genealogy deepens our understanding of where we come from and how we are connected to the larger human story.
More about Berkeley County
Founded in 1772, Berkeley County holds a rich history steeped in American heritage and natural beauty. Located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, it played a pivotal role in early colonial settlement and the Revolutionary War, with connections to notable figures like George Washington. Its fertile lands and strategic location near the Potomac River made it a hub for agriculture and industry during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Berkeley County is home to Martinsburg, the county seat, which became an important stop along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, contributing to the region's development. The area's historic sites, such as the Belle Boyd House and the Berkeley Springs State Park, reflect its unique blend of Revolutionary, Civil War, and industrial history.
Long before white settlers including my ancestors moved in and took over, the region was home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee. Part of the Algonquian language family, the Shawnee historically lived in various parts of the Ohio Valley and beyond, including present-day West Virginia. They revered the area's natural springs for their healing properties. They were semi-nomadic, moving seasonally to follow game, gather resources, and cultivate crops like corn, beans, and squash (the "Three Sisters"). Although there is no Native American blood in my lineage, I want to honor and respect the original inhabitants of the land.
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