I have a story to tell. I’ve learned things I did not know before. My curiosity set me on a path that has not destination, no purpose except to explore what I did not know before.

Before when? you may ask? Before I asked myself the question. “How did I arrive here? Who came before me? What were they looking for?” The answers are as simple as they are profound. Almost universally, we (the collective “we”) are looking for a better life. The pull towards the lure of “better” is irresistible, particularly when where we are and what we have is not enough. Cold, starving, pain or any condition that makes uncomfortable will push us away from here and now into a direction of unknown risk/reward. We try. We regroup and persevere through what is not knowable to a destination we will recognize as “opportunity” for more comfort and less pain.

Seven years ago, I decided to answer the question, “Who came before me? Why did they come?What happened to them? What is there story?” I never imagined how that search would change me and fulfill me. I am much knowing their names. Knowing when they left what they called home in another place and time. They were people who took risks for a better life. I was surprised the number of ancestors I found. I was proud of their diversity. I was inspired by their courage.

So, now I desire to share the stories I have found in the records they left behind. I hope they inspire you, my readers, as much as they have inspired.