Since its birth, America has been a country founded on the belief that a person can make his own destiny through hard work and perseverance. This mindset was embraced by its founders and the men and women who first lived in the American colonies. This heritage, I’m proud to say, was one that one of …
Continue reading "Katherine Scudder: An American-made Man"
When I was in preschool, my younger brother almost blinded me with a fork. Since then, I cannot stand any sharp objects near my eyes. Little did I know that one of my ancestors actually did blind his brother. Iago Foel was the King of Gwynedd (a Welsh Kingdom) from 950-979. When his father, Idwal …
Continue reading "Marybeth Taglieri: Kings, Wales, and Battles…Oh My!"
My mother’s side of the family came from Germany in the late 18th century. My ancestors began their life in the United States in Pennsylvania because it was home to many Lutheran German immigrants. Michael Kuntz was a farmer who decided to take his family further west in search of more opportunities. The Zane’s Trace …
Continue reading "Jacob Schmidt: A Westward Journey"
To my great surprise, I recently discovered that my 14th great-grandfather, William Bradford, was one of the first men to set foot on American soil. Not only was William Bradford a descendant of the Mayflower, he was also the leader of a majority of the pilgrims, otherwise known as Congregationalists, one of the founders and …
Continue reading "Devon Malo: Pioneer of Plymouth Colony"
For many generations our family has held fast to our beliefs, and strong moral values guide our decisions. This behavior continues a legacy set by our ancestors. Wherever they lived, whatever they did, they always stuck together and tried to do the right thing. Even if a decision was tough, they followed through. William Donaldson, …
Continue reading "Rachel Irvin: Love and War – A Donaldson Family Legacy"
I was intrigued to find ancestors so far back in my lineage that correlates to the hardworking values my family currently possesses. Coming from a large family with parents who were given little and, in turn, produced a great deal, I was always raised to work for what I wanted. Charles Hillery Walker was raised …
Continue reading "Emme Brown: The Building Blocks of Life"
After taking an Art History class my senior year of High School, my interest in the arts grew tremendously. I was thrilled to learn that my great great Uncle Henry was a fantastic painter throughout his lifetime. Born and raised in Vitebsk, Russia, shown to the right, Henry Landish came from a simple background. His …
Continue reading "Molly Kearns: For The Love of Art"
The American Dream is an idea that most Americans are familiar with: the idea that almost anyone can make it and make something of themselves no matter what their background is. This idea of coming from nothing to doing whatever you want is what led to and encouraged many to immigrate to the United States …
Continue reading "Jarrett Jarvis: The American Dream"
Growing up with a parent in the military affected every aspect of my life. My father entered the military at the age of twenty and has lived in many different states throughout that course of time. Shortly after I was born, my father was re-stationed from Omaha, Nebraska, to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. …
Continue reading "Shelby Critcher: Alabama Forever"