This work has been written for my/our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and on, and to my siblings and their children, with love, so that each may know one strand of the complex whole of his or her life. Each life has myriads of strands that twist together to make the thread of what composes one individual. Here I have attempted to relate what I remember and have gathered from others about those who made it possible for each of us to live. The following story of people and happenings are central to who I am and who all of you are or may become.