These pages are dedicated to those that came before. To those who's lives were forever changed when they choose to take a chance on this great wilderness that is now America. For the tears they cried and the loved ones they lost defending this great country we honor you. For your strenghth and courage during the most difficult of times we praise you. For the vision of a greater land we thank you.

A special thank you to all who have helped me in my search for my ancestors, and there have been many.

And to my family who without them I would not be who I am today. To Jacob my five year old who is the light of my life. To my husband who has always stood by me no matter what happens. To my daughters that have made me believe you are as young as you feel. May God bless you all.