Way back in my family tree is a great grandfather named Conrad, who was a doctor in the Civil War. Family lore had it that Conrad fell off his horse, onto his sword and died.  It is a great story, but it is not quite true.  As with many family stories, a small part is true.

Unraveling Conrad’s fall from a horse became a passion.  Once I learned what really happened, there were other stories to pursue.  There are always more stories.  

Along came grandchildren. They are interested in the stories and have even told some of them in their own words in storytelling classes in school. They have their favorites.  The boys are particularly enthusiastic about Conrad’s story.

This blog is an attempt to share some of those stories first and foremost with my grandchildren and grandnephew.  I hope, too, to reach other family members who are interested in their “roots”. We all benefit from knowing where we come from; and in some strange way, I believe, we are comforted and strengthened by the knowledge.

My ancestors came from Ireland, Scotland and Bavaria, but their experiences are universal.