Genealogy is a fascinating study. All of us who were born on the native soil of the United States owe a debt of gratitude to our forebears. Much information for heritage studies is available on the internet. While doing research on my family I learned so much. For some it meant leaving the familiar and a three month voyage across the Atlantic. Some came to America because they were persecuted for their religious beliefs while some came searching for the proverbial end of the rainbow. I discovered family members who were involved in the Revolutionary War. One of my wife's family members was in five battles including the Battle of Cowpens, a turning point in the war. Two other family members were also present. I wondered if they might have know one another. I also learned of my mothers family who came here from Scotland as a stone mason helping to build a notable bridge in the upstate of South Carolina. I learned much about my ancestors and now am even more proud of my heritage. I wrote this as a labor of love because I wanted my children and grand children to be able to know their family roots and to be proud of their heritage. Having compiled this book will enable them to know this information. For others, reading this book may be the impetus for a great adventure for further genealogy studies. I have also included some stories from my own journey of life. These are life experiences, stories and tales from my own life.