Tell us about your family’s roots.

My paternal family came from Wales in the early 1800s. My maternal family came from Germany in the late 1800s. Both families were poor working class with many mouths to feed. America was seen as a great opportunity!

What is your family’s migration story?

On my father’s side they arrived somewhere on the east coast in the early 1800s. From there they moved on to Tennessee and finally to a gritty town on the Mississippi River. My grandfather was a fisherman. He married and had 5 children. On my mother’s side, my grandfather arrived at Ellis Island in the late 1800s. He also ended up in the same gritty river town, Muscatine Iowa. He married and also had 5 children. He started a business making buttons from the mussels that thrived in the river. He also sponsored other family members to come to America.

What’s one memory, story, recipe, or item you and your family have carried with you?

When we have family reunions we recall the difficult times endured. They did any work they could to provide shelter and food for their families. Faith in God was very important. Also, education so their children and grandchildren could succeed. We are very grateful and blessed!