Ed Butler is privileged to possess a wealth of stories about his ancestors, some of which have been passed down through generations, while others stem from his own experiences. These narratives often provoke more questions than they answer. For instance, how would one have survived in 1821, homesteading on land, if their husband disappeared while clearing land? How could a person endure a fifty-mile journey in an ox-drawn cart, traversing swampy forests with three young children, one of whom was too young for solid food? Do you know of anyone who left home at fourteen and returned only after nearly six years? Ed recalls that his father was the only person he knew who lived and traveled in a covered wagon and who trained and worked with three teams of oxen. His father milked cows for sixty-two years and had a remarkable connection with animals, long before the term "horse whisperer" became widely known. Ed's mother, with a two-year teaching certificate, taught in a one-room schoolhouse before her marriage and was adept at maintaining discipline in her classroom. Have you ever tasted dried Tennessee strawberries? How many people do you know who have owned a horse and carriage and driven it in a local parade? These stories, along with many others, are shared in this narrative. Ed provides context and explanations of terms to ensure modern readers can understand the way he was raised and how eight generations overcame the challenges they faced. He is gratified that many readers of the first edition have noted that similar stories of hardship and perseverance have been shared by the older generations in their own families. These stories, both his and those of others, form an integral part of American history. Ed hopes that readers will also take steps to preserve their family histories.
