The sweep of family history across the generations
Widow Patty Smith Swett and six children by two husbands were among the first settlers who staked claims in Wapello County near Ottumwa in May 1843
Families from Connecticut settled northeastern Ohio in the early 1800s
Seymour, also called Samuel, was partly estranged from the family. He worked as a truant officer in the New York City schools. His daughter Harriet Berkowitz discovered our blog and contributed a trove of precious documents.
Family stories may be sweeping or specific. They capture some essential aspect of the family's generational journey.