Our ancestors could have been scholars, scoundrels, knights,  princes, pirates, lords, and/or loafers.  But whatever they were, they are an important part of our heritage. The science of tracing our family is called genealogy,   but that hardly tells of the fun and challenge of climbing a family tree.  You never know where you're going or what you'll find when you get there.  We are not as fortunate as Julius Caesar in choosing our family.  He ordered his genealogist to link him with an illustrious heritage.  Needless to say, he was found to be a descended straight from the gods-- a "fact" he used widely to promote his theocratic rule. 
     Along with the list of names, dates and places, we have tried to show our ancestors as people. . . just as they are.  Each, an individual with a sense of humor, ideas and foresightedness, making us what we are today.