by

Carl T. Musselman

Just after "The Colonies" became this great country of The United States of America, my existence started its two hundred year, long journey. From the harbors of the New Jersey shore, the farms of the Pennsylvania hills, and even the far off lands of England and Sweden, my very being began to emerge. What forces had to be overcome to steer and even push so many separate paths into the single road that lead to me?

Their journeys weren't easy and often very brave. With their individual fears, desires, and ambitions, their yearnings ventured west to join in the state of Iowa. Sioux City, Iowa is where I was born, after six generations and one hundred and fifty years of my ancestors' migrations. I have enjoyed tracing my ancestral footprints and have learned more about America's history and geography. I have discovered and met many new cousins, and the sharing of our histories will help to preserve the life of our family tree.