"Let us read and recollect and impress upon our souls the views and ends of our more immediate forefathers, in exchanging their native country for a dreary, inhospitable wilderness . . . . Recollect their amazing fortitude, their bitter sufferings - the hunger, the nakedness, the cold, which they patiently endured - the severe labors of clearing their grounds, building their houses, raising their provisions, amidst dangers from wild beasts and savage men, before they had time or money or materials for commerce. Recollect the civil and religious principles and hopes and expectations which constantly supported and carried them through all hardships with patience and resignation. Let us recollect it was liberty, the hope of liberty, for themselves and us and ours, which conquered all discouragements, dangers, and trials."
John Adams (1735-1826), 2nd President of the United States

Photo Genealogy

Blog's Purpose: This 40 page blog was created for Leslie & Amy Stokes and Will, Rob & Joe Southard in 2008 by Betty Southard Stokes to record our family's history and future. I hope they will add to it as their families grow and pass it on to future generations.

We are very proud of our ancestors. Many toiled and struggled to pass a better life to their children and their children's children. We thank each and every one for all they have contributed to our lives. Many of our ancestors came to the Colonies in the 1600s and early 1700s. We note that if even one of these brave folk had not crossed the ocean, none of us would be here today. We pledge to continue this blog and pass it on to future generations!

They came from England, France and Germany. But when their ships docked at the piers, they became something new. These seasick, dog-tired people became Americans. Our ancestors that stepped off on a northern pier were serious, hardworking folks; toil first, rewards later. Most of their resources were farming and fishing. Cities developed quickly. Our ancestors that docked in the middle colonies were dominated by agriculture, focusing on tobacco. Large farms were miles apart and there were very few cities.

Our complete FAMILY TREE is on ancestry.com:
listed as Southard Stokes Family Tree