My Ancestors: James R. + Eleanor McConnell/ Oliver R. + Olive Chase/ Walter+ Sarah Anne Wiley/ Samuel Engle + Elizabeth Shirer/ Clemens Engels+ Margaretta Weimer/Johann Peter Engels Sr. + Susanna Votrin
My Engle family history from Samuel s/o Clement to my Father. This history was gleaned from historical societies, archives, publications, wills, personal recollections, anecdotal stories, etc. I have had the opportunity to communicate with the kindest sharing people in small town historical societies from the plains of Ontario Canada to the Allegheny Mountains.
When I was growing up all I was ever told about the family history on my Father's side was that we were "Pennsylvania Dutch", so I thought that we were from Holland. On my Mothers side, my Grandfather spoke with a Scottish accent so I assumed we were also Scottish-his father was born in Ireland. Actually, my Mother's line includes as many Palatine Germans as Scotch-Irish.
In 1995, we toured Spain and I made an express trip to Toledo, which is noted for steel swords, in order to buy a family heir loom that I could pass on to my most worthy descendants. (I only recently found out that Solingen sword makers were superior to Toledo.) It was my belief at that time, and still is, that I was descended from a Teutonic Knight, and a great sword such as Excalibur would be most apropos as a family heir loom. I purchased such a sword and mounted it over the fireplace. I further stipulated that when I am gone, the first grandchild to remove the sword could possess it. I also found it made a nice shrine for granting a patriarchal blessing as you see me doing for my youngest grandchild, Carrie. Maybe, she will be blessed with the strength and wisdom necessary to possess the sword.
In 2000 I discovered I was descended from a long line of German sword makers.
You will note some of the other relics in my inheritance in the picture above. A toy bagpipe from Galicia Spain, a "ancient" pot from Pompeii Italy, and a statue of a Kafir cat which was worshiped by ancient Egyptians. While I have ten grandchildren, I still think I will have enough family "relics" for all.
Supersleuth (Carol) has ten grandchildren of her own and a closet full of trinkets she has gathered from around the world. She too will have a generous "inheritance" to pass on to her grandchildren.
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