Many people who view our family's home page may wonder why in the world I would have ever gotten caught up in our family’s genealogy. It’s kind of simple, really. I have always loved history, and what could be more interesting than anyone's family history.

Our family is no different from any other, in that we have had our share of good and bad times. John Franklin Denney (my great great-grandfather) was shot and killed when he was just in his forties at the turn of the century. Why? He had a boarding house dispute over a few dollars and was killed by his wife’s nephew. Our family has had decorated war heros and even POWs during WWII.

Along with our tragedies, we have also had a wealth of blessings. Most are of the common variety, births, graduations, and weddings. No one created a vaccine to help mankind, but in a quiet way, our ancestors through their determination, helped mankind by forging ahead during difficult times and celebrating those milestones. Really they were no different from any other family.

Genealogy is a labor of love, and after hours of research, I’ve found that we are a typical American family. We have had our share of wonders, and sadness, but the truly amazing thing, is the strength of these quiet people. No one famous, but they are famous in my eyes for their willingness to continue to drive themselves to make a home for their families.

Now, so far, I’m at the beginning of my trek and may change my thoughts somewhat about our ancestors along the way, but this is what I think. I am amazed when I look at all of us. We look so differently, yet, there is some common string that runs through, that you look and say, yes, those two look alike, or they act alike, etcetera. But why is that? The answer is so very obvious, yet no one probably thinks about it. We are our ancestors. Some of us may look more like the Denneys, or the Van Hooks, or the Rodenburgs, Schmales, Wrights, Adams, Hutchinsons, Van Hykes, Zeugins, or Dihls. Who are all those names? Well they are your ancestors. Most of whom I’ve found so far are quiet, determined, strong people. For instance, Christian Rodenberg (my great, great-grandfather) came over to America by himself on a ship all the way from Germany. He was a teenager. That took some courage. Another example is Karl Beatus Zeugin (also my great, great-grandfather) who came over from Switzerland in the late 1800's. He picked up his entire family and brought them to this new country. How positively determined he must have been. I am also amazed at his perseverence. Karl lost two wives (one being my great great-grandmother Anna), and several children before he made his trek to the new land. In this day and age, most people would be quite discouraged after going through all of that, yet, he persevered and continued on.

So I find it fitting, that I dedicate my research to my ancestors. Those strong willed, quiet, honest people that made it possible for me to be here. And of course I must thank everyone for their memories, especially my mother, Dorothy, who started this pursuit 20 years ago, and with a little help from technology has been able to help me take some giant steps in our family history. Before this page gathers dust on the cobwebs, give it a glance, not for me, but for yourselves and your ancestors. You are who you are because of them.

~ 12/25/2000