Not much. My paternal grandfather came to the US from Germany. He was the only one of a large family to do so. He didn't talk about why he left and was pretty stoic so I don't know that anyone in the family (here in the US) ever knew the reason(s). My paternal grandmother was from the US but of German stock. That side of the family is all German.
The other side is a bit of a mystery...English, Irish, Scottish have all been mentioned. They lived in an area that was first settled in American in a quite unique area of the county. Since they were so remote they all had a distinct accent that I have never heard anywhere else. Lots of redheads.
I was/am more attached to the concept that one side were farmers and the other fishermen and sailors. It was an interesting contrast between the two sides. I didn't have to go far back in the family tree to find unique traits.
The other side is a bit of a mystery...English, Irish, Scottish have all been mentioned. They lived in an area that was first settled in American in a quite unique area of the county. Since they were so remote they all had a distinct accent that I have never heard anywhere else. Lots of redheads.
I was/am more attached to the concept that one side were farmers and the other fishermen and sailors. It was an interesting contrast between the two sides. I didn't have to go far back in the family tree to find unique traits.
Send lawyers, guns, and money...
