This site consists, for the most part, of biographical sketches for various ancestors of the senior William Andrew Cottle. Other materials presented will be applications for ancestral societies, and the like. You will not find family charts or GEDCOMs at this site. (The banner collage presents a few of those ancestors that will, eventually, be presented in the blog, left to right: Daniel Nelson Alsup, Bonnie Catherine Wade [Vaughter], Julius Othello “J.O.” Cottle at a Civil War reunion, Laura Lee Book [Cottle], Gov. William Bradford [an artist's conception], and Mary Elizabeth Huffhines [Fender] in her wedding attire. A picture of the compiler ["Andy"] is at the bottom of this page.)
Mainly, the fruits of twenty-five years of research about individuals in direct lines back from the compiler are presented in prose style, herein. The narrations are organized according to the years in which we think the various events happened. There is a certain amount of conjecture, in the reports, where the compiler felt it might be reasonable and helpful. That “guess-work” about each forebear is clearly indicated as such. Images have been taken (photographs) or borrowed (Web-based drawings, etc.) and shared, when possible. Due credit has been given to the sources of all data and images.
The title, Pilgrims & Cavaliers, Pioneers & Patriots — Americans, was chosen because so many events from the history of the United States are a part of this family’s story — a broad selection of stories, sagas, and narrations, actually, that began within both foundational American settlements — Massachusetts and Virginia. There are Pilgrim and Puritan stories in this family’s genealogy; and, there are facts and lore about early colonial, tidewater Virginia antecedents. There were pioneers in the various lines, and through the generations, to Cape Cod and the Islands, Western Virginia, Vermont, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Missouri, Texas, California, and so on. Various ancestors qualify members of these family lines for ancestral societies like Mayflower Descendants, First Families of Virginia, Founders and Patriots, Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution, Sons/Daughters of the Confederacy, and many more. Truly, this has been “an American family” since our country’s first beginnings in the early 1600s.
Hopefully you will want to Bookmark this site, as new reports will be added on a regular basis; and, existing biographies will be updated as additional facts become available. All reports will be dated and a history of updates will be provided so you will know if you have seen the most current version.
Gratitude must be given here to Mrs. Andrew Cottle (Rebecca Taylor Cottle). “RB” has been a real helpmete through all of this genealogy work (using the archaic term in the most positive sense). She has allowed herself to be dragged around to cemeteries, she has been a proofreader and effective associate editor, she has served as a superb researcher in courthouses, etc. — she has been wonderful.
Any and all additions, corrections, or comments are welcome.
Revised: 16 Oct 2011, WACsr
Andrew,
Congratulations on a quality piece of work. I only checked out your new introduction this time but have used the site in the past. Nice!
Regards,
James Schwabe
The work you have done is a fine legacy to our American families. Your research made it possible for me to complete my book, Cottleville: Where History Never Grows Old-A Cottle Family Story. We have been part of the history of this country and you have expressed this so well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.