As I’ve continued posting blogs each week, I’ve been thinking about what I know to be a matter of record, how the memories of family members have informed my understanding of the past, and how I’ve had to fill in the blanks between them. This author’s note helps explain that. This memoir is based on my own memories, family stories told to me throughout my life, historical research, and documents I have found through genealogical and public records. Some facts in this story ar