Roberta Watson Richardson

Provenance Roberta Watson Richardson

Provenance is the story of immigrant ancestors, some among the first to arrive in the American colonies. It begins with their journeys to America, then takes them back to the people and places of their origins in Europe. Many were the "second sons" of nobility and landed gentry. English law ruled that only firstborn sons could inherit land. All of those born later had to seek other ways to make their way. While their older siblings lived in castles and fought wars to defend or expand their wealth, our immigrant ancestors found success on the tobacco plantations of colonial Virginia. Many of them played important roles in the founding of America. The stories of our ancestors' origins-their provenance-are their legacy to those of us who share their family histories. But Provenance is more than a history book. It offers maps and pictures of historic landmarks, and profiles of direct ancestors who were among the leaders of early Europe. My hope is that the book will encourage readers to explore their roots in their ancestral homelands as my family has enjoyed together.