INTRODUCTION

As we look back over the three hundred and twenty three years of our history since 1630, we are concerned in this volume with the part our fathers and brothers played in the unbroken wilderness.

We are concerned with the individual, too, as they established homes, cared for their families, created a standard of culture and made their own unmatched contribution to our current politics and business—that flowed around them.

As we examined the records that have been left of their deeds, accomplishments and privations, those who converted the original paradise of wild beauty into attractive homes, we realize that custom is largely responsible for the commission of much information.

Our purpose is, in some measure, to rescue from oblivion those who deserve to be remembered and to pay tribute to the women who were pioneers in the fields of life, not only during the early days but right up to our present time.  

Let us go back to the beginning when a small group of brave men and women came forth boldly to make their settlement of a new state. Tradition states, man came first, of course; but, our Creator, the steady woman, inspired for his deeds, came after him. As he built his cabin, it was with the thought of his wife and children. As he planned mills, and shops, and offices, and schools of all kinds, and churches for every denomination, and courts, the bulwark governing our Nation.  

He was making a career, to be sure, but for whom? His wife and children in the log cabin. She bore the children, kept alive the torch of culture and beauty — gradually, however she began to peep outside the window of her own small world.  

She beheld a star shining brighter in every avenue of her life which lifted the veil from before her eyes — darkness became day as she gave to the world her free and unbroken devotion to her children—to those of all mankind without fear. She placed her sacred faith in her Creator — that all were created equal to enjoy the inalienable rights in their pursuit for happiness. 

The founding of the early churches was of her concern, and church work was one of the first outlets for the gradual awakening of the pioneer woman.  

They gathered with their friends to plan how to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and nourish the soul. They began to struggle for better educational advantages, not only for their own children, but for the children of all people who came forth seeking freedom, as guaranteed in our great school system we have today.  

We realize, that the head of this great family, born and endowed, as he was to bring forth, but, I being unable at first to establish a definite head — you will note in parenthesis: To wit (2nd in line) following each generation, which establishes the fact that a generation preceded it. 

We realize that this, the first effort, is an imperfect one. I threw myself into the work of research through over twenty long years, enlarging upon my original idea, as an amateur to include not only pioneer history, but contemporary history. The resulting volume is a unique achievement; a fitting tribute to those who have helped to preserve our family history. 

THEREFORE, with this in mind WE dedicate this volume to our beloved ancestor, NATHANIEL DOMINY and his beloved wife SARAH EDWARDS, and their offspring — from whom WE have descended.