This is a story of two families ? ordinary people intertwined with the dates, places, and extraordinary events of world history. Their names are not found in history books. Many, in the 18th century, could neither read nor write their names, but the Neeses and Falcons, despite any illiteracy, were part of the great movement of peoples from around the world who came to the New World to build the most powerful country on this planet. They established freedom as the bedrock upon which America stands. Our people endured much hardship and privation, but they did not give up in their determination to build America. Our people were among the pioneering immigrants who laid the foundation of our country ? the ideals of our country are steeped in the sweat and blood of these early Americans ? the Neeses and Falcons.