I wanted this book to be the story of the people, the conditions they faced, and how they met their challenges. It is about the family of my parents, Leland Eddy Bolt and Fern Leoline (Brubaker) Bolt. Their story is preceded by Leland and Fern's grandparents and parents, then my parents' lives and accomplishments. The appendix shows some of their genealogical "roots"—at least what can be reliably proven. Many family members have contributed to this book as will be seen in the references and bibliography. Also, I must acknowledge the help and comments of others in the review process. Drew Rogers worked with his grandmother (Martha) and others on the Van Donge family details. Joan (Clemmons) Bolt provided lots of details developed by my cousin, Benjamin Hamele Bolt (deceased), on the Benjamin Draper Bolt family. Cousins Ann (Denman) Hultgren and Carol (Denman) Holst provided details about the Kenneth Denman and Margaret (Bolt) Denman Family. Cousins Mary (Collier) Buck and her brother, Michael Collier, helped with information on the Charles Collier and Hazel (Brubaker) Collier family. Cousin Melanie (Mordhorst) Entzminger helped with the Edward Mordhorst and Iris (Brubaker) Mordhorst families. Robert Van Donge and his sisters Carolee (Van Donge) White and Connie (Van Donge) Rogers provided details of the lives of their Van Donge parents.