What were the impelling motives that begged the Kessinger's, and thousand of others, to leave their homeland in Germany and build new lives in the wilderness of America? Was their life so wretched that they would cast it and their fortunes into such an unknown adventure? Was what they left worth the fight with the native Indians for the opportunity to wrestle a small parcel of earth from an owner who would die before giving it up? Even after building their primitive lodging, they were ever mindful that the former owners lingered in the nearby forest. A better life? This better life would be a commitment to just surviving, hoping to get a toe hold in the wilderness from which future generations could emerge . No doubt Andréa's, the first Kessinger of this family in America, heard that there was no servitude, which was his current status, he could be a land holder just like the Duke - and he could be as great as his talents would allow. What kind of a place is this America--- free land for the asking, no servitude, be what ever you want to be, select whatever religion you darn well pleased, have a voice in the affairs of government? Why wouldn't I go So, he sailed the stormy Atlantic, survived in the rugged environment against all odds, so that his future generations could exist and even prosper.What does current generations owe these pioneers? If any one of our ancestors made the whisper of a different choice, we would have experienced an eternity of nonexistence. This book is to honor their courage and persistence, which gave us our life. So, Andreas Kessinger came leaving the hinder land of Germany and put down roots. Here his family came into existence and expanded. Could you be one of them? Learn of their struggles, and how this family has expanded across the country.