Medieval Roots

Welcome to Our Family History

After the 16th Century we find our ancestors among farmers, tradesmen, laborers and other humble endeavors. As described by Josiah H. Shinn, "... they are not imposing, not eventful, and therefore not startling. They are sober, thoughtful, peaceful lives, and therefore the happiest lives. Rugged honesty and rigorous labor, uncursed by the withering touch of ambition, are the marks that adorn the men [and women] whose lives are here presented." (History of the Shinn Family in Europe and America (Genealogical and Historical Publishing, 1903), Preface.

As our ancestry descends into the early Renaissance and Medieval periods we find evidence of ancestry rooted in nobility and royalty. Some of these lives were eventful and filled with intrigue in pursuit of wealth and power, while others struggled daily to simply maintain their families and to meet their obligations to King and Church. Theirs was not always an easy life and many died as young men. When not fighting to protect families and properties, they were in battle at the command of their King; and, during the Great Crusades (1095-1291 AD), they fought at the urging of their Church. The travails of some of these noblemen and their families are recounted in biographical notes and histories associated with their individual pages.

This is a genealogy work in progress. It is not warranted to be free of error, and the rule that a genealogical entry is no better than its supporting source applies with full force here.

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