THE QUESTION

It all started on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. Leading up to that day Julia initiated a challenge during a drive home to Lancaster on Route 33. She asked me if I knew any information about my family history, such as where they lived, what they did, and where they were buried. I responded, “No, I’ve never given it much thought.” Julia then challenged me to begin this journey. With a partial commitment to learn, I managed to obtain any information my parents had. I scratched the surface and recorded what I could on a spare piece of paper. Once I arrived home I tossed the treasure map on my desk and didn’t give it any further thought, until the day of the drive when we stopped at the Carroll Cemetery.

THE DRIVE

As we drove down the straight-away on Route 33, and headed home, Julia recommended we stop at the Carroll Cemetery, located behind the Speedway fuel station. After she firmly suggested we stop, we arrived, explored, and located the tombstone of my great-great-grandparents. As I examined the tombstone something switched inside as I felt somehow connected to an untold story. When I looked further into their information I discovered key components that caught my interest. Robert R. McFarland and I share the same birthday, and he and his wife, Samantha “Olive” Fenstermaker were married exactly one hundred years off from my parents to the month and year (twenty days off). With a finance background, I’ve always been fascinated with numbers, so this sparked my interest to pursue the journey further. A few fascinating facts I’ll foster forever are my connection to Rock Mill, Lancaster’s inception in 1800, and the connection I’m rooted in, which will all be future stories.

THE LEGACY

After my wife, Julia, challenged me to research the history of my family’s past, I kept going, and found more clues and information. I charted an untraveled path and brought new light to our family’s past. Long story short, I found how I am connected into the grand scope of history with multiple lines rooted in the story of Fairfield County. My hope is to be able to help others find where they belong and help share their story to ensure the stories and lives are not lost to time.

THE APPRECIATION

I want to thank Charles Russell Goslin, Hervey Scott, Rodger K. Miller, the Fairfield County Ohio Genealogical Society, Heritage Association, Park District, District Library, Court House, Map Room, and all the books and websites I’ve gone to…too many to name. Thank you for lighting the path to take. I want to personally thank Jack Campbell for being my mentor surrounding the history of Fairfield County, especially for his passion for the Locks and Rock Mill. I want to thank Cindy Wagner, Debby Ford, Jim Shonebarger, Karen Sanner, and Dr. Dick Hartle for their partnership and support with the Fairfield County Genealogical Society. Also, a special thank you to Daryl Groves and Billie Crapps for their support at the Forest Rose Cemetery.