Almost all writers of history dwell on the actions of men in their collective capacity. They describe the political and other machines set up by nations, states, or counties. The author ignores that method in his book, and chooses to follow families and single individuals from their entrance into the Sandy Valley to the end of their career, and tell what they have added to the history of the country.<br><br>The annals of almost every family noticed in this book have been furnished to us by a member of the family whose deeds we chronicle. We have guessed at nothing; and where necessary to give dates, have freely done so.