Seviah Chatfield Lake's story began in colonial Connecticut where she was born in 1737. For more than 90 years this remarkable woman courageously endured hardships of colonial life, supported the fight for our nation's independence, and carried out acts of kindness that have earned her the "Patriot" designation from the Daughters of the American Revolution, an honor few women have attained.

Although her story is inspiring, it represents the starting point and foundation for the more extensive saga of her numerous descendants. Through their captivating personal stories, one can trace the expansion of America westward through the farmlands of Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota to the plains of Kansas and onward to California. The accounts of adventurers, abolitionists, Civil War heroes, lawyers, engineers and inventors are as varied as the people who populated the generations of Seviah's family.

Whether your family is deeply rooted in American soil or you are a relative newcomer to this land, Seviah's Story will provide a new lens through which to view United States history.