Using a series of letters, the author responds to questions that an older grandchild might ask a grandparent about little known stories in tracing the family history. Readers are encouraged to record their own family stories.

Born and raised in Ohio, James K. Wagner is a graduate of Otterbein University (Westerville) and United Theological Seminary (Dayton), where he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree focused on The Healing Ministry of Christ in the Church Today. His ministry in the United Methodist Church led to publishing six books on holistic healing.