We do have considerable similarities in the activities of our ancestors. Actions of which I believe we can be proud. It is said that a maternal ancestor fought with Roger's Rangers but I have not been able to independently confirm this. I have been able to confirm 3 members of my maternal ancestors who fought in the Rev War. Two brothers served in NY and perhaps New Hampshire companies. Their family was said by one professional genealogist to be from Scotland. Tow members of my maternal line fought in the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion were declared outlaw and emigrated to Philadelphia. It is likely their father my 4th G grandfather died (July 1798 in Ballymena, Antrim) in or as result of that rebellion. Another maternal ancestor, my 4th G Grandfather, served in the Rev War from Maryland and is my SAR proved ancestor. His family was from Ireland or Scotland the record is not clear which. My 3rd G grandfather served as a sergeant with Streeter's NY militia company in War of 1812. My 4th G Grandmother the widow of my 4th G Grandfather who died during the United Irishmen Rebellion left Ireland with my 3rd G Grandfather joined his brothers in Philadelphia for a time and settled near Zanesville, OH by 1808.
In my maternal line 14 of my ancestors served with the Union Army during the Civil War. A Great Uncle, who before the war was a minister, Justice of Peace and township trustee, in 1861 and helped raise an infantry company of the 18th OVI and served as its Captain. The company included two of his brothers, a nephew and his oldest son. Later, in December of 1863, he recruited my 2nd G Grandfather (not related to the Captain) who actually was barely 15 at the time. The 18 OVI served with distinction at the Battle of Stones River which gave the Union a much-needed victory and control of central TN and they fought at Chattanooga/Chickamauga as well. Other of my relatives were at both Battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Appomattox. One ancestor a sergeant with 73rd OVI was captured and held for six months as POW. He was then paroled and discharged due to disability.
My father served in Korea and while he was at war I was born in Athens, Ohio and upon his return from war he moved to Southern Ohio where in the midst of the foothills of the Appalachians and on the banks of the Ohio River I was raised.