We Had to Live

We Had to Live is the true story of five generations of the Sewell family, beginning with the immigration of Thomas Sewell from London, England in 1773 through the end of my Mothers life, AnnaDell (Sewell) Hierlmeier. The story relates trials, tribulations, and victories, as Thomas sailed to America as an indentured servant aboard a slave ship, then as he gained his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War under General George Washington. The story moves on with the family, as they become true American pioneers, into The Ohio Territory when Thomas is granted land in Ohio for his service in the War. Thomas sons and families continue their westward adventure into Indiana, then due to changing government policies, forced to leave Indiana for Wisconsin after WW I. Wisconsin is where the story of my Mother and Father begins and ends in tragedy and triumph through the family business, Glen n Anns Cozy Inn, in Madison, Wisconsin. In the end, all is lost to my Mother but her honor, her tender heart, and her iron will. Those are her legacy.