I'm very much with you... many of my ancestors came to North America 300–400 years ago. Most of them came through the Jamestown, Virginia, colony instead of Massachusetts, or to one of the colonial spots in North Carolina. Several of them fought in the Revolutionary War, too, and have been honored with markers on their graves.

It isn't just this country, either — most other countries were populated by immigrants from somewhere. England was settled by Angles and Saxons from [what is now] Germany, as well as Celtic peoples from Central Europe, with a few stalwart Vikings for good measure. The Celtic peoples also settled in France, Spain, Ireland, and Scotland as well as what is now England. Some of those Spaniards then went on to conquer the New World and never left, mixing their blood with the Aztecs, Inca, and other native peoples. Most of us are "mutts" in some way and should be celebrating immigrants and diversity instead of shouting against them in short-sighted, not-so-righteous indignation.

"Kudos!" to your 3xgreat grandmother, Phoebe, for listening to her heart and marrying for love instead of her family's expectations. If more people were true to their hearts instead of blindly following the howling pack, this country would be in better shape today. Much respect! 💞