One Branch of the Tree is the first of three planned historical fiction novels centering around the lives of my ancestors, Johan and Philipina Mersinger, along with their three children, Mary Kate, Frances and Valentine, who emigrated from Freinsheim, Germany in 1832. They traveled first to Baltimore. They took another ship to New Orleans and finally a steamboat up the Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri. After purchasing supplies they traveled to Illinois and settled in Ridge Prairie, near OaFallon. When they arrived in the Midwest, it was nearly winter and they had to hastily build their log cabin, which still stands today. They endured hardships and were challenged with the unknown pioneer life, countless epidemics, severe winters, and the birth of two more children named John and Frederick. After visiting their log cabin and interviewing countless family members I was inspired to write their story. Although largely fiction, it contains many facts based on stories passed down from generation to generation.