I'm working on a much longer essay around history, family, and roots, so don't be surprised if themes in today's piece show up often in the weeks ahead. Thanks for reading! - HH

The trouble is always how to start, but my part of the story really began in 1814, when Edwin Hollowell, a Quaker, died at the age of 40 in rural North Carolina outside Goldsboro, leaving his 40-year-old wife Brambly…