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Christopher and Connie were married in California. His ancestors came over from Spain. They have two children and six grandchildren. We feel our heritage is important to pass along to our children and grandchildren. Family tree information will be treasured for generations to come.
Joseph DeSoto was born on the 13th of June 1881 in Spain. This is Christopher's Great Grandfather. Joseph changed his name from DeSoto to Soto during his lifetime. Giving Chris' Dad his chosen name.
Joe Soto was a member of the crew on a boat from Spain put into shore on the Florida coast. He was a young language instructor who was on Sabbatical leave at sea. The handsome, blonde young man, doubly intrigued by the winsome 14-year-old tomboy, Rosa and the landscape reminiscent of his native country, signed off the ship when it was ready to return home. Joe applied for citizenship and later married Rosa.
Connie's family tree begins with the descendants of John Bennett, Sr. who lived from 1759 through 1836. Charles Bennett was the first believed to have come to America in 1625 and settled in Connecticut, married an Indian and returned to England.
A hundred years pass, and four others come to America to settle in the Colonies. Three of the brothers went to North Carolina. Our ancestor, John Bennett, "Honest John" settled in the Connecticut River area of Vermont. Clara's great grandfather was "Honest John" in our genealogy. John Bennett, Jr. married Sarah and they had seven children, among them our ancestor, Leonard E. Bennett.
Leonard E. Bennett was a Captain in the Grand Army of the Republic. Dated April 17, 1862, a faded newspaper article read:
A flag of 34 stars with an eagle,
FIGHT NEAR LEE'S MILLS,
Attack on the Enemy's Rifle Pits Splendid Bravery of the Green Mountain Boys.
Emphasis added, "Among the phenomena of the fight was the condition of the uniform of Capt. Leonard E. Bennett of company K of the 3D. It had eight bullet holes in it. One through the collar of his coat, one through the right coat sleeve, one through his pantaloons below the left knee, and four through the skirts of his coat. There was not a scratch upon this man's skin." The uniform was given to the Minn. Hist. Soc. in St Paul. That article has been copied into our genealogy so that future generations can realize the personal impact of the Civil War.
In another skirmish that followed the Battle of Lees Mills, Capt. Bennett had a bullet lodged in the hard mastoid bone behind his ear and he was unconscious until a physician probed the bullet out. If that bullet had been a fraction closer, future generations would not have been born.
A special thanks to Barbara, Rosa's Granddaughter for sharing photos over the years, an incredible family tree and for keeping in touch.
Connie is indebted to her Uncle for providing the genealogy from her Great Aunt and others. The value of this document can in no way be put into words.
Credit for all treasured documents belong to the dedication of family whose enthusiasm and urging that family genealogies need to be ongoing.
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