When Mike Morrissey began researching his family history, he thought he knew exactly what he would find. He had always been under the impression that his great-grandfather had emigrated from Ireland to the United States without other family. Instead, he discovered that his ancestor was one of nine Morrissey family members who, under the guidance of the family patriarch, Timothy, sailed into New York Harbor in 1851.
When Timothy died shortly after arriving, the family had to reconsider their future plan. Their journey would take them to Wisconsin. Building railroads, the family moved west until the railroad line went bankrupt and began to pay their employees with script. The Morrisseys wisely bought land adjacent to the rails. It was when they reached Waukau, WI, that they set down roots, began to farm the land, and built homes to call their own.
For Morrissey, uncovering the history of his newfound family shows him the profound legacy they left to future generations.
At the same time, Morrissey writes about his own life, thematically connecting his experiences with those of many Morrisseys, Agnews, and other ancestors. From the Revolutionary War to the Battle of Guadalcanal, their collected stories are full of valor, perseverance, and strength.
About the Author: Mike Morrissey has worked a diverse set of jobs, including bootblack, grocery-bagger, soda-bottler, teacher, public school superintendent, university professor, and Fulbright Scholar.
Morrissey was born to the tiny town of Killdeer, North Dakota, in Bakken Oil country. He was raised in Valley City, North Dakota. Morrissey received his bachelor's and master's degrees in English from North Dakota State University and his doctorate in educational administration and policy from Indiana University.
Morrissey and his wife, Susan, have lived in several Midwestern states, as well as the West of England, but they returned to Fargo, where they began their life together. After retiring as a Southside Chicago school superintendent in 1995, he continued volunteering, writing, and serving on community, university, and governmental boards. He was motivated by the struggles of his ancestors to share their story.
