11DavidEisen

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 18:02:53 -0500

The family got to Kansas in the 1870's migrations (immigrants and others poured into the state in that decade). Dwight's grandfather was a successful leader of a religious group and continually back-stopped the family. The River Brethren are an offshoot of Pennsylvania Mennonites and the "River" in their name signifies the Susquehanna River. Ike's father was fairly unapproachable but his mother is commonly described as a saint. One biographer finds this pattern among generals who become Presidents, such as Grant.