Sasser Family History and Genealogy is a meticulously researched exploration of the Sasser lineage, tracing the family's journey from its earliest known ancestor, William Saucer (b. 1620) of Bristol, England, to Barden Sasser (1819-1895) and beyond. This comprehensive work delves into the lives of multiple generations, chronicling their struggles, triumphs, and migrations across continents and centuries.
Going back in time, the Sasser family's story begins in 17th-century England, a time of religious and political upheaval. William Saucer lived through the English Civil War, a period of intense conflict that reshaped England's government and religious landscape. By the mid-1600s, his descendants, including Benjamin Sasser (b. 1645), found themselves drawn to the emerging Quaker movement, embracing values of integrity, equality, and spiritual simplicity.
Facing persecution in England, Benjamin and his wife, Ann Renshaw, joined the waves of Quakers seeking refuge in the American colonies. By the 1670s, they had settled in Maryland, British Colonial America, where their son, Roger John Sasser (b. 1670), was born. The colonial era was fraught with challenges, including disease outbreaks such as smallpox and malaria, but also marked by significant advancements in medicine and technology. The Sassers adapted to life in the New World, witnessing the expansion of tobacco plantations and the rise of indentured servitude-economic and social shifts that would shape the region's history.
As the Sasser family established roots in Maryland and beyond, each generation faced new trials. They lived through the American Revolution, the formation of the United States, and the turbulent years of westward expansion. By the 19th century, Barden Sasser (1819-1895) embodied the resilience of his ancestors, navigating the challenges of the Civil War era while maintaining the family's traditions and values.
This book weaves together historical context, personal narratives, and genealogical records, providing a rich tapestry of the Sasser family's journey. It includes insights into the epidemics, inventions, and cultural transformations that influenced their lives, from early Quaker meetings in England to frontier settlements in America.