The Life and Times of Henry H. Brillhart in Catawba Valley

By: Jonathan Gregory Reed

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Henry H. Brillhart is an example of the American dream realized by many early settlers throughout America’s early history. He was not among the earliest settlers, but he is an example of a mid-1800s settler. The mid-1800s settlers throughout the eastern states did not experience the same dangers as the early settlers of the 1700s, but life was still hard for them. It was still very dangerous beyond the eastern mountain range. America was still in its infancy. It was men like Henry Brillhart who paved the way for those living today. Whether from clearing land, setting up a homestead, raising a large family, or fighting in the war that divided our new nation, these men and women played a significant part in the America we know today.
Why did I choose Henry Brillhart? Because he was my 2nd great-grandfather and because of the wealth of information I have regarding his life. I don’t know everything about his life, but through putting together family history through word of mouth, family records, old family Bibles, and a trove of family pictures, I was in a better position than most to write this book. Not only will I discuss his life, but I will also discuss the Catawba Valley area of Virginia, the family’s religious history, and the history of the Brillhart family. The Brillhart family name is unique because it was created by the joining of two families fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Everyone who carries the Brillhart name is related to each other.
Sit back and enjoy this book, The Life and Times of Henry H. Brillhart in Catawba Valley.