We Had to Live

About the Book

We Had to Live is the true story of five generations of the Sewell family, beginning with the immigration of Thomas Sewell from London, England in 1773 through the end of my Mother’s life, AnnaDell (Sewell) Hierlmeier. The story relates trials, tribulations, and victories, as Thomas sailed to America as an indentured servant aboard a slave ship, then as he gained his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War under General George Washington. The story moves on with the family, as they become true American pioneers, into The Ohio Territory when Thomas is granted land in Ohio for his service in the War. Thomas’ sons and families continue their westward adventure into Indiana, then due to changing government policies, forced to leave Indiana for Wisconsin after WW I. Wisconsin is where the story of my Mother and Father begins and ends in tragedy and triumph through the family business, Glen ´n´ Ann´s Cozy Inn, in Madison, Wisconsin. In the end, all is lost to my Mother but her honor, her tender heart, and her iron will. Those are her legacy.

About the Author

The author graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, then earned a Masters of Business Administration at The University of Wisconsin at Madison, on the campus that was his boyhood playground, and where many of his stories took place. He achieved what his family had encouraged him to become. He served in the US Air Force on the Manned Orbiting Laboratory space exploration program and on the design phase of the development of the F-15 fighter aircraft. After leaving the Air Force, Glen returned to Wisconsin and became Vice President of the largest bank in his home state, First Wisconsin National Bank. In 1979, he moved on to become President and CEO of several real estate development and management companies. Glen retired in 2009 to devote full time to his grandchildren and his writing.