For the most part, we don't know much about our ancestors. They were generally gray - from dove gray to charcoal - not black or white. Nobody's life is summed up in a few certificates and census returns. If we're lucky, we might get some newspaper articles, personal letters or the like, but even these don't necessarily paint a full and accurate picture.
Here's gg uncle William in one account: "By strenuous efforts, he succeeded in obtaining an education which fitted him for teaching, which occupation he has followed for several years, in connection with his farm labors. He has been Chairman of his town, and held various local offices." And here he is in another: "Wm. H. Ennis, who was township clerk, township assessor, justice of the peace and clerk of the school district of the township of Viding, Clay county, has probably joined the American colony in Canada. He carried away only a small amount of money, but many evidences of crooked work are coming to light."
