Acknowledgements
A SPECIAL THANKS
There are many I wish to thank for inspiring, encouraging, and assisting me in writing this story about Penelope Van Princis Stout.
First, I must thank my father, Kenneth Stout, who made me aware of Penelope when I was a teen. I remember him telling me about his discovery of Penelope and our family’s early arrival to America. Too young to appreciate it, I dismissed it as being a boastful exaggeration. Decades later, my youngest daughter, Elizabeth Stout, rekindled my interest when she discovered the the story about Penelope when going through our family’s archives. With great excitement she came racing upstairs to tell me. So prideful, she promised to name her daughter after Penelope. But, she told me she was disappointed. She thought they had portrayed her too much as a victim, rather than the hero that she was. |
My girlfriend, Christine Pearson Click (Click), was also excited when she discovered Penelope’s story while doing research on my family’s history. She ordered three books about Penelope Stout. After reading them, I agree with Elizabeth’s earlier assessment, that the greater story of Penelope needed to be told, to better tell her life’s journey, incredible strength, determination, and most of all, recognize her for her heroism.
I must thank my dear friend, Dale Swanson. We met several years ago when I came across a promotional poster for a book titled, “The Thirty-Ninth Man.” When I asked whose work this was, I was pointed to the gentlemen standing nearby. We have been close friends ever since. Because of his encouragement, expert review, and many edits, this story has greatly improved. |
There is Sister Susan Loeffen. While we have never met in person, years ago we became friends on Facebook. Whenever I see her name and read her kind comments, my spirit is lifted. Because much of this story is about Penelope’s deep faith, I asked for her thoughts and insights. I can’t thank Susan enough for her generous contribution and wonderful writing.
I must thank my oldest daughter, Olivia Stout, and my granddaughter, Lola Stout, because they inspire me. I am in awe of Olivia’s strength, courage, and determination. Words fail to describe Lola. Her kindness, cheerfulness, intellect, confidence, and love for all things excites. I look forward to watching her grow up and become all that she can.
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Others to be thanked:Sheldon Bryant, Scott Corder, Patty Field, Barbara Fischer, Brady James, Kathryn Lund Johnson, Rita Kane, Lynn Tuoti LoStocco, Lee Nelson, Sally Nelson, Alida Rizzotto, Kolleen Snoap, and Corinne Stout.
It is for my daughters Olivia and Elizabeth, and my granddaughter Lola, that I have written this book.
I hope they find this story of interest and pleasant to read. May they always be proud of their family's namesake and heritage, and during those times when they are worried or uncertain, may they be inspired by Penelope Van Princis Stout, their tenth and eleventh great-grandmother respectively. I so enjoy watching them grow up and create their own legacy of being independent, bold, strong, intelligent, and adventurous women. |