The Westfeldts of Rugby Gange

The Westfeldts of Rugby GangeIn 1835, a 22 year old Swede set sail for America knowing little of his plans but to trade uncertain prospects at home for the promise of the new land. Gustaf Adolphus George Westfeldt turned out to be a natural businessman who prospered through timely investments, hard work and resourcefulness. He would marry a young Irish woman named Jane McLoskey, and together they would raise 10 children. The Westfeldts of Rugby Grange tells the story of the

In 1835, a 22-year-old Swede set sail for America knowing little of his plans but to trade uncertain prospects at home for the promise of the new land.

Gustaf Adolphus George Westfeldt turned out to be a natural businessman who prospered through timely investments, hard work and resourcefulness. He would marry a young Irish woman named Jane McLoskey, and together they would raise 10 children.

The Westfeldts of Rugby Grange tells the story of the family, from their lives in Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans to their extensive travel abroad and their settling, around 1870, on a large tract of land in the mountains of North Carolina. The familyÕs journey parallels history, and makes some history of its own, from the green coffee brokerage that brought the family wealth, to the Civil War, to the origins of the nationÕs conservation movement.