Book excerpt: Several generations of the Lindley family were an integral part of early American and Quaker history. From 1615 to 1918 they participated in migrations seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity. This story follows their journey from England to Ireland as they became some of the first American Colonists of Pennsylvania and then central North Carolina. The Revolutionary War "Battle of Lindley Mill" that was fought on the land of Thomas Lindley, Sr. is detailed in this book. It continues following them to Indiana as some of the first settlers before returning later to North Carolina. Joshua Lindley, J. Van's father was one of the first fruit tree growers, a Pomologist, in both Indiana and North Carolina.In North Carolina, the focus is on J. Van Lindley, whose life and ambitions represented the fulfillment of the American Dream. Born in Indiana in 1838, he grew up in modest circumstances, with limited education, then became a man who built multiple companies that provided employment for many of his fellow Southerners. These companies included Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance, Pomona Terra Cotta, J. Van Lindley Nurseries and J. Van Lindley Orchards. His 1000-acre orchard between Southern Pines and Pinehurst, NC marked the start of the peach industry which still thrives in Moore County. His extensive land holdings within present day Greensboro, NC were developed into suburban neighborhoods, including Lindley Park.J. Van Lindley's involvement in creating and building professional associations and civic, educational and philanthropic groups helped to provide a solid base for these organizations. Many of these organizations are still in existence and have passed the century mark. These include Guilford College, John Van Lindley Elementary, Children's Home Society, Southern Nursery Association and the park he donated: Lindley Park in Greensboro, NC.The inspirational story of his life and on-going legacies challenges each of us to look close to home and find where we can make a difference by being involved in our businesses, churches, local governments, schools and communities.