Genealogies often begin with the comprehensive statement that “the first (insert surname here) to come to America was…”.
In our family that would be Captain James Garcelon born in 1739 on the Channel Island, Guernsey, England.
However in searching old newspapers you can find the details that just might change family traditions and supply the information you need to accurately document your family tree.
In GenealogyBank I found this article in the Pennsylvania Gazette (March 14, to March 21, 1737) – It is a list announcing the unclaimed letters at the post office.
That is two years before James was born.
So, time to track down exactly who Peter Garcelon was and just how he fits into the family tree. 
