I first met Johnny in 2024 quite by accident. Or was it a God-wink? You see, at the time, I was doing research at home while writing about my Cornish ancestors. My husband had gifted me a book by Philip Payton called “The Cornish Overseas” which mentioned my family. I had peeked inside the book years before and marked the page on which a short mention lived. I re-read what the professor wrote, then let the book cover fall, closing the book. Out whooshed a brochure I had not seen before. I picked it up from the floor and saw it was from the Cornish American Heritage Society. I examined it not knowing how old it was and saw a website address. Excited, I navigated to the site and found the Society was offering a travel grant to be used to visit Cornwall to do family research! This was an answer to prayer as I was despairing ever going to Cornwall so that I wouldn’t feel like a fraud writing about a place I had never been. To make a long story a bit shorter, I was the first to be awarded the travel grant and the result is part of my debut novel: “The Ties That Bind”, the first book in a series called A Story of Grace. But this post is not about my book. Join me for an interview with Johnny Trestrail, President of the Cornish American Heritage Society.
Me: Briefly reflect on how you became interested in your heritage.
Johnny: My grandfather came from Redruth to Michigan in 1923 and passed away before I was born. I’ve always been curious about him and that eventually made me interested in learning about Cornwall. When I was ten years old, I stayed in Perranporth for a couple weeks with my family and thoroughly enjoyed playing on the beach in the tidepools.
When I had children of my own, I wanted to foster a sense of family identity and gravitated towards the Cornish part of our identity. It just felt right to me (even though my beloved grandmother was Irish and my mother’s parents had German ancestry). I took my two older children on a vacation to Newquay and Falmouth about ten years ago and that trip reignited my love for Cornwall.
Me: What led you to become involved with the Cornish American Heritage Society? How many years have you been involved and what is your title?
Johnny: I joined CAHS in January of 2021, so I’m relatively new to the organization (which has been around since 1982). I volunteered as the Membership officer for a couple of years and then was elected to be the new President at the Gathering in Calumet, MI August of 2024.
I’ve enjoyed helping with the update of the website and logo, starting new programming like the quarterly Cornish book club and annual travel grants, and connecting with our members at events and through online platforms (surveys, online meetings, etc.), I’m also working to build connections between CAHS and other organizations like the British Consulate, Global Cornish, and the British-American Business Council.
Me: Why is family history so important?
Johnny: Family history can give us, as individuals, a stronger sense of identity. I once asked my father, “What is a common trait of the Trestrails?” and we discovered that many of us in our family have been teachers in some form or fashion. My grandfather studied to be a teacher, my father has been a lecturer and has written text books, my aunt and my sister were both elementary school teachers, and I have been an adjunct professor.
I eventually met another Trestrail that wasn’t part of my direct family lineage. I asked him what he thought was a common characteristic in his family. His answer…they were all teacher in one way or another. I was floored by that revelation.
In addition, family history can help reinforce bonds amongst our immediate and extended families and enrich our own traditions. My family celebrates Festivus on December 23rd with a big open-house party, but before all of the guests arrive, we always cook pasties and have them for lunch together. It is a great way to blend the old and the new and create a legacy for my children to share with their children (someday).
Me: If someone would like to know more about CAHS, what should they do?
Johnny: If you are interested in learning about CAHS, first go to our website: www.cousinjack.org. You can register there to become a member (we call them “kowetha”). Membership is free of charge. You can also email me directly with any questions at president.cousinjack@gmail.com