This is the story of the author's Cottrell heritage from the early 1700s to the present with historical events woven into their lives as they arrived in Virginia from England and eventually moved Westward into Kentucky, Missouri, and California. The author's inclusion of historical events and descriptions of the hardships likely endured by his ancestors makes the Cottrell Story more captivating. Although this book is not meant to be a genealogical reference the events, dates, names, and locations are accurate and based on accepted proof standards unless they include descriptors such as likely, probable, or possible. This allowed the author to include additional information he believes to be true but lacks proof. Primary surnames include Cottrell, Brashear, Lashbrook, Taylor, and Cosby. Extensive sourcing is not included. However, a list of general references used by the author in his research of his Cottrell lineage is included. There is also an index of names to aid in locating specific people.