The Leaf on The Tree

Welcome to The Leaf on The Tree.

Here families are more than names and dates on paper--they are stories waiting to be told and mysteries to unfold.  

I will share family stories and inspiring tales of life of one person at a time or one leaf at a time.

The Leaf on The Tree

Founded by Mary Graybill, The Leaf on The Tree is a home for family-history storytelling where names and dates are turned into living narratives—stories of resilience, faith, love, and legacy.

Every post is a reminder that behind each record lies a person: a farmer tending his land, a widow raising her children, a matriarch whose strength echoes through generations. From the hills of Frederick County to far beyond, those stories connect us not only to the past but to one another.

This brand exists to:

  • Preserve family voices before they are lost.

  • Showcase resilience and humanity in every generation.

  • Help others share their own stories through writing, podcasts, and creative formats.

Because every leaf has a story yet to be told—and together, they make a forest.

Warm, true‑to‑life family stories

told with 

heart, history, and a hint of mystery.

Meet This Leaf on The Tree

I love uncovering history and giving forgotten lives a voice again. Over the years, I’ve built a family tree with more 1,300 leaves and another with over 500, each branch filled with stories waiting to be told. Through old records, hidden details, and long lost names, I bring the past back to life. This blog is my way of sharing that joy—join me as we rediscovered the stories of those who should not be forgotten.

What you’ll find here

  • Stories from the Roots

    Narrative pieces that read like short chapters from a family saga.

  • Echos from the Tree

    First-person, imaginative retelling that bring ancestor’s voices forward

  • Whispers from the Tree

    Voiceover + images paired with blog stories.

What’s My Approach!?

I combine careful research and documentation with compassionate storytelling. Court house records, census entries, maps and letters become scenes and settlings, always anchored by facts but given breath through empathy and historical context.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!