The narrator discuses why his family resided in Salem for so many years. What does he say about this?

Salem was a busy port prior to 1812 where many people flourished. His family lived there before Salem fell into disrepute. His ancestors were hard core Puritans who had the freedom to practice their oppressive religion freely in Salem as opposed to Europe. Their identity became a part of the land they farmed on. Like the crops they planted, the people made roots.