PREFACE. This work began in a few. inquiries which were made about ten years since to correct an erroneous record in another family history. From that point the search has been led on step by step with ever fresh suggestions to its present scope. The quest has been one of continual surprises. It was supposed that the family was small, to be found in only a few localities, counting among its numbers not many persons of distinction, and having a story to tell of quiet faithfulness rather than of wide-reaching power. But following back to the origin, there have been discovered the sources of countless streams, some of which are seen to be flowing in broad and noble rivers. It is something, in an ordinary home, to know that one's parents, brothers and sisters are high-minded, strong and true. In such a thought there is incentive to a worthier life. And is it not something to know of the more attenuated family bonds which reach to many generations-to be conscious of our kinship with those who have borne their part as builders of society and of the nation-to recognize as of our own household multitudes who are to-day engaged in forceful activities on a thousand fields over the world? A grouping of facts is fruitful in questions, and the facts here gathered may set us to thinking in many lines. How shall we account for what we find-how account for people, why they are those we see and not others unlike them? The force of heredity is evident: its watermark is on every page. But a thoughtful reader will see other things also working with heredity-the habits of the home, tradition, principles of conduct and training, that play ever around the life to give it a particular phase, a distinct individuality. There are lessons, too, of the larger environment in the community and state. Some of these are almost startling. Rough houses in new settlements are fullest of children, while family life in older abodes often dwindles and verges toward extinction. Out of the rough homes, also, come many a strong personality, while those who have had unusual advantages do not always show corresponding achievements. There is much yet |
