Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- book:introduction [2007/01/26 19:10] – jims
+++ book:introduction [2014/10/03 17:42] (current) – jims
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ====== Introduction ======
-INTRODUCTION
+In which the author under the influence of the immortal Cervantes tells the
+story of this book, and introduces to the reader a Professor of Greek, a big-
+game hunter, a professional genealogist, a Chief Justice of Connecticut, a
+Governor of New York, a General in the United States Army, a member of Congress,
+a well-known feminist, the first mayor of Hartford, an antiquarian, English
+searchers, other interested persons, a parody, a verse of poetry, and a verse of
+scripture. To many members of the family this will be an unwelcome story. Alas,
+but the author feels that he has no option but to tell it. -- For did not
+Cervantes say, "History is a sacred kind of writing, because truth is essential
+to it."
-In which the author under the influence of the immortal Cervantes tells
+The author's passion for genealogy goes back to his earliest years, when as a
-the story of this book, and introduces to the reader a Professor of
+small boy he stood by his maternal grandmother's chair and listened, entranced,
-Greek, a big-game hunter, a professional genealogist, a Chief Justice
+to stories of her "background with figures" -- the background being her
-of Connecticut, a Governor of New York, a General in the United
+grandfather's fine farm in the outskirts of Newington, and the figures her
-States Army, a member of Congress, a well-known feminist, the first
+grandfather and grandmother Wells and their large household. Born Laura Wells,
-mayor of Hartford, an antiquarian, English
+she was doubly descended from Governor Thomas Welles of Connecticut, a
-searchers, other interested persons, a parody, a verse of poetry, and
+connection that brought in the Wolcotts and Appletons, of which she was also
-a verse of scripture. To many members of the family this will
+proud. The author's first desire as a collector was sometime to acquire the gold
-be an unwelcome story. Alas, but the author feels that he has no
+loop earrings shown in her portrait, and ultimately he did acquire them, but
-option but to tell it.--For did not Cervantes say, "History is a
+only by acquiring the canvas itself, a primitive, if you please, but greatly
-sacred kind of writing, because truth is essential to it."
+admired by no less a judge than the late John LaFarge. The author also well
+remembers a fruitless boyhood search with his own father among the tombstones in
+the ancient burying-ground on Town Hill, New Hartford, for some memorial of John
+Seymour, 3d, one of the first settlers of the town, where he died in 1758, and
+that search, perhaps, began the taste for tombstones, evidenced in this volume,
+that the author has always had. How he came, at the end of life, to be the
+author of this volume will appear in the course of its Introduction.
-The author's passion for genealogy goes back to his earliest years,
+Upwards of a hundred years ago, [[237.nathan_perkins|Nathan Perkins Seymour]]
-when as a small boy he stood by his maternal grandmother's chair and
+(1813-1891), a native of Hartford, in the line of [[008.john|John Seymour]],
-listened, entranced, to stories of her "background with figures" -- the
+grandson of [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], the Colonist, began the collection
-background being her grandfather's fine farm in the outskirts of
+of data for a History of the Seymour Family. About 1870 the work was taken up
-Newington, and the figures her grandfather and grandmother Wells and
+and carried on by his niece, [[134.charles|Miss Mary Kingsbury Talcott]]
-their large household. Born Laura Wells, she was doubly descended
+(1847-1917), a born genealogist and antiquarian, who was greatly assisted by
-from Governor Thomas Welles of Connecticut, a connection
+contributions of data from other members of the family; among them
-that brought in the Wolcotts and Appletons, of which she was also
+[[241.origen_storrs|Judge Origen S. Seymour]] of Litchfield, sometime Chief
-proud. The author's first desire as a collector was sometime to
+Justice of Connecticut; [[244.horatio|Governor Horatio Seymour]] of New York;
-acquire the gold loop earrings shown in her portrait, and ultimately
+[[300.truman|General Truman Seymour]], U.S.A.; [[095.gideon|Mrs. Clara E.
-he did acquire them, but only by acquiring the canvas itself, a
+Seymour Morris]] of Chicago, mother of Mr. Seymour Morris; and many others,
-primitive, if you please, but greatly admired by no less a judge than
+including the author, another born antiquarian, collector, and genealogist.
-the late John LaFarge. The author also well remembers a fruitless
-boyhood search with his own father among the tombstones in the
-ancient burying-ground on Town Hill, New Hartford, for some memorial
-of John Seymour, 3d, one of the first settlers of the town, where he
-died in 1758, and that search, perhaps, began the taste for
-tombstones, evidenced in this volume, that the author has always had.
-How he came, at the end of life, to be the author of this volume will
-appear in the course of its Introduction.
-Upwards of a hundred years ago, Nathan Perkins Seymour (1813-1891), a native
+Miss Talcott's most active years in collecting data about the family seem to
-of Hartford, in the line of John Seymour, grandson of
+have been from 1880 to 1900. Even before the latter date she was already busy as
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]],
+professional genealogist and as author of historical articles for books and
-the Colonist, began the collection of data for a History of
+periodicals, but attempts made from time to time to get her to prepare her
-the Seymour Family. About 1870 the work was taken up and carried on
+Seymour Family material for publication all failed, and one reason for her thus
-by his niece, Miss Mary Kingsbury Talcott (1847-1917), a born
+holding back the compilation of her material is certainly to be found in a story
-genealogist and antiquarian, who was greatly assisted by
+which the author has now to relate, not for pleasure, but for the reason that,
-contributions of data from other members of
+as Cervantes said, "the writing of history is a sort of sacred writing, because
-the family; among them Judge Origen S. Seymour of Litchfield,
+truth is essential to it."  Miss Talcott, throughout her lifetime, had a high
-sometime Chief Justice of
+reputation as an accurate genealogist, and it may well be thought that she was
-Connecticut; Governor Horatio Seymour of New York;
+unwilling to publish any History of the Seymour Family until an alleged family
-General Truman Seymour, U. S. A.; Mrs. Clara E. Seymour Morris of Chicago,
+Bible that purported to connect [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], the Colonist,
-mother of Mr. Seymour Morris; and many others, including the author, another
+with the ducal family of Somerset should be either disproved or confirmed.
-born antiquarian, collector, and genealogist.
-Miss Talcott's most
+About 1880, a member of the family who was wholly unknown to the Hartford or
-active years in collecting data about the family seem to have
+Litchfield or Utica branches of it appeared "out of the blue," as it were, in
-been from 1880 to 1900. Even before the latter date she was already
+Hartford, with what purported to be a Bible that had been handed down through
-busy as professional genealogist and as author of historical articles
+the generations, even from [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], the Colonist. It was
-for books and periodicals, but attempts made from time to time to get
+a mutilated copy of the so-called "Bishop's Bible," printed in 1584, and it
-her to prepare her Seymour Family material for publication all
+contained inserts in the form of drawings and written material that, if true,
-failed, and one reason for her thus holding back the compilation of
+connected [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]] with the highest English nobility. At
-her material is certainly to be found in a story which the author has
+the time of its production the Bible was, most unfortunately, not subjected to
-now to relate, not for pleasure, but for the reason that, as
+even the ordinary rules of evidence as to its history and as to the intrinsic
-Cervantes said, "the writing of history is a sort of sacred
+character of its insertions, but it was, also most unfortunately, made known to
-writing, because truth is essential to it."  Miss Talcott,
+the family at large throughout the country and was accepted "as Gospel" by many
-throughout her lifetime, had a high reputation as an accurate
+of them. That even Miss Talcott, indeed, was in a measure responsible for
-genealogist, and it may well be thought that she was unwilling to
+circulating the story of the Bible her own correspondence appears to indicate,
-publish any History of the Seymour Family until an alleged family
+and to claim that the present author had wholly escaped the infection or had
-Bible that purported to connect
+always refused to follow leading members of the family in falling for the
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]], the Colonist, with
+"strawberry leaves" and the ducal family would be idle. He does not, however,
-the ducal family of Somerset should be either disproved or confirmed.
+recall any time when he did not have misgivings about it all, and from the
+moment that he learned of certain entries, soon to be described, in the Parish
+Records of Sawbridgeworth, County Herts, he was entirely disillusioned.
-About 1880, a
+It should here be made clear, perhaps, that in 1880 the science of genealogy was
-member of the family who was wholly unknown to the Hartford or
+still in its infancy in this country, that few Americans were then qualified to
-Litchfield or Utica branches of it appeared "out of the blue,"
+pass on claims as to the English connections of American colonists, and that
-as it were, in Hartford, with what purported to be a Bible that had
+Miss Talcott herself was only beginning her career in this field. Later, indeed,
-been handed down through the generations, even from
+she felt the need of substantiating the allegations of the Bible through British
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]],
+documentary sources, and when in 1914 she went to England, one of the objects of
-the Colonist. It was a mutilated copy of the so-called "Bishop's
+her visit was definitely either to confirm or to disaffirm the ancestry set
-Bible," printed in 1584, and it contained inserts in the forn1
+forth in the Bible. At the behest of other descendants of [[001.Richard| Richard
-of drawings and written material that, if true, connected
+Seymour]], among them the Hon. Henry W. Seymour, M.C., with whom the author
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]]
+became acquainted while he too was a resident of Washington, the most exhaustive
-with the highest English nobility. At the time of its
+researches, over the course of the years, were undertaken abroad by several
-production the Bible was, most unfortunately, not subjected to even
+competent genealogists, but all of them failed utterly to establish the
-the ordinary rules of evidence as to its history and as to the
+connection alleged in the Bible. On the contrary, half a dozen genealogists of
-intrinsic character of its insertions, but it was, also most
+repute, including Colonel Vivian, in his day the best-known authority on
-unfortunately, made known to the family at large throughout the
+Devonshire families, and Henry F. Waters, an expert never excelled in the Anglo-
-country and was accepted "as Gospel" by many of them. That even
+American field, to whom photographs of the Bible entries were submitted,
-Miss Talcott, indeed, was in a measure responsible for circulating
+unanimously declined to accept the handwriting as script of the period when
-the story of the Bible her own correspondence appears to indicate,
+[[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]] and his son [[003.John|John]] flourished.
-and to claim that the present author had wholly escaped the infection
-or had always refused to follow leading members of the family in
-falling for the "strawberry leaves" and the ducal family
-would be idle. He does not, however, recall any time when he did not
-have misgivings about it all, and from the moment that he learned of
-certain entries, soon to be described, in the Parish Records of
-Sawbridgeworth,County Herts, he was entirely disillusioned.
-It should here be made clear, perhaps, that in 1880 the science of
+Meanwhile, the whole matter of the publication of a history of the family lay in
-genealogy was still in its infancy in this country, that few
+abeyance, and it so happened that in 1914 Mr. J. Gardner Bartlett, an American
-Americans were then qualified to pass on claims as to the English
+professional genealogist, then living in England, was commissioned to
-connections of American colonists, and that Miss Talcott herself
+investigate the English ancestry of the celebrated Chauncey family. His search
-was only beginning her career in this field. Later, indeed, she
+took him to Sawbridgeworth, County Herts, where he found in the parish records
-felt the need of substantiating the allegations of the Bible through
+entries regarding one [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], his wife Mercy Ruscoe,
-British documentary sources, and when in 1914 she went to England,
+and his son [[002.Thomas|Thomas]], and other members of both families. The dates
-one of the objects of her visit was definitely either to confirm or
+of this [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], his wife Mercy, and his son
-to disaffirm the ancestry set forth in the Bible. At the behest of
+[[002.Thomas|Thomas]], when compared with corresponding dates of a
-other descendants of [[001_Richard|
+[[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]] and his wife Mercy and his son
-Richard Seymour]], among them the Hon. Henry W. Seymour,
+[[002.Thomas|Thomas]], all as contained in Connecticut records, together with
-M.C., with whom the author became acquainted while he too
+other significant facts, left no room for doubt that Mr. Bartlett had found the
-was a resident of Washington, the most exhaustive researches, over
+English home of [[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]], the Colonist, who appeared in
-the course of the years, were undertaken abroad by several competent
+Hartford about 1639.
-genealogists, but all of them failed utterly to establish the
-connection alleged in the Bible. On the contrary, half a dozen
-genealogists of repute, including Colonel Vivian, in his day the
-best-known authority on Devonshire families, and Henry F. Waters, an
-expert never excelled in the Anglo-American field, to whom
-photographs of the Bible entries were submitted, unanimously declined
-to accept the handwriting as script of the period when
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]]
-and his son [[003_John|John]] flourished.
-Meanwhile,
+Mr. Bartlett forthwith embodied his discoveries in a comprehensive report, which
-the whole matter of the publication of a history of the family lay in
+for a consideration he offered in turn to two or three branches of the Seymour
-abeyance, and it so happened that in 1914 Mr. J. Gardner
+family in America, but all of them were unwilling to give it any credence or
-Bartlett, an American professional genealogist, then living in
+attention, until at length it was brought to the attention of the present
-England, was commissioned to investigate the English ancestry of the
+author, always a "doubting Thomas" about the entries in the so-called "Seymour
-celebrated Chauncey family. His search took him to Sawbridgeworth,
+Bible." He was enabled to buy the report, and he ultimately published it, in
-County Herts, where he found in the parish records entries regarding
+substance, in the //New England Historical and Genealogical Register// of 1917.
-one [[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]],
-his wife Mercy Ruscoe, and his son
-[[002_Thomas|Thomas]], and
-other members of both families. The dates of this
-[[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]],
-his wife Mercy, and his son [[002_Thomas|Thomas]],
-when compared with corresponding
-dates of a [[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]]
-and his wife Mercy and his son [[002_Thomas|Thomas]],
-all as contained in Connecticut records, together with other significant
-facts, left no room for doubt that Mr. Bartlett had found the English
-home of [[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]],
-the Colonist, who appeared in Hartford about
-.
-Mr. Bartlett forthwith embodied his discoveries in a comprehensive
+Due, in part at least, to the publication of Mr. Bartlett's report, the late Mr.
-report, which for a consideration he offered in turn to two or three
+Seymour Morris of Chicago, who accepted it without question and who despaired of
-branches of the Seymour family in America, but all of them were
+the publication of the material collected by Miss Talcott, went ahead on his own
-unwilling to give it any credence or attention, until
+account, collected data, and published in the //New England Historical and
-at length it was brought to the attention of the present
+Genealogical Register// in 1918 and 1919 three installments of a proposed
-author, always a "doubting Thomas" about the entries in the
+history of the family. Mr. Morris's work was unfortunately brought to a close by
-so-called "Seymour Bible." He was enabled to buy the
+his death in 1921.
-report, and he ultimately published it, in substance, in the //New
-England Historical and Genealogical Register// of 1917.
-Due, in part at least, to the publication of Mr. Bartlett's report, the
+In 1934 the present author, whose active interest in a History of the Seymour
-late Mr. Seymour Morris of Chicago, who accepted it without question
+Family had begun at least as early as when he went to Washington to live in 1878
-and who despaired of the publication of the material collected by
+and began corresponding with Miss Talcott, determined to carry Mr. Morris's work
-Miss Talcott, went ahead on his own account, collected data, and
+to a conclusion. Mr. Morris's widow deposited his papers, including his
-published in the //New England Historical and Genealogical
+unpublished data, with the New England Historic Genealogical Society of Boston,
-Register// in 1918 and 1919 three
+and through the good offices of Mr. Jacobus, editor of the present work, the
-installments of a proposed history of the family. Mr. Morris's work
+papers were made available by the Society. Mr. Jacobus then at long last began
-was unfortunately brought to a close by his death in 1921.
+to prepare a comprehensive History of the Seymour Family, at first based on Mr.
+Morris's published and unpublished work. After the work was well under way Miss
+Katherine Seymour Day of Hartford, who had inherited a trunk full of Miss
+Talcott's correspondence, consented to make it, too, available to Mr. Jacobus,
+and he then went forward to compile the present work, combining the collections
+of Miss Talcott with the work of Mr. Morris. No attempt was made to collect any
+large amount of new material, but it was decided to carry all of the descendants
+of the Colonist down to the sixth generation, in order that subsequent workers
+in the field should have no difficulty in bringing the lines down to date.
-In 1934 the present author, whose active interest in a History of the
+From the first, however, the author determined not to go to publication with any
-Seymour Family had begun at least as early as when he went to
+History of the Seymour Family until the authenticity of the so-called "Seymour
-Washington to live in 1878 and began corresponding with Miss Talcott,
+Bible" had been settled for good or for ill. When, in the "revolving years," the
-determined to carry Mr. Morris's work to a conclusion. Mr. Morris's
+person who had sprung the Bible "out of the blue" in Hartford died in Brookline
-widow deposited his papers, including his unpublished data, with the
+(1906) and was "gathered to his fathers," the Bible was acquired from his widow
-New England Historic Genealogical Society of Boston, and through the
+by two members of the Connecticut family, but they too implicitly believed in
-good offices of Mr. Jacobus, editor of the present work, the papers
+its authenticity, and in their hands it was still unavailable for subjection to
-were made available by the Society. Mr. Jacobus then at long last
+ordinary rules of evidence. Thirty years and more passed and the problem
-began to prepare a comprehensive History of the Seymour Family, at
+presented by the Bible remained unsolved, until at last the Bible came to the
-first based on Mr. Morris's published and unpublished work. After the
+hands of its present owner, happily cooperative, who allowed it to be put into
-work was well under way Miss Katherine Seymour Day of Hartford, who
+the hands of the Librarian of Yale University, who in turn put it into the hands
-had inherited a trunk full of Miss
+of competent experts for examination. The unequivocal report of the experts is
-Talcott's correspondence, consented to make it, too, available to Mr.
+that the Bible entries are forgeries.
-Jacobus, and he then went forward to compile the present work,
-combining the collections of Miss Talcott with the work of Mr.
-Morris. No attempt was made to collect any large amount of new
-material, but it was decided to carry all of the descendants of the
-Colonist down to the sixth generation, in order that subsequent
-workers in the field should have no difficulty in bringing the lines
-down to date.
-From the first, however, the author determined not to go to publication
+And so we come to the story of the Bible itself, but first it must be explained
-with any History of the Seymour Family until the authenticity of the
+that in June, 1881, the Bible's first owner, who was in funds, bought a house in
-so-called "Seymour Bible" had been settled for good or for
+Newport, on which the mortgage was foreclosed three years later, in 1884. During
-ill. When, in the "revolving years," the person who had
+those few years, as is supposed, the owner of the Bible had a die made with the
-sprung the Bible "out of the blue" in Hartford died in
+full ducal arms, which he used for embossing his own personal stationery; he had
-Brookline (1906) and was "gathered to his fathers," the
+a similar seal cut, of which he sent impressions to Mr. Nathan Perkins Seymour,
-Bible was acquired from his widow by two members of the Connecticut
+then a professor at Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio; he had a handsome
-family, but they too implicitly be1ieved in its authenticity, and in
+book-plate engraved with the full ducal arms; and he had the arms displayed on
-their hands it was still unavailable for subjection to ordinary rules
+his Newport house. How much the display of the ducal arms in these several forms
-of evidence. Thirty years and more passed and the problem presented
+contributed to his Newport establishment may easily be surmised.
-by the Bible remained unsolved, until at last the Bible came to the
-hands of its present owner, happily cooperative, who allowed it to be
-put into the hands of the Librarian of Yale University, who in turn
-put it into the hands of competent experts for examination. The
-unequivocal report of the experts is that the Bible entries are
-forgeries.
-And so we come to the story of the Bible itself, but first it must be
+Also in the summer of 1881, probably in August, Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour
-explained that in June, 1881, the Bible's first owner, who was in
+was visiting in his native Hartford, and the Bible was shown to him and of
-funds, bought a house in Newport, on which the mortgage was
+course excited his great interest and curiosity. He was even allowed to remove
-foreclosed three years later, in 1884. During those few years, as is
+bits of a. sheet of paper that was pasted over what appeared to be writing on
-supposed, the owner of the Bible had a die made with the full ducal
+the inside of the front cover of the book, and had the owner, supposedly
-arms, which he used for embossing his own personal stationery; he had
+present, cooperated with him and allowed him to remove all of the paper, the
-a similar seal cut, of which he sent impressions to
+great delusion about the Bible would have been dispelled then and there, over
-Mr. Nathan Perkins Seymour, then a professor at Western Reserve College, at
+half a century ago, and Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour would be the hero of
-Hudson, Ohio; he had a handsome book-plate engraved with the full
+this narrative. The owner, however, seems to have lacked curiosity, or to have
-ducal arms; and he had the arms displayed on his Newport house. How
+begun even then to suspect that he had been "taken in" when (as will shortly
-much the display of the ducal arms in these several forms contributed
+appear) he bought the Bible, and although in a letter to Professor Seymour,
-to his Newport establishment may easily be surmised.
+dated at Newport, August 12, 1881, he announced his intention of peeling off all
+the paper, he never did so. His letter to Professor Seymour, embossed with the
+full arms of the ducal family of Somerset, contained this paragraph:
-Also in the summer of 1881, probably in August,
+<blockquote>
-Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour was visiting in his native Hartford,
+When I have peeled off all the paper and laid bare the writing\\
-and the Bible was shown
+upon the cover of the Bible, I will send you a transcript, but from\\
-to him and of course excited his great interest and curiosity. He was
+what you took off, I judge that it is nothing but someone's careless\\
-even allowed to remove bits of a. sheet of paper that was pasted over
+scribbling during the present century and of no account whatever.
-what appeared to be writing on the inside of the front cover of the
+</blockquote>
-book, and had the owner, supposedly present, cooperated with him and
-allowed him to remove all of the paper, the great delusion about the
-Bible would have been dispelled then and there, over half a century
-ago, and Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour would be the hero of this
-narrative. The owner, however, seems to have lacked curiosity, or to
-have begun even then to suspect that he had been "taken in"
-when (as will shortly appear) he bought the Bible, and although in a
-letter to Professor Seymour, dated at Newport, August 12, 1881, he
-announced his intention of peeling off all the paper, he never did
-so. His letter to Professor Seymour, embossed with the full arms of
-the ducal family of Somerset, contained this paragraph:
-<file>
+When the paper was finally peeled off by an expert employed by the Librarian of
-   When I have peeled off all the paper and laid bare the writing
+Yale University, the following inscription was uncovered:
-   upon the cover of the Bible, I will send you a transcript, but from
-   what you took off, I judge that it is nothing but someone's careless
-   scribbling during the present century and of no account whatever.
-</file>
-When the paper was finally peeled off by an expert employed by the
+<blockquote>
-Librarian of Yale University, the following inscription was
+George Cole's Book\\
-uncovered:
+the Gift of his dear\\
+friend Richard [  ]\\
+the twenty third of the\\
+Eleventh Month\\
+One thousand Eight Hundred\\
+Twenty One
+</blockquote>
-<file>
+On February 2, 1882, about six months after the near-revealing session between
-   George Cole's Book
+Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour and the owner of the Bible, the latter
-   the Gift of his dear
+deposited the Bible (and took a receipt for it) in the vault of a Boston bank,
-   friend Richard [  ]
+and there it remained until after his death in 1906. As far as is known, it was
-   the twenty third of the
+seen during all of this period by only one member of the family. In the latter
-      Eleventh Month
+part of 1901 or in 1902 it was shown to Henry W. Seymour of Washington, but only
-   One thousand Eight Hundred
+in the ante-room of the vault. Some time about 1891 the author made a special
-   Twenty One
+trip to Boston for the purpose of seeing the Bible with his own eyes, but all he
-</file>
+saw was its owner, then living in Brookline, apparently in reduced
+circumstances. The author had, of course, long had photographs of the
+significant pages of the Bible, secured from a Newport photographer, and he
+explained to the owner the object of his visit and his own belief that the Bible
+ought to be submitted to expert examination, but he was obliged to return to New
+Haven without seeing it. The reason seems obvious enough. Had he appeared, not
+as a "doubting Thomas," but as a true believer, his journey to Boston might not
+have been in vain.
-On February 2, 1882, about six months after the near-revealing session
+Since the actual examination of the Bible by experts, the author, not content
-between Professor Nathan Perkins Seymour and the owner of the Bible,
+with that alone, has undertaken further to unravel its history and has learned
-the latter deposited the Bible (and took a receipt for it) in the
+from persons close to the family of the owner's widow that the owner did not
-vault of a Boston bank, and there it remained until after his death
+acquire the Bible by descent. He bought it. About the owner himself the author
-in 1906. As far as is known, it was seen during all of this period by
+learned that he had a good record in the Civil War; that he had hunted big game
-only one member of the family. In the latter part of 1901 or in 1902
+in South America; and had hunted a fortune in Java; and none of these
-it was shown to Henry W. Seymour of Washington, but only in the
+experiences can have prepared him to pass on the authenticity of the Bible when
-ante-room of the vault. Some time about 1891 the author made a
+it was offered to him for purchase. It may be surmised that he was persuaded by
-special trip to Boston for the purpose of seeing the Bible with his
+the dealer of the genuineness of the entries in the Bible, and that he therefore
-own eyes, but all he saw was its owner, then living in Brookline,
+welcomed the chance, as he viewed it, to bring the ownership of the Bible back
-apparently in reduced circumstances. The author had, of course, long
+into the family.
-had photographs of the significant pages of the Bible, secured from a
-Newport photographer, and he explained to the owner the object of his
-visit and his own belief that the Bible ought to be submitted to
-expert examination, but he was obliged to return to New Haven without
-seeing it. The reason seems obvious enough. Had he appeared,
-not as a "doubting Thomas," but as a true believer, his
-journey to Boston might not have been in vain.
-Since the actual examination of the Bible by experts, the author, not
+That the Bible could not have gone to the owner by descent ought, in fact, long
-content with that alone, has undertaken further to unravel its
+since to have been apparent, especially to Miss Talcott. In the trunk containing
-history and has learned from persons close to the family of the
+her papers, as may now be told, was found a sheet of the Bible owner's
-owner's widow that the owner did not acquire the Bible by descent. He
+correspondence paper, embossed with the ducal arms of Somerset, and on the
-bought it. About the owner himself the author learned that he had a
+paper, in the owner's handwriting, is a schedule of his claimed descent from
-good record in the Civil War; that he had hunted big game in South
+Richard the Colonist, but the schedule is incorrect. It postulates his descent
-America; and had hunted a fortune in Java; and none of these
+from Thomas<sup>3</sup> Seymour of Hartford,. the grandfather of the First
-experiences can have prepared him to pass on the authenticity of the
+Mayor, rather than from Zachariah<sup>3</sup> Seymour, youngest son of
-Bible when it was offered to him for purchase. It may be surmised
+[[003.John|John]]<sup>2</sup>, a younger son of the Colonist. In other words,
-that he was persuaded by the dealer of the genuineness of the entries
+the owner's own conception of his place in the family was entirely wrong. The
-in the Bible, and that he therefore welcomed the chance, as he viewed
+improbability that a family Bible of the highest import should have descended
-it, to bring the ownership of the Bible back into the family.
+through younger sons in nearly every generation ought alone, it must be thought,
+to have been enough to put Miss Talcott, and others in the family who accepted
+the Bible, on their guard. The schedule of the owner's claimed descent is not
+dated and not accompanied by any letter, but presumably, it was submitted to
+Miss Talcott at the same time that the Bible itself was first called to her
+attention, back about 1880 or 1881.
-That the Bible
+Nor is this the only evidence long available that denies the ancestry set forth
-could not have gone to the owner by descent ought, in fact, long
+in the Bible. On September 2, 1816, Thomas Seymour, the venerable First Mayor of
-since to have been apparent, especially to Miss Talcott. In the trunk
+Hartford, then in his eighty-first year, entered in a "Memorandum Book" that had
-containing her papers, as may now be told, was found a sheet of the
+belonged to his father an attested statement which he called "a summary of the
-Bible owner's correspondence paper, embossed with the ducal arms of
+origin of my ancestors from their very first coming from England and settlement
-Somerset, and on the paper, in the owner's handwriting,
+in this Town"; and since 1892, when Dr. Parker's "History of the Second Church
-is a schedule of his claimed descent from Richard the Colonist, but
+in Hartford" was published, the First Mayor's statement has been easily
-the schedule is incorrect. It postulates his descent from
+accessible to all. "For more than two hundred years," says Dr. Parker in his
-Thomas<sup>3</sup> Seymour of Hartford,. the grandfather of the First
+//History, //"this Seymour family maintained an unbroken continuity of
-Mayor, rather than from Zachariah<sup>3</sup> Seymour, youngest son of
+membership in this Church or Society which John Seamer helped to found, and for
-[[003_John|John]]<sup>2</sup>,
+the greater part of that time exercised a commanding influence in its affairs";
-a younger son of the Colonist. In other words, the owner's own
+and he quotes the First Mayor's statement, which is in part as follows:
-conception of his place in the family was entirely wrong. The
-improbability that a family Bible of the highest import should have
-descended through younger sons in nearly every generation ought
-alone, it must be thought, to have been enough to put Miss Talcott,
-and others in the family who accepted the Bible, on their guard. The
-schedule of the owner's claimed descent is not dated and not
-accompanied by any letter, but presumably, it was submitted to Miss
-Talcott at the same time that the Bible itself was first called to
-her attention, back about 1880 or 1881.
-Nor is this the only evidence long available that denies the ancestry set
+<blockquote>
-forth in the Bible. On September 2, 1816, Thomas Seymour, the
+A summary of the origin of my ancestors from their first coming\\
-venerable First Mayor of Hartford, then in his eighty-first year,
+from England and settlement in this Town, and of the time of\\
-entered in a "Memorandum Book" that had belonged to his
+their births and deaths, so far as appears from old Books and\\
-father an attested statement which he called "a summary of the
+entries found and now in my possession, and the information of old\\
-origin of my ancestors from their very first coming from England and
+people now deceased.
-settlement in this Town"; and since 1892, when Dr. Parker's
-"History of the Second Church in Hartford" was published,
-the First Mayor's statement has been easily accessible to all. "For
-more than two hundred years," says Dr. Parker in his //History,
-//"this Seymour family
-maintained an unbroken continuity of membership in this Church or
-Society which John Seamer helped to found, and for the greater part
-of that time exercised a commanding influence in its affairs";
-and he quotes the First Mayor's statement, which is in part as
-follows:
-<file>
+//Richard Seymour//, from England, was the first of the name, and\\
-   A summary of the origin of my ancestors from their first coming
+amongst the early settlers of the Town, and from whom the numer-\\
-   from England and settlement in this Town, and of the time of
+ous families of that name {it is said} have descended in America,\\
-   their births and deaths, so far as appears from old Books and
+particularly in this Town and in Connecticut. He had several sons,\\
-   entries found and now in my possession, and the information of old
+one of which was named //John//, my great-grandfather, and settled in\\
-   people now deceased.
+this Town. Another of them settled in Norwalk, whose posterity\\
+remain there till this day. //Capt. Thomas Seymour,// the son of John,\\
+died August 30th, 1740, aged 72. His mother's name was Watson.
-   //Richard Seymour//, from England, was the first of the name, and
+//Thomas Seymour, Esq.,// my Father, died March, 1767, aged 62.\\
-   amongst the early settlers of the Town, and from whom the numer-
+He was a Deacon of the 2d Church, Justice of the Peace, King's\\
-   ous families of that name {it is said} have descended in America,
+attorney, &c., &c.: married in the year 1730 to Hepzibah Merrel,\\
-   particularly in this Town and in Connecticut. He had several sons,
+Daughter of Deacon Daniel Merrel.((The writer listed here, before attesting, the
-   one of which was named //John//, my great-grandfather, and settled in
+births of the children of Thomas and Hephzibah (Merrel) Seymour, including his
-   this Town. Another of them settled in Norwalk, whose posterity
+own. To present the attested statement as nearly as possible in its original
-   remain there till this day. //Capt. Thomas Seymour,// the son of John,
+form, the author has omitted some explanatory detail which Dr. Parker inserted
-   died August 30th, 1740, aged 72. His mother's name was Watson.
+in square brackets. The full statement will be found at page 134 of the "History
+of the Second Church of Christ in Hartford," by Edwin Pond Parker, published at
+Hartford in 1892.)) ......, Attest, Sept.
-   //Thomas Seymour, Esq.,// my Father, died March, 1767, aged 62.
+d, 1816. T. Seymour, aged 81 years, & 6 months, the 17th day of\\
-   He was a Deacon of the 2d Church, Justice of the Peace, King's
+this month.
-   attorney, &c., &c.: married in the year 1730 to Hepzibah Merrel,
+</blockquote>
-   Daughter of Deacon Daniel Merrel.((The writer listed here, before attesting, the births of the children of Thomas
-and Hephzibah (Merrel) Seymour, including his own. To present the attested statement
-as nearly as possible in its original form, the author has omitted
-some explanatory detail which Dr. Parker inserted in square brackets. The full
-statement will be found at page 134 of the "History of the
-Second Church of Christ in Hartford," by Edwin Pond Parker,
-published at Hartford in 1892.)) ......, Attest, Sept.
-d, 1816. T. Seymour, aged 81 years, & 6 months, the 17th day of
-   this month.
-</file>
-As to what purpose the First Mayor had in mind in making this sworn
+As to what purpose the First Mayor had in mind in making this sworn statement
-statement there is now no evidence, but it is clear that he was very
+there is now no evidence, but it is clear that he was very serious about it, as
-serious about it, as he specifically says that he consulted "old
+he specifically says that he consulted "old Books and entries found and now in
-Books and entries found and now in my possession, and the information
+my possession, and the information of old people now deceased." The statement
-of old people now deceased." The statement itself, moreover,
+itself, moreover, appears to be in every respect correct, and no doubt exists
-appears to be in every respect correct, and no doubt exists either as
+either as to the authenticity of the "Memorandum Book," which is dated 1747, or
-to the authenticity of the "Memorandum Book," which is
+as to the fact that the First Mayor himself made the statement quoted from it.
-dated 1747, or as to the fact that the First Mayor himself made the
+At the time the statement was made, the First Mayor was the virtual head of the
-statement quoted from it. At the time the statement was made, the
+American Seymour Family. He was a college-bred man (Yale, 1755), as was his
-First Mayor was the virtual head of the American Seymour Family. He
+father before him (Yale, 1724); he had an enviable position at the bar, as had
-was a college-bred man (Yale, 1755), as was his father before him
+his father before him; he had been King's Attorney, as had his father before
-(Yale, 1724); he had an enviable position at the bar, as had his
+him; he had been State's Attorney after the Revolution; he had been the First
-father before him; he had been King's Attorney, as had his father
+Mayor of Hartford, which position he held for twenty-seven years; he and his
-before him; he had been State's Attorney after the Revolution; he had
+family had occupied a first social position in the community; and he was great-
-been the First Mayor of Hartford, which position he held for
+grandson of [[003.John|John Seymour]], through whom the so-called "Seymour
-twenty-seven years; he and his family had occupied a first social
+Bible" purported to have descended to the person who produced it about 1880. Yet
-position in the community; and he was great-grandson of
+in the carefully worded and attested statement of this distinguished man there
-[[003_John|John Seymour]],
+is not the least suggestion (If the existence of any family Bible or of any
-through whom the so-called "Seymour Bible" purported to
+knowledge about Richard the Colonist except the bare statement that he came from
-have descended to the person who produced it about 1880. Yet in the
+England. The First Mayor was grandson of Richard's grandson; his branch of the
-carefully worded and attested statement of this distinguished man
+family had resided continuously in Hartford; and if there had been among the
-there is not the least suggestion (If the existence of any family
+"old people now deceased" any knowledge or tradition of a family Bible or of
-Bible or of any knowledge about Richard the Colonist except the bare
+noble descent or connections, it is inconceivable that he would not have
-statement that he came from England. The First Mayor was grandson of
+referred to it in his statement. The lack of any such reference is almost
-Richard's grandson; his branch of the family had resided continuously
+conclusive evidence that no tradition of the kind was known among the older
-in Hartford; and if there had been
+members of the family, even though they were, both in line and descent, close to
-among the "old people now deceased" any knowledge or
-tradition of a family Bible or of noble descent or connections, it is
-inconceivable that he would not have referred to it in his statement.
-The lack of any such reference is almost conclusive evidence that no
-tradition of the kind was known among the older members of the
-family, even though they were, both in line and descent, close to
 Richard the Colonist.
 When the First Mayor's sworn statement became easily accessible with the
-publication of Dr. Parker's //History// in
+publication of Dr. Parker's //History// in 1892, only about a decade after the
-, only about a decade after the appearance of the Bible in
+appearance of the Bible in Hartford, there was every reason for Miss Talcott and
-Hartford, there was every reason for Miss Talcott and for all
+for all believers in the Bible to be on their guard. It may be, indeed, that
-believers in the Bible to be on their guard. It may be, indeed, that
+Miss Talcott was already familiar with the statement, but it is also quite
-Miss Talcott was already familiar with the statement, but it is also
+possible that she never knew of it at all until Dr. Parker's book appeared, and
-quite possible that she never knew of it at all until Dr. Parker's
+in either case it is more than likely that she did not fully appreciate its
-book appeared, and in either case it is more than likely that she did
+significance. In 1916, however, the present author communicated to her the news
-not fully appreciate its significance. In 1916, however, the present
+of the Bartlett report, with the discovery of the entries in the Parish Records
-author communicated to her the news of the Bartlett report, with the
+of Sawbridgeworth, and she then at once foresaw that when the report was made
-discovery of the entries in the Parish Records of Sawbridgeworth, and
+known to the family at large, the publication of a family history on her part
-she then at once foresaw that when the report was made known to the
+would be made very difficult. The author is constrained to believe that while
-family at large, the publication of a family history on her part
+her faith in the so-called "Seymour Bible" must have been shaken long before the
-would be made very difficult. The author is constrained to believe
+blow actually fell, she had never seriously entertained the thought that the
-that while her faith in the so-called "Seymour Bible" must
+Bible was an out-and-out forgery or that it had been bought by the person who
-have been shaken long before the blow actually fell, she had never
+produced it.
-seriously entertained the thought that the Bible was an out-and-out
-forgery or that it had been bought by the person who produced it.
-Other
+Other members of the family, too, failed to see the significance of the First
-members of the family, too, failed to see the significance of the
+Mayor's statement, and in spite of its publication in Dr. Parker's book, the
-First Mayor's statement, and in spite of its publication in Dr.
+efforts to confirm the forged entries in the Bible were continued. for years
-Parker's book, the efforts to confirm the forged entries in the Bible
+thereafter, showing, it must be declared, not so much that the believers were
-were continued. for years thereafter, showing, it must be declared,
+gullible as that they were human, eager to exalt their own ancestry, one of the
-not so much that the believers were gullible as that they were human,
+oldest weaknesses of the race. Exalted claims of noble if not royal ancestry
-eager to exalt their own ancestry, one of the oldest weaknesses of
+have been made, at one time or another, for nearly every old American family.
-the race. Exalted claims of noble if not royal ancestry have been
+The //Encyclopaedia Britannica// says of genealogies published in this country
-made, at one time or another, for nearly every old American family.
+that many "combine the results of laborious research in American records with
-The //Encyclopaedia Britannica// says
+extravagant and unfounded claims concerning the European origin of the families
-of genealogies published in this country that many "combine the
+dealt with." One after another, these claims have been examined and rejected by
-results of laborious research in American records with extravagant
+the better-informed of our native genealogists, only to reappear with
-and unfounded claims concerning the European origin of the families
+undiminished splendor in the next publication, due we must suppose to
-dealt with." One after another, these claims have been examined
+indifference or to stubborn vanity. In passing, we must refer to the sad
-and rejected by the better-informed of our native genealogists, only
+demolition, as recently as April 1938 in //The American Genealogist,// of the
-to reappear with undiminished splendor in the next publication, due
+oldest and most cherished of our Connecticut "pedigrees of delusion,"-the
-we must suppose to indifference or to stubborn vanity. In passing, we
+Haynes-Harlakenden descent from the Plantagenets has now been proclaimed a myth!
-must refer to the sad demolition, as recently as April 1938 in //The
-American Genealogist,// of the
-oldest and most cherished of our Connecticut "pedigrees of
-delusion,"-the Haynes-Harlakenden descent from the Plantagenets
-has now been proclaimed a myth!
-The
+The author, indeed, opines, though he be put down a cynic for saying so, that
-author, indeed, opines, though he be put down a cynic for saying so,
+there are thousands of Americans of the old stock who would far rather trace
-that there are thousands of Americans of the old stock who would far
+their descent from Edward Seymour, First Duke of Somerset, than from
-rather trace their descent from Edward Seymour, First Duke of
+[[001.Richard|Richard Seymour]] of Sawbridgeworth, even though the latter may be
-Somerset, than from [[001_Richard|Richard Seymour]]
+thought to have sired a finer race of men than the former. The author cannot
-of Sawbridgeworth, even though
+refrain from inserting here a parody that has long amused him and that will be
-the latter may be thought to have sired a finer race of men than the
+readily recognized by all readers of Tennyson.
-former. The author cannot refrain from inserting here a parody that
-has long amused him and that will be readily recognized by all
-readers of Tennyson.
-<file>
+<blockquote>
-   Of course 'tis noble to be good,
+Of course 'tis noble to be good,\\
-   But what are hearts to coronets
+But what are hearts to coronets\\
-   And simple faith to Norman blood.
+And simple faith to Norman blood.
-</file>
+</blockquote>
-The task of "tearing the strawberry leaves," so to speak, from
+The task of "tearing the strawberry leaves," so to speak, from the brows of the
-the brows of the American Seymours is not a grateful one to the
+American Seymours is not a grateful one to the author and is not commending him
-author and is not commending him to many members of his family; but
+to many members of his family; but then he reflects that, as our own Bryant
-then he reflects that, as our own Bryant tells us,
+tells us,
-<file>
+<blockquote>
-   Truth crushed to earth shall rise again, ---
+Truth crushed to earth shall rise again, ---\\
-     The eternal years of God are hers;
+The eternal years of God are hers;\\
-   But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,
+But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,\\
-     And dies among his worshippers.
+And dies among his worshippers.
-</file>
+</blockquote>
-Nor can he forget the words of a still greater writer: "Pride goeth
+Nor can he forget the words of a still greater writer: "Pride goeth before
-before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall"
+destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
-(Proverbs 16:18).
-The fact is that from the time the author first decided to publish the
+The fact is that from the time the author first decided to publish the present
-present book it has been his intention to discuss the Bible at
+book it has been his intention to discuss the Bible at length. He has been
-length. He has been advised that this is not necessary, that it is
+advised that this is not necessary, that it is quite sufficient simply to state
-quite sufficient simply to state that expert examination has proved
+that expert examination has proved the Bible a forgery, but since many people.
-the Bible a forgery, but since many people. as the author feels sure,
+as the author feels sure, do not value expert opinion. and since different
-do not value expert opinion. and since different experts may, in
+experts may, in fact, give different opinions, it he seemed necessary to give
-fact, give different opinions, it he seemed necessary to give some
+some history of the Bible, quite apart from what any expert says about it. When
-history of the Bible, quite apart from what any expert says about it.
+Mr. Jacobus had access to Miss Talcott's papers, more. over, he found a great
-When Mr. Jacobus had access to Miss Talcott's papers, more. over, he
+body of letters from members of the family, all thrilled at the idea of noble
-found a great body of letters from members of the family, all
+descent, and it is to them and to their offspring that a complete explanation is
-thrilled at the idea of noble descent, and it is to them and to their
+due.
-offspring that a complete explanation is due.
-To-day
+To-day the Bible plainly appears to be what it is-a crude forgery that was
-the Bible plainly appears to be what it is-a crude forgery that was
+produced under circumstances so suspicious in themselves that acceptance, even
-produced under circumstances so suspicious in themselves that
+tentatively, by so many members of the family seems incredible. The particular
-acceptance, even tentatively, by so many
+copy of the Bishop's Bible used by the forger had been rebound at some remote
-members of the family seems incredible. The particular copy of the
+period; it lacks some twenty pages, including the title-page; and from what the
-Bishop's Bible used by the forger had been rebound at some remote
+author can learn, its auction-room value in 1880, as an imperfect copy, can have
-period; it lacks some twenty pages, including the title-page; and
+been only a trifling sum. What the person who first bought it paid for it will,
-from what the author can learn, its auction-room value in 1880, as an
+of course, never be known, but at his death in 1906 his widow sold it to a
-imperfect copy, can have been only a trifling sum. What the person
+believer for a very substantial price. With the forgeries made a part of it, its
-who first bought it paid for it will, of course, never be known, but
+worth proved to be many times what it could have brought merely as a defective
-at his death in 1906 his widow sold it to a believer for a very
+copy of a famous old edition of the Bible.
-substantial price. With the forgeries made a part of it, its worth
-proved to be many times what it could have brought merely as a
-defective copy of a famous old edition of the Bible.
-Some years ago the author had a slide made from a photograph of a page of
+Some years ago the author had a slide made from a photograph of a page of the
-the Bible that purported to give an account of some commercial
+Bible that purported to give an account of some commercial transaction. In what
-transaction. In what appeared to be a specimen of genuine seventeenth
+appeared to be a specimen of genuine seventeenth century handwriting, the
-century handwriting, the account had been written over and so changed
+account had been written over and so changed as to bring the name "Seymour" into
-as to bring the name "Seymour" into it, and when the slide
+it, and when the slide was thrown on the screen, the changed inscription :was
-was thrown on the screen, the changed inscription :was palpably the
+palpably the work of a forger. At about the same time the author employed Mr.
-work of a forger. At about the same time the author employed Mr.
+Jacobus, now the editor of this book, but also well known for his familiarity
-Jacobus, now the editor of this book, but also well known for his
+with old handwriting, to examine photographs of the Bible, and Mr. Jacobus then
-familiarity with old handwriting, to examine photographs of the
+reported that the entries bore evidence of being faked. This was years before
-Bible, and Mr. Jacobus then reported that the entries bore evidence
+the Bible was submitted to expert examination through the good offices of Mr.
-of being faked. This was years before the Bible was submitted to
+Keogh, the Yale Librarian, and years before the author had gone into the history
-expert examination through the good offices of Mr. Keogh, the Yale
+of the Bible and proved to his own satisfaction that the person who first
-Librarian, and years before the author had gone into the history of
+displayed it never inherited it, but actually bought it.
-the Bible and proved to his own satisfaction that the person who
-first displayed it never inherited it, but actually bought it.
-In the old days, or had one better say "in the lost years,"
+In the old days, or had one better say "in the lost years," Miss Talcott told
-Miss Talcott told the author over and over again that she was
+the author over and over again that she was prepared to enrich her data with
-prepared to enrich her data with many stories of the family that she
+many stories of the family that she had gathered from her elders and kinsfolk in
-had gathered from her elders and kinsfolk in Hartford, and the author
+Hartford, and the author began at an early date to collect illustrations for her
-began at an early date to collect illustrations for her use; but she
+use; but she never got around to making notes of her vast stores of personal
-never got around to making notes of her vast stores of personal
+material, now impossible to recover, and the author, quite naturally, long ago
-material, now impossible to recover, and the author, quite naturally,
+abandoned his idea of collecting illustrations for her use. He has, however,
-long ago abandoned his idea of collecting illustrations for her use.
+done what he could to collect material about the First Mayor of Hartford and his
-He has, however, done what he could to collect material about the
+family, and he has been able to pick up several illustrations of the First
-First Mayor of Hartford and his family, and he has been able to pick
+Mayor's belongings, to represent him, in away, in lieu of his portrait, which
-up several illustrations of the First Mayor's belongings, to
+was destroyed. As the author is publishing this book entirely at his own
-represent him, in away, in lieu of his portrait, which was destroyed.
+expense, he has naturally chosen such illustrations as suit his own feelings or
-As the author is publishing this book entirely at his own expense, he
+as happen to be at hand. Any compiler of a family history knows how hard it is
-has naturally chosen such illustrations as suit his own feelings or
+to secure data from members of the family. Letters and pictures are withheld,
-as happen to be at hand. Any compiler of a family history knows how
+apparently, for no better reason than indifference. Any member of the family who
-hard it is to secure data from members of the family. Letters and
+is disposed to criticise the work is free to try his own hand at writing and
-pictures are withheld, apparently, for no better reason than
+publishing a history to suit his own taste.
-indifference. Any member of the family who is disposed to criticise
-the work is free to try his own hand at writing and publishing a
-history to suit his own taste.
-If the author had begun back in 1880 or thereabouts to collect basic
+If the author had begun back in 1880 or thereabouts to collect basic material
-material for this history, he would have asked in his questionnaire
+for this history, he would have asked in his questionnaire for information
-for information regarding the height, size, color of eyes, hair and
+regarding the height, size, color of eyes, hair and skin, and facial
-skin, and facial characteristics. He would also have called for
+characteristics. He would also have called for portraits and pictures of houses
-portraits and pictures of houses and of matters of family tradition.
+and of matters of family tradition. In this way he might peradventure have
-In this way he might peradventure have collected enough material to
+collected enough material to predicate characteristics of the family as a race.
-predicate characteristics of the family as a race. Miss Talcott
+Miss Talcott reached the conclusion that the spirit was martial and it does
-reached the conclusion that the spirit was martial and it does appear
+appear that many men were engaged in the different wars notably as officers as
-that many men were engaged in the different wars notably as officers
+well as in the ranks.
-as well as in the ranks.
-As for the
+As for the inordinate family pride with which the members of the family have
-inordinate family pride with which the members of the family have
+long been charged, it must be admitted as true so far as the Hartford branch
-long been charged, it must be admitted as true so far as the Hartford
+descended from the first [[003.John|John Seymour]] of Hartford is concerned.
-branch descended from the first
+This pride long antedates the appearance of the alleged Seymour Bible. The
-[[003_John|John Seymour]] of Hartford is
+author leaves it to the readers of this book to determine the reasons for this
-concerned. This pride long antedates the appearance of the alleged
+pride, but will not add more himself except to say that so far as his experience
-Seymour Bible. The author leaves it to the readers of this book to
+goes the members of the family have not suffered from what is now described as
-determine the reasons for this pride, but will not add more himself
+an "inferiority complex." It is often said that, pride of blood is less to be
-except to say that so far as his experience goes the members of the
+condemned than pride of purse. Money getting has never been a family
-family have not suffered from what is now described as an
+characteristic. No more has display on the part of those who had it. Despite the
-"inferiority complex." It is often said that, pride of
+high social position occupied for years by groups of the family in Hartford and
-blood is less to be condemned than pride of purse. Money getting has
+Litchfield, Conn., and in Utica and Cazenovia, N.Y., the family has been free
-never been a family characteristic. No more has display on the part
+from anything like ostentation. They built no notably fine estates and in
-of those who had it. Despite the high social position occupied for
+general paid little attention to the appanages of wealth and social caste. Even
-years by groups of the family in Hartford and Litchfield, Conn., and
+their mortuary remains (and the author deplores it) are meagre and
-in Utica and Cazenovia, N.Y., the family has been free from anything
+insignificant, and one is reminded of the attitude of the high-born Wyllyses in
-like ostentation. They built no notably fine estates and in general
+that regard. No monument of any sort can be found to-day to the First Mayor of
-paid little attention to the appanages of wealth and social caste.
+Hartford, and the stones erected to some members of his family have been allowed
-Even their mortuary remains (and the author deplores it) are meagre
+to fall into decay.
-and insignificant, and one is reminded of the attitude of the
-high-born Wyllyses in that regard. No monument of any sort can be
-found to-day to the First Mayor of Hartford, and the stones erected
-to some members of his family have been allowed to fall into decay.
-In conclusion, it may be said that the records at Sawbridgeworth and
+In conclusion, it may be said that the records at Sawbridgeworth and elsewhere
-elsewhere indicate that Richard the Colonist and his wife Mercy were
+indicate that Richard the Colonist and his wife Mercy were far removed from the
-far removed from the arms-bearing class; but the fact remains that
+arms-bearing class; but the fact remains that over two and a quarter centuries
-over two and a quarter centuries have passed since the day in 1712
+have passed since the day in 1712 when [[002.Thomas|Thomas Seymour]] of Norwalk,
-when [[002_Thomas|Thomas Seymour]]
+English-born eldest son of the Colonist, being then very "sicke and weak,"
-of Norwalk, English-born eldest son of the
+sealed his will with a small seal (which seal may be seen to-day in the State
-Colonist, being then very "sicke and weak," sealed his will
+Library in Hartford) charged with the wings forming the paternal coat of the
-with a small seal (which seal may be seen to-day in the State Library
+Seymours of Penhow. That [[002.Thomas|Thomas Seymour]] used a seal for any other
-in Hartford) charged with the wings forming the paternal coat of the
+purpose than to comply with the common law requirement of a seal of some kind is
-Seymours of Penhow. That
+wholly incredible, and that any contemporary who saw the seal on the document
-[[002_Thomas|Thomas Seymour]]
+had the faintest idea what those wings signified is almost equally so, but it is
-used a seal for any other
+certain that a relatively poor man, living in a pioneer settlement, would not
-purpose than to comply with the common law requirement of a seal of
+have thought of having a seal cut to "exalt his horn" and would have had no
-some kind is wholly incredible, and that any contemporary who saw the
+opportunity for doing so, if he had thought of it. The actual impression on the
-seal on the document had the faintest idea what those wings signified
+will, moreover, shows that it was made from a seal that was already old and
-is almost equally so, but it is certain that a relatively poor man,
+worn. The seal from which it was made must have been brought to this country by
-living in a pioneer settlement, would not have thought of having a
+Richard the Colonist, whose original will no longer exists to show whether it
-seal cut to "exalt his horn" and would have had no
+too was sealed with the same seal.
-opportunity for doing so, if he had thought of it. The actual
-impression on the will, moreover, shows that it was made from a seal
-that was already old and worn. The seal from which it was made must
-have been brought to this country by Richard the Colonist, whose
-original will no longer exists to show whether it too was sealed with
-the same seal.
-Since the above was written, Stewart Mitchell's biography of
+Since the above was written, Stewart Mitchell's biography of "Horatio Seymour of
-"Horatio Seymour of New York" has been issued (1938) by the Harvard
+New York" has been issued (1938) by the Harvard University Press. Dr. Mitchell
-University Press. Dr. Mitchell comments (page 4) on the will of
+comments (page 4) on the will of [[002.Thomas|Thomas Seymour]] in 1712, "to
-[[002_Thomas|Thomas Seymour]]
+which he affixed a seal with wings that recalled //[sic]// those of the arms of
-in 1712, "to which he affixed a seal with wings
+the great house of Seymour of Penhow," and reaches the astonishing conclusion
-that recalled //[sic]// those
+that he "had probably used the first seal which came to hand, with never a
-of the arms of the great house of Seymour of Penhow," and
+thought of its significance or any knowledge of what it might resemble." Such an
-reaches the astonishing conclusion that he "had probably used
+explanation will hardly satisfy students of heraldry,-nor, for the matter of
-the first seal which came to hand, with never a thought of its
+that, should it satisfy students of history. The wings on the seal do not
-significance or any knowledge of what it might resemble." Such
+//recall// or //resemble,// to use his own terms, the wings of the Seymours of
-an explanation will hardly satisfy students of heraldry,-nor, for the
+Penhow; beyond question they //are// the "two wings conjoined in lure" of the
-matter of that, should it satisfy students of history. The wings on
+Penhow family. To suppose that [[002.Thomas|Thomas Seymour]] reached for "the
-the seal do not //recall// or //resemble,// to
+first seal which came to hand," and inadvertently, in that primitive colonial
-use his own terms, the wings of the Seymours of Penhow; beyond
+hamlet, picked up the actual seal of the historic Seymour family, is to ask us
-question they //are// the
+to believe in miracles. Heraldic symbols were exceedingly rare in that time and
-"two wings conjoined in lure" of the Penhow family. To
+place, and when one was used it was not by chance. The author has examined
-suppose that [[002_Thomas|Thomas Seymour]]
+dozens of wills of Fairfield County residents in the period between 1700 and
-reached for "the first seal which
+, and saw only one other which was sealed with an unmistakable heraldic
-came to hand," and inadvertently, in
+device, most of the wills being sealed with red wax bearing no impression or
-that primitive colonial hamlet, picked up the actual seal of the
+with seals of conventional. non-heraldic designs.
-historic Seymour family, is to ask us to believe in miracles.
-Heraldic symbols were exceedingly rare in that time and place, and
-when one was used it was not by chance. The author has examined
-dozens of wills of Fairfield County residents in the period between
-and 1720, and saw only one other which was sealed with an
-unmistakable heraldic device, most of the wills being sealed with red
-wax bearing no impression or with seals of conventional. non-heraldic
-designs.
-If [[002_Thomas|Thomas Seymour]]
+If [[002.Thomas|Thomas Seymour]] of Norwalk "used the first seal which came to
-of Norwalk "used the first seal which came to hand," and
+hand," and the author concedes that as likely, then we are constrained to
-the author concedes that as likely, then we are constrained to
+believe that he used his own seal ring, and that it was an heirloom which,
-believe that he used his own seal ring, and that it was an heirloom
+although his generation may not have been aware of it, pointed to a remote
-which, although his generation may not have been aware of it, pointed
+connection with the Seymours of Penhow, though possibly the connection may have
-to a remote connection with the Seymours of Penhow, though possibly
+been derived through the Seymers of Dorsetshire((See [[Popham_Colony|"Richard
-the connection may have been derived through the Seymers of
+Seymer of the Popham Colony," Appendix.]])) rather than through the Devonshire,
-Dorsetshire((See [[Ap4.PophamColony|"Richard Seymer of the Popham Colony," Appendix.]])) rather than through the Devonshire, later the ducal,
+later the ducal, branch of the ancient family, both of which used the "two wings
-branch of the ancient family, both of which used the "two wings
 conjoined in lure," as on the seal of Thomas.
-Moreover, Thomas Seymour, Esq. (1705-1767), of Hartford, grand-nephew of
+Moreover, Thomas Seymour, Esq. (1705-1767), of Hartford, grand-nephew of Thomas
-Thomas
+of Norwalk, sealed his will with a seal bearing the same wings, and his son, the
-of Norwalk, sealed his will with a seal bearing the same wings, and
+First Mayor of Hartford, did the same. This shows that both the First Mayor and
-his son, the First Mayor of Hartford, did the same. This shows that
+his father had an appreciation of the value of arms-bearing ancestry and that a
-both the First Mayor and his father had an appreciation of the value
+knowledge or tradition of the right to display the Seymour wings had surely been
-of arms-bearing ancestry and that a knowledge or tradition of the
+transmitted to them. This fact makes it all the more likely, however, that if
-right to display the Seymour wings had surely been transmitted to
+the First Mayor had had any specific knowledge of noble ancestry, he would have
-them. This fact makes it all the more likely, however, that if the
+embodied the tradition in the attested statement, already quoted, that he made
-First Mayor had had any specific knowledge of noble ancestry, he
+on September 2, 1816.
-would have embodied the tradition in the attested statement, already
-quoted, that he made on September 2, 1816.
-Whether any attempt to trace the family in England further back than
+Whether any attempt to trace the family in England further back than John
-John Seymour, grandfather of
+Seymour, grandfather of [[001.Richard|Richard the Colonist]], can be anything
-[[001_Richard|Richard the Colonist]],
+but futile, is extremely doubtful. Mr. Bartlett tried to do so, but without
-can be anything but
+success, for the simple reason that the search took him into a period when
-futile, is extremely doubtful. Mr. Bartlett tried to do so, but
+parish records were not compulsory. The author also employed Mr. Bartlett to
-without success, for the simple reason that the search took him into
+make further investigations along the line of the Colonist's grandfather, but
-a period when parish records were not compulsory. The author also
+without finding any clue. Mr. Bartlett's opinion was that Richard's grandfather
-employed Mr. Bartlett to make further investigations along the line
+had come from a different locality. The author subsequently employed Mr. Jacobus
-of the Colonist's grandfather, but without finding any clue. Mr.
+too, through his English correspondents, to make further searches, but again
-Bartlett's opinion was that Richard's grandfather had come from a
+without success. F or his own part, the author feels that the record of the
-different locality. The author subsequently employed Mr. Jacobus too,
+family in this country is sufficient in itself. The American Seymours have been
-through his English correspondents, to make further searches, but
+men and women of character, high breeding, integrity, and devotion to public
-again without success. F or his own part, the author feels that the
+service, and until the unfortunate appearance of the so-called "Seymour Bible,"
-record of the family in this country is sufficient in itself. The
+they were without any pretense to noble ancestry. The ghost of the Bible has now
-American Seymours have been men and women of character, high
+been laid. It was General Truman Seymour who said:((In a letter, 28 May 1881.))
-breeding, integrity, and devotion to public service, and until the
-unfortunate appearance of the so-called "Seymour Bible,"
-they were without any pretense to noble ancestry. The ghost of the
-Bible has now been laid. It was General Truman Seymour who said:((In a letter, 28 May 1881.))
-<file>
+<blockquote>
-   Except as a motive of curiosity there is little to be gained by
+Except as a motive of curiosity there is little to be gained by\\
-   settling the question [the English origin of the family]. The
+settling the question [the English origin of the family]. The\\
-   American Seymours are quite as respectable as the English and
+American Seymours are quite as respectable as the English and\\
-   have nothing to ask, in dignity, from any relationship.
+have nothing to ask, in dignity, from any relationship.\\
-                                                            G.D.S.
+<cite>G.D.S.</cite>
-</file>
+</blockquote>
-\\
-[[contents|(<-- Table of Contents)]] [[start|(Back to Start)]] [[english_origin|(The English Origin -->)]]
+\\ [[contents|(<-- Table of Contents)]] [[start|(Back to Start)]] [[english_origin|(The English Origin -->)]]