by Ezekiel Whitman St. Albans, VT. : printed by E. B. Whiting & Co. 1867 |
time, as opportunties occured for the purpose. They are designed to gratify such of the posterity of JOHN WHITMAN as have any degree of curiousity leading them to an enquiry after their origin. Such curiosity seems to be natural, and, at the same time, indicative of a respectful regard to those but for whom we should not have existed. If so fortunate as to find them worthy and respctable the emotion excited in agreeable; and the mind delights to dwell in contemplation upon the incidents of their lives. Biography is at all times pleasing, and the sources of valuable instruction. How much so when the subject is a relative or an immediate ancestor. The Prosperity of JOHN WHITMAN, who by way of distinction in these sketches, will often be denominated the Ancestor, will seldom find occasion to blush upon looking back upon the past lives of those from whom they have derived their origin. Fortunate indeed, may the generations now in being esteem themselves, if they can be sure the bequeath to the posterity and equal source of felicitation. A speculation of this king may, by many be deemed unprofitable. Such, however, are but superficial observers. No virtuously dispose mind can look back upon a long line truly venerable ancestors without feeling motive to a virtuous life strengthened. He can scarcely help feeling that it is not for him to be the first to bring disgrace up his lineage. It will moreover lead him to reflect that his posterity also will be looking back, and comparing his life with that of his progenitors. And who in such case can fail to feel as a father in the presence of his offspring? And, that sad indeed would it be to find them crimsoned with shame at witnessing in him a mortifying exemplar. The following sketches are confined principally to the four generations, including the common ancestor. Under each member of the fourth generation , however will be found a genealogical statement of this posterity, for one or more generations further. Many errors will be doubtless, be discovered, especially as the later generations. Those now in being are so numerous, and so much scattered, that full and distant information is not easy to be obtained concerning them. As it respects the female branches, it has not been practicable to trace their descendants in any instance to any considerable extent. The numerous placed over the names denote the generation for the common ancestor, he being considered as the first. Those of the third and fourth generations, are arranged according to the seniority of the second generation. For instance -- the descendants from the Ancestors son Thomas stand first in each succeeding generation; and so on the regard to his succeeding brothers and sister as for as the dame can ascertained |