Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-11-21
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My first care on my return TO LONDON
was to write and dispatch to my father
O long letter. In the letter gave him
the names, place OF residence and oil the
particulars I had gathered In regard to
our distinguished ancestors. This did
In order that he might speak understand.
ingly in breaking the great news to our
family and the town. Also sent let
ter to Prudy, under cover to Captain
Shrimp, in which I told her tobe Of good
cheer, that all was going well for MS.
told her that she would probably hear
something Of my success In my mission
through my father. by way Of Rev. Nan.
tucket Sperm or Captain Shrimp.
remained In London over q fortnight
after dispatching my report to my IA
ther, and was hard at work every mo-
inent Of my time. Ihad at my disposal
unlimited means and was determined to
brilliantly conclude what I had 80 sue
cessfully commenced. Ny first care was
to look up tho pedigree Of Sir Archibald
and Lady Eleanor johnson Of Thetford,
Norfolk.
went ut once to the Herald's college
or College Of Arms, In Doctors COM
mons, where all pedigrees have been en-.
tered since tho founding Of the COLES ,
by Richard III In 1883, and there spent
half day to good advantage. Ny time
was not spent In prospecting" tho old
musty records Of the college, but In
prospecting" the old musty hangers on
Of the place-men who have grown old,
bent aad gray among the ancient manu-
scripts and pondcrous tones.
About the Herald's college ars to be
found O score or more Of poor devils,
somewhat like our "shyster" lawyers.
who exc out subsistence by examining
and making transcripts from the old
records. To this not few Of the num-
Der add the less legitimate, but far more
remunerative, business Of manufacture
ing genealogies. These men are really
among the best legitimate genealogists
In all England, for In the fabrication OF
false genealogies they are compelled not
only to be thoroughly mp In all the true
genealogical records, but also to con-
stantly delve In piles Of old manuscripts
and histories. In chat with one Of the
officers of the college I learned the name
Of one Of the oldest and most expert gene
alogical workers In both the Legitimate
and '.shyster" lines Of the business.
I found this man without difficulty
and was 30 well pleased with him that !
engaged him at once. He was fine
looking old gentleman and In dress sf.
fected the clerical. ! soon discovered
that he particularly prided himself upon
bis ingenuity In the fabrication Of bogus
gensalogies. He had worked out hun.
drcds that had ''passel muster" In Eng.
land, and as no man In all Great Britain
was better posted In genuine genealo-
gies, not one Of his fictitious works could
be gainsaid. however much it. illegit-
imacy might be suspected.
My work was easy for him, - II was
nearly all Of o square and legitimate
kind. Much to my surprise found
that this old genealogical chief had at
bis command q full corps Of assistants-
men glad to be called upon by him to
lend q hand In good Job. Az soon -
hs found that the cost Of the work was .
secondary consideration with me, Mr..
Rebsrts-the name Of this prince Of gen.
salogists was Richard Roberts-at once
sent man TO the British museum,
whore are kept many records pertaining
10 genealogies; another to make tran
scripts Of tho parish registers In Norfolk
and others to exploring the printed col.
lsctions Of genealogical information,
such % the books Of the peerages. bar
onages, baronetages and county histories,
hs himself working In London In the
College Of Arms
The register books kept BY the hsraids
and their assistants contain the pedigree,
arms and all the leading facts and events
In the history Of . family, therefore, to
beein with, there u found In the Hsralds
college Q rich mine In which to dslve In
the very outset Indeed the Hsrslds
COLLEGE, London, 70 . mine Of wealth Ia
which Americans In want Of ancestors
may proAtably dig.
lr. Roberts gave me the gsuealogy Of
Hlr Archibald Johnson fairly and truth
eally y fs beck ~ u wss tssosasas IN