Relatively speaking
By: by John M. Speirs.
Publisher: J.M. Speirs
Published: 1997
Place of publication: [Chuckatuck, Va.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 147
Subjects: Speirs family.; Arnold family.; Merritt family.; Wisely family.
First sentence: The origin of the Speirs line can be traced to the late Middle Ages in Scotland.
Description: INTRODUCTION

Relatively Speaking is divided into four chapters.  Each chapter begins with a brief history of the direct lineage of my mother and father and Karen's mother and father.  The direct descendant lines of the four families follow these histories.  Although I am unable to include all of my research, I have presented as many collateral lines as possible with information of genealogical value.  

There are two types of evidence to be considered as genealogical proof.  The types are primary evidence and secondary evidence.  Primary evidence is the original of any document or record, for example, a will, a deed, a bible, and a certificate.  Original is the key word in deciding primary evidence.  If the evidence is not an original, it is not primary evidence.  

Secondary evidence includes all other types of evidence.  Secondary  evidence may include courthouse records, copies of certificates (even if certified), census records, newspapers, published histories, and other substitute or reproduced materials.  An example of the relative importance of the two different types of evidence is apparent in researching the Samuel Bolton line (Chapter IV).  Secondary information that has been obtained indicates the names and dates of birth, death, and marriage for the children of Samuel Bolton.  Jackie Nelsonb06 001 5a graciously has sent us the Bolton family Bible dating from the 1830's.  The Bible is written in old German script.  The Bible contains handwritten entries of the births, deaths, and marriages of Samuel Bolton's children.  Since it is all written in old German script by Catharine Shuey Bolton, the Bible can be considered primary evidence, and thus, it contains the most accurate information available.  The documentation in the Bible conflicts with much of the secondary information previously obtained.  There is one child listed in the Bible not found in other evidence.  Professor Gary Smith at the College of William and Mary has assisted us in locating a person (Lori Karns of Williamsburg) who is able to translate the information.  Today, there are very few people that can read and translate old German script.

Primary evidence has been used whenever possible to validate the genealogical information.  Where primary evidence has not been available, I have tried to use a minimum of two sources of evidence relating to the lines presented.  Where sources conflict, it has been a matter of judgment to determine the best authoritative source.  There are times when doing research that all sources have different information.  This is probably the most difficult situation to assess and decide.  However, both Karen and I have spent numerous hours trying to validate every event.  I hope that anyone who has primary evidence indicating an error in any information provides a copy of that evidence to me.

 The histories outlined in the following chapters contain many individuals who served the cause of freedom as members of the United States Armed Forces.  There are a sizable number that served in actual declared combat areas, exposed to the hostile fire of an enemy.  A few of these individuals performed heroic tasks under extreme conditions.

There is a list, preceding Chapter I, of family members that have served their country in the line of fire.  I apologize, if I have failed to cite any family member.  That is not intentional on my part.  There are three individuals whose actions can be characterized as truly heroic. 

Sergeant Rinear Vanhoosear served in the Continental Army under General George Washington.  He endured and survived the harsh winter hardships at Valley Forge.  He went on to fight nobly and heroically with his regiment at Monmouth Courthouse.

Lieutenant Wilson W. Brown, who was actually recognized for his bravery under fire with the Congressional Medal of Honor, was a family line hero.  The exploits of the hastily gathered band of heroes with whom he served inspired others to be prepared to dare all in service to their country.

Any soldier who fought and survived the bloodiest battle in American Marine warfare on the tiny island of Iwo Jima must be considered heroic.  Lieutenant Joel Clemmer was such an individual with the 3rd Marine Division.  He returned from that great battle with shrapnel fragments  forever imbedded in his body.

The citation of these individuals is not meant to diminish the deeds of any family member who has served in the Armed Forces.  However, if you read and study the military history of the units with which these three served, you understand why I pay particular attention to their achievements.  They display uncharacteristic valor.

The numbering system is one that I created for a computer database that stores the many family names.  The members that are in my line begin with a number, and the members of Karen's line begin with a letter.  There are few genealogical terms used throughout the book.  One that is used is "non per stirpes" which literally means "not by blood."  It may refer to a family member who was adopted.  

I need to say a special word of thanks to all who have helped me in my research.  I have received so much information and support from many relatives in both families.  The greatest bulk of my research  has been completed at the Daughters of the American Revolution Library, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and an array of other libraries, courthouses, and cemeteries throughout the country.  Portions of the Scottish section of Chapter I have been done through the auspices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Newport News, Virginia, and with the commissioning of Susan Miller, a professional genealogist who lives in Glasgow, Scotland.  
John M. Speirs
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [149-151] and index.