Friday, August 29, 2014

Gardner research

Recently, research performed under the auspices of the Thomas Gardner Society, Inc. culminated in papers that were published in The Essex Genealogist (2014, Volume 34). 
  • "The Graves Family of Ipswich" TEG, Vol. 34, #2, Pg. 92 (Update of TEG (2000) Vol. 20, #4, Pg. 226)  
  • "The Trials of the Wilson Family" TEG, Vol. 34, #3, Pg. 155
A subsequent paper ("John Sayward/Soward of Gloucester/Ipswich") will be printed in the next issue of The Gardner Annals. 

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See Annals/Research for an ahnentafel for Lucy Foster Wilson Gardner that accompanied the Wilson family paper. Lucy was the grandmother of Dr. Frank. A. Gardner, the original Gardner researcher.   

The ahnentafel is full through six generations and is fully sourced for births and deaths. At this time, the material is in a PDF file. The intent is to have a Gardner database that will be sourced (when possible), persistent and maintained.  

In the meantime, this format can be easily parsed and could be used to begin to collect information about Gardner roles in history. Dr. Frank A. is a descendant of son Samuel. It would be a good milestone to have one of these for each of the children of Thomas and Margaret.   


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We are inviting contributions of data related to Thomas Gardner of Salem and his descendants (algswtlk [at] aol [dot] com). 

Remarks: Modified: 09/15/2018

09/15/2018 -- Gardner Research published four articles in The Essex Genealogist. These were republished in The Gardner Annals which just released Vol. IV. Last fall, we printed TGA Vols I and II. Soon, we will print Vols III and IV. Included with the TGA were Gardner's Beacon issues. Of late, we have experimented with one approach to a database, namely WikiTree using Dr. Frank's information. As mentioned in that post, we have established that Thomas had two wives as we found information about the marriage of Thomas and Margaret in Sherborne, Dorset, UK.

09/17/2014 -- Modified the email.

09/17/2014 - The next issue of Gardner's Beacon (Vol. IV, No. 3) will have an Annals/Research focus. The use of Annals before Research denotes several things, one of which is that the Annals is expected to publish more than results from Gardner's Research. ... The next issue of Gardner's Annals will reprint an article from TEG Vol. 34. Too, it will print an article that is expected to be in the November, 2014 issue of TEG.

09/28/2014 -- A week ago, the record for the marriage of Thomas Gardner and Margaret Friar was discovered in Sherborne by John Cook of Minneapolis, Dorset files. This sets a type of focus. Looks as if some transcription work might be in order.

10/03/2014 -- WikiTree and the like.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Content, again

A lot of focus has been on organizational issues, configuration, and such. So, one has to ask a question, motivated by McLuhan: is configuration the content? Some might argue so; it will be interesting to look at this further.

We're about ready to get back to the matters at hand. Right now, let's start a list of topics to discuss. Links will be put in later.
    On method, and being motivated by Anderson's work, we can say this: genealogy cannot be any more empirical than are the social sciences. As many with brick walls might say, it's as dismal as is economics. Yet, given the prominent worldview with which NEHGS deals, honoring the ancestors ought to be of prime-most importance. Of course, more on this.   
    Even if the biological is brought into the equation, there are still many things to cover that are outside of the mainstream. Now, the issue ought to be how to make these less problematic. Is that hard to do? Depends upon many things; it is worth the effort. In fact, it is just that sort of discourse where real insights into our past and those in it will (ought to) come into play. 
    On Puritan Roots, deep and otherwise (again, Anderson), we will have to weigh in. Why? Not being secular, so much, but Thomas and his crew were probably the FIRST (and, we can research this) occurrence of a peaceable, effective mix (this we can argue and will) of adult humans who were without state and church (to be defined and described as necessary). For this accomplishment, which would not be seen as such by Puritans, secularists, and other limited viewpoints, Thomas and the Cape Ann group ought to have our eternal gratitude (and for their role as one source of the being of the descendants). 
    The Cape Ann folks were without CHURCH and STATE despite machinations by their southern neighbors. Too, we can look at how Conant arriving with his minister in tow changed the environment. Yes, Roger the peace maker, it is said. For one thing, that shows that the Cape Ann crowd was healthy and boisterous. 
    Despite the ruminations of Rev. John White (a lot more to add here), Thomas and his crew were successful. Rev. John mixed in those who were mid-way twixt the Cape Cod bunch and those of Cape Ann (Merry Mount, if you must ask) plus a few others. That he could not see the truth very much needs another look or two. 
    John Endicott's arrival set the stage for the dire winters. Too many people at once swamping the resources is one thing that we will see. But, that influx could not be contained for almost a decade; no wonder the American Indians (those who were here) were frictional in an increasing manner.
    ...  
The upcoming Gardner's Beacon will deal with some of this. Too, The Gardner Annals will provide some genealogical looks which are intended to motivate Thomas Gardner descendants, and others, to submit material. 

More later. 

Remarks: Modified: 04/23/2023

08/26/2014 - The following is being added for future reference. Limits of Genealogical Research (Genealogy's Star blog asking this question: Are there limits to genealogical research?): Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Whence, again

This post is a comment about a recurring subject about which there is not as much known as one might hope, after so many years. However, there is interest in getting the necessary work accomplished to fill in (some of) the blanks.

Recently, there have been queries about Thomas and his pedigree. Each of these generated a little discussion. In one case, the discovery of the remains of Richard III (see Remarks 04/03/2015) helped bring one of these (a Tudor connection) to the light of rational explanation and some type of closure. There are several others.

We intend to gather all of the views, considered so far, and their related material. Why? Just as this Wiki page demonstrates, it can help to have the discussions very visible for current and future use (if you can ignore the derisive tone of many comment'ors, especially of experts who, many times, seem to lose their patience).

So, that type of thing will be a continuing bit of work. However, let's look at one example since it has interest from several viewpoints. For one, it is the work of another family, so we need to see what is what here. Too, it brings to fore the work that is needed. So, this is what we discuss below.

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Earlier, we mentioned that several proposals have been made about Thomas' sister, Rachel (2nd bullet). The image shows her and her pedigree (which, of course, if there were a relationship would implicate Thomas). I have marked the image which shows a gap. The problem generally is that many will close gaps without proper support for their argument (age-old problem).

Now, having said that, just like we let experts make grand claims about life thousands of years ago, based upon current observations (as in fossils, etc.) and what is known (as in, very large extrapolation, folks), so, too, can (ought) families be allowed to explore their ancestral space (all sorts of metaphysical notions can come into play) in a rational fashion and do it safely. It is a meme issue (and, one goal is to explore this issue more deeply).

Safely? Yes.

Again, having said that, some fortunate (?) ones have (or can show) lines that do have documentation. This is nice as we can, at least, look, homologically, and find parallels. That means a couple of things. For anyone, relating to past events for your ancestors by looking at someone's experience (vicariously) is a human right.

Now, for the genealogists, there is only this comment. Life is not documentation (notwithstanding the idiots of the cloud attempting to record/store everything - oh, they even record themselves recording?). In fact, we can look at Thomas, given the blank slate, from a more full phenomenological sense than those who left trappings from either their writings or their doings. Trappings? Yes. Doings? Consider John Endicott thinking of Mary Dyer as he went before St. Peter. Writings? A whole other realm to ponder.

Additionally, though, genealogical experts, what was does not need documentation in order to make it right.

Now, that statement ought not be misconstrued as condoning fictional presentations (that are labeled as fact, as fiction is a proper human endeavor - we see historical fiction everywhere being written). What it means is that the posturing, and such, of the experts has very little to do with the being-ness (then and now) of the ancestors. Have a little humility, gals and guys. Even if you bring in science, be a little philosophical about it.

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So, back to the image; there are several open generations that need attention. I recently read a 1921 paper (NEHGR, v79, p 358 - pointer to americanancestors.org) by G. Andrews Moriarty titled The Royal Descent of a New England Settler. He is talking about William Sargent of Malden. But, there are many other examples that could be used. The paper gives one a very good idea of the depth of attention that is required.

Too, if this paper were rewritten today, it would be different. William Sargent is not on a lot of lists (of which there are many).

Now, that, then, brings up the end of this. There have been many books and authors dealing with this subject. Frankly, I like to query those that are on-line. I am only going to use one book, for now.

Thankfully, Richardson's books are available. At least, in the preview mode, on Google, one can see a summary of results, even if the page cannot be seen. So, here is one of Richardson's books (there is a search box - Neville, a whole lot to look at). Now, let's use Wikipedia. This page points to the Ralph Neville born in 1456 (you can trace back his pedigree, if you like, just follow both parents at each node - yeah, Wikipedia, from the world's oldest wiki'an). He did have a son, Ralph. But, the information on Wiki stops there (see image, and the upper arrow - there are five generations to prove). Has some researcher filled in the information? Notice the references, on which list you will find Richardson.

Aside: There are people who go missing from family trees. I have several examples to show for this. But, getting them back into the tree requires making a strong case (lots to discuss there). On the other hand, lots of unfounded insertions have been claimed, as in children not known to have been of a couple's issue. Then, some of these are out of whack as biological facts are not considered; miraculous births are not expected to be accepted in genealogy (but, see the above comments on rational explanations).

In short, there is work to do. What is not well-founded are any notions that the questions raised so far have been properly resolved. The important thing, though, is not all questions have been asked.

The adage: When does a mathematician give up on trying to prove a theorem? Unless it is something pretty trivial, never, as long as there is reasonable interest, of course.

Remarks: Modified: 09/25/2018

08/12/2014 - To complete this post, let's take the Neville line three generations further, Ralph, grandson of the Ralph above, had a daughter, Margaret (d. 1559), who married Henry Manners (1525-1563) as his first wife. They had issue. Source: Cokayne, George Edward (1949). The Complete Peerage, edited by Geoffrey H. White XI. London: St. Catherine Press.

Henry Manners is not mentioned in Richardson's book which implies that no one over here has claimed he and his wife, yet. One complaint that I have seen is that a lot of effort has gone into proving lines that relate to people of interest (not my description), such as the rich and famous. But, even if that were not true, there would be many lines still unexplored after all of this time. In just five years, over here, I have found plenty of ignored people and, in fact, just completed a paper on one of these.

There is an adage. Would you rather be of the set of those who are still looking or of those who made early claims that were later shown to be problematic (no need, really, to provide examples)?

So, the work is, by no means, over.

09/28/2014 -- A week ago, the record for the marriage of Thomas Gardner and Margaret Friar was discovered in Sherborne by John Cook of Minneapolis, Dorset files. This sets a type of focus. Looks as if some transcription work might be in order.

04/03/2015 -- Recently, the remains of Richard III were laid to rest. Ever since they were found, there has been a lot of research done (some a renewal, some new). At the burial were some descendants of his sister (see Vita Brevis). Of course, that brought up the hypothesis of William Gardner being the one who did the fatal stroke. That was addressed in the Historical Genealogy post (and other posts). There have been many hypotheses offered, such as the one covered in post. We will take those (all of them) and bring in the facts and known state of research.

About William, see this discussion (on the Richard III Talk page) and this note on the deletion of the William Gardner page on Wiki.

The context to find, enumerate, analyze, report, and keep the information sound is Gardner Research (asking questions). The framework for publishing results that are well-founded will be The Gardner Annals and a FAQ.

07/12/2015 -- Okay, turtle speed. But, we get there. Announcing a new project: Sherborne, Dorset. No doubt, it is about time. When finished with the data collection and analysis, we will present the strongest story (the prerogative of the family) that the facts, and abductive reasoning, will support. As such, we hope to demonstrate some very much needed research viewpoints.

07/12/2015 -- We mention abductive approaches (my career was spent in advanced computing - software and modelling, essentially). Please refer, at least, to C.S. Peirce's (we mentioned him in an earlier post - Benjamin Peirce) work in the area. [Love it: From Ugly Duckling to Swan]

01/23/2016 -- More information about Rachel and Thomas.

08/06/2016 -- More on All things Gardners.

09/25/2018 -- Recently the Profile for Thomas Gardner on WikiTree changed to only have the two wives. This was due to research and discussion to which Gardner Research contributed. Earlier, there was a post that summarized the issue and accomplishment: Margaret, anew. Thanks are extended to all who made this update possible. The Profile is managed by the Puritan Great Migration Project sponsored by the NEHGS, publisher of the Great Migration books. So, Sherborne, as John said (see this page for images of documents).

Thursday, August 7, 2014

The Gardner Annals, Vol I, No 1

This post introduces the premier issue of The Gardner Annals (Volume I, Number 1). In the interests of the Society's purpose "to honor the accomplishments of the Cape Ann party and to promote, and to sponsor, scholarly research of a cultural, biographical, historical, and genealogical nature, with an emphasis on, but not limited to, the origins and the lives of New England immigrants," the Annals will allow presentation of results and materials related to the research that is sponsored by, or is of interest to, the Thomas Gardner Society, Inc.

This issue provides a chronological view of some events of interest. The items have appeared in Gardner's Beacon issues starting with Volume II, Number 6.


Accompanying the Annals will be a repository for information that will be of assistance to researchers. For example, we intend to post ahnentafels that have been fully referenced. Additionally, we will collect information about Patriots who may be documented, such as having entries in Massachusetts Soldiers & Sailors in the war of Revolution, but who may not appear in any approved ancestor lists, such as the D.A.R. database.  The information in the repository has a purpose of encouraging further research.

Remarks: Modified: 03/02/2019

08/07/2014 - With respect to the use of Margaret Fryer, see How Many Wives? and About Margaret. ... This, of course, is subject to research and discussion, but a strong case can be made that Margaret was busy with kids and not inclined to endure puritanical posturings. Too, Thomas did (deigned to do) his freeman's oath when it became advantageous for his children that he do so. When Thomas signed up, in 1637, he was immediately thrown with Hathorne into the General Court. I would love to hear (have heard) Thomas' reaction to machinations of the Johns (and their cohorts). Again, one research mode will look at who contributes more (age-old issue, but very much of interest today and into the future).

09/01/2014 -- Gardner Research announced. "The Trials of the Wilson Family" published (TEG (2014) 34:155).

09/17/2014 - The next issue of Gardner's Beacon (Vol. IV, No. 3) will have an Annals/Research focus. The use of Annals before Research denotes several things, one of which is that the Annals is expected to publish more than results from Gardner's Research. ... The next issue of Gardner's Annals will reprint the article from TEG Vol. 34. Too, it will print an article that is expected to be published in the November, 2014 issue of TEG.

09/30/2014 -- Marriage record for Thomas Gardner and Margaret Friar found in Sherborne, Dorset. ... Vol. I, No. 2 published.

12/31/2016 -- Remembering Thomas.

03/02/2019 -- We have published four volumes of The Gardner Annals and have printed these. We are building an index via images at our portal to truth.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Sign of the times

Researching Ipswich is an interesting task. They have the largest collection of early 1700 (plus or minus) houses in one area (see Ipswich walking tour). Each of these houses has a history which, then, can help build the picture of a family. And, Ipswich had enough of these houses that one could be disassembled and put in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

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Mother obtaining guardianship
The image is from a 1761 Ipswich court record of a case in which a mother obtained guardianship of her son. Now, this son was over 14 years of age but was still a minor. And, his father had died, leaving three small children (but, he left land for his wife), when the boy was one year old. So, the mother had raised him for 13+ years prior to this request. Okay, she did have to establish her right to the obligation, given the times. As well, she had to have a couple of character witnesses. 

Another point, though, is the next thing we know is that the young man is in the Ipswich military; the time frame was the latter days of the French & Indian war. He is on several rolls including that of Capt. Nathan Brigham's company. So, being a minor, the young man needed someone to sign him up; his father was deceased. 

As an aside, some have said that this bit of friction involving the French was a training ground for the Revolution as many younger males were enlisted, trained, and learned from the experience. So, England trained its own rebels, so to speak. But, too, the revolution could have started in Ipswich, a recent columnist noted, almost a century earlier, to wit, Rev. John Wise's (1687 arrest by Gov. Andros - see Remarks, 08/02/2014) experience (he married Abigail Gardner who was a descendant of Thomas Gardner of Roxbury). 

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There are more details in an upcoming article (TEG 34). But, the young man was signed up as John Leatherland, son of Sarah. Usually, the younger enlistees were noted as son of the father. That type of recorded association can be a nice genealogical boost. John, the enlistee in 1761, had been born in 1744. His parents were John Leatherland and Sarah Kimball, of Ipswich.

His great-grandniece married a Thomas Gardner of Salem descendant. 

Remarks: Modified: 09/30/2014

08/02/2014 - Book Review, WSJ, 07/25/2014: The Revolution might well have happened a century before it did. When word reached Boston in April of 1689 that James II had fled England and that William of Orange had arrived from the Netherlands to take his place (the colonists didn't learn the news until months after it had happened), riots broke out across Boston. "The Body of our People," one observer noted, were encouraged to "assert our Liberties against the Arbetrary Rulers that were fleecing them." Already many colonists could think of colonial authorities—governors, even local authorities—as agents of a foreign power.

09/19/2014 -- Sarah (Kimball) Leatherland is mentioned in Gardner's Beacon, Vol. IV, No. 3. Today, I found out about Stories from Ipswich: Sarah Goodhue is Sarah Kimball's grandmother; I found this story on FB through Nutfield Genealogy. Sarah Kimball will feature in an upcoming issue of The Gardner Annals. The article will also appear TEG 34 (November edition).

09/30/2014 -- Sarah is featured in The Gardner Annals (Vol. I, No. 2).