12
INTRODUCTION AND COMPENDIUM.
The author does not claim to have compiled a full history or complete
genealogy of all branches or sub-branches of those families whose names are
found in this book; such a work was never accomplished by the most enthusi-
astic and successful genealogist, and can never be expected. I have sought
diligently and continuously for fourteen years for everything that could in
any way add to the interest and value of this book, and do not know how I
could have done more under existing circumstances. As before mentioned,
I have respectfully applied to many representatives of the several branch fam-
ilies whose records, in part, stand on the pages of this work, and they have
obstinately declined to render the least assistance when it was in their power,
by devoting only a few hours to correspondence, to have placed in my hands
data that would have largely enhanced the value of the book both in histor-
ical matter and literary appearance. These families will undoubtedly regret,
when they shall see the book, that they did not appreciate my scheme enough
to furnish their quota of records; but the opportunity has passed, the links of the
chain are missing, and will never be placed historically where they belong. A hun-
dred discouragements not proper to particularize here have been thrown in the
author's way while engaged on this work, and one less determined would have for-
saken the enterprise years ago. In humble circumstances at the beginning, with
a family to support, he has many times applied himself so assiduously to this
favorite employment that an overworked brain was warned him of the necessity of
rest, and finally, to add the most painful embarrassment that could have been
inflicted, he had a slight paralytic shock, which has so impaired the use of
the right hand as to incapacitate him from all study and literary work for
many months, and from which there is no hope of full recovery.
The cash expense devoted to this undertaking during the past twelve years
has been heavy, and was principally sustained by money earned by professional
duties, writing for the press, and the sale of small publications that have been
prepared within the same time. Many times I have spent my last dollar for
stationery and postage stamps, and sometimes could not continue my corres-
pondence for want of means. Two or three gentlemen who have possessed an
interest in what I was seeking to accomplish, have generously forwarded money
to assist me, and these have my grateful acknowledgments.
At the family meeting held in Philadelphia in 1876, a plan was adopted to
raise twelve hundred dollars toward the expense of completing my work, and
five hundred dollars were pledged by responsible men, but the arrangement
was not fully consummated and proved abortive. This was a very unfavorable
result, as engravings had been ordered on the strength of pledges made, and
when the money was needed the men were not willing to contribute their pro-
portion unless the whole amount could be raised.
But my work is done, and imperfect as it is, must show for itself the result
of my toil. I feel that my object has been a commendable one, and that I have
faithfully used the materials placed in my hands. Those who know the least
about such a work will have the least forbearance when they discover any mis-
take in the book, while others will appreciate the attempt made to preserve in
permanent form so many records and incidents belonging to our widely scattered
kindred. Acknowledging my indebtedness to hundreds who have so kindly and
promptly assisted me in various ways, and hoping every book placed in the
hands of the family may be preserved with sacred care for the rising genera-
tions, I commit the work to the custody of those whose names are embalmed
within its pages.
G. T. RIDLON.
MANCHESTER, N. H., March 12, 1884.
