History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

FAMILY RECORDS
Macaulay, in his history of England, says: "A people which takes no
pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors, will never achieve
anything worthy to be remembered by remote descendants."
HISTORY
begins with the family; and is outhned in the
lives of the individuals who are the natural leaders in
their day and generation. We find the essential elements
between the blank leaves of the family Bible. Nothing
can be of more abiding interest than personal biographies
and family genealogies.
. , , i ,.^ r
The founders of the town give the key-note to the hte ot
its successive generations—its manners, customs, and institutions,
its politics and rehgion. Their posterities may or may
not keep up to the standard which their ancestors set up for
them in the beginning. They may fall below the ideals and
examples of their forefathers. The pubHc records and the
family histories will indicate in some measure what the life of
the people has been, « , t^m •
Swansea was founded in the spirit of the Pilgrims; and
has never been a Puritan community; though temporarily
under the pohtical rule of Massachusetts Bay. The founders
of the town were men of learning, piety, and large experience;
who deUberately, and firmly stood for civil and rehgious
liberty; and it is significant that "Tolerance" is the watchword
of our seal. . j j
We ought to honor our parents as a religious duty, and
because it is "the first commandment with promise." Our
highest welfare depends upon it; and indeed, it is the basis of
all human institutions.
We need to know our progenitors in order that we may
understand ourselves; and if each generation could be brought
up to reverence their ancestors, in the long run there would be
ancestors more worthy of worship; and descendants more
worthy of them. . . .
The most important asset of any community is its
famihes.
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