Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

AUTHORS INTRODUCTION. 11
decided to write a series of "Family Sketches," like those
of Mr. Deane in his history of Scituate. These sketches,
though far from being accurate, are the most interesting portion
of his work. As a general rule, I do not intend that
each number shall occupy more than a column and a half.
To give a full history of some of the families, namely, that
of Hinckley, Crocker, Otis, Lothrop, Bacon, and a few
others would require a volume. These will necessarily be
longer ; but a sketch of some of the families need occupy
only a few paragraphs.
I shall write them in an alphabetical series, beginning
with the Allyn family. That there will not be a thousand
mistakes, and omissions in each, I would not dare to affirm
but there is one thing I will venture to assert, I can point
out more deficiences in them than any other living man. I
desire, however, that persons having additional information,
or the means of correcting any error into which I may have
fallen would communicate the same. I presume there are
many documents preserved in family archives which would
afford me valuable aid, in the work I have undertaken, and
it would give me much satisfaction, if the owners would loan
me the same or furnish copies.
In giving a genealogical account of the families, nearly all
the facts in relation to the history of the town will have to
be given. In the Allyn family, I give some account of the
original laying out of the town ; in the Lothrop family a
history of the first church, and in other families where the
ancestor was the leading man in any enterprise, the history
of that work cannot well be omitted. In this manner nearly
all the principal events in the history of the town will pass
in review, and such consideration be given to them as time,
space or opportunity will admit.
I make no promises—I claim no immunity from criticism.
I may get tired, before writing one-half of the proposed sixty
columns, and it may be that the publisher will get sick of
his bargain even before that time. To those who take no
interest in genealogy, I have only one remark to make. My
ancient friend and schoolmaster, Dea. Joseph Hawes, would
often say he was a skiptic, that is, if he met with an article
in a book or newspaper that did not please him he "skipt
over it."
I have one more suggestion to make. I would recommend