it is in the blood

Among the amusing aspects of finding all the genealogical material amassed by my grandmother has been tracking down other ancestors. My mother had been assured that the Langdon in her mother's family was associated with the Langdon who signed the constitution and was governor of New Hampshire. Closer investigation reveals the association to be more interesting, if less direct.

The available records indicate that three brothers named Langdon came to Massachusetts early in the 17th century. One went north to New Hampshire, one went south to Virginia, and one did not move so fast. The one who did not move so fast is somewhat well known to history because of the number of official records of his activities. The closest link that anyone has found in my direct lineage would likely be to a grandson, or greatgrandson of the first arrivals. One gets the impression that there was a point in the family history where they considered it better to forget their ancestry. That ancestor was, most likely, one Thomas Langdon.

The historical documents indicate that while the English were busy fighting a civil war, my ancestor was busy in New England running a debauched pub (with wine, tobacco, liquor, and -- oh dear -- singing), beating his wife, defying the town authorities, and complaining that things were better in merry Old England. Oh, right, and when he finally did settle down, he did so in a town named Hempstead. (A century later George Washington grew hemp, right?)

Well, grandpa, you did come to a Puritan colony, doncha know.

I wonder if he brought along any morris bells...

(I think I need a userpic for that.)