If the book by John Dorland Cremer "Records of the Dorlands in American" were a play, I would tell you that the cast of characters has changed in some cases in Barth's "The Dorland Enigma Solved". So there are going to be some big surprises for some folks, some will be disbelief, others are going to say, "I thought so". In the Foreword of this book by Harry Macy, Jr, he says " Until now, descendants of the early American Dorland Families have had to look to the work of John Dorland Cremer for their genealogy. Published in 1898, Cremer's book contains an unfortunate number of errors, particularly with regard to the earliest generations. Cremer no doubt thought he was presenting the correct genealogy, but his lack of understanding of the Dutch and their customs led him s eriously astray". [The great Dutch-American genealogist William J. Hoffman said of Cremer's book, "The first generations are all mixed up and need a thorough revision."] In this new genealogy Barbara Barth has eminently accomplished that goal, untangling the confusion in Cremer's work." "Descendants now have a genealogy which they can use with confidence". Mr. Macy was Barbara's teacher, friend and mentor for over 30 years. Patronymic's, the all important Dutch naming customs are the basis of many of the change of characters in this new Modern version. Some of these new changes extend to the spousal lines also. When I told you "I had to get over myself" when I joined forces with Barbara, what I was saying, I had to let go of any preconceived ideas I had about ancestors of my line that I was so positive about because they had been part of my thinking for so long and in some cases were based on the Cremer book. It was not easy to let go at first, in fact I put up a pretty good fight, but once I realized I was wrong and opened my mind to this new way of thinking, I realized that I want my family line to be accurate, it worked. This applies not to just the Dorland family, but for anyone doing Dutch genealogical research. Sometimes you just have to let go to find the bigger treasure. So when you read your copy and you think, this woman is nuts, or so and so said this is the way it is, just remember that Harry Macy, Jr and Barbara A. Barth are two of the most respected experts in the genealogical field in American, you can then move ahead with an open mind. It might mean having to rewrite all your family charts, or putting aside months or years of research to the wrong Lammert or what ever the name of your ancestor is, but it is a new treasure hunt. The next question I am asked, is what do I do with my work, if it isn't right, the deeds, the other documents. Well you can donate that material to your local Historical Society, don't just toss it out, someone else would be more than happy to use it as long as it is origional to you, and not just repeated information for some one else's work. If it is from someone else's work make sure you credit them. Flexibility and an open mind is the key. Barbara really wanted to be here when everyone had the chance to discover "her surprises". Since she can't be, hopefully those of you will understand that this book is also an educational experience by an expert teacher. Judy ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

Judy: I actually can't wait to see the book, however I have one question: What is the current thought on the birth name of Mary Darling (Durling/Dorland) Enyart (m as 2nd wife c1727 John Enyart)? I know Snedeker and Williamson have both been mentioned in the past, which is correct? Thx Alan No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.4/811 - Release Date: 5/18/2007 3:50 PM