Years ago when I first began working on the Kidder genealogy, a distant relative gave me a copy of a printed Kidder genealogy which contained quite a number of handwritten notes and other material not contained in the original publication. Among the additional pages inserted in the book was a couple of genealogical letters written by Thomas Kidder of London, England to Samuel Kidder, Apothecary, Charlestown, Mass. U.S.A. The first letter was written 1816 and the second in 1822. Perhaps many of you have seen these letters (?), but I found them very interesting so thought I would pass along to you at least the first one. If any of you would like to see the second, which is longer and containing more detail, let me know and I'll send it along too. London, Apr. 3d, 1816 Mr. Kidder Sir: I most humbly ask pardon for the freedom I have taken in thus addressing a gentleman of whom I have never had the pleasure to see, but hoping you will grant my request I will no longer detain you, but begin my business. In the year 1774 and the month of Sept. an elder brother of mine absented himself from home and our family have never seen him since. We have at times indeed heard that he was in America but it seemed to rest on no good foundation. There was a Thos. Kidder mentioned of Marblehead but that could not be him as he was but a youth when he left us. About 10 or 12 years since a person informed me there was a name sake of mine at Charlestown, Boston, Chymist and Druggist and last July returning from a journey to Ireland in the packet to Liverpool upon writing my name in the passage book, a person remarked he knew a namesake of mine at Boston that resembled me very much and this he repeated two or there times over as being very remarkable; however last week a parcel of Connecticut and Boston newspapers to a relative of mine by mistake and finding the names of Samuel Kidder and Thomas Kidder, my elder sister particularly requested I would write to know whether you were related to us or make some inquiry of our brother. If you will have the goodness to satisfy us with any particulars of your descent and when your father or ancestor settled in America; or any of the name you can make inquiry of it will be esteemed a most invaluable favor, or any modern times that may throw any light on the subject. I have no doubt in my own mind but we are somewhat related, though perhaps at some distance, if, you will take the trouble and return us an answer, as soon as you can conveniently, it will be a very great obligation bestowed upon us and if like to correspond in a letter or two I will give an account of all the Kidders in this country and other particulars which very likely you may like to hear for there is no one among us that has taken the pains to search our records as I have done. Now sir, I ask all this as a particular favor, and must now tell you something about myself. I am by trade a packer and presser of Woolen Goods of every kind and in the employ of the East India Company of Freeman, Livermore and member of the Common Council of London. This frankness will, I hope, accent my request and show you my wish to communicate with you at a future period. With every wish for your prosperity, I am, sir your most obedient servant. No. 33 Wood St., London Thomas Kidder Please let me know if any of you have any leads on Spedia "Speedy" Whitmore Kidder Franklin (1783 -1865). She was first married to Nathaniel Kidder (1782 - 1850); second marriage to Benjamin Franklin on June 16, 1856 in DeWitt County, Illinois. Best regards, Mark R. Gideon mgideon@columbus.rr.com