Ebook The Descendants of Richard Sares (Sears) Of Yarmouth, Mass;, 1638 1888

The column of figures on the left margin of the page is, from beginning to end, the general enumeration, and when any such number is starred, the asterisk denotes reference to a dis tinct paragraph or chapter further on, where a more full account of the individual and his family may be found. This applies to all in the male line' who are known to have married, and whose issue I have recorded. By the plan adopted, the different branches of a family of the same generation are grouped together, so that their connec tion may be readily seen, and individuals are placed as by right of primogeniture. To trace the ancestry of any individual Sears, you have only to take the number at the head of the chapter or paragraph, and turn back to the same number in the margin, and you will there find his parentage, etc., and the same process continued will take you back to the first generation. The double-dating, which occurs in the mention of early generations, is in conformity with the general practice of the period. In public records previous to A. D. 17 52, the old-style sys tem of dating prevailed March was the first month, the year beginning March 25.