Marietta , Ohio

February 28th, 1878

My Dear Dr. Shipman,

I was in old Saybrook in May 1876 and was taking off the names and ages of some of our ancestors. Among them, by reference to my notes, I find the name Elisabeth Shipman -- wife of Elias Shipman, died in 1790, and Elias Shipman died in 1820, with this inscription on the stone: "When such friends part, 'tis the survivor dies."

I presume these were your grandparents. Now as I refer to our family Bible I do not find their names, so I am curious to follow up these two lines and see where they meet. I send you a transcript from our family Bible. I presume you are not interested in these things. But I am somewhat and I have a sister who is muchly so and for her sake and pleasure I have so far presumed upon your kindness. Please introduce me to Col. S. V. Shipman, and say to him I will pay him for some genealogical history of our family and should be very glad to hear from him. As I understand it, out ancestors came to the mouth of the Conn. River, as early as 1635, perhaps about the time of Say-Seal and Lord Brook, and we are the descendants of Edward Shipton of Hull England. I recollect when quite young a boy, my father telling me that the coat of arms was that of a Huegenots, it being a rampant Lion and three Flu de Luce.

I received your letter of the 14th and thank you. The work you are doing is a noble one and I should, if not asking too much, be glad if you would tell me how you began it, and something of its history. I received the two papers you sent me only the morning, th 20th. I believe I love God and love his children, and am glad one of my own name is doing such work for his master. My own Father was just the most excellent Christian. As I think of him, his life seems without flaw or stain. He died in 1860, aged 73 years. His mother was a Chapman, and my grandparents were married and lived many years in Saybrook, coming to Marietta as early as 1790. John Shipman was married in Jan. 1715 to Elizabeth Kitland. Samuel Shipman, son of John, married Sarah Doty in June 1745. Samuel Shipman married his 2nd wife Hannah Bushnell Jan. 1754. Joshua Shipman, son of Samuel, married Sibyl Chapman in 1786. Charles (my Father) married J. H. Bartlett in 1815. These are my father, grandfather, great grandfather, and g. g. g.father. I do not wish to take your time, at some future day if it is ever so that you are able, answer this, only at your leisure. I will try to secure you two or three subscribers for "Faith Records", send me Dr. Shipman's family guide and I will send the price.

H. B. Shipman