History of the Reed family in Europe and America

4 INTRODUCTION.
of the world to control their course, were not so politic, but
more sincere and enthusiastic.
Prom these and kindred circumstances, the controversy
was warmest, and the bickerings most severe, in the do-
mestic circle. On this account, many left wealthy parents
and responsible stations, and sought an asylum in the wilds
of America ; and, when they departed from Catholic Eu-
rope, they turned their backs on their Catholic friends
whom they had left behind.
It was impossible for such people, unaccustomed to hard-
ship, and surrounded by wild beasts and savage Indians, to
educate their children. Conseq\iently, the first generations
of those born in this country could not so well preserve
written details, — a fact which appears by the church and
town records. Even up to the period of the Revolution,
education was in so low a state, that many distinguished
officers and statesmen were unable to write a legible hand,
and others were unskilled in orthography. But, since some
attention has been paid to genealogical research, it is found
that these persons were descended from illustrious families
in Europe.
Since the people of this country have overcome the effects
of the various wars in which they have been engaged, more
attention has been paid to education ; and, of late, genea-
logy has brought many curious and interesting reminiscences
to light, and, as the community wakes up to the subject,
will probably bring to light many more. Some, who scarcely
knew any of their ancestors farther back than grandfather,
can now trace their genealogy to the Norman Conquest,
and the blood in their veins to noblemen and kings.
There is still in the minds of many a prejudice against
paying any attention to the history of their ancestors : but
the feeling is fast wearing away ; and the people are now
gratified in receiving information on the subject, though