It is now many years since some old letters came into my hands which awoke my interest in the past generation of my father's relatives. These letters gave great additional value to portraits which we possessed, and by degrees, through interviewing and corresponding with the children and grandchildren of my father's brothers and sisters, I borrowed and had typed a considerable collection of letters and papers. At the same time I begged the loan of family portraits and had these photographed. This was the work of about fourteen years ago, and it seemed as if the necessary time and ability might never be forthcoming to put the collection into shape for publication. In the meantime many of my own generation were passing away, and I have been anxious to complete the work while there were a few of them still living. I hope the selection may be of interest and value to them, and also to the members of the younger generations.

    I have been urged to let my book 'carry a message' ; whether it does so or not depends, I think, on the spirit in which it is read.
    I gratefully record the help I have received from many dear relatives and friends.

Emma Gibbins.

        Milton house,

            Edgbaston, 1911.