Correspondence: Frances Cummins -> T.H. Valley, 22 Apr 1982
History · 22 Apr 1982
Linked to Frances Wingate Davis, Timothy Cummins and Thomas Henry Valley, Sr.
Dear Mr. Valley,
It is amazing what you learn through correspondence. The Blackstons came from County Durham, England. I put a query in the Durham and Northland Genealogical Society.
Almost at once I got a letter from an unknown gentleman saying he knew of a book (rather a paper) giving complete history of a present day boy’s prep school using the still standing part of Blakiston Hall as their school. Would I like to see it? Of course I would. Had had it all copied and sent to me and would let me pay nothing for it. So instead I sent a check to the school to use as they choose.
In reading it I got more information from an old correspondent of mine, the Rev. Patrick Blackiston of Durham who did much of the research and I and also corresponded with his brother who was Deputy in the Record Office in London.
I wish you good luck in your searching. It was Bruce who drove most of the Blackistons out of Scotland by orders to kill on sight and don’t bother to ask names.
Our Comyns had lands already given by English Kings so most went to live on their properties there. Our Timothy, Sr. described himself as a “Hatter” by trade and became a Tavern owner in Dover, but also made hats. I hope you can take his history further back.