Although numerous records show vital events in the history of David Demarest and his family, there remain few personal documents about him, as is the case with so many immigrants of the period. What makes this study especially impressive--and a model for researchers who might wish to write similar works on their own immigrant ancestors--is the way the authors have delved into the background materials so as to present the historical context in which Demarest and his family lived. The discussion is enhanced by numerous illustrations, in some cases from more or less contemporary prints, to show what the towns they lived in looked like. The Majors, by presenting a detailed picture of places, and of economic and political conditions, succeed admirably in bringing Demarest and his family to life, in spite of the relative scarcity of personal documents.
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