The archival search continues to yield little bits here and there that help give a fuller picture of Patient Number One, George S. Barrows.
Today's lunch hour produced two useful documents, both 19th century court records.
The first, pictured here, is the naturalization petition for George's grandfather, Emanuel J. Barrows. We've known he emigrated from Cape Verde, but this document adds a few salient details:
* He became an American citizen.
* He arrived in this country in New Bedford in 1820.
* He was 14 years old when he arrived.
All of these details give us clues where to look for more information.
The second document is more valuable. When George was an adolescent, his father was involved in a lawsuit. The case file includes depositions from witnesses in the case, which give rich descriptions of George's father and his business and personal lives, as well as anecdotes about the man who shaped young George's life -- and, perhaps, foreshadow the misfortune that was to come.
-Paul Parker
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