[or-roots] Walt's reference to Jack the Ripper

[JNCRIDGE at aol.com]

     This is probably one of the few genealogy sites to make reference to 
Jack the Ripper.  Yet everybody will find some relatives in the tree that are not 
discussed in polite society, and family records may avoid any mention of the 
person, or gloss over the situation.  "At his death, he occupied the Chair of 
Applied Electricity at one of the most prominent educational institutions in 
the state" means that he died in the electric chair. "His life was tragically 
cut short as he was addressing a crowd, when the platform upon which he was 
standing suddenly gave way." means that he was hanged.
  
     Yet there are a few people in genealogy who offer blunt assessments of 
their kin, especially in-laws.  Witness this on a web page from a many times 
removed cousin: << The compiler’s mother-in-law, a native and life-long resident 
of DeWitt county, informs that some members of the local Xxxxxxx clan are 
considered among the lower life forms in the area, notwithstanding the fact that 
both said 2nd great grandson ... and a 3rd great grandson are neighbors for 
eternity with the mother-in-law’s grandparents in Live Oak Cemetery... 
Compounding matters, one modern-day south Texas Xxxxxxx  married into another area 
family described as “lice-infested trailer trash."  >>
     
     It does provide a challenge to a family historian to deal with family 
members who are ethically challenged,  or to explain the background of feuds 
without taking sides.  As an example of how one family handled Jack The Ripper, 
see http://www.acad.humberc.on.ca/~tumilty/

Walt, if you have any advise about how to herd the black sheep, you'll share 
it?