Genealogy with political spin in the USA

marypryde · Post by **marypryde** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:23 am

Sorry, I can't resist posting this amusing story:

A professional genealogy researcher in southern California was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman X's great-great uncle, Remus X, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. The genealogist and the Congressman share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows
in Montana territory. On the back of the picture the genealogist obtained is this inscription: 'Remus X, horse thief, sent
to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the
Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives,
convicted and hanged in 1889.'

So the genealogist recently e-mailed Congressman X for information
about their great-great uncle. Believe it or not, his staff
sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy
research:

"Remus X was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business
empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets
and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in
1883, he devoted several years of his life to government
service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the
railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation
run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus
passed away during an important civic function held in his
honour when the platform upon which he was standing
collapsed."

I hope someone enjoys it as much as I did!
Mary Ellen

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:49 am

That was a great story Mary. It reminds me of too many politicians to mention.

There are so many of my close relatives that I don’t have photos of I would probably welcome one of a great-great-uncle even if he was swinging although I probably wouldn’t put it on display with the others.

All the best,
Alan

Ann In the UK · Post by **Ann In the UK** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:22 am

In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honour when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

Glad to see the spin doctors are still hard at work!