p. 308 Review of SJD
Dr. Van Name is a prolific author of pamphlets on New Jersey and Pennsylvania Families.…
…[SJD] tells a very confused story. It boils down to this, that Dr. Van Name acquired a photocopy of a photocopy of a “Family History” which was written (perhaps in the late 18th century) in a Bible published in 1754. It purported to record the marriage in 1680 of John Davis to Dorothea, daughter of “Major Dan Gotherson,” and his wife, Dorothea Scott. On p. 11 a photocopy shows that Gotherson was executed 29 September 1666 (for what reason is not clear), yet in his transcription on p. 12, Dr. Van Name deliberatedly altered the word “executed” to “deceased,” adding a footnote explanation that this is the correct interpretation because both words have the same number of letters (true) and similar spelling (false). Apparently an effort has been made to locate the Bible, but persons who allegedly have knowledge of it have ignored Dr. Van Name’s letters. If this is a Quaker family, as alleged, it is curious that the “Family History” begins, “In the Name of God Amen” — a most un-Quaker formula, tantamount to “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” There is also another inconsistency — Daniel Gotherson’s will was dated 25 August 1666 and proved 24 September 1666, before his alleged “execution.” It is extremely unusual for a man to die after the probate of his will. There are other inconsistencies in the so-called Family History, such as the name of the minister who married John Davis and Dorothea Gotherson: “Rev. Nicholson.” Dr. Van Name wonders (footnote f) if Nicholson could have been “a Quaker ‘acceptable minster.’” If he was a Quaker minister, “acceptable” or not, he was not called “Rev.”
It is apparent that Dr. Van Name and Mrs. Chandler rushed into print without thoroughly analyzing the copy of the paper that came into their possession. This slender work also presents royal and Magna Charta lineages for which no sound evidence is presented.