After receiving an advanced PDF of Dave Tabler’s book, “Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States” I knew this was a volume I wanted to take my time with. I perused its pages, soaking in the gorgeous, professional-quality photos and reading through the timeline of our first state.
Though a small state, Delaware certainly made its mark in the development of transportation and industry. Its history is rich, beginning with Swedish explorers when they first arrived on the scene.
As an Accredited Genealogist I find the study of our ancestry more than just the statistical information of names and vital records. As we view their world we are introduced to them and discover them become real people in our eyes. Dave’s inclusion of the Delaware timeline is vastly important in that quest, particularly as churches and the unique lay of land found in Delaware is opened up to us. Details on slavery may be uncomfortable for us at times, but it is important to include the fact that it did exist in Delaware. A particular poignant photo he included was the interior of Barratt’s Chapel taken from the viewpoint of the slave gallery. It caused me to pause and ponder.
Depictions of ships your ancestors may have served on in the War of 1812 bring their time as a sailor into your view, as well as photos of mills, farm implements and tools, and canals used in their migration. The fireplaces and hearthstones help me to imagine cooking and warming up children by the fire.
As a genealogy educator and presenter I wish that books like this existed for all of the states I do research in. Recently I taught a course in researching Mid-Atlantic ancestors. How I wish this book would have been available then.
Dave has done a stellar job in this work. I can’t wait to see other works he may produce.