Because of the early research of Rev. Frederic Janes, this comprehensive genealogy of the Janes family is made possible.

He grew up in Northfield, Ma., in the home built by his grandfather where at least five generations of Janes lived. . .surrounded by scenes and legends of early America. . .listening to tales told by those who had suffered the hardships, who had witnessed the terrors of the Indian wars, or recalled them vividly from tales their fathers had told.

Extensive travel and research stretching over a period of years went into his book published in 1868 and later study has proved most of the information to be correct. Slight errors have been found in a few instances. For example, he sometimes used Christening dates for birth dates or dates of "permits to marry" for actual wedding dates. Some nicknames or middle names are listed instead of full names when he used data sent him by various family members. But by and large, his genealogy is accurate and valid.

It should be noted, however, that his lists stop at the date of publication-1868-or earlier, in some cases. Thus a couple may have only one child listed here, when in fact several may have been born after 1868. Later marriages, also, may account for children not shown here. And, of course, he was unable to get information from many individuals, a fact he noted with much regret.

This genealogy follows Rev. Janes' pattern on citing four major "lines," These are the descendants pf the four sons of William Janes, the emigrant ancestor, who lived to raise families. Abel, Samuel, William and Benjamin. The number of the generation removed from William is also noted throughout the book.

Additional information concerning early ancestors came from many sources; most are indicated in context with fuller citations in the Bibliography. Many interesting stories about these and related families can be found in addition to what could be included here. Information concerning later families came from thousands of bits and pieces of data gleaned from letters, census records, military records, family bibles, cemeteries, etc. In most cases, the sources are given here and questionable :facts" are so indicated.

Every possible effort has been made to complete family lines, to reproduce accurate data and to omit errors. But the task is far from complete. Hopefully, it will not be another 100 years before an updated, more complete volume is published to continue the tremendous work begun by Rev. Frederic Janes.

I am looking for additional sources that will trace back from my progeny to "William The First". While most is complete, it will take time to enter and research as our modern lifestyle is not known for it communication ability nor interest in these endeavors.