This project set out to explore the extended family of Sally and Roger Emerson and
provide a baseline document so that others can enhance, embellish and where necessary
correct. Although some branches of the family has been traced back to the 18th century
(and before) most of the information relates to the descendants of their great
grandparents and provides commentary on the eight families responsible for their
genetic make-up. In tracing the families through to the present day it has been a
delight to find many new cousins several of whom were contacted and contributed
valuable personal information and photographs. Most of the factual information was
obtained from the National Censuses from 1841 up to 1901, birth, marriages and deaths
records as well as from local records offices.
The work was started in the 1990's by Sally and Roger's father Ernest(Ernie) Emerson
who had a keen wit and unique literary style. Some of his original document is included
in the Emerson family descriptions. The family can be described as Londoners but, as
will be seen, some branches have their roots in the rural areas of Suffolk (Beardwells)
and Gloucestershire (Prices) and migrated into the city in the 19th century in the hope
of improving their employment prospects. Sally & Roger's great grandparents are JAMES
EMERSON,HARRIOTT LEICESTER, GEORGE PRIEST, ELIZA LANGRISH, DAVID PRICE, MARY DAVIS,
FREDERICK SAUNDERS and JANE BEARDWELL and these individuals define the family branches
that have been researched.
 
A note on the surnames

Dr Peter Emerson, a well-known painter and photographer of Norfolk life, published a
book in 1894 entitled "The English Emersons". This book of considerable size was
obviously the result of many hours of research and is of quite substantial scholarship.
In the book he traces the family back to 1190 AD, to AIMERIC, Dean of Durham, and the
name of Emerson back to the mid 1300's at which time it changed from EMERTSON/EMERYSON
to it's current form. His efforts extended into the 17th century but even he was forced
to concentrate on just a few of the migrant elements. He managed to establish a
connection between his own family and that of RALPH WALDO EMERSON, the eminent American
essayist. (A photograph in Dr Peter's book of his daughter has incidentally been
remarked upon a bearing a distinct resemblance to our uncle James Emerson's eldest
child Valerie). However neither Ernie or anyone since has been able to establish the
link with Ralph Waldo. 

The name Price is from the Welsh App- Rhys (son of Rhys) and it was anticipated that
the family would be traced back to Wales at some point. This has not proved so as yet.