1920-50c. undated letter to Audrey outlining Lester Steadman genealogy

Among the findings in the Captain’s Sea Chest was this letter, describing to Audrey Lester her genealogy. I’m not sure who it was from, and I’m sure I made several mistakes in the transcription. It was very tricky to read! Please let me know in the comments if you spot anything to correct!

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 Transcription:

For Audrey Leicester
File this carefully away and do not lose it

The name Steadman – or Stedman came from – Stedda – who settled near what is now known – as Stedenham in England. This was in the 5th Century and lived there until birth of him – who was known as “Duke of Arcadia” and whose son was – John Stedman — the names John, Thomas + James names(?) all way (then?) the Genealogy.

This place was just known as Steddas-Ham or – meaning homestead – home.

From the John – son of Duke of Arcadia, almost certainly descended all persons named in similar style – with about 100 variations – Sted – Stead – Stead (mans) etc.

They are formal recorded in Great Britain – Holland – Germany – Canada + Australia + United States.

A few came directly from the Scandinavian countries, from which the man “Stedda” originally came – having been a Norseman then, sometimes called Norman.

The Scotch line had an only child – (that is ??? line so this man in California writes me – also his direct line) a daughter in 14th Century at Edinburg Scotland – who married Sir Andrew Barton(?) whose name was Charles – descended from Radolphous – in 1192.

Barton assumed name + “Arms” of the Ste- or Steadman family and from which union is principally descended the Lester branch of the Stedmans.

They descended from Parisienne Ste-, who was of Edinburg Scotland 1300

A branch of the Duke family went also to Wales – Branches from Scotland went all over the world – being the most progressive ??????? of them all.

Thomas Stedman of South Kingston, R.I. married Hannah McCoon was our latest common ancestor – he was father to the Canadian immigrant – John who was fifth (5th) generation.

John the 5th removed 1760 to Cornwallis Nova Scotia from South Kingston R.I. being the oldest son of Thomas and Hannah 7/21 – 1725 – he went to Canada as a surveyor of lands vacated by the Arcadians – John 6th married Hannah Harris + his birth 4/19 – 1765, Hannah’s birth 8/17 – 1771

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Original letter:

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