Luttrell-Family

The "Luttrell" Connection

JOHNSONS NEVADA SMITH JACK FRYE DIE-CAST SAILPLANES MUSIC

Thinking back to my childhood years, I recall my Grandmother Edith Rachel Gunter talk about a castle in the family lore, and that there were alot of important people that lived there long long ago.I often as a youngster found myself in thought as to what the castle grounds looked like and of the enchanted lives that resided there. I never paid much attention nor did I remember though, the name of the fortress. A day-dream comes to mind of Knights in shining armor protecting the family inhabitants that through history would finally realize my grandmother Ediths birth!

You're probably wondering why her name was Gunter, and mine Johnson, and how this story has any relation to the famous Luttrell surname of old. Well, one hot summer's day while visiting my father we were in conversation at length (dad's normal mode) on his favorite subject, history. Our talk turned toward his sister Jeanne Mesquit who by the way was equally if not more so an historical genius. Aunt Jeanne had been burdened with a heart condition most of her life and she loved doing research while confined to home. Dad explained that she had done an exhaustive study on grandmothers family tree and that he had her original paperwork in a file somewhere. Then he mentioned the castle DUNSTER.

Dunster Castle, is that the name of it, I asked again. Yes he said, in Somerset England. He then said that there was a "missing link" to the Americas from either England or Ireland. I then followed with, "what do you mean". Well here is the last will and testament of Simon Luttrell, who was a descendent of my mothers and that we don't know who his father is he explained. He then said that Simon must have been born in the early to mid 1600's but that Jeanne also didn't know if here in America or UK. My curiosity is really up by now as suddenly I realized, that's the name of the castle that grandmother used to talk about in her bedtime stories. So I explained to dad that, "I've got to find this place", and was it really linked to our present day family.

So began a research bonanza that has become a part of my life that I will always treasure.

The people I've been in contact with on this project have been just wonderful to work with. There is Gary Morrison in Iowa who's web-site first got me excited by showing old Simon's will and family links. The very helpful researchers at the Mormon Temple genealogy library in Santa Monica Calif. Then Ms. Juanita Luttrell Berrian in Citrus Crove California who has supplied me with some priceless information and paperwork. Without these individuals support and enthusiasm this endeavor would not have been possible and as enriching.

Then of course, my father's input and Aunt Jeanne's first family tree outline of the Luttrell lineage up to the present, this project just would not have been possible. I finally wanted to make sure aunt Jeannes labor of love with all her hardships was completed to the best of my ability and resources.

So, I dedicate this effort to aunt Jeanne Mesquit, and for all that she meant to me growing up as a skinny kid with dreams of Knights in shining Armor. God bless her...................EJ