Charles Beach, edited Mayne Reid
"Lost Lenore"
"The Adventures of a Rolling Stone"
Volume One—Chapter One.
Family Affairs.
The first important event of my life transpired on the 22nd May, 1831. On that day I was born.
Six weeks after, another event occurred which no doubt exerted an influence over my destiny: I was christened Rowland Stone.
From what I have read of ancient history—principally as given by the Jews—I have reason to think, that I am descended from an old and illustrious family. No one can refute the evidence I have for believing that some of my ancestors were in existence many hundred years ago.