The Papers and Biography of Lion Gardiner, 1599-1663 - With an Appendix #223744

The writing on the fly-leaf of the Genevan Bible — printed at London, I599 — which is in the possession Of the family at Gardiner's Island, has been pointed to for many generations as the hand writing Of Lion Gardiner; and until the discovery of his undoubted autograph letters it was not questioned. This Genevan Bible was in the possession of the Conkling family Of East Hampton, L. I., as late as the sixth generation from Lion Gardiner, when Elisha Conkling,(1) a great-grandson Of Lion Gardiner's daughter Mary, who married a Conkling, presented it to John Lyon Gardiner, (2) seventh proprietor Of Gardiner's Island, since which time it has been counted among the valued relics Of the family at the island. The tradition is, that this bible was once the property Of Lion Gardiner; yet it does not contain his name, nor any other name indicating ownership. The better Opinion, as to the writing in this bible, seems to be that it is a copy from an original writing made by Lion Gardiner.