Sometimes you come across a surprise... (Wright Tree)

I have yet to discuss the Hull branch of the family in any detail. It is a daunting task since it essentially takes us back to the first century. However, this little tidbit is a little more recent. Ancestry.com has a great tool that gives the genealogist "hints" when the information you provide and the endless lists and resources they have accumulated match. The ordinary hint includes a census page or a death index. This evening I came across an unusual hint where an old library index card was matched to a distant relative.

James Joseph Rorimer (1905-1966) was married to Katherine Newton Serrell (1908-2000). Neither of these names would sound familiar to anyone in the Wright family. Katharine Serrell is the 2x great granddaughter of William Little Hull (1786-1842) who is my 4x great grandfather. That would make Katherine my 4th cousin 1x removed. (got that?) There are several notable individuals that have come from this tree but like I said, this one made me raise an eyebrow.

James Rorimer, born in Cleveland, OH., was a well educated art expert. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University & was hired immediately by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He eventually became the museum's curator. He was also instrumental in developing The Cloisters museum in upper Manhattan.

In 1943, Rorimer enlisted in the US Army during WWII. The Army did not waste his his talents and assigned him as an officer in the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Section in Normandy and Paris. This may sound familiar to those of you who have seen the film "The Monuments Men". The character played by Matt Damon was based on James Rorimer. He was a captain by the time he was released from service.

James and Katherine had two children, Louis and Anne. James died in May of 1966.

If you care to read a little more on his life & work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Rorimer