The Smith's were proud of their family tradition. Their ancestors had
come to America on the Mayflower. They had included Senators and Wall
Street wizards.

They decided to compile a family history, a legacy for their children
and grandchildren. They hired a fine author. Only one problem arose --
how to handle that great-uncle George, who was executed in the electric
chair.

The author said he could handle the story tactfully.

The book appeared. It said "Great-uncle George occupied a chair of
applied electronics at an important government institution, was attached
to his position by the strongest of ties, and his death came as a great
shock."