@farmerman,
"and my big family cookbook was stolen (don't ask) ...."
Maybe he was a chef for a robber baron?
Nothing surprises me when it comes to unusual stuff getting snaffled. I had a burglar on my books once who stole the family rottweiller, among other things.
He took it in to his local nick after three days, as the dog had not only eaten him out of house and home, but wrecked the furniture in his living room.
I hope your family book turns up, fm.