The Family History Group

Leader:  John Dogherty - familyhistory@ashbyu3a.co.uk - phone 01530 411148

10th June

Today we had an excellent turnout with 9 and lots to talk about.
Adrian is still working on his written story, today using newspapers from around 1800. One fascinating detail he has unearthed concerns a rather remote cousin who had a most picturesque career before dying at the age of 26.
Sue is still engaged with her 3rd great grandparents and very large family. It seems they started out in Norfolk and migrated to Lancashire. Among them was a teacher. JD and she discussed the records available for teachers and the treasure trove their school logs can be.
Elizabeth is now compiling the back stories of her ancestors, to add to the summaries in her files. Bringing her parents’ lives to life, as it were!
Linda has been working on someone and their business she learned about through family scuttlebutt, but is finding little information. She is considering an outing to the Birmingham Archives.
Jan is getting her certificates in order and has identified a great uncle who had been overlooked. This is good proof of the value of a disciplined approach to records!
Ana is similarly sorting out her certificates, and in particular ensuring that all those with her first name are valid. She too is interested in a trip to Birmingham.
Mary is working on the Walton’s of Billinghurst (Not a John-boy amongst them. If you know…you know!) In the process she has uncovered two wills which we thoroughly enjoyed deciphering. They are a mine of family information, but can raise more questions than answers: why was the eldest son left so little?
JD discussed the history of primary education and school life with Sue, including School logs and where to find them.
Shirley is having trouble with using her tablet, and her laptop seems to be unreliable. For next time I suggest some help from the Computer Group.
Afterwards the idea of a joint trip to Birmingham Archives was being mooted. Options include going by train from Burton of Tamworth, or car sharing. Watch this space!

We meet again on July the 8th