As part of my lockdown routine I like to go for an early morning walk. My route often takes me through the local cemetery where this morning I spotted this headstone. The name Unity caught my eye as it’s quite unusual and I remembered having her somewhere on my family tree. Her maiden name is … Continue reading Hugh Keenan 1901-1928
Family Tree
My Granny’s Other Dad – Edward Cooper 1862-1939
My maternal grandmother Catherine Cosgrove was just 7 months old when she lost her father. Patrick Cosgrove was just 38 years old when he died of smallpox in Belvedere Hospital in Glasgow. Patrick and his wife, Sarah Helferty were married in 1888 and Catherine was their only child. Sarah remarried and her second husband was … Continue reading My Granny’s Other Dad – Edward Cooper 1862-1939
Bernard Helferty 1884-1916
There are some branches of the family that I have researched way less than others. I recently realised that I knew very little about the family of my great, great grandfather Arthur Helferty. He was my maternal grandmother's maternal grandfather. I have never found a birth record for Arthur but I know that he was … Continue reading Bernard Helferty 1884-1916
Hannah Keenan 1860-1938
Hannah Keenan was the third child of my great great grandparents Patrick Keenan and Agnes Haughey. Her sister Helen, who was always known as Ellen, was my mother’s paternal grandmother. Hannah was born on 29 September 1860 in the town of Cleland in Shotts Parish, Lanarkshire. Her father was originally from Clonallon in County Down. … Continue reading Hannah Keenan 1860-1938
A New Life in Australia- Grace Halliday Rae 1861-1945
My great great grandmother Grace Halliday Rae was born in Scotland but died thousands of miles away in Australia. She had left behind her parents, siblings and even her first born child. During her life she faced many hardships, rejection and abuse. It wasn't until later in life that she found some peace and happiness. … Continue reading A New Life in Australia- Grace Halliday Rae 1861-1945
A Family History Coincidence
I grew up in Newmains, Lanarkshire as did my mother and her parents before her. I knew that I had strong family ties to the village. My husband, however is not from North Lanarkshire and prior to meeting me had only ever driven through Newmains on the way to somewhere else. Having listened to me … Continue reading A Family History Coincidence
Shaking The Branches 