When my great great grandfather was born in 1855 civil registration had just started in Scotland. The register changed over the years but having a standard form rather than relying on Church records usually means better information for the genealogist. However, if the mother is not married to the father of the child and no … Continue reading An Illegitimate Child – James Calderhead 1855-1893
Family Tree
A Less Than Perfect Ancestor
There are times when it is hard not to feel a bit disappointed in your ancestors. I have written about my great grandfather Patrick Cosgrove before. He died when my granny was just a baby so she never got to know him and so none of the family ever knew much about him. I've learned … Continue reading A Less Than Perfect Ancestor
Stories From The Poorhouse (Part 4) Joseph Calderhead
A conversation with an old school friend led me to look more into the Calderheads who are on my paternal grandmother's side of the family. It turns out they are also part of my friend's family tree. The name Clayton Calderhead features in both of our families. It's quite an unusual name and I thought … Continue reading Stories From The Poorhouse (Part 4) Joseph Calderhead
Margaret Brawley – Convict
I first came across Margaret Brawley on the baptismal register of my 3x great Uncle, John Brawley. She is listed along with Peter McColl as godparent. That was in 1833. From there I looked for her in other records and found a marriage record from 1825. Margaret Brawley and Peter McColl were married in St … Continue reading Margaret Brawley – Convict
A Festive Treat – The Keenan Sisters
The Christmas lunch for the senior citizens of St Brigid's parish in Newmains takes place this weekend in the parish centre. My mum will be there along with her sister, my aunt Mary. For the older members of the community it's a great chance to get together to enjoy a meal, some festive entertainment and … Continue reading A Festive Treat – The Keenan Sisters
An Alarming Experience – Hugh Brawley and Catherine Cosgrove
Some time ago I wrote about discovering my grandparents had been involved in a train crash which left my granny injured. You can read the post by clicking here. Surprisingly this was the first most of my generation of the family had heard about the accident even though it must have been such big news … Continue reading An Alarming Experience – Hugh Brawley and Catherine Cosgrove
Shaking The Branches 