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
Sarah Helferty
This is an update to a previous post about my maternal granny's mother, Sarah Helferty. I've found out a lot more about her and, after my recent visit to the church where she married my great grandfather, she's been on my mind. All the circumstances of her life suggest that she must have been tough … Continue reading Sarah Helferty
A Special Prize – Daniel Brawley 1923-1990
Today would have been my Uncle Dan’s 97th birthday. He was born in Newmains, Lanarkshire on 4 May 1923. He was my mother's only brother and the only one of her siblings to leave Newmains. After his time in the army during he settled in Luton, Bedfordshire. He and his family were regular visitors to … Continue reading A Special Prize – Daniel Brawley 1923-1990
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
Walking In Their Footsteps
This morning I was awake early so I went for a walk while no one was around. While we are social distancing it can be difficult to find a quiet spot so an early rise is the best solution. Living close to where my grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandparents lived I am aware … Continue reading Walking In Their Footsteps
Shaking The Branches 