Wilson Armstrong was my 1st cousin 3 times removed. His father, Alexander and my great great grandfather, Robert were brothers. My great great grandfather being my paternal grandfather's paternal grandfather. This is a branch of the family I discovered through DNA testing. Wilson was born on 4 February 1886 near Halifax in Yorkshire. His father … Continue reading Wilson Armstrong 1886-1916
James Brawley 1891-1956
James Brawley was one of my maternal grandfather’s seven brothers. He was the second child of Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan. He was born on 31 January 1891 at 12 Furnace Row, Newmains. James grew up as part of a large family. By the 1911 census they were living in Main Street, Newmains. James and two … Continue reading James Brawley 1891-1956
Philomena Brawley Born 1925
Philomena Brawley was my 2nd cousin once removed. Her parents were Hugh Brawley and Bridget Darragh. Hugh was the first cousin of my maternal grandfather who was also called Hugh Brawley. Philomena was born on 31 October 1925 within the family home at 39 Hope Street, Newmains, Lanarkshire. Her parents had been married in January … Continue reading Philomena Brawley Born 1925
A Family Mystery — Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan
Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan were my great grandparents. I don't remember being told many family stories but the one that did stick in my mind is that my mother's grandparents got married in Scranton, Pennsylvania. There was no explanation given as to why they were in America and it seemed no one really knew the … Continue reading A Family Mystery — Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan
Married On This Day – Hugh Brawley & Catherine Cosgrove
My maternal grandparents were married in St Brigid's Church, Newmains on 6 August 1920. Hugh was 21 years old and a labourer at the local iron foundry. Catherine was 20 and a pottery worker. I don't have a photo of their wedding day. I'm not sure that one exists. The best man was Hugh's brother, … Continue reading Married On This Day – Hugh Brawley & Catherine Cosgrove
An Unwanted Child- Thomas Rae 1898- 1898
My great grandparents, Robert Armstrong Rae and Margaret McGarrity had their first child just two months after their marriage in April 1899. They were the parents of my paternal grandfather and their marriage took place at their home in Craigneuk, Lanarkshire. The bride would have been quite obviously pregnant and this may have caused some … Continue reading An Unwanted Child- Thomas Rae 1898- 1898
Shaking The Branches 