Of my great, great grandparents, James Brawley and Sarah McLaughlin's ten children, James lived the longest. What must that be like to see eight siblings go before you? Only one much younger sibling survived him. Sadly, he also outlived his wife and two of his own children. In his 88 years he must have seen … Continue reading James Brawley 1866-1955
Elizabeth Brawley 1861-1946
I have discovered that many of my ancestors were illiterate and their official documents were signed with just a cross with the words his/her mark. I wonder if it embarassed them to admit they couldn't even sign their own name or whether they never gave it a second thought. One of the main names in … Continue reading Elizabeth Brawley 1861-1946
My Favourite Photograph
This photograph was sent to me by a cousin I made contact with through my family history research. We are related on my maternal side. Her grandfather and my grandfather were brothers. We have become friends and regularly chat via Skype. We plan to meet in person very soon. Finding living relatives is s exciting … Continue reading My Favourite Photograph
Mary Ann Helferty 1840-1884
I was about to delete this post having discovered that this lady is not my great, great grandmother as I had previously thought. A review of my research revealed that I had made a huge mistake in my research. But apart from the fact she is not my family her story is still true and, … Continue reading Mary Ann Helferty 1840-1884
Sarah Brawley 1894-1969 & Ellen Brawley 1894-1899
These two two little cuties are the daughters of my great grand uncle, Hugh Brawley. Hugh left Scotland in 1888 to work in the mines in Pennsylvania and it was there he met his wife, Alice Shannon. The twins were born in February 1894. I am so lucky to have this photograph which was … Continue reading Sarah Brawley 1894-1969 & Ellen Brawley 1894-1899
Patrick Brawley – 1873-1876 & Matthew Brawley 1875-1876
Patrick and Matthew Brawley were the 7th and 8th children of my great great grandparents, James Brawley and Sarah McLauglan. Both boys were born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Patrick was born on 31 May 1873 and Matthew on 23 January 1875. Tragically both little boys died within days of each other in 1876. The cause of … Continue reading Patrick Brawley – 1873-1876 & Matthew Brawley 1875-1876
Shaking The Branches 