My paternal grandfather, Archibald (Archie) Smith Rae, was born on 4 September 1903 in Craigneuk, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was the fourth child of Robert Armstrong Rae, a coal miner and Margaret McGarrity. Robert and Margaret had 13 children between 1899 and 1925. Thomas (1898-1898) Sarah (1899-1966) John (1901-?) Archibald Smith (1903-1952) Grace (1906-1907) Robert Armstrong … Continue reading Archibald Smith Rae 1903-1952
Armstrong
Robert Wilson Armstrong 1857-1910 Part 1
I often think about what it would be like to go back in time and find out my ancestors’ stories direct from them. There would be so many questions. And how good would it be to observe their daily lives? Robert Wilson Armstrong was my great great grandfather but I reckon if I could go … Continue reading Robert Wilson Armstrong 1857-1910 Part 1
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
Stories From The Poor House (Part 1)
The North Lanarkshire Poor Law Applications are now available online via Ancestry. I have visited North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre in Motherwell on a number of occasions looking for specific records and it is amazing and quite moving to see the original registers however, until I have had the time to look through the online records, … Continue reading Stories From The Poor House (Part 1)
Learning From My Mistakes – Robert Armstrong Rae 1879-1952
My great grandfather, Robert Armstrong Rae was born on 26 December 1879 in the picturesque village of Dalserf in Lanarkshire. He was my father’s paternal grandfather. The first record I found for Robert was his marriage record which showed his parents as Thomas Rae and Ann Symington. Through further research it appeared that Robert was … Continue reading Learning From My Mistakes – Robert Armstrong Rae 1879-1952
Wilson Armstrong 1886-1916
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
Shaking The Branches 