In late March I visited County Mayo to visit the home town of my great great grandmother, Sarah McLoughlin. She was the paternal grandmother of my maternal grandfather Hugh Brawley. Spending time in Ireland really this time really made me feel closer to my ancestors. I am not sure why. Perhaps it is because the … Continue reading My Time In Westport
McLaughlin
In Search Of Sarah
A friend of mine was telling me about her recent weekend in Ireland. She got a cheap flight from Edinburgh to Knock, County Mayo with Ryanair and stayed in the town of Westport. Now, Mayo is on my list of counties to visit to trace my Irish roots and I hadn't even realised that there … Continue reading In Search Of Sarah
Sarah McLaughlin 1839-1916
This lady is my great, great grandmother Sarah McLaughlin. She’s the only great great grandparent of whom I have a photo. I actually have two! Sarah was born in County Mayo, Ireland the parish of Oughaval. I don’t have a record of her birth but I know that it was around 1839. Her parents were … Continue reading Sarah McLaughlin 1839-1916
James Brawley 1866-1955
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
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
Shaking The Branches 