The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats 1863-1933, Part 3, Until Death Do Us Part.

In the heart of Buffalo, New York, amidst the echoes of a bustling cityscape, unfolds the captivating saga of Arthur Charles Willats, a tale not only of resilience but of a soul reborn amidst the ebb and flow of life's complexities. Part three of Arthur's life story invites us into the transformative phase that followed … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats 1863-1933, Part 3, Until Death Do Us Part.

Part 2, The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats, 1863-1933, Embracing The Promised Lands.

"Stepping onto foreign shores, leaving behind familiar landscapes, and embracing the promise of a new horizon, this was the journey that defined Arthur Charles Willats, my 3rd Great Grandfather Uncle. His arrival in America wasn't just a geographical transition; it marked the inception of a legacy woven with resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.From … Continue reading Part 2, The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats, 1863-1933, Embracing The Promised Lands.

The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats 1863-1933, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

In the quiet hum of 19th-century London, amidst the cobblestone streets and gaslit alleys, a story quietly unfolded, one that echoed through generations, whispered in the annals of our family's history. At the heart of this tale stood a man whose life, though a distant echo now, bore witness to an era of change, resilience, … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats 1863-1933, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

The Life Of Charlotte Ellen Willats 1859-1924, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

In the heart of bustling St Pancras, London, amidst the cobbled streets and whispers of a bygone era, a tale of resilience and tenacity unfolded. This is the story of Charlotte Ellen Willats, a name that resonates through the annals of history as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Born in the … Continue reading The Life Of Charlotte Ellen Willats 1859-1924, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

The Life Of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 – Until Death Do Us Part.

In the hallowed pages of history, there are chapters that demand to be revisited, stories that beckon us back for another glimpse into a life lived with purpose and heart. As we turn the page to Part 2 of "The Life of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 - Until Death Do Us Part," we step … Continue reading The Life Of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 – Until Death Do Us Part.

The Life Of, Henry Richard Willats, 1856-1922, Through Documentation.

In the dimly lit corners of history, where memories fade and stories are left untold, there exists an extraordinary life that has been hidden from the world for far too long. Today, I invite you to step back in time and embark on a poignant journey through the life of my 3rd Great-Granduncle, Henry Richard … Continue reading The Life Of, Henry Richard Willats, 1856-1922, Through Documentation.

The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897 – Life As A Married Man, Through Documentation.

Welcome back to the enthralling chronicles of the life story of my third great-grandfather. In Part 1, we delved into the early years of his existence, tracing his humble beginnings and the undoubtable challenges he must have encountered along the way. From those formative experiences, I am sure he developed a resilient spirit and an … Continue reading The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897 – Life As A Married Man, Through Documentation.

The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

In the annuals of our family history lies a tale, a story that resonates across time, traversing generations to touch our hearts today.  As I continue to embark on my journey of discovery, I find myself drawn to the life of a remarkable individual, my third great-grandfather William George Willats, aka Biggun. He was more … Continue reading The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897, The Early Years, Through Documentation.

The Life Of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937 – Navigating Life’s Journey As A Widow.

Every life story weaves together a unique blend of joy, sorrow, triumphs, and challenges. It is within these intricate threads that we discover the resilience and indomitable spirit of individuals who have faced life's trials head-on, leaving an indelible mark on their family's history. Life's unexpected twists can alter the course we had once envisioned, … Continue reading The Life Of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937 – Navigating Life’s Journey As A Widow.

The Life of Susan Mary Lagden 1858-1937 – Life Goes On Regardless.

We live a world where change is constant, the unexpected lurks around every corner, and life never fails to surprise us. Throughout our lives, we often find ourselves entangled in the ebb and flow of circumstances beyond our control.  As human beings, we strive for stability, seeking solace in the familiar and predictable. But deep … Continue reading The Life of Susan Mary Lagden 1858-1937 – Life Goes On Regardless.

The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Life As Mrs Susan Mary Kirby.

Welcome back, to the captivating journey through time and heritage as we continue to unravel the intricate puzzle of my ancestral legacy. In this second instalment, we delve deeper into the remarkable life of my third great-grandmother Susan Mary Kirby nee Lagden, and explore the documents and challenges she faced as a married women. As … Continue reading The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Life As Mrs Susan Mary Kirby.

The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Discovering the Missing Piece Of The Puzzle, The Early Years.

Have you ever found yourself captivated by the allure of solving a mystery? The irresistible sensation that accompanies the search for truth, like assembling the scattered fragments of a puzzle until the bigger picture emerges? We as humans are natural seekers, forever yearning to understand and make sense of the world around us. In this … Continue reading The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Discovering the Missing Piece Of The Puzzle, The Early Years.

The Life Of Richard Henry Willats 1834 – 1923, Through Documentation.

Old things are more beautifulthan many things brand newBecause they bring fond memoriesof things we used to do.Old photographs in albums,love letters tied with lace,Recapture those old feelingsthat new ones can't replace.Baby shoes, a teddy bear,a ring that grandma wore,Are treasures waiting there behinda door marked "Nevermore".Old things are more beautiful,more precious day by dayBecause … Continue reading The Life Of Richard Henry Willats 1834 – 1923, Through Documentation.

The Life of Mary O’Connor, 1831-1895, Through Documentation.

We’ve got a family albumLike a family treeA thrill to turn the pagesThe pictures we can see Starting off with grands and greatsThen slowly down the lineLike a book of historyA journey through the time Fashions start to alterMustaches come and goLadies skirts skip up and downA proper fashion show Top hats change to boatersTo caps … Continue reading The Life of Mary O’Connor, 1831-1895, Through Documentation.

The Life Of Annie Dorothy O’Connor – 1879-1954

"I just want young people to embrace where they come from, be proud of it, and share their family's history. This country was built on beautiful stories of heritage,". ©️Zendaya. I’ve been fascinated by my Great, Great, Grandfather, John Cornelius O’Connor, from the very first time I heard his name and how he was born … Continue reading The Life Of Annie Dorothy O’Connor – 1879-1954

The Life Of Walter Hillier, 1867-1946, Part 2.

Welcome back to the life of Walter George Hillier. Before we begin, let’s have a quick reminder of what has happened so far in Walters life. Walter George Hillier, aka the Governor, was born on Tuesday the 3rd of September, 1867, at Tapnage, Titchfield, Hampshire, England, to Walter Hillier and Caroline Hillier nee Abraham. Walters … Continue reading The Life Of Walter Hillier, 1867-1946, Part 2.

Meet The O’Connors – The Bairns of, John Cornelius O’Connor.

My love for genealogy is fuelled by my determination to discover the truth behind our mysterious O’Connors.  My passion is at its fullest when it comes to them. They are my biggest headache and my greatest love. I’m not entirely sure what fuels that passion, was it the incredibly kind, loving heart of my, Great … Continue reading Meet The O’Connors – The Bairns of, John Cornelius O’Connor.

The Hunt For, John Cornelius O’Connors, Birth Index And Birth Certificate, 1872.

Even though I still very much believe that our, John Cornelius O’Connor, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, I have been following a possible paper trail for the, O’Connor family. After trolling the birth index’s I came across two birth index’s, one for, John’s brother, Thomas, and another for John.  Both give the mothers maiden … Continue reading The Hunt For, John Cornelius O’Connors, Birth Index And Birth Certificate, 1872.

The Life Of William Charles Williams 1807-1881

What I love about genealogy is, it leads you down paths walked by not only your ancestors but many others incredible human beings. Fairly often while researching our own heritage, I side step and research the partners, husbands, wife’s, in-laws and siblings and their families of our ancestors.  Some say there isn’t a need to … Continue reading The Life Of William Charles Williams 1807-1881

The Life of Christian Luke, 1808-1895- Part Three, The Bigamist. 

Welcome back to the life of Christian, now known as Christian Kemish nee Collins nee Luke. Let’s have a recap of what we know about her life so far. Christian was born in Lockerley, Hampshire, in the year, 1808, to Moses Luke, son of Moses Luke and Hannah Luke nee Grey and Catherine Kitty Mason, daughter of Jonathan Mason and Catherine Southwell. She was … Continue reading The Life of Christian Luke, 1808-1895- Part Three, The Bigamist. 

The Life Of Alice Southwell, 1861 – 1915, Part 3 – The Final Chapter.

Welcome back to the life of, Alice Southwell.  Before we begin, let’s have a little recap of her life so far. Or you can read part 1 here and part 2 here.Alice was born at, East Wellow, on Thursday the 19th of December 1861. From the age of 9, Alice worked for her maternal uncle, William Reeves, at the Angel Inn, … Continue reading The Life Of Alice Southwell, 1861 – 1915, Part 3 – The Final Chapter.

52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Jesse Townsend, 1835 – Update

My maternal 3rd Great Grandfather, Jesse Townsend, is one of my ancestors who has stolen my heart. Of course he has to be one of the hardest people to trace, especially his beginnings. Even though I have managed to trace him through the census’s, found his marriage, know who his children are and even what … Continue reading 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Jesse Townsend, 1835 – Update

Mr and Mrs, Reginald George Wilfred Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52 – Part 3 – Memories

I can’t believe I’m at the end of my “52 Ancestors" challenge. At times I thought I would never get here. It’s been extremely hard work, time-consuming, blooming expensive, but most of all it’s been an absolute pleasure. I’ve also learnt a lot about myself along the way. I’ve learnt that my spelling is still … Continue reading Mr and Mrs, Reginald George Wilfred Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52 – Part 3 – Memories

Mr and Mrs, Reginald George Wilfred Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52 – Part 2

Welcome back to the life of Reginald George Wilfred Willats (Reg) and Eileen May Willats Nee O'Connor, my Great-Grandparents. Its the year 1928, in the City of Southampton in Hampshire, England. The city is well paved, sewered and lighted, and has an excellent water supply, a fine sanatorium, a municipal dispensary and a school clinic. … Continue reading Mr and Mrs, Reginald George Wilfred Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52 – Part 2

Mr Reginald and Mrs Eileen Willats – Part 1 – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52

Have you ever felt really close to someone, So close that you can't understand why you and the other person have two separate bodies, two separate skins? My maternal Great-Grandparents love for each other wasn’t just a love of the heart but a love of the soul, an eternal love, a love unbreakable even through … Continue reading Mr Reginald and Mrs Eileen Willats – Part 1 – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 52

Harry Richard Thomas Willats, Aka DICK MONTAGUE – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51, Part 3

Welcome back to the life of We left Harry back in 1944, working as management for The Peacock Hotel, a Grade II Listed Building in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, while he was taking a break from the music halls. Dick aka Harry, first appeared back in the tabloids on, October 24 1947. Sadly, this is where Dicks … Continue reading Harry Richard Thomas Willats, Aka DICK MONTAGUE – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51, Part 3

Harry Richard Thomas Willats, Aka DICK MONTAGUE – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51, Part 2

Welcome back to the life of Harry Richard Thomas Willats, also known as our One Any Only 🎭Dick Montague🎭 Last week I told you all about his life as Harry, this week we travel back in time and see a snippet of his life as Dick Montague, through the tabloids. It may be a little … Continue reading Harry Richard Thomas Willats, Aka DICK MONTAGUE – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51, Part 2

Harry Richard Thomas Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51

I’m sure you may recognise the name, "Harry Richard Thomas Willats," by now, his name has popped up a good few times over my "52 week challenge" and this week I finally get to tell you a little about him. I’m not going to go into the history of the name "Willats" as you can … Continue reading Harry Richard Thomas Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 51

Jesse Townsend – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 50

Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. (Menachem Begin) Ever since I saw this photograph of my four maternal Great-Grandparents, Reginald George Wilfred Willats, Jesse Edward Townsend, Bessie Eva Annie Sweet … Continue reading Jesse Townsend – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 50

Eliza Cameron – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 47

The Mysteries are gateways, thresholds between this world and the Otherworld, the meeting place of gods and people. Family history is just a gigantic mystery waiting to be solved and this weeks ancestor has a good few, well hidden, missing pieces to her puzzle. 🧩 Although I know a great deal about her family, her … Continue reading Eliza Cameron – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 47

Harry Herbert Money/Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 45 – Part 1

A while ago, I told you all the story of, one of my favourite ancestors, Eleanor Mary Kirby aka Nellie Montague. Since childhood I’ve had a magical picture of how wonderful Eleanor and her husband's life would have been, how much in love they were, you know one of those unbreakable loves, that no matter … Continue reading Harry Herbert Money/Willats – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 45 – Part 1

Moses Luke – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 43

I'll never forget where I'm from. It's essential to remain humble and evolving. I feel incredibly humble and proud of my roots. Although I wish my ancestors hadn’t lived through hard times, I wouldn’t wish for them to have come from Lords and Ladies. Those amazingly strong people worked incredibly hard, they held their heads … Continue reading Moses Luke – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 43

Catherine Southwell/Sutherell – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 42

Southwell is a locational surname of Olde English and Anglo-Saxon pre 9th century origins. It derives from former residence at the town of Southwell in Nottinghamshire, or possibly from a place or places called originally 'sud waella', translating as the spring to the south. More interesting it’s the surname of my Husband maternal Great-Grandmother, Edith … Continue reading Catherine Southwell/Sutherell – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 42

Sarah Scarrott – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 41

When researching your family history you are limited to certain resources on-line, census returns, birth, marriage and death indexes, court and wills, immigration and emigration records, parish records, military records and newspaper articles. All that you pay through the nose for. It’s very expensive and time-consuming. Mistakes are made constantly, so unfortunately its better to … Continue reading Sarah Scarrott – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 41

Charles Frederick Joseph Townsend – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 40

Tradition lives because young people come along who catch its romance and add new glories to it. (Michael Novak) Gone are the days of what I call real craftsmanship, when everything was done/made by hand and not pumped out by the billions from a factory or huge machinery cutting the corps and ploughing the fields, … Continue reading Charles Frederick Joseph Townsend – 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks – Week 40

Stockwell Angels – Elizabeth Wren, 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks, Week 34 Update.

Certificates have been floating in, in dribs and drabs throughout the last few days, all apart from one which I was refunded for. My 3rd Great Grandmothers, Eliza Stockwell, original birth record is in too poor condition to be sent as a pdf, which is such a shame, as I am slowly buying all my … Continue reading Stockwell Angels – Elizabeth Wren, 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks, Week 34 Update.

Mary Ann, Charlotte & Tom Pointer – 52 Ancestor In 52 Weeks Update.

The long-awaited birth and death certificates, arrived in my inbox yesterday and I can now share the information with you. Mary Ann Pointer, was born on the 29th January 1840 at Sherfield English, Hampshire, England. Her birth was registered on the 15th February 1840, by her Mother, Harriet Pointer nee Brown. Harriet signed with an … Continue reading Mary Ann, Charlotte & Tom Pointer – 52 Ancestor In 52 Weeks Update.

Mary Ann Pointer – 52 Ancestors, 52 Weeks – Week 33

It’s been a while since I’ve wrote about this line of my paternal tree. This side always fascinates me as I have made so many new family connections. Throughout these connections I have made some wonderful friends, one in particular, I’m extremely grateful for the friendship that has formed. It’s uncanny how alike we are, … Continue reading Mary Ann Pointer – 52 Ancestors, 52 Weeks – Week 33

Nellie Montague / Eleanor Mary Kirby – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 30 – Part 2

The Music Hall, which is in no thing, but makes use of everything gestures, sounds, words, screams, light, darkness, rediscovers itself at precisely the point where the mind requires a language to express its manifestations. To break through language in order to touch life is to create or recreate the Music Hall. How I would … Continue reading Nellie Montague / Eleanor Mary Kirby – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 30 – Part 2

Eleanor Mary Kirby / Nellie Montague – 52 Ancestors in 52 Week – Week 29 – Part 1

I’m so excited to finally be able to tell you all about my Great, Great Granny, Eleanor Mary Kirby. She is probably my favourite ancestor. She’s intrigues me, even fascinates me. She’s also one of my hardest ancestors to research, even though as you’ll find out, she should be one of the easiest. Eleanor, is … Continue reading Eleanor Mary Kirby / Nellie Montague – 52 Ancestors in 52 Week – Week 29 – Part 1

Doris Eleanor Poppy Willats – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 28

I always thought that my Great-Grandad, Reginald Willats, only had one sibling, Harry. How wrong was I. I’ve since discovered that he had a Sister called, Doris, and eight half siblings, who have given me endless questions, the need to know more and an overwhelming sadness for my Great, Great-Granny Eleanor. I will shed light … Continue reading Doris Eleanor Poppy Willats – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 28

Frederick Earnest Carr – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 22

Yesterday we said our final goodbyes to my Grandmother, Mollie Joan Newell nee Carr. Tears were shed, a life time of memories were remembered, our family brought together, in respect for a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Although seeing my families hearts break at our loss, it was lovely to see them all and … Continue reading Frederick Earnest Carr – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 22

Fanny Pearce – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 16

Some lives are easy, some are much harder, some are unbearable, riddled with heartbreak and sadness. Sadness only a mother and father can feel or understand. Death though inevitable, is cruel beyond any of our wildest dreams. It hunts us down with all its fury, leaving only rivers of tears behind. My Great, Great-Grandparents had … Continue reading Fanny Pearce – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 16