As we turn the page to the next chapter in Joseph Newell's life, we step into a new season, one marked by both the quiet passage of time and the weight of unspoken promises. The years that follow his early life will reveal the man he becomes, the husband, the father, the individual whose choices … Continue reading The Life Of Joseph Newell 1783-1860 Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation.
Family
“The life of William Lye 1809–1890 Through Documentation.”
In the quiet village of East Tytherley, Hampshire, beneath the rolling fields where the trees sway gently in the breeze, a boy was born in 1809, William Lye, the man whose life would weave itself into the fabric of my own family’s story. Though the world he knew was vast and tumultuous, shaped by war, … Continue reading “The life of William Lye 1809–1890 Through Documentation.”
“The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965: Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation.”
The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965: Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation, begins a new chapter, a journey of discovery and heartache, as I attempt to piece together the life of my great-grandfather through the faded remnants of history. Growing up, I knew very little about Frederick, only that he was a man … Continue reading “The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965: Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation.”
“The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
Welcome to “The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965 The Early Years Through Documentation.” His story is a journey through the fragments of history that have been pieced together through old records, documents, and archives, a journey to better understand the life of my paternal great-grandfather, Frederick Ernest Carr. Like so many of us, I … Continue reading “The Life of Frederick Ernest Carr 1891–1965 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 The Early Years.
In the quiet corners of history, amidst the yellowed pages of parish records and the labyrinthine trails of ancestral research, lies the remarkable tale of my paternal 3rd Great Grandfather, Stephen Withers. Born in 1831 and departing this world in 1916, his life spans an era of profound change and endurance.Navigating through the annals of … Continue reading The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 The Early Years.
The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.
With the turning of a page, we step into the second chapter of Frank Whitlock’s story, a story no longer just of boyhood and the steady beat of rural life, but of love, commitment, and the quiet, sacred promise of “until death do us part.” As Part One traced the tender, often painful path of … Continue reading The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.
The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
In the quiet corners of history, where ink fades and parchment crumbles, lies the tale of John Withers, a man whose life unfolds amidst the shadows of uncertain dates and scant documentation. Born in the year 1797, before the days of standardized birth records, John's early years are a mosaic of parish whispers and faded … Continue reading The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.
In the quiet corners of family attics and the faded pages of dusty albums, lies the essence of a life once lived. The Life of Emily Kate Southwell, 1892–1947, is not just a chronicle of dates and events, but a testament to the enduring power of family history. It is in these fragments of the … Continue reading The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.
The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.
When Elizabeth Wren stepped into the church on that cool, spring morning in 1850, the air was thick with the quiet promise of forever. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty as she stood before her groom, the man who would become her world. His eyes, warm and full of quiet devotion, … Continue reading The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.
The Life Of Rosa Alice Freak 1877–1965, The Early Years, Revisited.
In the quiet corners of family lore, where whispered tales mingle with sepia-toned photographs, there exists a story woven through the fabric of time, the life of Rosa Alice Freak, my maternal 2nd great-grandmother. As I embark once again on this journey through her early years, I find myself drawn back not just by the … Continue reading The Life Of Rosa Alice Freak 1877–1965, The Early Years, Revisited.
The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 Till Death Do Us Part
As I continue to unravel the life of William Harry Freak, I find myself stepping deeper into the world he built for himself as a husband, father, and working man. When we last left him, he was a newlywed, standing at the threshold of marriage with Eliza Stockwell, his young bride, by his side. Their … Continue reading The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 Till Death Do Us Part
The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 The Early Years Through Documentation.
In the quiet corners of history, nestled within the yellowed pages of documents and faded photographs, lies the essence of William Harry Freak, a name that resonates through time and bloodlines, echoing with stories of courage, love, and the quiet strength of everyday life. Born in 1846, he embarked on a journey through an era … Continue reading The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 The Early Years Through Documentation.
The Life Of Robert McIntyre Wallace 1898–1925 Through Documentation.
Family history is more than a collection of names and dates, it is the foundation of who we are, the story of those who came before us, and the legacy we pass on to future generations. To understand our own identities, we must look to the lives of our ancestors, for their struggles, triumphs, and … Continue reading The Life Of Robert McIntyre Wallace 1898–1925 Through Documentation.
The Life Of Daniel Ernest Green 1877-1955
Uncovering the life story of my husband’s great-grandfather, Daniel Ernest Green (1877–1955), has been a journey that brought history to life in the most personal and profound way. It is more than just tracing names and dates on a family tree, it’s about piecing together the fragments of a life once lived, breathing life into … Continue reading The Life Of Daniel Ernest Green 1877-1955
The Life Of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, Through Documention.
Welcome to The Life of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, a celebration of the life of my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather. Samuel Green’s story is not just a window into the past, it’s a connection to our shared human experience, an opportunity to honor his legacy, and a reminder of the enduring value of exploring our family roots. … Continue reading The Life Of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, Through Documention.
The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation – Part 2
As we step into the next chapter of Francis Herbert Butt’s life, we find him not as a young boy growing up above his father’s butcher shop in Romsey, nor as the grieving son mourning the loss of his mother, but as a man beginning a new life of his own. With Henrietta Annie Richardson, … Continue reading The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation – Part 2
The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation Part 1.
In the quiet corners of history, amidst the echoes of bygone days, there exists a tapestry woven with the threads of ordinary yet remarkable lives. Among them stands Francis Herbert Butt, a man whose life, though lived decades ago, resonates with timeless lessons and profound moments that shape our understanding of resilience, creativity, and the … Continue reading The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation Part 1.
The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 2
As we continue the story of Arthur Henry Butt, we pick up in the year 1890, a time of both loss and new beginnings. The passing of his father, William Butt, marked the end of an era, yet life pressed forward. Arthur, now the head of his own growing family, carried the weight of his … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 2
The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 1
In the quaint town of Romsey, Hampshire, England, amidst the cobbled streets and timeless cottages, lived a man whose life's tapestry was woven with the threads of tradition and craftsmanship. In the heart of Romsey, Hampshire, where history lingers in every street and storefront, the life of Arthur Henry Butt unfolds, a story not just … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 1
“In the Depths of Duty”
In the belly of steel, where the fires burned bright, Samuel Solomon Williams worked through the night. With shovel in hand, and sweat on his brow, He fed the great engines, without asking how. Beneath all the glamour, below decks so deep, He labored in silence, while others would sleep. The heat of the furnace, … Continue reading “In the Depths of Duty”
“The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”
On the 113th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we remember not just a ship lost to the depths of the North Atlantic, but the thousands of lives taken with her, each one carrying hopes, struggles, and stories that still echo through time. Among those lost was a young fireman from Southampton named Samuel … Continue reading “The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”
The Life of James William Willats – Embracing Life as a Married Man.
Welcome back to the captivating journey of James William Willats, an enigmatic figure whose life's tale continues to unfold with both intrigue and inspiration. In our first installment, we embarked on a thrilling expedition through his early years. Now, we delve into the next chapter of his extraordinary life, the story of James William Willats … Continue reading The Life of James William Willats – Embracing Life as a Married Man.
The Life Of James William Willats 1841 – 1922, From Upbringing To Marriage, Through Documentation.
Welcome to a captivating journey through time, where the veil of history lifts to reveal the rich tapestry of a life once lived. Together, let us delve into the fascinating story of James William Willats, my 4th Great Granduncle, a man whose life, though distant in years, remains ever vivid through the threads of family … Continue reading The Life Of James William Willats 1841 – 1922, From Upbringing To Marriage, Through Documentation.
The Life Of Margarita Carroll 1824-1909, Through Documentation.
Welcome to The Life of Margarita Carroll, a blog dedicated to unraveling the story of an extraordinary woman whose journey spanned two continents, and whose legacy continues to inspire her descendants. Margarita, also known as Margaret, was born in 1824 in Ireland to Daniel Carroll and an as-yet unidentified mother. Her story, like so many … Continue reading The Life Of Margarita Carroll 1824-1909, Through Documentation.
“Eternal Vigil”
In the hush of night when shadows weave, A gentle spirit sighs, reluctant to leave, With whispers soft as a lover’s breath, I linger here, beyond the veil of death. Through the moonlit window, my gaze does fall, On the ones I cherished, the ones I call, Their laughter echoes in the quiet air, Yet … Continue reading “Eternal Vigil”
The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, Part 2, Until Death Do Us Part.
In the bustling streets of London, amidst the whispers of history and the vibrant pulse of city life, there lived a man whose story danced through the epochs like a melody in the wind. His name was Frederick Howard Willats, a name woven into the fabric of London's narrative, yet often overlooked in the grand … Continue reading The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, Part 2, Until Death Do Us Part.
The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, The Early Years Through Documentation.
Every family has its stories, and among them, there are those who leave their mark not through grand gestures, but through the quiet strength of their lives. For our family, Frederick Howard Willats is one such figure. Born in 1877 in the vibrant heart of Highbury, Islington, Middlesex, England, Frederick’s life reflects the spirit of … Continue reading The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, The Early Years Through Documentation.
The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 2.
Welcome back to our exploration of Percy Sidney Willats' extraordinary life, as pieced together through the documents, and records. In Part 1, we delved into the early years of Percy’s life, uncovering the foundational experiences and relationships that shaped his character and ambitions. Now, in Part 2, we move deeper into the narrative, focusing on … Continue reading The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 2.
The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 1.
Welcome back to the year 1875, Islington, England. The air there is thick with the soot of coal fires, hanging like a fog over the narrow cobbled streets. Horse-drawn carriages clatter past, their wooden wheels rattling over uneven roads as the wealthy ride in comfort, while the poor shuffle by on foot, faces weathered from … Continue reading The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 1.
Though Stolen By Their Reckless Night.
Twenty-eight years, a lifetime gone, Yet grief still wakes with every dawn. A father’s smile, a voice so dear, Now echoes faint, but always near.That fateful night, the world stood still, Two hearts chose chaos, a reckless thrill. Their joyride left a trail of pain, And stole the light we’d hoped to gain. The crash, … Continue reading Though Stolen By Their Reckless Night.
The Heart At Home.
Family is a circle, a bond so deep, A sheltering embrace when the world feels steep. It's the laughter that echoes through halls at night, The whispered goodnights that make everything right. It’s the scent of breakfast on a Sunday morn, The stories retold until they are worn, The faces that glow in candlelight's gleam, … Continue reading The Heart At Home.
Just Like My Dad Loved My Mum.
In the quiet moments, when the world fades away, I think of the love that guided me each day. Like my dad loved my mum, so tender and true, I found that same magic, my heart belongs to you. With every shared laugh and the warmth of your smile, You light up my life, making … Continue reading Just Like My Dad Loved My Mum.
If You Had Been With Me
If you had been with me, dear Dad, On the day I wore that dress of ivory, You'd have smiled, so full of pride, And walked with me in the afternoon light. Your hand in mine, our hearts in sync, With every step, you'd lead the way, You’d whisper, "This is your moment, love," And … Continue reading If You Had Been With Me
“The Weight of Time”
In the quiet moments, shadows softly creep, Each tick of the clock, a promise we can’t keep. Once vibrant laughter fills the air, Now whispers of memories linger everywhere. We gather together, our hearts intertwined, In the tapestry of love, threads delicately aligned. Yet with each passing year, the colors start to fade, As cherished … Continue reading “The Weight of Time”
“Obito’s Adorable Toe Beans”
In the soft glow of morning light, A tiny pup, a heart so bright, With fur like clouds, a gentle hue, Oh, Obito, how we adore you! But it’s those toes, a sight so sweet, Little bean-shaped pillows, oh what a treat! Each one a treasure, soft and warm, Tiny wonders that bring such charm. … Continue reading “Obito’s Adorable Toe Beans”
Happy 1st Birthday Athena.
Happy 1st Birthday, Athena! 🎉🐾Today, as the sun rises on a crisp autumn morning, our hearts are filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love. One year ago, a bundle of energy entered our lives and changed everything. Athena, our dear husky, is celebrating her first birthday, marking a year of boundless happiness, companionship, … Continue reading Happy 1st Birthday Athena.
As we celebrate your mortal birth, I celebrate the joy you brought to Earth.
In realms of golden light, where dreams take flight,Your spirit dances, radiant and bright.On this sacred day, in whispers soft and low,I send my love, where angelic breezes blow.My dearest Dad, though you've soared above,Your essence lingers, wrapped in eternal love.In every glimmering star, in each gentle breeze,I feel your presence, calming, at ease.With every … Continue reading As we celebrate your mortal birth, I celebrate the joy you brought to Earth.
The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats, 1863-1933, Part 4, The Final Curtain.
As I pen the opening lines of Part Four in the chronicles of my English 3rd great granduncle, Arthur Charles Willats, I am humbled by the intricacies of his journey through life. Arthur's path, etched with the bittersweet symphony of loss and resilience, unfolds against the backdrop of Buffalo, Erie, New York, a city pulsating … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Charles Willats, 1863-1933, Part 4, The Final Curtain.
Happy birthday, Dear Hayley, Twin Of Mine.
In whispers of the wind, a melody's sway,Two souls intertwined on this special day.Hayley Jo Jo, dear sister, as the sun softly gleams,In the tapestry of life, you're the brightest of beams.Twins we are, bound by a magical thread,In every laugh, tear, and word unsaid.Your presence, a symphony, fills every space,A cherished companion, in life's … Continue reading Happy birthday, Dear Hayley, Twin Of Mine.
Their Footsteps Echo.
In the attic's quiet, dusty air,Lies a chest of tales, a lineage fair.Bound in yellowed parchment, memories entwined,A chronicle of kin, an ancestry defined. Each heirloom holds a whispered trace,Of ancestors' valor, their enduring grace.In fading photographs, faces stare,A legacy preserved, beyond compare. From humble beginnings to triumph's cheer,Their footsteps echo, crystal clear.Through epochs danced, … Continue reading Their Footsteps Echo.
A love that’s boundless, steadfast and sure.
A love that's boundless, steadfast and sure. Our Mum, a beacon, unwavering light, Guiding us through both day and night. Her strength, a fortress, resilient and strong, In her embrace, we always belong. Through trials and triumphs, she stands tall, A pillar of love, through it all. With tender care and a heart so kind, … Continue reading A love that’s boundless, steadfast and sure.
To My One And Only Love
Bound by a love, no words have ever expressed.You are my soulmate, my heart's truest song,Together, we've danced, and grown ever strong. In every sunrise, and in each setting sun,I see the reflection of two becoming one.Through valleys and peaks, through trials we've braved,Our love, like a lighthouse, steadfast and saved. In the depths of … Continue reading To My One And Only Love
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.
Chapter 10 – October 2022
As we close one chapter, the pen is gradually inking up, preparing itself to write the next.” ©️ Mie Hansson. As the vibrant trees of autumn shed their fiery leaves, twisting, turning and dancing on the chilly autumnal breeze 🍂 unburdening the heaviness of their branches, welcoming in new life, new beginnings and a calming wintery light, as … Continue reading Chapter 10 – October 2022
The Life Of Elizabeth Hillier 1844-1932
Caring can be learned by all human beings, can be worked into the design of every life, meeting an individual need as well as a pervasive need in society. ©️Mary Catherine Bateson There are very few that give themselves soulfully to others. Dedicating their lives to the care and understanding, that so many of us … Continue reading The Life Of Elizabeth Hillier 1844-1932
Chapter 3 – March 2022
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. Neil Gaiman I’ve had to remind myself of this, constantly over the last few weeks. It’s been one of … Continue reading Chapter 3 – March 2022
The Life of, John Williams, 1816-1869.
“We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies.” Shirley Abbott. I never knew how a name written upon a family tree, could consume my every waking moment, … Continue reading The Life of, John Williams, 1816-1869.
The Life Of Charlotte Feltham 1844-1899
I feel the overpowering need to document the lives of our ancestors, because if the facts are written, there is a slim chance they will never be forgotten. That their lives have somehow imprinted upon those who read their stories. Even though I can never fill these pages with our own memories or their personalities, … Continue reading The Life Of Charlotte Feltham 1844-1899
The Life Of Thomas Kirby 1831-1911
You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, Jump over the hurdles and break through the brick wallsthat are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you're doing, you'll stop at the first giant … Continue reading The Life Of Thomas Kirby 1831-1911
Round Up, Round Up – May 2021
The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer.” Lady Gregory I’m not sure I can remember a May like it. The days … Continue reading Round Up, Round Up – May 2021
House to Home – Boot-room aka utility-room.
When we moved into Number 15, our utility room/boot room, was beyond ugly. No matter how much I scubbed it, it never looked clean. It was a real sorry state of affairs and an all round embarrassment. It’s the first room family and friends see as the enter our home, so I really wanted this … Continue reading House to Home – Boot-room aka utility-room.
Round Up, March 2020
March 2020 has changed the world forever and that is just damn right scary. Everyone’s future is unsure right now. We are all thinking the same questions. Will I get sick? Will I survive but more importantly will my nearest and dearest survive? Will I still have a job to go back to? How am … Continue reading Round Up, March 2020
“Once in a while, love gives us a fairytale.”
Every girl dreams of the perfect wedding, the beautiful venue and a dress that makes them not only look jaw dropping beautiful but makes you feel it to. When I married my childhood sweetheart nearly 21 years ago, I had the same dreams. Little was I to know that our dream wedding wouldn’t not live … Continue reading “Once in a while, love gives us a fairytale.”
Dreams really do come true.
Our Son Connor, turned 21 the weekend before last. We as a family wanted to give him something a little extra special, some thing that he could treasure for the rest of his life. But what could we get him, that wouldn't get lost over time? Connor has always shown great passion for animals, especially, … Continue reading Dreams really do come true.
We will be
Christmas day is nearly here, the tree shimmers in the background, nearly as bright as the excitement on our children's faces. As Snow falls outside my window, the world transforms into a magical place, where dreams just may come true. Even though Christmas joy fills our hearts, a sad tear trickles down my cheek for … Continue reading We will be
This Day, The 21st October
The 21st of October is a date that sticks in my mind more than most, it’s a day that always fills my heart with sadness, fills my eyes with tears but also brings happiness, gratitude and joy to my heart. Today’s date holds some of the most beautiful memories but also some of the saddest. … Continue reading This Day, The 21st October
Changes
As my baby boy Calum, headed out the door for his first day at college studying all the ologys, my heart couldn’t be more proud. While he takes the next stage of his life with passion and determination, it’s made me look at my life and focus and made me realise I’m failing badly. So … Continue reading Changes
Doreen June Willats – Part 2 – Growing
Welcome back to the life of my maternal Grandmother, Doreen June Willats. Today we visit the second part of the series, the school years but if you missed the first part, you can find it here. Let’s get straight to it, shall we. Do you remember any holidays or special outings from your younger years? … Continue reading Doreen June Willats – Part 2 – Growing
Andrew Rudgley/Rudge – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 27
Your name You got it from your father It was all he had to give So it's yours to use and cherish For as long as you may live If you lost the watch he gave you It can always be replaced; But a black mark on your name Can never be erased It was … Continue reading Andrew Rudgley/Rudge – 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 27
Intwined 