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, 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 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.

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 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, 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 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.

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 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 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

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