The Story Archive
Over the years I have discovered many a fascinating ancestor and solved quite a few family mysteries.
These are some of my stories.
Remembering Nan
Without memories like these, Honora Veronica Walsh might just be an entry on a pedigree chart – a name and some dates – for future generations. Of course she was so much more than that….
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words
How did a beautiful young Lady of a British East India Company Officer come to be in London and have her portait painted by member of the Royal Academy?
A Bible Hunt
Family Bibles can feel like a direct connection to your ancestors, revealing their most cherished milestones. I had a transcript, but could I track down the original?
Marion’s Story
Like so many before her, Marion had travelled far from her home in search of a better life. Travelling from her native Ayrshire to Melbourne and then Geelong, and on to New Zealand, she endured loss and hardship.
The Cost of a Coat
John Kirkman stole some cloth to make a coat. It would change his life forever.
My First Brick Wall
Brick walls are part and parcel of family history research, and I have had my fair share over the years. A great-great-grandmother with five possible maiden names was my first!
Will Power….or the Power of a Will
It was a little thing. A name in a census record. Which led to a Will. Which led to the breaking down of a Brick Wall that had stood for over 30 years.
The Pet of the Circus
My grandfather told a fabulous story about his great aunt Ethel who was a contortionist in the circus and travelled the world. But it was just story….or was it?
My Grandfather’s Album
A picture paints a thousand words…..and my grandfather’s photo album tells me so much about his character and personality. It is also a wonderful snapshot of Australian life in the 1930’s.