Genealogy: Pilgrimage Through the Past

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

This Remembrance Day...

I am honoring those from my family who served during the first and second world wars... While there are many others in my family who have served in the Canadian Forces, these are just a few of the photos I have found over the years doing my family tree.

Henry Thompson - Thomas Thompson Jr

Flora Crerar (she was a nurse) - Unknown Ramsay

Henry Thompson (and Company)

John Francis Darlington - Unknown Brothers (Ramsay's I believe)

Wedding Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

L to R: Barbara (nee Torbole) Nicoletti, Maria Nicoletti, Isabella Nicoletti (bride), Kurt Schneider (groom), Assunta Nicoletti & Toni Zuglioni

Taken I believe in the 1930's in Germany

Back to Researching

2011-11-09T09:29:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I packed away my genealogy research - life had gotten a little hectic and with so many brick walls in my way I decided to take a break. Recently I unpacked those binders and papers from the dark recesses of my bookshelf and decided to tackle it once again!

What's New:

I decided to do some cleaning up on my tree - filling in blanks and citing sources etc.

Recently I helped a friend start her family tree - we took at trip to the Ontario Archives and were able to fill in a few blanks to get to her next generation. We had a great time!

As you might have noticed I also did some re-vamping on my blog look. New header and layout to freshen things up a bit.

Now that things have slowed down with work I will be back to my regular posting schedule.

Anyone have any exciting discoveries??

Saturday Surname - Grisdale

2011-01-29T20:40:00.004-05:00

The Grisdale line of my family is somewhat daunting... it's HUGE! And I've only scratched the surface of that family...

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Symond Grysdall was born 1606 in Dowthwaitehead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died December 24, 1692 in Norman Crag, Hutton Roof, Cumberland, England. He married (1) Jane Unknown. He married (2) Agnes Moore February 03, 1661/62 in Hawkshead, Cumberland, or Lancashire, England. She was born 1611 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England

Children of Symond & Jane:
Thomas Grisdale was born September 1639 in Borrowscale, Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died July 24, 1702 in Norman Crag, Hutton Roof, Cumberland, England. He married Dorothy Rakestreye April 25, 1664 in Greystoke, Cumberland, England, daughter of Henry Raikestray. She was born May 18, 1643 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died July 23, 1696.

Children of Thomas Grisdale and Dorothy Rakestreye are:

a) Anne Grisdale, born November 25, 1665 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England; Borranskell..
b) Thomas Grisdale, born September 22, 1667 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
c) Jane Grisdale, born December 16, 1669 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England. She married John Thompson June 21, 1688 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
d) Margaret Grisdale, born January 18, 1670/71 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England; died October 28, 1673 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
e) Solomon Grisdale, born March 18, 1673/74 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England. He married Mary Earl November 20, 1693 in Lamesley, Dur, England.
f) Dorothy Grisdale, born November 25, 1677 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England; died Abt. January 26, 1778 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
g) Jonathon Grisdale, born July 11, 1680.
h) Charles Grisdale, born March 11, 1681/82 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
i) Joseph Grisdale was born Bef. November 08, 1685 in Borrowscale, Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died December 11, 1750 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England. He married Jane Martin November 30, 1709 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England, daughter of George Martin and Agnes Shaw. She was born May 08, 1687 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died December 05, 1769 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England.

Children of Joseph Grisdale and Jane Martin are:

a) Ann Grisdale, born March 19, 1710/11 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;; died March 19, 1710/11 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;.
b) Benjamin Grisdale, born January 24, 1713/14 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;; died August 05, 1779 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;. He married Ann Brown January 20, 1737/38 in Greystoke, Cumb. Eng.; born 1717 in Watermillock, Cumberland, England.
c) John Grisdale, born Bef. February 25, 1715/16 in Crookwath, Matterdale, Cul, Eng; died May 02, 1791 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;.
d) Solomon Grisdale, born April 24, 1718 in Douthwaite, Matterdale, Cumb. Eng; died June 05, 1778.
e) Joseph Grisdale, born Bef. March 30, 1721 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;; died 1722.
f) Esther Grisdale, born March 03, 1721/22 in Matterdale, Cul, Eng;.
g) Joseph Grisdale was born May 15, 1729 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died January 16, 1806 in Greenhead, Watermillock, Cumb. Eng.. He married Ann Temple May 30, 1757 in Matterdale, Cumberland, England. She was born 1736 in Blencow,England., and died May 1811 in Greenhead, Cumberland, England.

Children of Joseph Grisdale and Ann Temple are:
a) John Grisdale, born June 09, 1758.
b) Jane Grisdale, born January 02, 1760.
c) Benjamin Grisdale, born 1764 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England; died July 28, 1848 in Whitehaven, Cunberland, England.
d) Timothy Grisdale, born November 26, 1769 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
e) Joseph Grisdale, born March 30, 1771 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England; died June 06, 1800 in Greenhead, Watermillock, CUL. Eng..
f) Thomas Grisdale, born March 18, 1772 in Townhead, Matterdale, Cumberland, England.
g) Robert Grisdale, born Bef. February 23, 1775 in Watermillock, Cumb. Eng.; died May 23, 1840 in Bolton Lan, England
h) GeorgeGrisdale was born October 25, 1761 in Dockray, Matterdale, Cumberland, England, and died March 1842 in Hudson, Canada East. St.James Church. He married Hanna Moreland December 26, 1784 in Brougham, Penrith, Cumberland, England, daughter of Thomas Moreland. She was born Bef. December 26, 1761 in Brougham, Cumberland, England., and died February 1833 in Hudson, Quebec, Canada

Children of George Grisdale and Hanna Moreland are:

a) Ann Grisdale, born Abt. 1785 in Brougham, Westmoreland, England; died May 13, 1864 in Hudson, Que..
b) JohnGrisdale was born August 24, 1788 in Brougham, Westmorland, England, and died August 03, 1866 in Cote St. Charles, Quebec, Canada. He married Elizabeth Halton December 03, 1809 in Watermillock, Cumberland, England, daughter of Timothy Halton and Ann Slee. She was born April 27, 1788 in Watermillock, Cumb.

Eng.

, and died June 04, 1865

Children of John Grisdale and Elizabeth Halton are:

a) Joseph Albert Grisdale, born May 1810 in Watermillock, Cumberland, England; died June 08, 1900 in Cote St Charles,Vaudreuil Co. Quebec.
b) Benjamin H Grisdale, born September 15, 1816 in Watermillock, Cumberland, England; died January 09, 1893 in New York, NY, USA.
c) Elizabeth Grisdale, born June 13, 1824 in Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada..
d) Hannah Grisdale, born June 25, 1827 in Vaudreuil, Lower Canada; died May 13, 1880 in Hudson, Vaudreuil, Quebec. She married James Ewart; born 1830.

e) John Grisdale was born 1813 in Watermillock, Cumberland, England.. He married Lydia Mary Jones November 02, 1842 in St. James Anglican Church, Hudson, Quebec, Canada. She was born 1826 in Quebec, Canada, and died December 18, John married Lydia Mary Jones 2 Nov 1842 St James Anglican Church, Hudson, Quebec.

Children of John Grisdale and Lydia Jones are:

a) Elizabeth Grisdale.
b) Nancy Grisdale, born September 04, 1844 in Vandreil, Quebec, Canada.
c) Rosanna Grisdale, born December 13, 1847 in Vandreuil, Quebec, Canada.
d) Edith Grisdale, born July 14, 1851 in Vandreuil, Quebec, Canada.
e) Alwin Grisdale, born 1855.
f) Alfred Grisdale was born April 03, 1846 in Cote St. Charles, Quebec, Canada, and died February 14, 1931 in Bruce Mills, Ontario, Canada. He married Louisa Gendron 1871, daughter of Pierre Gendron and Eugere Laramee. She was born June 02, 1847 in Canada, and died 1939 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada.

Children of Alfred Grisdale and Louisa Gendron are:

a) Mary Grisdale
b) Lisa Grisdale.
c) Margaret (Maggie) Grisdale.
d) Leon Grisdale, born June 25, 1866.
e) William Alfred Grisdale, born February 20, 1879 in Pinery Point, Port Severn, (Muskoka side) Ontario, Canada; died February 14, 1976 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
f) Albert Grisdale, born November 25, 1880 in Ontario, Canada.
g) John Grisdale, born September 24, 1883 in Ontario, Can.
h) Edith Grisdale, born August 01, 1885 in Ontario, Canada.
i) Lilly Grisdale, born December 31, 1887 in Ontario, Canada.
j) George Grisdale, born October 13, 1889 in Ontario, Canada; died October 1967 in Howell, Livingston.
k) Teresa Grisdale, born January 03, 1892 in Ontario, Canada.

l) James Grisdale was born January 27, 1872 in Port Severn, Ontario, Canada, and died May 26, 1958 in Penatanguishene, Ontario, Canada. He married Marie Oxane Lefaivre May 20, 1895 in St Ann's Church, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada. She was born March 08, 1879 in Penatanguishene, Ontario, Canada, and died August 10, 1952 in Penatanguishene, Ontario, Canada.

Children of James Grisdale and Marie Oxane Lefaivre are:

a) Peter Grisdale, born October 16, 1898.
b) Joseph Grisdale, born May 31, 1905 in Victoria Harbour, Ontario, Canada.; died November 28, 1990 in Penatanguishene, Ontario, Canada.
c) Katheleen Grisdale, born 1908.
d) Adeline Grisdale, born May 09, 1913.
e) Willard Grisdale, born 1916.
f) Beatrice Grisdale, born July 16, 1919.
g) Alfred James Grisdale was born April 02, 1896, and died January 26, 1964. He married Marie Margaret Marchildon September 25, 1917, daughter of Thomas Marchildon and Marie Vallee. She was born October 21, 1897, and died December 16, 1986.

Children of Alfred Grisdale and Marie Marchildon are:

a) Living Grisdale, born June 25, 1918. She married Unknown Dione.
b) Living Grisdale, born February 06, 1920. He married Alma Marie Longrie August 13, 1945 in North Bay, Ont. Can.; born December 08, 1924.
c) Living Grisdale, born January 08, 1922; died September 04, 1999.
d) Living Grisdale, born May 24, 1924; died October 07, 1999. She married Living Arnold.

e) Helen Agnes Grisdale, born 1926; died April 08, 1968. She married James Thompson.

f)  Living Grisdale, born March 22, 1928. She married Living Cascanette September 10, 1948; born May 21, 1910; died April 1970.
g)  Living Grisdale.
h)  Living Grisdale.
i) Living Grisdale.
j)  Living Grisdale.
k) Living Grisdale.

Guest Post - Researching your Northern Irish Roots

2011-01-29T14:24:00.000-05:00

Today we have a quest post from my friend Suzanne who lives in Northern Ireland. We started chatting a little over two years ago through RootsChat and found out we had a lot in common! Outside of Family History we are both avid readers and knitters.
She's helped me tremedously with my Irish Ancestors! Just before Christmas I asked Suzanne if she would be interested in writing up a guest post about Researching in Northern Ireland..

Without further ado...

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At the age of 29, a long term health condition forced me to “slow down” and take life at a much easier pace than I had previously done before. Family History was not an obvious hobby to take up at my age, as in the past I had quietly chuckled at those who were genealogy enthusiasts, secretly thinking it was a bit dull and boring and “only for old folks and Americans”. My mother had begged me for years to look into her tree, but I simply was too busy with a hectic social life and work and just wasn’t really interested.

Until one day, five years ago I was browsing the net. I came across a website containing birth death and marriage transcriptions for my county. I suddenly thought about my mum’s eternal request and her mother’s name popped into my head. Now, I thought, I bet there’s no way on earth she’ll be found here…… so I typed in the name and….. I got the shock of my life when her name appeared in the results. It was the only result, so I knew it was her. In a trice I had bought the record and I’ll never ever forget that thrill of excitement I felt when I read the information! That was me- hooked on the spot and still hooked five years later!

From there, things progressed quite quickly. As most genealogists are aware, a tree with Irish ancestors is not easy to research! Our precious records were mostly burned in a fire in Dublin in 1922- including most census information. The first complete surviving census was taken in 1901. 1911 also survives today in its entirety. Aside from that, the most valuable resources are Birth Death and Marriage records, The Griffiths Valuation, Street Directories, and Wills and of course parish records, where they exist.

Civil registration of Non-Catholic marriages began in 1845, whereas all births, deaths and marriages were required to be registered from 1864 onwards. Of course, it was several years before this law was properly observed by all. So, whilst it is a great place to starts looking for that elusive Irish ancestor, sadly not all such events were registered with the authorities. For example, the deaths of my great great great grandparents Arthur and Maria Magee do not appear to be registered, even though I am certain they died after 1864.

The most useful resource to anyone researching in Northern Ireland, is the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland. The website contains various resources such as The Ulster Covenant, which is a list of names of those who signed Carson’s petition against Home Rule in 1912. It also has a wealth of information contained in searchable Street Directories, as well as the newly launched digitised images of wills in the Wills Calendar section. Note that the actual PRONI building (which holds the microfiche copies of old Parish Registers) is currently closed as it has relocated to the prestigious and more accessible location of the new Titanic Quarter in Belfast.

The Griffiths Valuation was the first full scale valuation of property in Ireland, carried out by Richard Griffiths and published between 1847 and 1864. It is one of the most important pre-civil registration resources as it lists the names of every head of household. It can be found here: Griffith's Valuation

In the five years of researching my family tree on both my mother’s and father’s side, I feel like I have been on a journey round the world with them! On my mother’s side they originated from lowland Scotland, then to County Tyrone and then, in the 1860’s they came to Belfast to find work in the rapidly expanding city. The women mainly worked in the mills and factories whilst the men worked in foundries or laboured at the shipyards.

On my father’s side, his grandfather’s entire family immigrated to Australia, leaving him behind. That was one of the most exciting discoveries, tracing their family from deepest darkest County Fermanagh all the way to Yan Yean, Victoria, Australia! In both families there have been joys and tragedies, scandals and secrets. The most wonderful part of researching your family tree is that it will never be finished, and there is always another elusive ancestor out there just waiting to be found.

Thank you so much Suzanne!

Funeral Card Friday - Elizabeth Thompson Ramsay

2011-01-21T07:05:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth (Thompson) Ramsay
born 1 May 1865 in Connor, Antrim, Northern Ireland
daughter of Thomas Thompson and Nancy Agnes Andrew

Sister of: Ann, John, Thomas, Sarah Jane, James, James, Adam and Henry

Wife of John Ramsay

Wordless Wednesday - Candid Moments

2011-01-19T07:10:00.000-05:00

Top Row: L to R

Jim Thompson & Andy Thompson

Andy Jr & John Ramsay

Andy Thompson Sr & Isabella (Crerar) Thompson

Bottom Row: L to R

Andy Thompson Jr & Harry Ramsay

Andy Jr & Cousin

Wordless Wednesday - Carling School

2011-01-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

Gadgets - Wand Scanner

2011-01-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

I was very spoiled this Christmas. Mike got me the absolute coolest gift, well at least I think it is!

He got me the VuPoint Solutions - Magic Wand Scanner

Here is a picture that I scanned the other day, I thought it did a pretty good job!

This was scanned at 600dpi, and on the colour setting.

Tombstone Tuesday - Thompson

2011-01-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

Photos from Northern Ontario Gravemarker Site

Mystery Monday - Mislabelled Photos

2011-01-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

Mislabelled photos can sometimes be a real pain the butt. This one is no exception. You see that little "X" above the seated gentleman? Well written on the back it says "Andrew Thompson", but this gentleman is not Andrew.

This is Andrew:

Do you see any resemblance?

Sadly, no one in the family (at least so far) recognizes either of the two gentleman in the first photo.

One day maybe I'll figure out who they are.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

I've been rather lacks in my updates lately! Things just seemed to get away from me these past few weeks. Finishing up Christmas gifts, shopping, work...

Is everyone ready for Christmas??? I'm finished all my shopping, 90% of my gifts are wrapped, stockings are stuffed. All ready for Santa to arrive :)

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Next year, I'm going to be more vigilant in my updates!!

Tombstone Tuesday - John Henry Thompson

2010-12-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

Source

Also see an earlier post on John Henry Thompson

Advent Calendar - December 5th - Outdoor Decorations

2010-12-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

Did people in your neighborhood decorate with lights? Did some people really go “all out” when decorating? Any stories involving your ancestors and decorations?

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We didn't really decorate outside when I was a kid. We lived so far back in the bush (grew up on a farm) that there wasn't any point!
Some people on our road did put up lights and decorations.. they were quite pretty!

M & I do decorate outside. We put lights up around the building and some in the windows. We put up a nice wreath...

Sunday Supper - Chocolate Drops

2010-12-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

This is one of my Oma's receipes that my Mom gave me. These are one of my favorite cookies!

Enjoy!

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Ingredients:
2 c sugar

6 tbsp cocoa
1/2 c butter
1/2 c milk

1/2 tsp vanilla
3 c Instant oatmeal
1 c grated coconut

Directions:
- combine sugar and cocoa in saucepan

- add butter and milk, bring to a boil
- add vanilla
- remove from heat and blend in oatmeal and coconut
- drop by spoonfuls on wax paper and chill till firm

Advent Calendar - December 4th - Christmas Cards

2010-12-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

Did your family send cards? Did your family display the ones they received? Do you still send Christmas cards? Do you have any cards from your ancestors?

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Who doesn't love Christmas cards? As a kid, we always displayed the Christmas cards we received in our living room. I still do! We put them on display on the ledge between our kitchen and living room..

Mike and I haven't done Christmas cards the last few years, but I'm hoping to do them this year! Hopefully I can get them all done before it's too late!

I have a few old Christmas cards in a box of letters. I haven't explored the other two boxes completely yet, btu I'm sure there are a few more lurking around!

Ancestor Approved Award

2010-12-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you Leslie Ann from Ancestors in the News (Extra Extra! Read All About it!) gave me this lovely award!!

Here are the 'rules':
1. List ten things that you have learned about your ancestors that surprised, humbled or enlightened you.

2. Pass the award to ten other genealogy bloggers.

Alright, lets see what I can come up with..

1. How hard the women in my family have worked. Raising 8 to 15 children without hydro, running water.. helping their husbands clear the land and farm.

2. The losses the families endured. Losing children at such a young age.

3. How far from home some of my ancestors travelled and how early on they came to Canada. From England & France to Canada in the 1790's to the 1820's.

4. The illnesses that people lived through and died from. How misdiagnosis landed some in asylums..

5. How LARGE my family actually is.

6. How wars affect families and their lives.

7. From reading letters - how funny they could be.

8. How proud they were.

9. How stubborn they were (LOL)

10. How loved they were.

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10 fellow Genealogy bloggers:

1. The We Tree Genealogy Blog
2. Mascot Manor Genealogy
3. Genealogy Stories
4. The Thompson Family
5. Ginisology
6. Branching Out Through the Years
7. The Geneaholic
8. Ancestral Notes
9. Diary of Mad Genealogist
10. Kith and Kin Research

Saturday Surname - Jenkin's

2010-12-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

Not long after M and I started dating I began his family tree. It was an interesting project! His Dad's side of the family is all from Yorkshire, England. Both his Grandmother (who is 91) and Grandfather both grew up in the Halifax area, Yorkshire.

The Jenkin's family is from M's Grandfather's Mother's side of the family.

Here is what I've got so far!

James Jenkin (son of James Jenkin)
born in Cornwall, England
married Jennifer Carne in St. Austell, Cornwall, England on 28th of May 1816.

Their children were:
Elizabeth Carne Jenkin (born 1817)

John Carne Jenkin - born 1818, died 1885
          married Ann Reane on the 20th of September 1835 in Cornwall

               1- John Carne Jenkin - born 1836
                     married Elizabeth Ann Robins on 27th of August 1866 in Cornwall

                          (a) John Bride Rowe Carne Jenkin
                                   married Susannah Donnan in 1887 in Lancashire
                                            - Susannah Elizabeth Carne Jenkin (b. 1888 - d. 1895)
                                            - Florence Jane Carne Jenkin (b. 1893 - d. 1982) - M's G-Gran
                                            - Gertrude Carne Jenkin (b. 1894 - d. 1983)
                                            - John Carne Jenkin (b. 1895 - d. 1961)
                                            - Susannah Carne Jenkin (b. 1897 - d. ?)
                                            - Jervis Carne Jenkin (b. 1907 - d. 1984)

                          (b) William Charles Carne Jenkin

                          (c) Lily Carne Jenkin

               2- Jane Anne Rowe Carne Jenkin - born 1845
                         married Charles Arnold

               3- Thomas James Rowe Carne Jenkin - born 1847, died 1924
                         married Elizabeth Jane Cooke

               4- William Charles Rown Carne Jenkin - born 1859, died 1870

Friday Funeral Card - Harry Thompson

2010-12-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

John Henry Thompson (aka Harry Thompson)

Oldest son of Thomas Thompson and his wife Elisabeth McBrien.

He was born 30th of May 1890.

Harry married Viola Evangline Riddell in 1910.

They had 4 sons.

Wordless Wednesday - Unknown Children

2010-11-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

Tombstone Tuesday - Thompson

2010-11-23T07:37:00.000-05:00

Front of Monument

Side of Monument

"In Memory of Elizabeth beloved wife of Thomas Thompson died Feb 15th 1906, aged 33 years 7 months. Thomas Thompson died Jan 18th 1933, aged 74 years."

"Agnes died Aug 13 1892, aged 7 mos 4 ds. Andrew E died Aug 22 1897, aged 4 mos. Children of T. & E. Thompson."

Thomas Thompson was the brother of my Great Grandfather Andrew Thompson.

Elizabeth and Thomas had 5 children: John Henry (1890-1957), Agnes (1892-1892), Muriel Mena (1893-1930), Martha Mildred (1895-1962), and Andrew Ernest (1897-1897)

Thomas remarried after his death to Susan Louella Hill-Ross. She is also buried in this plot but is not listed on the stone. She died in 1947. They had one son Thomas Thompson. He and his wife Margaret Greenwood are buried in the plot next to his parents.

Military Monday - Henry Thompson

2010-11-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday Supper - Rouladen

2010-11-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite meals.. my Oma's Rouladen (Grandmother's) receipe that my Mom makes quite frequently (especially when all us kids are home!)

Enjoy!

Rouladen

6-Thinly sliced round steak
1 lb Bacon
1 Chopped onion
6-8 dill pickles, sliced
Mustard
Salt, pepper and garlic

Directions:
- pound round steaks until paper thin
- spread with prepared mustard
- lay sliced bacon on steak
- put sliced dill pickle vertically
- fill with finely chopped onions
- roll the steaks and secure with butcher cord
- heat pan, and add garlic
- fry rolled steaks until well done

Saturday Surname - Crerar

2010-11-20T10:11:00.000-05:00

1) James Crerar b. ? d. ?

(a) Janet Crerar

(b) James Crerar b. 1760 d. ?

married Isabella Sword Dec 1786 in Methven, Perthshire, Scotland

James Crerar b. 1789 d. 1858
married (1) Margaret Donaldson
- Janet Crerar
- James Crerar
- David Crerar
- George Crerar
- Andrew Crerar
- John Crerar
- Isabella Crerar
married (2) Janet McGregor
- William Crerar
- Mary Crerar
William Crerar
Andrew Crerar
Robert Crerar
Isabel Crerar b. 1800
David Crerar b. 1800 d. 1865
married Jane/Jean Young Sep 1834 in Methven, Perthshire, Scotland
- Mary Crerar b. 1837 d. 1867
    married Alexander Gibson Jul 1863 in Methven, Perthshire, Scotland
- James Crerar b. 1840 d. 1910
     married Isabella Carmichael Feb 1864 in Blackrock, Killarrow, Isle of Islay
         - David Crerar
         - Margaret Crerar
               married George Hamilton
         - Jane Crerar
         - James Crerar
         - William Marshall Crerar
         - Walter Crerar
         - Isabella Crerar
               married Andrew Thompson (my Great Grandfather)
         - Mary Ann Crerar
               married James John Darlington
         - Flora Crerar
         - Sarah Crerar
         - Bertha Crerar
         - Catherine Winifred Crerar

Wordless Wednesday - Unknown Soliders

2010-11-17T08:45:00.000-05:00

Genealogy Education & Certification

2010-11-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

I have been taking some courses through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. NIGS is associated with St Michael's College/U of T in Toronto.

I have completed 3 courses so far and I'm really enjoying them! I'm going to take a few more this coming winter while it's quiet at work. The courses I've complete so far are: Canadian Land Record Part 1, Canadian Vital Statistics Part 1, and Methodology Part 1.

I'm planning on taking Canadian Census Records Part 1 and Canadian Wills & Estate Records Part 1 starting in the next few weeks.

I'm curious what every ones background is....
What courses/certifications have you taken? Where did you take them? Did you enjoy them?
Are you a member of a genealogical society or professional association?

Tombstone Tuesday - James & Isabella Crerar

2010-11-16T07:19:00.000-05:00

~ From Northern Ontario Gravemarker Website

James & his wife Isabella (nee Carmichael) Crerar came to Canada in the 1870's somewhere between 1874 and 1876.
They were my Grandfather James Thompson's Grandparents on his Mother's side. Their daughter Isabella Crerar married Andrew Thompson.
I don't have many photos of them, but here is a link to one I posted when I first started blogging.
James was born in Methven, Perthshire, Scotland. Isabella was born on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. They met while James was a teacher in Blackrock where Isabella lived.
James & Isabella had 12 children; Isabella was the first born in Canada:
David (1865-1869), Margaret (1866-?), Jane (1868-1869), James (1870-1938), William Marshall (1872-1872), Walter (1874-1905), Isabella (1876-1954), Mary Ann (1878-1948), Flora (1880-1947), Sarah (1883-1979), Bertha (1885-1949) and Catherine Winnifred (1894-1966).

Military Monday - Guest Post with Matt Reay

2010-11-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

Not long ago I did an interview with Matt Reay, a fellow family history buff. We met quite a while ago now in a Genealogy chatroom. He's a very talented writer and is passionate about his family history.
He was nice enough to do a guest post today for Military Monday!

Enjoy!!
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Hello, all!

Firstly, I would like to say thank you to Aislynn for asking me to put up a guest post on this, the most interesting and homely of blogs on genealogy I have seen. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to such a thing, so cheers, Ais!

I have chosen to write about Remembrance as a theme for this post, on “Military Monday”. Also, it is rather timely I think, so the two merge rather well.

As nations all around the world come together in unity to remember those who gave their lives in field of battle, we remember how much of a crucial role military plays in our family trees, too. Almost without exception, especially for those living in the United Kingdom as I do, or France, Germany, Canada and the United States, at some point a story will be told or a discovery made involving a letter or a photograph concerning a relative who fought or joined the services perhaps as a career choice. Whether we see it as good or not, the military has been and remains an area of genealogy we expect to approach at some stage in researching.

Researching a military ancestor is personally one of the most rewarding and interesting parts of genealogy. I am a military boffin myself and I ‘m always wanting to find out more about the different battles and conditions of the wars that tore such a hole into my family. It’s not as long ago as one might think, if you consider that only three generations separate us now, from them, then. Service records and medals make the research worth all of the waiting and anticipation, regardless of how long it takes to manifest.

But at the same time, war is something you never hope to encounter in your own family. You expect it, but hope there will be damage limitation in the field of the unknown. There can be no more destructive event than war. What we see, particularly in the two World Wars, is an entire generation of young men bearing arms in the pursuit of the protection of freedom, with casualties that number more than the people we cross in the street in our entire lifetime. It’s important we remember not only there stories but their sacrifice. It takes great courage for anybody to lay down their life for their family and friends.

It is with this sentiment that I wrote the following poem, which I am giving to the subscribers of this blog as the centrepiece of my post. It concerns a group of friends who experience the horrors of war on a battlefield in Belgium in 1917.

Oor War Wi Mick

Wake up in the mornin’ at quarter past five
And ready yourself fae the day
Heavin’ and diggin’ the coal out the ground
With nought but a shilling for pay

Wi mammy and pappy and wee brother Jack
I grew up in Cambuslang town
In from a shift dressed as dark as the day
There’d be tatties and haggis all round

For life was a straight narrow road back then
And I had all my pals around too
In the Old Dog at night with Jack, Billy and Mick
We’d sit down and throw back the brew

Then a call from the foreign green fields of the war
Came swiftly and fell on our ears
A great fight fae freedom the generals proclaimed
A hero and back by the end of the year

I was given a hat and an old British rifle
They measured me up in the tent
In a day I was numbered a soldier fae battle
From mammy and mining I went.

Billy was drafted in second battalion
Whilst Mick, Jack and I went tae third
We left for the continent blank but uplifted
And never shared more than a word

As days went on by I went down in the trenches
Lived life as do rats in the ground
And saw many sons disappear in the mist
As the Highlanders ran up the mounds.

Then over my head came a thick bastard gas
And whistles blew endlessly well
Mick died in my arms as I reached for his gasmask
And the great fight for freedom yellowed to hell.

We buried Mick up on the mound the next day
When the fighting and land had been won
We prayed that his mammy would know in her mind
That his service te Scotland was done.

Oh and when we were told that the guns had gone silent
That this bloody campaign was nae more
We cried for our lives and the buddies we’d lost
Te the mud and the horrors o’ war.

Yet as the years pass we’re still drinking away
Remembering Mick as we do so
For the lives left behind and the family we’ve grown
Owe him more than then they ever will know

We must remember people like these. I think this is an appropriate place to end so I shall do so with these words.

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Thank you for reading.
Matt Reay

Sunday Supper - Mom's Root Stew

2010-11-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

My Mom makes this root stew all the time.. and now I do as well. She found it in an old cookbook and made some adjustments in quantities. My OH Mike loves it.. it's one of his favorites! Especially this time of year when it gets cold.

Stewing beef - browned and coated with flour
Couple of large potatoes - peeled, washed and diced
Large sweet potato - peeled, washed and diced
Large onion - peeled and diced
Medium size turnip - peeled, washed and diced (I use frozen if I can't find any at the grocery store)
Couple of large carrots - peeled, washed and diced
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/2 cup of ketchup

Simmer on the stove for a few hours until all veggies are soft and to your liking. I usually cook for about 2-3 hours.

This stew freezes well, I usually package up half of what I make in portion sizes and stick them in the freezer for quick meals later on.

Enjoy!

Saturday Surname - Thompson

2010-11-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

Thompson seems to be one of the most common surnames around these days. The family has grown and branched out around the world. You can go to almost any country and find a Thompson or a variation of it.

My Thompson family originates in Northern Ireland, Antrim Co to be exact. Mine emigrated in 1885 to Canada. My ancestor Thomas Thompson and his 9 children sailed over in various groups to settled in the Parry Sound district.

Since then the family has grown and spread through out our area and beyond. Unfortunately due to record availability I haven't been able to get past Thomas on that branch of the family tree. Based on his marriage records in 1852 his father was John Thompson.

Here is a link to a previous post with my Thompson line.

Funeral Card Friday - Elizabeth McBrien Thompson

2010-11-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth (nee McBrien) Thompson
Born in 1873, she married Thomas Thompson on 30th of July 1889 in Parry Sound, Ontario.
Thomas & Elizabeth had 5 children, 3 lived until adulthood.
John Henry, Agnes, Muriel Mena, Martha Mildred and Andrew Ernest.

Adam Thompson - Revisited

2010-11-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I got a parcel from the Ontario Archives regarding a request I had put in for Adam Thompson's records. It was so much more then I ever expected!

Adam Thompson arrived in Canada 25th of May 1885 with his widowed father and 4 siblings (not including Adam). Adam was the 6th of 9 children born to Thomas & Nancy/Agnes Thompson.
Not long after his arrival in Canada Adam's sister Elizabeth married. Within 2 months of that event Adam was transferred from the Barrie Gaol (Jail) to the Hamilton Asylum (aka Ontario Hospital). We aren't sure what happened to him that put him in the Barrie Gaol unfortunately. That will be my next project.
Here is a brief description of Adam on his admittance:
Aged 23 years. Native of Ireland. Occupation farm labourer. Single. Religion Presbyterian. Supposed cause of disorder not stated. Said to be harmless. Habits of life not stated. Degree of education fair. County of Simcoe warrant (resident of Co. Muskoka).

His date of admission was November 27th 1885.

He is listed as being harmless and quiet.

The interesting thing was the doctors notes that are attached to his transfer from the Barrie Gaol. As well the letters from his brother John Thompson to the doctor checking on his condition.

One of the doctors assessments:

His insanity does not always appear to of a demonstrative character. I base my opinion chiefly on his appearance and his statements to me regarding his head which he says he can generally tell by feeling it with his fingers whether it is right or not. Also on his history which is that of an insane man. Subject to fits of uncontrollable temper which lead him to acts or attempts acts of violence. He has been I understand subject to wakefulness at night when he will pace his chamber for hours together.

Adam escaped from the Hamilton Asylum in December of 1887. He was on his own for almost 2 years before he was re-admitted in Feb of 1889.

Some of the letters between the doctor and John during that time are interesting. After a year missing Adam was considered 'Eloped' from the Asylum.

One of the letters from John to Adam's doctor dated December 27th 1887:

Dear Sir,
I did not receive your telegraph you sent or else I would have attended to it. I received the letter you sent on the 23rd of December. I am sorry that I did not know in time that my brother Adam Thompson was going to be discharged or I would have met him. I would like very well to know where he is at present.
Yours Truly, John Thompson

Doctor's reply dated December 30th, 1887:

Dear Sir,
Regarding Adam Thompson
That he was not discharged in the ordinary way or we would have notified you to care for him. He ran away from us on November 5th and could not get trace of him as I telegraphed you of his escape. We have heard nothing of him since. As he was quite able to take care of himself I do not think he has come to any harm. It would well to enquire at the at the telegraph office why my message was not delivered to you.

Almost 90% of the entries after his re-admittance in 1889 are exactly the same. He is quiet, speaks very little. Keeps to himself. Health wise he is in perfect health. He does what he is asked and is a model patient.

Adam was at the Ontario Hospital/Hamilton Asylum until his death in 1928. He was buried at the Woodlands Cemetery in Burlington Ontario. No family was listed on his death certificate.

Everything I found answered some of my questions, but raised more! How long was he ill before the incident that put him in the Barrie Gaol and transfer to the Asylum? Was he ill when he lived in Ireland? What did he actually have?

I wonder if anyone other then John (his brother) knew he was there... I'd love to be able to find his stone and go and see it.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Old Letters

2010-11-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

Boxes of old letters on loan from my parents. These are letters to and from my Grandfather James C Thompson. I've read through a few of them, and they are full of information. One of these days I'm going to have to sit down and catalogue them.

Wordless Wednesday - Rememberance Day

2010-11-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

Henry Thompson & wife Isabella Melroy

Henry fought in WW1, he survived the war... sadly he killed himself in a hunting accident. He shot himself while climbing through a barbed wire fence.
Henry was my Grandfather's uncle. The youngest of 9 children.

Nicoletti Children

2010-10-08T09:10:00.000-04:00

Nicoletti Children

The children of Johann Nicoletti and Maria Peiser. Oldest Maria is in the middle, my Oma (Grandmother) Erna is standing to the right, their brother Johann (aka Bubi) is to the left.

Interview with Matthew Reay!

2010-10-07T07:38:00.000-04:00

Today we have something special.

An interview with fellow Genealogist Matthew Reay from Nothing But Bad Times and Death and Diaspora! He has written two blogs about his family history! I met Matt through RootsChat, in the chatroom (aka Chatterbox). He's helped me several times with research in the UK (where he lives) and has been an incredible help! I've met some great people through RC and Matt is one of them :) Hopefully over the next few weeks I'll be able to introduce you to a few more fellow researchers and their stories!

Here is our interview:

A - 1. How long have you been working on your FH? What got you started?

M - I have been doing Family History for almost five years now. I started in 2006 when, after studying the First World War in school, I brought the subject up at a family gathering. My maternal grandmother as a consequence, followed by her sister, reminded each other and then told me that they had an uncle who was killed in the conflict. I then went onto the internet and tried typing his name and regiment in a search engine, and it went from there. It turned out the war memorial his name appears on was transcribed and so I was able to find it relatively successfully, after a prompt from the Lanarkshire Family History Society. In hindsight this is where my journey began, even if at that time I only intended on exploring this one ancestor.

A - 2. What is the biggest find to date? ie. record, photo, etc?

M - Obviously, I have found out many things in the course of this hobby, but I think the biggest find by far came about in the summer of 2008, when I travelled up to Glasgow in search of my great-great grandmother, Mary Ann Owens. The attempt was to find out more information about her, anything at all. I honestly expected to be disappointed. She was working-class, an Irish refugee in all but name, so I knew passenger lists would not exist. Yet, when I arrived at the library, an archivist told me that I may find something in the Poor Relief papers. I searched and nothing appeared. Then, I started using her two married names, McDonald and Hughes, and up came a match for her and her first husband Francis McDonald. I found out so much detail about the family situation, that Francis had been struck down with TB, and how much he was earning etc. Then, I really did strike gold, out of pure instinct. I searched for Mary Ann’s mother, who I know was widowed just after leaving Ireland. Up came a match for her, and this was and is still the most detailed document I had discovered in the entire time I have pursued my ancestors. It gave the birthplace of all her children, including Mary Ann, to the exact parish, which previously none of my living relatives could agree on. My granny said she was born in County Armagh, and another said County Down. The record itself said she was born in Aghaloo, County Tyrone. I checked this in the parish records and there she was. I was so amazed that people so poor could be recorded in so much detail. This by far was the most revealing document, as it even detailed Mary Ann’s grandparents’ names.

A - 3. Any scandals pop up in your tree? Details?

M - There are plenty of scandals that I have discovered in the process of my journey into my family history. I have two in particular to list that are quite astonishing. The first is that of my great-great-great grandfather, Samuel Wertheim, who I found on the 1871 census as a convict in Gillingham Male Convicts Jail. Naturally, I set abut on what can only be described as a mission, in trying to find out why he was there. My imagination ran further and further into scandal. I thought that perhaps he was a murderer, or had been involved in some sort of major political event perhaps. I was to be disappointed. This was in Bristol, so I set about looking in the Bristol Mercury newspaper, where I found him as Virtine. He had, over the course of eleven years, endeavoured to rob and steal from tradesmen in the area which he live, the earliest offence being carried out when he was fourteen. His biggest crime was to rob a slaughterhouse with three other men, in October 1861. It took the police four years to catch him, and he was brought to trail in 1866 and sentenced to seven years.
The second scandal revolves around the sister of my great-great-great grandfather, Joseph Howell. Her name was Comfort Howell, and she had moved from Gloucestershire to Soho, after marrying a man named John Preedy. In a rather suspicious 1871 census entry, I found them living with five young women, who gave their occupations as hat-makers and dressmakers. Two of them gave no forename and instead gave their title as “Miss”. One girl was from Weymouth, another from Jersey, and two were German. Another I believe was from Bath. I was advised therefore to accept the possibility that these young women may have been prostitutes. When I found a court record of the couple in 1872, the crime they were accused of confirmed suspicions. It read “The keeping of a bawdy house”. Never in a million years does anybody set out in their family history journeys, expecting to find something like that. In all honesty, when I confirmed it, I grinned more than anything else in the way of emotion.

A - 4. What was the most interesting place you've been relating to your FH?

M - The most interesting place I have been with my family tree research is probably the National Archives in Kew, Surrey. Never before have I stepped inside such a vast and exciting host of the past. I was in awe when I first visited in February 2009, and I was kept occupied all day looking at military records and I even found some divorce documents which made shocking reading. I try and go once a year now, as something always turns up that I need to collect.

A - 5. Did your family travel? Emigrate to any interesting places?

M - My family has been built on migration, but largely within the United Kingdom, and some in what is now the Republic of Ireland. I do however, have one ancestor who was born in Poland, around the time of Napoleon, when he was conquering the continent. A few siblings of my direct ancestors have migrated beyond British shores, to places such as America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some to Portugal and Switzerland too. Mostly though, my family moved wherever they could find work, especially at the beginnings of the industrial revolutions. Migration to cities seems to have been very much part of my story.

Thank you Matt for taking the time to answer my questions!

Barbara Torbole & Franz Nicoletti

2010-10-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

Barbara Torbole and Franz Nicoletti

These are my Great Great Grandparents. Parents of Johann Nicoletti, father of my Oma Erna Nicoletti.
I unfortunately don't know much about these two. I love the photo of them.
I wish i knew more.

Jane (nee Young) Crerar

2010-10-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

Jane Crerar (nee Young)
was born in Methven Perthsire in about 1805.
She came to Canada with her son James Crerar and his wife Isabella Carmichael in the mid 1870's.
Pictured with her is her Granddaughter Winifred Crerar (born 1894, in Ontario Canada)
Jane died in 1896 in Carling Township, she is buried at the United Church Cemetery in Nobel, Ontario

Adam Thompson

2010-09-27T16:06:00.000-04:00

I have heard stories from various relatives that one of my Great Grandfather's brother went home to Ireland.
Unfortunately this wasn't the case.
Adam Thompson was born in 1862 to Nancy Agnes Andrew and Thomas Thompson.
He was the 6th of 9 children born to the family.
Thomas and some of his children came to Canada in May of 1885 from their home in Northern Ireland.

Adam was a bit of a mystery to me. He wasn't actually on my family tree until about a year ago when I stumbled on a passanger list with the family listed. From there I found a baptism, and a family bible with his name written in the front cover. He seemed to vanish after his arrival here in Ontario, his family was already settled in my home township of Carling on the 1891 Census. He was nowhere to be found.

This past weekend I started going through what I knew about Adam and what I didn't. With the 1901 and 1911 Ireland Census available online I did some digging in Ireland. None of the Adam's seemed to fit mine. I checked available marriage records and death records. I combed through UK incoming passanger lists until my eyes went cross eyed.

A fellow researcher suggested I try looking within Canada, just to make sure I hadn't missed anything. I'm glad she recommended it because in a matter of hours I found him!

First I found a death record, with Adam listed as being born in Carling Township, Parry Sound. Then I found the 1891, 1901 and 1911 Census records. Pieces were starting to fit together, and it was all starting to make sense.

Sometime between 1885 and 1891, Adam went to Ontario Hospital (also known as Hamilton Asylum) in Barton, Wentworth Township (East Flamborough). He was listed as a "Lodger" on the census, with an 'unsound mind'. 1901 and 1911 he is listed as an 'inmate' at the same facility. He was there until his death in 1928. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario.

More questions seem to come to mind.... Why was he there? Why so long? Did his family know where he was? Did anyone visit him? Did any of the family attend his funeral?

I'm hoping that his patient file from the asylum will answer those questions.

Some Websites I Use

2010-07-06T07:21:00.000-04:00

These are some of the websites that I use:

Ancestry
Rootschat - Forum and Chatroom
Family Search Pilot Site
Free BMD UK - BMD seach engine
Find My Past - UK Site
Scotlands People
Do you have a favorite site that you use?

Coin & Sash

2010-01-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

I've been doing some research into a coin and sash that belonged to my Grandfather.
He was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge here in our home town of Parry Sound. As well he was a member of the "Black Knights" in Eston, Sask., when he lived there in the 1930's.

I unfortunately haven't been able to find a whole lot of information regarding the sash or coin..
Here are some photos of the items and one of my Grandfather wearing his sash.

Could this be the same house?

2010-01-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

Thoughts??

Holiday Season

2009-12-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

I've been very lacks in my postings as of late. The holiday season is almost on us, and there is always so much to do to get ready!
Myself I've been making gifts and shopping like crazy! Preparing for the 3 family Christmas's we have coming up in 2 weeks.
We have Christmas Eve with my family at the family farm; dinner and gifts.
Christmas Day we have brunch with my hubby's Dad at our place. Followed by a quiet afternoon at home (I hope!) We are having a roast chicken, just the two of us!
Boxing day, we are making dinner and taking it to my hubby's Grandmother's. She just turned 90 this week! I am making Apple Butter Pork Loin, with roasted potatoes, and veggies. Oh and homemade dinner rolls!
The 27th, we have dinner with hubby's Mom and Step-Dad at their place.

Going to be a busy few days!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Remembering...

2009-11-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Today we remember all those who faught in WW1 and WW2. Most families have someone or several someones that either lost their lives in defense of their country or were lucky enough to return to those who loved them.

We have quite a few family members on both sides of my family that faught in the wars:

Heinz Nawroth
Alfred James Grisdale
John Francis Darlington
Henry Thompson
Thomas H. Thompson
Just to name a few..............

Our family is one of those lucky ones that had them come home.

Here come the Thompson's!

2009-10-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd post a little bit about my Thompson lineage.. Hoping someone out there might be able to fill in the blanks!

1. Thomas Thompson, son of John Thompson; born abt 1825 in Ireland
married 2 October 1852 in Ahoghill Parish, Antrim, Ireland to Nancy Agnes Andrew, daughter of James Andrew.

Ann Thompson - born ?, died 26 Nov 1932 in Parry Sound, ON

John James Thompson (son of Thomas Weston)
born 31 Mar 1892, died 2 Apr 1912

John Thompson - born 21 Aug 1856, Connor, Antrim, Ireland; died 16 Aug 1933, Parry Sound, ON
married Rebecca Wright, 27 Aug 1903

Maurice Wright Thompson - born 1900; died 1905
James Thompson - born 1904; died 1904
Thomas Henry Thompson - born 1904; died 1905
Sarah Margaret Thompson - born 6 Sep 1906; died 27 Apr 1987, Parry Sound, ON
married Thomas McNaught

Thomas Thompson - born 2 May 1858, Antrim, Ireland; died 18 Jan 1933, Parry Sound, ON
(1) married Elizabeth McBrien, 30 July 1889, (2) married Susan Louella Hill-Ross, 29 Aug 1910

John Henry Thompson - born 30 May 1890, Parry Sound; died 13 Mar 1957, Gravenhurst
married Viola E Riddell
Agnes Thompson - born 1892; died 1892
Muriel Mena Thompson - born 29 Oct 1893; died ?
married Robert Kennedy
Martha Mildred Thompson - born 16 Mar 1895; died 17 Apr 1961, Cape Breton, NS
married Wallace Embree
Andrew Ernest Thompson - born 1897; died 1897
Thomas Henry Thompson - 1 Nov 1910, Toronto; died 6 Oct 1985, Parry Sound, ON
married Margaret Greenwood

Sarah Jane Thompson - born 7 Oct 1860, Connor, Antrim, Ireland; died 7 July 1942, Parry Sound
James Thompson - born abt 1861, Ireland; died 10 Mar 1894, Parry Sound, ON
Adam Thompson - born 12 Aug 1862; died ?
Elizabeth Thompson - 1 May 1867, Ireland; died 13 Oct 1946
married John Ramsay, 15 Sep 1885

Agnes Ramsay
John Ramsay
married Florence Thompson
David John Ramsay
Peter Ramsay
Thomas Ramsay
James Ramsay
Rose Ramsay
Elizabeth Ramsay
William Ramsay
Margaret Ramsay
Henry Ramsay
Andrew Ramsay
Christina Ramsay
Robert Ramsay
Sarah Henrietta Ramsay
Emma Mildred Ramsay

Andrew Thompson - born abt 1868, Ireland; died 16 May 1948, Parry Sound, ON
married Isabella Crerar, 27 Nov 1897

Carson Thompson - born 4 Aug 1898; died 4 Oct 1973
married Chistina Sime
Florence Thompson - born 18 Nov 1899; died 20 Nov 1993
married John Ramsay
Andrew Thompson - born 24 May 1901; died 7 Jun 1991
married Carrie Richmond
James Crerar Thompson - born 1 Apr 1903, died 24 Apr 1998
married Helen Grisdale - (James & Helen are my Grandparents)
Elizabeth Thompson - born 4 Mar 1906; died 18 Aug 1951
married William Gordon Harrison
Thomas Thompson - born 6 Feb 1908, died 13 Jun 1941
Margaret May Thompson - born 24 Aug 1910; died ?
married Frank McGee
married William Gordon Harrison
Bertha Thompson - born 1 Sep 1912; died ?
married Cecil Harris
Agnes Thompson - born 4 Jan 1914; died ?
married Gordon Hammel
Edmond Marshall Thompson - born 18 Nov 1916; died ?
married Ferne Scott
Loyde Thompson - 16 Jan 1919; died 3 May 1928

Henry Thompson - born 21 May 1870, Galgorm, Antrim, Ireland; died 24 May 1922, Parry Sound
married Isabella Frances Melroy, 24 Dec 1910

John Francis Darlington

2009-10-20T17:35:00.000-04:00

John Francis Darlington

Born 21 of September in 1897. Son of James John (J.J.) Darlington and Mary Ann Crerar of Parry Sound.
He joined the Canadian Forces during WW1, he was wounded according to sources.
John is buried in Parry Sound, Ontario with his parents at Hillcrest Cemetery. He died in 1961.

A Family Mystery

2009-10-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

It seems every family has some sort of mystery that no one really knows anything about. My family seems to have them in abundance!!
I've got a Thomas Thompson with mystery parents, who was born in Toronto..
I have Isabella Carmichael, with both parents vanishing after her birth. She was raised by her grandparents.

That's just the ones I've looked into in the last few weeks.. more seem to crop up as the research continues.

Ida

2009-10-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

Ida (nee. Schroder) Nawroth

Born about 1901 in Grunau, Germany, she married in her 20's to Paul Nawroth. Mother of Heinz Erich Paul Nawroth, my grandfather. Very little is known about Ida.

Frustration...

2009-10-05T17:01:00.000-04:00

There are days when research causes nothing but frustration. Birth records are incomplete, names are spelled wrong, dates are wrong.. the list goes on and on.
Last week I finally got a microfilm in from the Archives of Ontario for the 1910 birth records. I have been on the hunt for a relative for a few months, but had very little information. Unfortunately the information I was hoping would appear on his birth record did not.

Sisters

2009-09-27T09:31:00.000-04:00

Miss Muriel Mena & Miss Martha Mildred

The daughters of Elizabeth McBrien & Thomas Thompson Jr., Muriel Mena and Martha Mildred were both born in Parry Sound, Ontario. They grew up in a lovely brick house on William Street, where Muriel met her husband Mr. Robert Kennedy. Muriel and Robert married in Parry Sound, and moved back to his native province of Nova Scotia. Mildred went to visit her sister and met Wallace Embree of Port Hawksbury, Nova Scotia.

Nawroths

2009-09-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

The Nawroth Family

In the gardens behind the main house is where my Opa remembers this picture being taken. He and his parents lived on a Von Ritchtofen estated in Schwartzau, Germany; now part of Poland. He spoke of his father being an estate manager, and growing up there.

Ida (Schroder) and Paul Nawroth are shown above with my Opa - Heinz Erich Paul, her sister Emma, and fiancee Franz Ullmann, and a couple of family friends.

Crerars

2009-09-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

The Crerar Family

James and his wife Isabella (nee Carmichael) came to Canada from Scotland in the late 1870's with their young children: Margaret, James and Walter. James mother Jean (nee Young) came with the family.

James & Isabella moved to the Parry Sound Area, where they settled in Carling Township. The had Isabella, Mary Anne, Flora, Sarah, Bertha, and Winifred.

Sadly before coming to Canada the couple lost several children as infants; David, Jane and William.

Note: Photo was touched up by the talented people on the rootschat website www.rootschat.com

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,298.0.html
Thank you again!

Start of a beautiful friendship...

2009-09-22T14:47:00.000-04:00

I've been working on my family tree now for going on 15 years, yup I said 15 years. Being only 28, that seems like quite a long time to be working on a single project. I have to say I do get quite a few comments about how young I am to be working on my family history.

This has been a project of love since the teacher proposed the project in grade 7 all those years ago. I have stacks of binders; much to my OH's (other half's) irritation and I'm sure it'll only get better or worse (depending on who you ask) as the years go on.

Over the next few weeks, months and hopefully years I will post about my finds, frustrations, irritations and breakthroughs. Hopefully some of those dreaded brickwalls will come crumbling down and the tree expand even more.

Happy hunting.