Theme: A Quiet Life. My GGGF Dr. Thomas Lyle 1791-1859 may have sought a quiet life, but did not entirely succeed in this ambition. Although described in the 1851 Census as “a Surgeon in general practice”, it appears certain from the numerous books and collections he left behind that he was far more interested in… Read more

Topic: Unexpected. I wrote some years ago: “I have learned …. Following new leads in the quest for further facts may sometimes lead down new and intriguing pathways, not always to the expected destinations. And on the way, it’s not wise to push seemingly irrelevant information to the wayside. One day, suddenly, it may all… Read more

Topic: A Brick Wall Revisited Isabella Johnston, my 1C2R, a descendant of my GGF’s elder brother, was born about 1847 in Glasgow. Her father Charles Johnston (1817- d.before 1857) married Isabella McFarlane (b. abt 1819 – d. bef 1857) on 20 Nov 1837 in Glasgow. They had six children including Isabella. I could not find… Read more

Topic: A Family Pattern My Scottish Johnstons were not a very imaginative lot. Within five generations there are eight Charles, eight Georges, 12 Marys (five with the same middle name, originally a Generation 3 surname) five Alexanders and four Margarets, Peters and Roberts. Almost all born in Lanarkshire, particularly Glasgow. The earliest known who can… Read more

Theme: an Address with a story. A formal address can include the name of a house or building as well as the street and town/city, etc. I have chosen to focus on a house name. The first time I encountered the name “Redmarley” was on a huge ornate nameplate near the front door of my… Read more

Theme: Conflicting Clues. After over 20 years of occasional searching, my GGGUncle Reuben Hunt remains undiscovered. Born on February 6, 1824 to Thomas Hunt and Ann (Nancy) Welding, he was baptised on October 25 in St. Lawrence, Reading. He is in the 1841 Census (name misspelled) with his parents and siblings. His father is described… Read more