Tag: research

Family History: Favorite Photos

August 28th, 2023

As mentioned before in previous posts, I’ve always had an interest in my family history. Thankfully, my late grandmother saved hundreds of photographs and records that I can now look at, appreciate, research, and one day pass on to the next generation.

Seeing photographs of my ancestors, many of which I never got to meet, gives me a glimpse into their lives. From what they wore to where they lived, these photos transport me to a different time when I observe them.

My great-great grandparents (sitting), my great-grandparents, and my maternal grandmother circa 1942.

My great-great-grandfather L.R. and his son-in-law T.G. (my great-grandfather), standing outside their appliance shop circa 1940s.

My great-grandparents sharing a sweet moment, Easter 1962

I’m fortunate enough to have these photos (and many more) to admire. A photograph is only a glimpse into one’s life, but the memories they hold I believe can last forever.

Four generations circa 1923: my 4th great grandmother Mary, 3rd great grandmother Olive, 2nd great grandmother Eula, and great-grandmother Frances.

L.R. & Eula, still clearly in love after decades of marriage, circa 1940s.

I love sharing my family history as it is my most fascinating hobby. I will definitely share more if you would like to see! Thank you for viewing and reading.

– A.B.
Family History: Sir Henry Hastings

August 6th, 2023

Unexpectedly on my family history research today, I came across someone who was pretty significant in European history. My 14th-great-grandfather, Henry Hastings, was the 3rd Earl of Huntingdon and a nobleman. He was born around 1535 and died in 1595. He was also distantly related on his mother’s side to King Edward IV.

Henry Hastings, 1500s

He was involved in issues surrounding Mary I of England and Mary Queen of Scots, and was even educated with Edward VI. Up until his death, he also served as President of the Council of the North, which was an administrative body set up by King Richard III of England.

Sir Henry was said to be greatly influenced by Protestantism when attending college at Queens in Cambridge. He was briefly incarcerated at the Tower of London due to his support of Northumberland rather than Mary Tudor. He was later released after making amends and swearing an oath of loyalty to her.

I also found it interesting that he was said to be a patron of stage drama, and was an important aristocrat involved in the performing arts.

I hope to travel to England one day to visit his grave and explore the sights that he once visited nearly 500 years ago.

– A.B.
Family History: Col. James Wood

July 17th, 2023

I’ve found another fascinating part of my family tree recently that has me itching to take a road trip!

My 9th-great-grandfather, Colonel James wood, founded the town of Winchester, Virginia in the mid 1700s. He was born in Winchester, England, which is why he decided to name the town what he did.

He was a lieutenant in the English navy before becoming a colonel for the Frederick County militia, and even studied at Oxford University. He came to Virginia on a military trip, then bought land there and settled into life away from England.

One of the most fascinating parts of his story to me is that it is said he was friends with none other than George Washington himself! The two served alongside each other against the French in 1754.

Colonel Wood was also the first clerk of Frederick county court, and was said to have a large amount of political influence.

His son, James Jr., also went on to participate in political and government-related positions in Frederick county, and fought as a colonel in the revolutionary war.

I hope to uncover even more about this part of my family history, and I would love to take a trip to Virginia soon to do even further research.

One of my favorite parts of learning history are things like this; finding the most interesting and unexpected facts and information which lead me down rabbit holes to cure my curiosity.

Reference: https://www.handleyregional.org/services/departments/archives/manuscripts/w/173-WFCHS

– A.B.
Family History: MacGregor/Children of the Mist

May 21st, 2023

Another interesting thing I found on Ancestry was my genealogical connection to the MacGregor clan of Scotland. Although their history is not pretty, it is still fascinating to learn about.

Lord Patrick MacGregor, my 11th-great-grandfather (b. circa 1589, d. circa 1648)

The MacGregors have a long and wild history; much of which I am still in the process of researching. What I do know, however, is their history of outlaws known as “The Children of the Mist” (Ominous, right?).

One of the most startling facts of predecessors of mine is their involvement in murdering a party of 140 innocent schoolboys who were observing the fight. After this incident, King James VI outlawed the MacGregors and even abolished their name. After that point, even having that surname meant death in Scotland.

The research I have done so far has me hungry to learn more and I plan to continuing sharing as I gather more information, along with other interesting ancestry-related stories. Thanks for reading!

– A.B.
Family History: Cpt. Daniel Little

May 18th, 2023

Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by genealogy and family history. I’ve used the site Ancestry for years to build my family tree and learn more about my familial history. I believe each generation in a family has a person that takes on the role of family historian; I took over for my late grandmother. I have many stories and findings I plan to share, and here is my most recent.

Taken May 2023; I left flowers for him.

I was stunned to discover via online records, that one of my distant ancestors lived and is buried very close to where I currently live!

Captain Johann Daniel Little (my maternal 9th-great-grandfather) was one of the earliest settlers in Rowan county, NC. He was a German immigrant who migrated to Maryland, and eventually made his way down to Salisbury, NC. Unlike many German settlers, he was fluent in both German and English, which allowed him to enter the role of Constable for Rowan county in 1756. He also served in the militia during the French and Indian war. And he was the first person buried in the Old English Cemetery, as mentioned on the additional stone.

I just find this absolutely fascinating, so I wanted to share. Who knew I’d end up living in the same town that my own ancestor did nearly 300 years later?

I’m glad I was able to visit and leave flowers. I take my job as the family historian very seriously, as it is up to us to keep the history and memory of those who came before us alive.

I look forward to sharing more family history as I continue on writing.

– A.B.