On why you should read carefully and often

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by Bob McAllister   There are a few fundamental rules for handling a document that may contain evidence of the lives of our ancestors.   Always seek out the original record, (you cannot rely on indexes or transcripts). Read every word carefully, (especially the ones that don’t seem relevant). Question everything, (and seek explanations for all inconsistencies). Check that you have seen the complete document,  (look for another page). I know the rules well. I explain them to others. I … Continue reading

The Who’s Who of my family tree

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The first Who’s Who was published in London (1849) as a handbook of titled classes, listing only names without biographical sketches. In 1899, the format changed to include a short biography and various versions of Who’s Who are now published around the world. Each version has a slightly different format but usually provides details about prominent living people with deceased notables listed in Who Was Who. Every family has notables – some have convicts while others have royalty – some are lucky … Continue reading

A Life Well Lived

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My mother wanted to die at home.  As a family we were able to fulfill this final wish. Before she died there were many opportunities to talk to her about her life. In her own words she described her journey as “a life well lived.” Her eulogy which I wrote and delivered (and Mum censored before her death) highlighted what Mum saw as the important aspects of this well lived life. Provided below are several excerpts from her eulogy which … Continue reading

THE THINGS YOU LEARN AT G.S.Q.

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LOOKING FOR THE “J” IN JAMES J. PICKUP? My research into the birth of James led me to the New South Wales Births Deaths and Marriages Family History Research page i.e. https://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Pages/family-history-research/family-history-search.aspx Just hit the “start searching” button. Select what your looking for a birth, a death or a marriage. In this instance a “birth”. Type in what you do know and a ballpark date. I searched for : Name Fields>>James J. Pickup :  Father>> John :    Mother>> Mary :   Date … Continue reading

A colourful and sad cousin

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Colourful, what does that mean? Does it say they wore bright clothes? Or, does it mean they were ‘colourful characters’? Sorting through my family file for the colourful characters and after sorting through and considering this one and that one I have decided on a 1st cousin twice removed – Joseph Emanuel Antoney AKA ‘Manny the Murderer’. Manny was born in Walkerston near Mackay, Queensland on the 2nd April 1900 to Manuel Silva (Emanuel) Antoney and his wife Annie Marie … Continue reading