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My Webster ancestors: Part two

GSQ Blog Posted on March 11, 2019 by

This story is a continuation of my blog of 28 January 2019 The Websters in ‘Oz – Sibling James Webster Travelling to New South Wales from their home in Fife was David & Euphemia Webster’s eldest son James, born in 1829. Shortly after he married Elisabeth Redpath in January 1853, the couple emigrated to Sydney onboard the ‘Empire’ arriving on 27 July 1853.[1] [2] Elisabeth had been given a tiny bible prior to her marriage, which was embossed ‘ER’ on … Continue reading

My Webster ancestors: Part one

GSQ Blog Posted on January 28, 2019 by

Tales of a Pagan Den, stone carvings and an ancient Druid’s Well were told to me when I first visited the area that our Webster family from Fife, Scotland came from. My husband and I were staying in nearby Crail township and while chatting to the host, I told him about my purpose in visiting Dunino, the birthplace of my Webster ancestors. He relayed the local folklore, and as my visit was in 2008, it was many years prior to … Continue reading

Henry Powell – ‘He sprang overboard’

GSQ Blog Posted on September 3, 2018 by

Regular readers may recall my GSQ blog story William Powell – a man with vision, the founder of Powell Valves which was published in June this year.  This issue I’d like to share the tale of the eldest surviving son of William and his wife Elizabeth Carr.  Henry was born on 17 November 1821 in London and was a first cousin of my great-great grandmother, Harriet Powell.[1] Both Henry and his brother James joined their father in the business that … Continue reading

William Powell – a man with vision

GSQ Blog Posted on June 4, 2018 by

This wonderful portrait is of William Powell, the father of the USA branch of the Powell family from Loughborough, Ghent and Tiverton. Imagine my surprise when one of my extended family sent me a link to a website containing this photograph of their ancestor.  William was the brother of my 3rd great grandfather James Powell, and therefore my 4th great uncle. I had been researching my Powell family for many years, primarily because it was one of those family lines … Continue reading

Photographs of Sarah

GSQ Blog Posted on March 19, 2018 by

Sarah’s photograph sits on my bedside table, and every day when I look at it, I think of what this picture of my much loved grandmother portrays.  What I see is that Sarah Sommer was a no nonsense lady, stylish at all times, determined and capable. This description fits Sarah to a ‘T’. Born into another era, Sarah made her entry into the life of Christian and Anna Louise Sommer (maiden surname Stephan) on 22 September 1887 with her birth … Continue reading