Category Archives: family histories

Metaphors We Live By: Phrases That Capture the Genealogical Journey.

GSQ Blog Posted on by

Family history isn’t just about names carefully plotted on a chart—it’s a lived experience, rich with mystery, challenge, and moments of delight. It’s the thrill of uncovering a long-forgotten story, the frustration of chasing a record that seems to vanish into thin air, the quiet satisfaction of piecing a life together from scattered fragments. Along the way, family historians—whether seasoned researchers or curious beginners—adopt a unique language. We find ourselves speaking in phrases steeped in metaphor and meaning, a kind … Continue reading

More about Mary

GSQ Blog Posted on by

Last month I wrote about Thomas Neville, the second child born to James and Elizabeth and baptised at St Lawrence, Reading in Berkshire. This was also the church where his elder sister Mary Neville was baptised on 24 October 1783, Mary is my 3rd Great Grandmother, and this story follows her life.[1]   When about five years old her family moved to Henley-on-Thames and it appears likely Mary would have gone out to work in her early teens to help … Continue reading

Letters from Thomas: A Battle of Waterloo survivor.

GSQ Blog Posted on by

The emotional letter, written by a soldier in hospital following the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, was ragged and well-worn from being passed down through generations. I have extracted the essential messages and adapted them to today’s spelling and writing style. ‘For Mrs Jacobs Near the Half Acre Old Brentford, 
England’ Written from Brussels on 5 Aug 1815 to his sister Amy, who had married William Jacobs in 1813, her eldest brother Thomas began by thanking her for … Continue reading

The Demise of a Gold Prospector.

GSQ Blog Posted on by

Do you have any family history links to ghost towns or lonely graves? Whenever I encounter a ghost town or a lone grave, my imagination kicks into over-drive. What are the stories behind these ghost towns? At some time in the past, these towns were bustling communities with shops, hotels, and people going about their daily lives perhaps stopping to have a yarn with one of their many local acquaintances. What about lone graves? If you ever travelled on the … Continue reading

What’s in a name?

GSQ Blog Posted on by

Family history clues. Most family historians with Scottish heritage quickly become aware of traditional naming blueprints.  The one applied in most districts in both English and Gaelic linguistic traditions throughout the country, suggests that the eldest legitimate son be named for the father’s father, the second for the mother’s male parent and the third for the father, making allowances for possible duplications.  The same scheme is used for female children with the first named for the mother’s mother, the second … Continue reading