January 17 is A Special Day!

It's a bit of an anniversary day for me today:
- birthday of my maternal grandmother - Charlotte Sophie Margaret Anderson (nee Drover), known as Queenie, born 17 Jan 1902 - died 7 Sep 1986 (the first photo);
- birthday of my paternal grandmother (who I never knew) - Doris Hamilton Bray, born 17 Jan 1916 - died 8 Apr 1969 (the second photo with her second husband); and
- the anniversary of when came to live in Rockhampton in 1996.

Charlotte Sophie Margaret ANDERSON (nee DROVER) - "Queenie"

Doris Hamilton OLSON (nee BRAY)

Nickname

Nicknames are interesting, and in my family history software Family Historian there is a place to record it. I choose not to use this field for recording what we would ordinarily think of as a nickname, but the name that a person is known by, so, I am Christine, but go by Chris, and that is what I record in the Nickname field, even though there 'is' a field for Given Name Used (perhaps one day I'll change it).

In some cases, such as for my German ancestors, they were given a Baptismal first name, (so all the sons in the family 'may' be known as Joseph), but they went by their middle name, and that is also what I record as a nickname.

Some, like mine are understandable: Alf for Alfred, Alan for William Alan, Jack for John, Jim for James, Harry for Henry, Peggy for Margaret, Bob for Robert, Ted for Edward, Tom for Thomas, Tony for Anthony, and Will or Bill for William.

Others are unfathomable: Aileen for Martha Henrietta, Angarrak for John, Angus for Robert, Belita for Elizabeth Anne, Biddy for Rosemary, Bro for George Ambrose, Buck for William, Bud for George Albert, Bunny for Alfred Baird, Cherry seemed to be used for Margaret Agnes, Alice May and Charity, Cobber is a very Australian sounding one used for Allen Robert, the Curlew Kid, Curly for Kenneth, Daisy for Sarah, Dolly for Dorothy is understandable, but also for Mary Evelena, Margaret, Olive Grace and Doris,  Erik for James, Foye for Hettie, Lovey for Florence Emma, Milly for Ida Mary and Malvina, Mousie for Blanch Virginia, Pee for Patience, Polly for Mary Ann, Mary Helen, Pauline Rosemary, & Frances Amy, Pudge for Charles Arthur, Tex for Harry, Tinnie for Lucinda (use for all the Lucinda's in a particular banch), Vera for Shirley Mae, and Wizzard for William Albert.

My own son has been known as Sox by his mates, but everyone else calls him Marc. I guess the best thing is to record what I know (with sources), and leave it up to the reader to make their own decisions on the name.

Favourite Photo

One of my favourite photos is one that I have written about before My Favourite Family Photo, not only because I believe it is one of the oldest photos I own, but because it is an Ambrotype.

Honestly, it's very hard to choose a favourite among the 1000's of photos I have. Some are prints, some slides and many digital. One of my goals is to ensure that all my printed photos are digitised for preservation purposes. 

In fact, any family photo is a favourite. 

This is a list of ancestors for whom I have no photo, and would love to come across one:

• Alexander Dunn SMITH (1823-1877)
• Helen SMITH (nee TURNER) (1816-1903)
• Philip WEINHEIMER (1827-1895)
• Clara WEINHEIMER (nee WEIBLER) (1840-1879)
• Thomas BRAY (1845-1915)
• Susan BRAY (nee HAMPTON) (c1845-1926)
• Sidney ANDERSON (1813-1877)
• Jane ANDERSON (nee ADAMS) (1813-1871)
• Elizabeth ANDERSON (nee PARKER) (1841-1880)
• John HIBELL (c1826-1915)
• Ann HIBELL (nee LLOYD) (c1829-1896)
• James DROVER (1829-1887)
• Catherine DROVER (nee RODGER) (1819-1883)

So, my current favourite photo is one of the most recent of my grandchildren, who are holidaying in Australia.

The FAN Club finds Richard PARKER

I know that we hear that you really need to research all the Friends, Associates and Neighbours (FANs)* of a person, especially if they are your brick wall.

I have one Richard PARKER, whose death eluded me. He was a tailor, but became a Wesleyan Preacher. I had only recently ‘finally’ found the death of his second wife (and my ancestor), Bridget (nee RICHARDS), but PARKER is a very common name in Herefordshire, and it really was annoying that I couldn’t pin down his death. When I found Bridget’s death in 1887, it said she was a widow.

So, using “Family Historian” (my software) hints, and the fact that FindMyPast had free access for the Remembrance Day weekend, I started working through the family. I started with Richard and Bridget. All their hints were those which I had found the details before, so I ticked ‘confirmed’. I then moved on to their children, Elizabeth (my ancestor), George and Jane. Once again, nothing new of note. Next I moved back in time to the 2 daughters of Richard’s first marriage, to Susan WORMINGTON. The first daughter, Mary Ann, had married James MILNE in New York. The MyHeritage hint for them gave me a copy of their Marriage Certificate (1), which I had not had before.

Hold on a minute…they were married by ‘her’ father, Richard! He was in New York in 1869! Wow! I was pretty sure he had died before 1871 as I couldn’t find him in the 1871 census. What if he had died in the United States? So, I did a search in MyHeritage, and BINGO I found his obituary(2) in OldNews.com. He died 29 March in 1877 in New York. He had performed a marriage ceremony only the day before, but was intending shortly to return to England to his family.

Port Chester Journal

Mar 29 1877 • Port Chester, Westchester, New York, United States

Rye.

CHRIST CHURCH

The sudden death of Rev Richard Parker cast a gloom over this community where he is so well known. At the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and at Union Chapel, it was feelingly alluded to. At the close of the chapel service, Mr Mathews gave an impressive account of his last illness and a tribute to his faithfulness and zeal in the Master's work. Mr Parker conducted the opening services in Union Chapel under its present management and his abors were very successful.

Harrison.

DEATH OF REV. RICHARD PARKER.

This gentleman, who was pretty well known to the towns of Harrison and Rye, died at his residence in New York on Thursday morning Iast in his 71st year. Mr Parker was a native of England, and expected to return to the home of his youth to spend the remainder of his days in a couple of weeks, but "man proposes and God disposes."

The deceased was emphatically a man of work, and thousands of sick and dying beds have been brightened by his presence often in the depth of winter and at the midnight hour. These were simply Iabors of love and mercy for which the reward was alone in his own breast. His ministerial life in New York was chiefly with the City Missions, though he has occupied some of the best pulpits in that city, preaching three times on the Sabbath when the stated pastors were off enjoying the balmy breezes of the country or the cool, refreshing air of the seaside. It was Mr. Parker's wish and delight to be ever in the Master's service, and he emphatically knew no rest till he heard the voice- "It Is enough come up higher." He died with harness on. His first sermons in Harrison were preached in the Memorial Chapel. " He also preached In White Plains, Mamaroneck and Rye, his more recent labors being in the " Union Chapel " of Rye. He was, indeed, announce to preach there on Sunday evening last, but he came not - the winding sheet of death held him fast! On the morning of Sunday, 18th, Mr. Parker started from his city home for church, but returned feeling unwell. On Wednesday he united a couple in matrimony as he lay upon his sick bed, and on Thursday he died, calm and peaceful, without uttering a single word. But he was not unprepared!

The funeral services were held from the Seventh Avenue M. E. Church on Monday afternoon, several ministers taking part in the same. The body is to remain unburied, awaiting the arrival of his son, who left England on Saturday for New York. Mr. Parker leaves a widow, a most estimable lady of perhaps 70; also two daughters and the son alluded to above. In the language of the bereaved widow, Mr. Parker was worn out. There was nothing for disease to feed upon, his labors were o'er and he has gone to his reward.

MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Another brother alluded appropriately to the unexpected death of Rev Dr Parker and his life - long service in the cause of Christ.

Here are the details from Bridget PARKER's Death Registration(3):

8 May 1887 at 2 Sackville Cottages, Hay

Bridget Parker, female, 83 years, widow of Richard Parker Wesleyan Minister

Cause of death - Cerebral Haemorrhage, coma, certified by Robt J Shepperd LRCS

Informant - George Parker, son, 10 Clifton Street, Wolverhampton

(1) New York City Marriages, 1866-1949, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-20807-1673655/james-milne-and-mary-anne-parker-born-rorker-in-new-york-city-marriages, James Milne to Mary Anne Parker, Nov 2 1869, Manhattan, New York, United States, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-20807-1673655/james-milne-and-mary-anne-parker-born-rorker-in-new-york-city-marriages, viewed 8 Nov 2024

(2) My Heritage, United States Obituary Index from OldNews.com™,  Port Chester Journal, Port Chester Journal, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-12003-50208506/richard-parker-in-united-states-obituary-index-from-oldnewscom, viewed 8 Nov 2024

(3) England & Wales General Register Office, GRO Online Index - Death (https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content : accessed 8 November 2024) database entry for Parker, Bridget. Age: 83, GRO Reference: Q2 1887 in Hay, Volume 11B, Page 99.

* Credit to Elizabeth Shown Mills for this methodology, as explained very nicely by Lisa Louise Cooke The Genealogy FAN Club Principle Overcomes Genealogy Brick Walls | Genealogy Gems

Blogiversary!

Today is 11 years since I created my first post on this blog Queenie talks about her family which was the transcript of an interview with my maternal Grandmother from about 1986.

I have not been very prolific over that time, but I have plenty of draft posts just waiting for the final lick and polish to be ready to be posted.

Bing Image Creator

A "Grave" Mystery - SOLVED!!!

It has taken 10 years to solve the mystery surrounding the inscription on the headstone of Alexander Dun(n) Smith, buried in Toowoomba & Drayton Cemetery. HERE is the link to the original post about this mystery. 

This is the original photo we had to work with and, as you can see, it is a low quality photo, and zooming in did not provide any discernable details.

Last week I was able to personally visit Toowoomba cemetery, and viewed the graves of Alexander Coutts, and Alexander Dun Smith. Here is the new photo.

There is no longer any mystery about the origins of Alexander Dun Smith, as I was able to see that his headstone, although severely weathered, says "Native of Wigton", (as is known from all records). 

Close-up of relevant section of the headstone

Enhanced digitally on the word

Tracing over the lettering (digitally) to clarify what I'm seeing

The inscription below is now nearly illegible, so while we may never know what that said, (I suspect a religious text), we can now discard any notion that the family was from Angus, and concentrate all our efforts in research on Wigtownshire. 

I will also note that in the week since I saw it, the stone has been cleaned. I was hesitant about this, (fearing damage to the delicate sandstone) but, in fact, it has brought it up beautifully, and the main inscription is now very clear.

You can see this on FindAGrave Alexander D Smith (1823-1877) - Find a Grave Memorial

Family Food Memories

There are some foods from my childhood that I suspect came down through Dad's side of the family, and were from more of a German influence from Clara, (his adoptive mother, but actual grandmother). 



One that we had quite regularly, and is Potato Cakes. These are made from grated potato, mixed with some flour and eggs, and then fried in oil. I have my own version which adds sesame seeds to one side and some grated cheese to the final side. These are very tasty with chutney. These are traditionally called Latkes (or Kartoffelnpuffer), (and seem to be of Jewish origin), but we never called them that.
(Photo by Jonathunder - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5629332)


On Sundays when we had Roast, we would always make 'baked bread'. You take slices of bread (they can be stale) then put them on a flat tray and dry them out in the oven. I have since found out that this is called Zweiback (German, meaning twice baked).

(Photo by No machine-readable author provided. Rainer Zenz assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=658529)


Mum would often make Corned Beef with cabbage and White Onion Sauce. I liked the meat but was never a fan of the 'boiled to death' cabbage and Onion Sauce. In the following days, Dad would slice the left-over corned meat and dip it in batter and fry it. Dad called this "Burdekin Fish" which I think was a salute to the huge beef industry around the Burdekin River. For dessert Mum would also make banana and pineapple fritters, which were battered, fried and then sprinkled with sugar.

A special treat for breakfast was always one that Dad prepared. He would get a tank loaf of bread, cut the crusts off, cut it into cubes, then drench with hot milk which had sugar dissolved in it. The taste of this was so heavenly to me, and years later I tried to reproduce it, but my versions were always a sad disappointment as they never tasted like those that Dad made.

Some of my childhood foods came from Mum's Scottish side of the family. One of these, which she called Posset (although the definition of Posset seems different), seems quite peculiar if you think about it. Mum would place an Arnott's Arrowroot biscuit in a bowl, cover it with warm sweet milk, put a saucer over the top and leave it for a while until the biscuit was swollen with the milk. If the milk didn't have sugar on it, then sugar was sprinkled over before eating.

Grandma Anderson was a big proponent of Porridge made from oats, and I think she made it every morning. She had a traditional porridge stick (spurtle) for stirring it. The porridge was sprinkled with brown sugar and milk added before eating.

I complained of a sore throat once when staying at Grandma and Grandpa's and Grandpa made me a 'special' mixture to ease the pain. He took some butter and mixed in some sugar to make a little ball which I then sort of dissolved in my mouth. I can't remember if it actually worked, but it sure tasted great.

Mum was not a particularly good cook, but she did her best. When she first married Dad and they went on their honeymoon at a flat at Kingscliffe, Mum had forgotten to take her recipe book, so Dad cooked a stew.

The happy couple on their honeymoon

At one stage Mum got a new Sunbeam Frypan and it came with a little recipe book which had a recipe for Cabbage Cantonese. This was basically fried onion, add some mince, then shredded cabbage and sprinkle on some soy sauce, then eat with boiled white rice. This was a fairly cheap meal and became a family favourite.

Other regular meals were a dry mince curry, Sausages and veges, desserts were Ice-cream from Evaporated milk & Jelly, or sometimes a boiled pudding. We also had French Toast, crumbed brains, lambs fry & bacon, pea and ham soup made in the pressure cooker, (which Mum was given as a wedding present). 

Mum loved lambs kidneys, but Dad absolutely detested them, so they were only served rarely. One thing that they liked that I detested was tripe. The last time I can remember Mum cooking it was in Melbourne, and I got vomited from the smell. In Melbourne we often had rabbit from the rabbit man. Sunday roast was usually a chicken, but sometimes beef. Mum baked lots of things, but she couldn't get sponge cakes to work. Mum and Dad also really liked tinned soup, and we often had asparagus, tomato, or mushroom Campbell's Soup for lunch.

When we lived in Biggenden, (in 1966), Dad was the Methodist Minister, so we were fairly poor. One of his parishioners must have shot some ducks and gave some to us for a meal. I don't think Mum had cooked it before, but she baked it. We were shocked to find it full of lead pellets! I don't think any of us enjoyed it much, and we certainly never had it again!

The only take-away we ever had was fish and chips, which came wrapped in printed newspaper, and liberally dosed with salt. Dad's favourite to have with them was Potato Scallops, but he would always share one with us kids. Mum loved fresh crab, and Dad would always try to get her some when we had an opportunity for fresh seafood.

Some of Mum's cooking items, which bring back memories are:

The bowl that the Aeroplane Jelly was always made in.

There were a set of 6 different coloured bowls for 'special' desserts

The flour sifter for baking days

There was a matching aluminium sugar bowl to go with this milk jug

The Pyrex casserole dish

Dad hand-turned these wooden egg cups

These plastic canisters were the height of fashion in the late 60's early 70's

These cups (this one and below) actually came from Grandma Anderson. This one was my favourite as whenever we visited my Grandparents, Grandpa would make me a cup of very milky tea with an Arrowroot biscuit (for dunking) before breakfast every day, and mine was in this cup.