Genealogy Chat

This is an important thread - since my original reply the last of the 2 great aunts has sadly died.

Whilst she and her sister were able to give me some information.

Do not think you can leave asking your elderly relatives questions until a later date - it may be too late by the time you think about doing so.

And where possible do visit them, taking along photos to prompt memories.

I always ask my mum things about my grandparents. Only last week, I found out my great grandad was a special policeman. It's these little snippetts that would be lost when she passed away as she is an only child.
A lot of elderly people love to talk about the olden days. Pick their brains, but also bear in mind that their memory of an event is exactly that - their memory and may be a little different in reality. That said , it is still great to hear their stories.

Even if they say they don't remember about someone, it's worth asking again a few weeks or months later.

Mother in law didn't know anything about a (name). After I'd proudly presented her with the fruits of my research. she turned round and said - Oh yes and ...... - Grr. But her subconscious was probably ticking over in the background for several months since the original query.

I totally agree. We all file things away at the back of our mind. I have been tracing my family for 3 years now and mum only told me about my great grandad last week. She then went on to say she has a medal for his service.

Nudge

Nudge

Nudge

Nudge

Nudge

:-D :-D :-D

nudge :-)

Nudges :-D

nudges for GR

for the early risers, and start of the work day

good tips on here :-)

nudge

nudge

A good morning nudge..... :-D

If you know of an old family friend/neighbour, they may be able to help with your research.
Several years after my Father died I was talking to an elderly man who remembered living just down the lane from my Great Grandmother & Grandparents as a child. He told me a story about ‘Joe’, I had not heard this name associated with the family before, but listened as he reminisced. When he had finished I asked about ‘Joe’ & the grinned broadly & said
“Young Bart, he did ‘ate e’es name & would only answer to Joe, but when he be courtin that uppity Charlotte Harvey, she be thinkin Joe sounding common so allas call im Bart”. “She went an took him away to live near er Ma, long coast sominwhere, think might a bin a Brighton”
One short conversation & I had learnt just what had happened to Great Uncle Barton, his wife’s name & where to look. I also had a story to add to his timeline.

Lovely story Carol.

It clearly demonstrates that talking to people is often much more productive and can reveal more information than looking at old documents can.