Genealogy Chat

Just wondering Jan although you say your mother's cousin lives alone does she have immediate family.... any sons or daughters?

The reason I ask this is because although my mum will be 90 this year she still lives on her own in our home village...as an only child I live some 20 odd miles away. I hasten to add this is of her choice even though I, my OH and her grandchildren have badgered her to move to be near us.

Although she has some health issues mum still lives a very active and independent life within the village community. Her one issue is that she would appreciate that people would not treat her in patronising ways...in her words "I may be well on in years but I am not thick". She is not on her own many of her friends in their 80s and 90s feel the same.

So what I am trying to say is go for it. If there were any issues with such a contact letter to mum she would ask me or my OH for advice just to make sure....however she would definitely be up for any contact with distant cousins.

Linda x

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Madmeg, I should explain that the Powell family was totally fragmented some years ago. My grandfather was born in 1896, one of seven, and by 1920 his parents and 4 of his siblings had emigrated to Canada. All contact was eventually lost. Of those who remained in the UK he only kept in touch with one sister (who lived about 100 miles away) and contact with her family broke down after they both died, about 40 years ago I would say. I think without the central figures of his parents everyone drifted.

The lady I wish to contact is the daughter of the eldest son, and my mother never met him or his family.

LInda - I am now in touch with descendants of all siblings except this one, so I know for a fact this lady knows none of her Powell cousins. I am as certain as I can be that she has no children (I have looked myself and also asked for others to look on here) so I haven't the option of contacting the younger generation unfortunately.

Thanks for the interest folks, I do appreciate it very much.

Jan

Hi Jan

Just want to let you know, that after a lot of searching on here (with YOUR help) i am about to meet a relative who is 97 years old, her family have only just found out that this lady's brother was married and had 4 daughters (one of them is my mum) they are a little shocked to say the least but are busy collecting photo's and information for me in anticipation of our meeting, i hope when you make contact with your relative it will be an exciting and happy outcome.

Lynn

How lovely Lynn, and so glad I played a part! Very encouraging. Will let you know how it goes.
Jan

hi Jan

I look forward to it, good luck and i am thinking of you:))

Lynn

What a sad situation. Let us know how you go on. We care about you after all this time.

Meg

That's very nice of you Meg.
Yes, it is sad, but on the positive side we (as in my 2nd cousins and myself) have basically glued the Powells back together! We are all in touch bar Philip's descendants. I am visiting family up North next week, having met them a couple of months ago when they came to us, plus there is a big family reunion in Canada in July!
I have my letter all ready to post. It would be fantastic to share all I have with this lady so I really hope she gets in touch.
Regards
Jan

Posted letter - help! A bit scared now.

good luck!

fingers crossed.
x

:)) good luck.

Thanks!

Hi Jan, Found my father's cousin on here. He has just turned 87 and has some health issues. Although, very tentative at first, we have exchanged some photos and I think he enjoys my phone calls. I can see resemblance and it's almost like having my dad back. Softly, softly is the approach I believe.

I hope it is a wonderful experience for both of you and I wish you all the best.

Good luck.

Good luck Jan..

Linda x

Well, all being well the letter should arrive Monday, if not already there. I'm not holding my breath, but you never know do you?
Good to hear your story MEgirl.
Thanks again for the support.
jan

Jan, wish you all the best. I sent such a letter to dad's relly a couple of years ago. The old lady was thrilled to bits, knew nothing about our side of the family, was delighted to know. But I sent the message to get a rellie to check it out first, and her daughter did, and now I am in touch with the daughter too! I hope your quest turns out well.

Margaret

Jan,
I have been checking daily. I do hope you hear soon.
The delay is probably due to her family checking out the info you have given to her to make sure you are above board.
She is probably just being cautious. You can't be too careful these days.

Fingers crossed for a good outcome.
Cheryl

Hello everyone, especially Cheryl for keeping an eye on me! Not a thing as yet I am afraid. Starting to think this lady might no longer be with us. Have a couple more angles to try, as soon as I find anything out I shall be back!
Best wishes
Jan

Good luck Jan, keeping trying.

Still looking here every day:) hope you get some news soon.