My Ancestors Stories

I have many wonderful memories of my nan, Esther and remember finding this painting in her garage when I was young. The portrait was part of a prize she had won for a school writing competition.  She was born 105 years ago today. My parents were living at the back of Esther's house when I was born and lived there until I was about 18 months old when Mum and Dad moved into their own home at Smithfield. My sister and I spent many school holiday's at Nan's along with our cousins. I remember going with Nan to Paddy's Markets, fabric shops, and Vinnies. We also spent our summer holidays with Nan and Pop at Bateau Bay.

Clara in 1961 at grandson, Colin's wedding "Have you found something revealing in a birth, death or marriage certificate?" This was the topic for another Friday Hang Out with the SAG late last year, which prompted the following story related to my paternal great grandmother, Clara Lilian Phibbs, who was born 132 years ago.   Various certificates and other documents revealed a lot of previously unknown information about Clara and other members of her family! ______________ Clara Lillian Phibbs was born 8 August 1889 in Bradford St, Birmingham, the second youngest of 7 children born to Clara Williams and William Charles Phibbs, who had married on 20 July 1879 at the Parish Church of St. John, Ladywood.  At the time of her birth, Clara had 5 brothers and sisters, Florence Louisa aged 9, William Charles aged 7, Alice Maud aged 5, Albert Harold aged 3, and May aged 2 years.    Clara's birth certificate dated 1903 likely obtained so she could obtain work On 5 April 1...

The opportunity to present on the subject of “Money and property matters” at a SAG Hang Out during COVD-19 prompted me to document the story of my 2 x great grandfather, Robert Cornelius Hails. Southwick, Durham, England Early Life Robert was born on 9 November 1855 in Southwick, County Durham, the fifth child of Robert Hails, a shipwright and Mary Ann McKenzie, who had married in Sunderland in 1849. Birth Certificate - Robert Hails - 1855 Sadly, four of his brothers died in infancy and his mother Mary Ann passed away on 12 November 1860 in Sunderland, as a result of complications following the birth of a daughter, Ann. Death Certificate - Mary Hailes -  1860 In 1861 Robert was living at 24 Cottage Row, East Murton with his father, Robert, now described as a joiner, brother John, aged 11, a coal miner, and sister, Annie, aged 2. Also living with the family was his maternal aunt, Ann, who was recorded as his father’s wife. 1861 Census - East Murton, Durham, ...