GeneaBloggersTRIBE

When I started blogging about my genealogy adventures in 2012, I discovered this wonderful creation called GeneaBloggers. It was a community resource for genealogy and family history bloggers and was run by Thomas MacEntee. I was so excited when I discovered this community because at the time I did not know anyone who was a geneablogger, let alone into genealogy. I have much appreciation and thanks for GeneaBloggers as it allowed me to connect with many amateur and professional genealogists around the world. It is very exciting when you finally get to meet in person at a genea-event too. I know I have made some lifelong friends. 

At the beginning of May, Thomas announced that he was taking a step back from GeneaBloggers to focus on his other genealogy interests. In my opinion, I felt GeneaBloggers had become such a vital part of the genea-world, that if it did not exist anymore there would be a gap. Thomas had announced that as of June 1, the GeneaBloggers domain and other assets would be redirected to Abundant Genealogy. Towards the end of May, I noticed a couple of my genea-mates putting the call out for volunteers who would be interested in joining together to keep GeneaBloggers going, with Thomas' agreement of course. I did not even hesitate to say yes! A core group of about 20 volunteers from various countries and time zones signed up. As Thomas was retaining the GeneaBloggers domain, we needed to come up with something new. 

On June 1, GeneaBloggersTRIBE was announced. Thomas posted the official announcement on GeneaBloggers. The team behind GeneaBloggersTRIBE will continue to provide links to resources, daily blogging prompts, and highlight new and/or improved content-providing technologies. You can find support for not just blogging, but other content providing formats such as podcasts, vlogging, and micro-blogging (Twitter, Instagram etc). It's not just about blogging!

GeneaBloggersTRIBE - for the new badge, click here.

I am so excited to be part of the leadership team for GeneaBloggersTRIBE. I am one of two Aussies with my mate Jill - GeniAus. I am also the youngest on the team, and would love to see GeneaBloggersTRIBE carried out into the future. Huge props go to Pat Richley-Erickson and Laura Hedgecock for being our transitional leaders and ensuring everyone was and is aware of their roles.

The team is still settling in, so do bear with us while we're finding our feet...or mouses. If you are interested in volunteering, please do not hesitate to contact us! 

#GenealogySelfie Day!

In the lead up to RootsTech this week (I wish I was going again), Geneabloggers and Conference Keeper have proclaimed February 1st as #GenealogySelfie Day.

The official announcement on the Geneabloggers website states -

"Peruse your list of 'genealogy' friends and you’ll most likely find that many use a photo of an ancestor, or a baby picture, as their profile pic. It adds quite the variety to your friends list, but you wouldn’t know them if you ran into them in the vendor hall at a conference, or sat next to them at a workshop. And with RootsTech just around the corner, there’s an opportunity to possibly run into thousands of them in person!

ConferenceKeeper and Geneabloggers are delighted to offer a solution. They are officially proclaiming February 1st as #GenealogySelfie Day – a day for social folks who love genealogy to snap a picture of themselves and share it on Facebook and/or Twitter with the hashtag #GenealogySelfie. It will be fun to put faces to names, and increase the chances of recognizing one another at RootsTech and other upcoming events and conferences." 

As I am writing this, it is just after 9pm on the 1st. Here is my #GenealogySelfie. Actually, make that #GenealogySelfies!

#GenealogySelfie

 More like #SillyGenealogySelfie

I will be sharing my genealogy selfie on my social media accounts. If you feel like snapping a selfie, don't forget to use the hashtag #GenealogySelfie. If you are not feeling creative, don't worry! A simple selfie is a-okay!

But first, let me take a selfie!

A Chance Encounter

My paternal Grandmother was from the small town of Bowraville in New South Wales. There has become a saying about Bowraville (which I am sure is probably true of other small country towns) – everyone is connected in one way or another! This has made researching my family history exciting, interesting, yet also very confusing at times. Because of this, I am often double checking who someone marries, and who their spouse’s parents were in case of a family connection.

Last night was one of those discoveries. First, you need to know what instigated it. The other week my Aunt visited my Grandmother’s sister at her nursing home on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. While she was there, one of the chef’s came around delivering the residents their afternoon tea. The chef started chatting with my Aunt and said, in reference to my Great Aunt, “I hear she’s from Bowraville.” This prompted my Aunt to ask the chef if he was from Bowraville. Indeed he is! My Aunt asked him what his family name was (I won’t mention it for privacy reasons) and she recognized it immediately. My Grandmother often talked about a lady named Joyce from Bowraville with the same surname. My Aunt asked the chef if he had known Joyce. Bingo! Joyce was his mother! Small world. The family is delighted that someone from Bowraville is working at the nursing home my Great Aunt is at.

As my Aunt was telling me all this last night, I checked the family tree to see if I had Joyce already listed. I sure did. My Aunt could not figure out how Joyce was related, so I explained it to her.

Joyce’s parents were Frank Ernest Grace (1890 – 1972) and Violet Bridgen (1888 – 1972). Frank was the brother of Richard (1872 – 1955) and William George Alexander Grace (1874 – 1966) who married two of my Grandmother’s father’s sisters – Alice (1882 – 1952) and Elizabeth Dyer (1873 – 1949). Joyce and I are not cousins, but we have mutual cousins courtesy of her uncles marrying my great great aunts.

Diagram showing the connection between Joyce Grace (1919 - 1996) and myself.

The story does not end there though.

When I explained to my Aunt how Joyce (1919 – 1996) was connected, she remembered that Frank and Violet had a son, Sydney Grace (1921 – 2002), whom my Aunt had known when she was little. She also remembered that Sydney was married to Mavis Laird (1912 – 1968). Mavis actually saved my Aunt from drowning when she was little. And Mavis is what brings me to the second half of last night’s discovery.

It turns out that Sydney was Mavis’ second marriage. Her first marriage? Francis Arthur Stephen Ward (1912 – 1982). When I went to add him into the tree I realized he was already in it, and I already had him as being married to Mavis. I suppose at the time I did not check to see if either of them had had further marriages. I noticed that I did have Francis’ parents listed in the tree too. Francis’ parents were Francis Herbert Ward (1861 – 1943) and Ellen Maude Wiley (1871 – 1939).

Wiley. Remember that name. 

Now, let’s go back for a minute to my Grandmother’s sister who is in the nursing home. My Great Aunt was married to my Uncle Charlie Jones (1916 – 1992). Charlie’s mother was Catherine Wiley (1881 – 1962). Wiley! I told you to remember that name. Uncle Charlie and Francis Jr were first cousins! Charlie’s mother Catherine and Francis’ mother Ellen were sisters. 

Diagram showing the connection between Mavis Laird (1912 - 1968) and Uncle Charlie Jones (1916 - 1992)

Is that the end? Not quite. But I shall give you a moment to breathe. I sure need one after all that information. 

Mavis’ parents were John Laird (1866 – 1913) and Sarah Usher (1884 – 1960). John died in 1913 when Mavis was a year old. In 1915, Sarah remarried a bloke by the name of George Thomas Ballard (1861 – 1930). I have a few distant cousins who were Ballard’s, so naturally I double checked the tree. George Ballard is part of a family I have not done much research into yet. He is my 1^st Cousin 4x Removed though! George’s mother was Sarah Ann Walker (1838 – 1902), the sister of my Great Great Great Grandmother, Jane Gilliban Walker (1834 – 1911). While Mavis’ mother Sarah was married to George, Mavis and my Great Grandmother Eva Florence Mackay (1888 – 1976) (My Grandmother’s mother) were step 2^nd cousins.  

Diagram showing connection between Sarah Usher (1884 - 1960), her 2nd husband, George Ballard (1861 - 1930), and my Grandmother.

And that my dear readers, is what I discovered last night after my Aunt told me about her chance meeting with a chef at my Great Aunt’s nursing home.

Do you have any interesting small world stories, or strange connections between ancestors?

Elector's Right!

I have just come across this Elector's Right form which belonged to my Great Grandfather William Gow (1868 - 1943). It was folded up with some other documents of his that my Grandfather had stuck together with a nail. I have transcribed it below.

Electoral District of Newtown Erskine Division

The Holder Hereof William Gow of 227 Wilson Street, Newtown (Occupation) Constable of Police whose name is signed hereunder, is, if enrolled, entitled to vote at Elections of Members of the Assembly in the above district, being qualified in respect of Manhood and of Residence in such District.

It is dated the 29th of December, 1897.

Map showing location of 227 Wilson Street, Newtown
[Source: Google Maps]

Newtown was an electorate in the recent New South Wales State Election this year, but I wanted to know more about the Newtown Erskine Division at the time William was around. Why was it called Newtown Erskine back then? I found that in 1894, single member electorates were introduced. This required the Newtown local government area being divided into three seats - Newtown-Camperdown, Newtown-Erskine, and Newtown-St Peters (Electorate: Newtown, 2015). In 1904, the number of seats in Parliament was reduced from 125 to 90, and thus, Newtown became a single electorate. Up until 1947, Newtown had it's own local government, separate to Sydney City Council (Electorate: Newtown, 2015). William would have experienced these electorate changes in Newtown, but sadly died a couple of years before it became part of Sydney City Council.

I also found this awesome website, Atlas of New South Wales that shows the electoral history from 1856 to 2007. It's a lot of fun. Definitely check it out. I found the Newtown Erskine electorate for the year 1898 (the year after William enrolled). If you have an ancestors address over a few years or decades, you could follow their electorate over that time too.

Newtown Erskine Electorate
[Source: Atlas of New South Wales]

A new genie-tool! I wonder if the Atlas will have my political cousin Donald Walter Croal? Alright, I'm off on another tangent now.

Have you followed an ancestor's electorate over time?

References

Electorate: Newtown. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/nsw-election-2015/guide/newt/

Ready to Learn at FGS!

Day 2 - Wednesday, 11th February

FGS Day 1

I woke up on Wednesday morning eager to start the day; however, as I was still recovering from jetlag I was a bit slow in getting ready. I made the decision to miss the opening session – 8 am when you’re still not 100% with it is too early. My first session of the day, at 9:30am, was Engaging Your Long Distance Membership by Jen Baldwin. I was very keen to hear Jen speak and I thought this topic would be handy because most of the societies I plan to join are interstate or overseas. I thoroughly enjoyed Jen’s talk. One important point she made, and probably the most important in my opinion, was that it is just not about the distance physically – members may also be mentally un-engaged.

After Jen’s talk, I finally met Laurie Desmarais! She actually tweeted during Jen’s talk that she was waiting to meet me! I also met Lisa Dawn-Crawley briefly and Laurie’s friend Bev Fieg. Sharn, Pauleen and I also had a chance to catch up and mingle. We saw Cousin Russ, Cheryl, and Thomas MacEntee. Sharn, Pauleen and I grabbed the chance to each get our photos with Thomas. 

Me & Laurie! She reminds me so much of my cousin :)

Me & Thomas!

Next, we were off to our second talk – How the Genealogist Can Remember Everything with Evernote by Lisa Louise Cook. Now, me being Gen Y and all, you would think Evernote would be an easy app for me to grasp. Nah ah! For some reason I just have not been able get the hang of it and it has frustrated me to no end. 

Frustration!

You have no idea how happy I was when Sharn told me she couldn't understand Evernote either! At least we know we’re not alone and shall get frustrated about Evernote together. I found Lisa’s talk to be very informative and I plan on giving myself the challenge of using Evernote for a week. I might even do a video on it. I think I might have told someone I would do a video on my learning to use Evernote. Anyway, I now know a lot more about how to use Evernote. I’ll give it a go and see what happens.

I found Laurie and Bev waiting for me outside the room afterwards. They promised they weren’t stalking me…hmm. Haha. Dalton and Hilary also appeared too. By this time (midday), I was starving, so we went to the Blue Lemon for lunch.

Lunch Buddies: Hilary, Laurie, Dalton, Me, and we found Roger
wandering the streets after.

The next session for us all was The Ethical Genealogist by Judy Russell. I was extremely keen to hear Judy speak, particularly because she’s known as the Legal Genealogist. I just graduated with a degree in Criminology which included a bit of law. Today’s Fun Fact about Caitie: I love legislation! So if there is any topic or seminar that relates to law AND genealogy, count me in! I learned that Judy has three rules of ethics – tell the truth; play nice with others; and don’t tell tales out of school. Judy’s talk was brilliant and made me super excited for her other sessions.

Judy Russell speaking about The Ethical Genealogist

I did not have anything planned for the next session so I went back to the hotel for an hour’s rest. The last session of the day that I attended was Video Marketing: Killer YouTube Strategies for Societies by Lisa Louisa Cooke. This was all about YouTube and as you know, I have a YouTube Channel. I am wanting to really improve my YouTube Channel this year so I was not going to miss this session. I took five pages of notes! When Lisa mentioned a particular aspect, I would get an idea of how it could be applied to my channel. I am keen to start putting these ideas into practice. 

The last item on Wednesday’s agenda was a Behind The Scenes look at Family History & Television. We watched some snippets of Who Do You Think You Are, and two other shows that aren't on air in Australia – Genealogy Roadshow and Finding Your Roots. Then it was a panel session with D. Joshua Taylor, CeCe Moore, and Kenyatta D. Berry. The audience was able to ask them questions about filming the shows. It was great to get some inside information and it was funny to learn that the celebrities in WDYTYA do not know where they are going, they are just told if they need a passport or not!

Behind The Scenes: Family History & Television Panel

Overall, it was a fantastic day!

Waking Up in Salt Lake City

Day 1 - Tuesday, 10th February

I woke up on Tuesday morning after a wonderful 12 to 13 hours of sleep. I was still pretty exhausted from the 24 hours of travel and no sleep, so I had a chilled morning in my hotel room. I did not make an appearance until around 10:30 am when I visited Alona Tester in her room. It was awesome to finally meet her and we had a good chat for a few minutes.

View of Temple Square from the Plaza Hotel. Gorgeous!

Somehow, midday rolled around quickly and it was time for lunch at JB’s. Before I left Australia, Pat Richley-Erickson (DearMYRTLE) invited me to lunch with a few others. I finally got to meet Pat, Jill Ball (GeniAus) and Russ Worthington (Cousin Russ). I also met Katherine Wilson, Barry Kline, and the girls from In Depth Genealogy – Jennifer Alford, Shannon Combes-Bennett & Terri O’Connell. Lunch was absolutely delightful with lots of laughs and excellent conversation. I was feeling very happy for the rest of the day.

The wonderful Jill!

The wonderful Pat!
Taken by Jill Ball

After lunch I made my way over to the Salt Palace Convention Center to register. As you can tell from the selfie below, I was super excited to receive my lanyard. While I was lining up, I ran into Cheryl Hudson Passey, and my new young geneamate Dalton Smith! After registering, I headed over to the Family History Library to explore. I made my way down to Basement 2 - many people had been asking me to come since Monday arvo when I arrived. I found Alona, Helen Smith, Fran Kitto, Jenny Joyce, Hilary Gadsby from Wales, and Roger Moffat. After an exploration and meeting Pauleen Cass on the way out, I went back to my room for a rest. However, I decided I did not want a rest. I messaged Jen Baldwin to see where she was. Luckily she was in her room and up for a visitor! Woohoo! I mozied on down to the Radisson and up to her room. To say she was excited to see me is probably an understatement! I had many presents for her and one for her daughter which made her tear up a little. Awwww! We hung out for a good 45 minutes to an hour which was wonderful! THANK YOU JEN! :D 

Salt Palace Convention Center - Wow!

LANYARD! REGISTERED! YAY!

Family History Library

Helen & Me inside the Family History Library
Taken by Alona Tester

After that, I had about 90 minutes til dinner so I decided that I really did need to rest. Jill had organized a dinner for geneabloggers from the Commonwealth who were attending RootsTech & FGS. At dinner I met Sharn White, Rosemary Morgan, Tessa Keough, Alan Phillips (Alona’s Father!) and two Canadian women whose names sadly escape me at the moment. Dinner was held at the California Pizza Kitchen – my second time there, the first was in Honolulu a year ago. I had a very yummy pizza (duh!). I had decided not to get dessert, however Jill and Alan were. As the waitress was taking their order I saw a peek of the dessert menu, and what do you know, they had RED VELVET CAKE. I love anything red velvet, and had not had anything red velvet in a long time. So yes, I splurged! It was deeeelicious! Dinner was a blast and it was so wonderful to meet geneabloggers who I had been conversing with online for the past couple of years. It also provided me with some familiar faces before being submersed among thousands of people. 

Pre-Commonwealth Dinner

Dinner! Photo taken by Alan Phillips.

Super excited & ready to dig in!
Photo taken by Jill Ball

I was quite tired after dinner and still feeling the up and down motion from the plane. I organised everything I needed the first day of the conference and plonked straight into bed. Excitement & happiness levels...

:-D

Amanuensis Monday: William Gow.

For today's Amanuensis Monday, I have transcribed the Testament of my Great Great Grandfather William Gow. William was born in 1808 in Scotland and died in 1874 in Muthill, Perthshire. In 1855 he married Jean/Jane Drummond and they had 5 children - John, Robert, Isabella, Jeannie & William.

There was no punctuation in it, however, I have attempted to insert punctuation where I think appropriate. Words in red are those that I was unsure about.

William Gow, Great Great Grandfather.
[Source: Personal Collection]

Inventory of the Personal Estate of William Gow, 1874

At Perth the twenty eighth day of December, Eighteen hundred and seventy four, In presence of James Adam Esquire Advocate Commissary of the County of Perth, Compeared Alexander George Read Solicitor in Auchterarder as Procurator for the Executor.

Executor after named and designed and gave in the Inventory of the Personal Estate of William Gow Farmer in Cairn in the Parish of Muthill (duly stamped with Twenty two pounds Sterling of duty), and oath thereon after-written desiring the same to be recorded in the Commissary Court Books of Perthshire, conform to act of Parliament which desire the said Commissary found reasonable and ordained the same to be done accordingly the tenor whereof follows:

Inventory of the Personal Estate of umqulul William Gow farmer in Cairn in the Parish of Muthill who died at Cairn on or about the twenty third day of May Eighteen hundred and seventy four.

Farm Stocking growing crop household furniture and other effects

                                                                        Forward £ 

Effects which belonged to the deceased at the time of his death conform to Inventory and Appraisement by John Sinclair Licensed Appraiser

                                                                        £ 743, 7, 6

Cash in house                                                 £ 2

Total amount of Personal Estate                   £ 745, 7, 6

Signed Jane Gow

           Jas Smitton J.P.

At Auchterarder the twenty sixth day of December Eighteen hundred and seventy four years, In presence of James Smitton Esquire, One of Her Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Perth, appeared Jane Drummond or Gow residing at Cairn in the Parish of Muthill Executor of the deceased William Gow farmer in Cairn foresaid who being solemnly sworn and examined Depones that the said William Gow died at Cairn on or about the twenty third day of May Eighteen Hundred and seventy four, and the Deponent has entered upon the  possession and management of the deceased's Estate as Executor qua relict:

That the Deponent knows of no Testamentary Settlement or Writing left by the deceased relative to the disposal of his personal Estate or Effects or any part thereof. 

That the foregoing Inventory signed by the Deponent and the said Justice of the Pace as relative hereto as a full and complete Inventory of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased William Gow – wheresoever situated and belonging or due to him beneficially at the time of his death in so far as the same has come to the Deponents Knowledge that the Deponent does not know of any money or property belonging to the deceased liable to the duty imposed by the Acts 23 Victoria Chapter 15 and 23 & 24 Victoria Chapter 80.

That the value at this date of the said Personal Estate and Effects in the United Kingdom is Six hundred pounds Sterling and under Eight hundred pounds Sterling. All which is truth as the Deponent shall answer to God.

Signed  Jane Gow

           Jas Smitton J.P. 

[Source: ScotlandsPeople, Wills & Testaments 1513 - 1925] 

Happy Easter.

I hope all my genea-friends have a wonderful Easter! 

Here's a little snippet I found on Trove about Easter in Brisbane in 1933. 

The Central Queensland Herald
Thursday 27 April 1933, page 48
[Source: Trove]

The Gow Siblings: Robert William Gow

Robert William Gow was born on September 14, 1857 in Cairn Farm, Muthill, Perthshire, Scotland. He was the second eldest child of William Gow and Jean Drummond. He lived on his family's farm until the late 1870's. According to the 1881 Scotland Census, he was working as a gardener. Robert left Scotland and arrived in Sydney on May 23, 1884 via the ship Potosi. He was the first person in his family to leave Scotland.

Robert Gow, 1879, Scotland.
[Source: Personal Collection]

On August 4, 1886, Robert married Mary Agnes Ryan in Sydney. Robert was Presbyterian, however Mary was Catholic. Apparently it was looked down upon if Catholics married Presbyterians. Robert and Mary married in the Catholic Church. There might have been an increased risk of Mary being ostracized from her family if she did not marry in the Catholic Church. I wonder if this risk wasn't relevant for Robert?

Robert and Mary lived in Willoughby, Sydney where they had eight children together -

1. Myrtle, born 1887, Sydney
2. Allen Drummond, born 1889, Sydney
3. Mary, born 1891, Sydney
4. Nellie, born 1893, Sydney
5. William Drummond, born 1895, Sydney
6. Ronald Drummond, born 1897, Sydney
7. Millicent, born 1900, Sydney
8. Eric Drummond, born 1902, Sydney

All four boys were given the middle name Drummond - Robert's mother's maiden name.

Robert passed away on December 8, 1927, four years after Mary died. Robert and Mary are both buried in Macquarie Cemetery in Sydney. They are not buried together because of their different religions - Robert is buried in the Presbyterian section and Mary in the Catholic section. When they got married, I wonder if they knew they weren't going to be buried together? Robert is buried with their eldest daughter Myrtle.

Grave of Robert William Gow & his daughter Myrtle
Macquarie Cemetery, Sydney.
[Source: Personal Collection]

Paton-MacEntee Down Under in Brisbane.

How do I even begin? Saturday, the 1^st of February was a big day for little me! Last year, when I found out that Thomas MacEntee & Chris Paton were coming to Brisbane in conjunction with the 4^th Unlock The Past Cruise (it begins tomorrow), I knew I had to go.

I pre-purchased my ticket for the full day online for an excellent price of $39.50. Even Mum was impressed with the price! Normally I work Saturday mornings, so I was very glad that the boss gave me the day off to attend (Thanks Mark! :-D).

The event was held at the Broncos Leagues Club in Red Hill. I don’t know my way around that part of Brisbane. Thankfully Dad & I did not get lost on the way, as he dropped me off right on the dot at 9am. I must say though, I never thought I’d set foot in the Broncos Leagues Club because I’m a Blues supporter. Upon arrival, I lined up with my ticket in hand. I was very excited, yet also quite nervous because it was my first major event with other geneabloggers present, and because I knew I was going to be the youngest there. My stomach felt like it was competing in the gymnastics at the Olympics! When I got to the registration table, I saw fellow geneablogger Helen Smith. She said something like “Finally! In person at last!”

Caitie & Helen

After entering the room, I had a look at a few of the stalls. There were people from organizations including History Queensland, Genealogical Society of Queensland, Queensland Family History Society, Queensland State Archives (QSA), State Library of Queensland, Findmypast, Guild of One Name Studies and Gould Genealogy & History. I spent some time talking to Susan who as at the QSA stall. I mentioned that I had been there recently with my Mum, and Janet Prowse (Executive Director of QSA) had taken us on a behind the scenes tour. Susan knew who I was immediately and told me that she had read my article on Scotlands People!

A few minutes later I was approached by another fellow geneablogger, Alex Daw. I didn’t know she was attending so it was a pleasant surprise to meet her. While I was chatting with Alex, another lady Michelle approached me and told me that she loves what I’m doing and really enjoyed my video on the Queensland State Archives. We also had a good chat for a few minutes. It was getting close to 10am when Thomas MacEntee’s first talk was due to begin so I found myself a seat. I was just checking the usual social media when the man Thomas MacEntee himself (the genius behind Geneabloggers and HackGenealogy), came up to me and asked if I was Caitlin. All I remember from the conversation is that he told me he had some things for me. Not even 5 minutes later, I heard an accent behind me. I turned around – Chris Paton was sitting right behind me! And guess what? He too asked if I was Caitlin! I’m still blown away by the fact that with Thomas and Chris I didn’t need to introduce myself. They both recognized me, and knew who I was.

Thomas’ first talk focused on Building a Genealogy Research Toolbox. This was about different ways of storing your research in some sort of a ‘container.’ A great idea that Thomas mentioned is to put an ‘If Found’ file on your USB. He said that at one library, 50 lost USB’s are found each day. That made me wonder how many USB’s are found at my University on a daily basis. I was also persuaded to give Evernote another try. I have it installed on my phone, but don’t use it that much. I also realized just how much I need to organize my bookmarks on Google Chrome. I’ve got university, genealogy and random things bookmarked in a much unorganized list.

Geneabloggers Goodies

I spoke to Thomas after his talk and he gave me a few Geneabloggers goodies – 3 badges and a ribbon. I’m so excited to have these. I will definitely be wearing them to University. My lecturers are going to love the ‘Keep Calm & Cite Your Sources.’

Chris’ first talk was about Irish Land Records. My Great Great Uncle’s wife Mary Ryan was from Ireland, however, her background is still a mystery to me. My Great Great Uncle John Gow also moved from Scotland to Ireland. I’ve always struggled with Irish Records, and noted down some ideas that will hopefully provide me with some new information about Mary & John.        

After that, Rosemary Kopittke gave us a brief overview of MyHeritage. I was recently given a 12 month subscription to MyHeritage but have not really used it yet. My interest in it was sparked when Rosemary mentioned the statistics and graphs it can generate about your family tree. Being a Math Tutor, and doing Statistics at University last year, I was very intrigued by this. I shall definitely be having a play around with it. Next was a brief demonstration of the Flip-Pal Scanner. Those who follow me on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube would know that I received one for my birthday last year. I took this opportunity to make an early escape for lunch with Alex and her colleague Pat. We enjoyed a nice meal at the 88 Restaurant & Bar and had a wonderful conversation about life, work, genealogy and the future.

After lunch, the prize draws occurred. There were over $1200 worth of prizes, and I believe there were about 15 won in Brisbane. Sadly, my raffle ticket number was not called. However, Alex did win the Queensland Family History Society prize – the Queensland Passports Index 1915 – 1925 CD.

Thomas’ second talk was You use WHAT for genealogy? Thomas taught us about many unusual tools that we either hadn’t heard of or didn’t think they would be useful for genealogy. One great tool I learned about was EasyBib, a source citation generator. If only I’d known about this years ago! Because I’m a University student, referencing and bibliographies are an everyday occurrence. I’m definitely going to give it a go this semester. I’m always looking for new ways to make source citations easier. Another website Thomas showed us was Wolfram Alpha, a computational search engine. I immediately thought my Dad would love this. As it turned out, he already knew about it.

I took the opportunity in the break to have some photos taken. I also purchased Chris’ booklet Discover Scottish civil registration records which he kindly signed for me, and picked up a few fact sheets from the State Library of Queensland stall.

Caitie & Chris Paton

Geneabloggers 

Caitie & Alex

Thomas MacEntee & Caitie take a selfie.

Chris’ second talk was on Scottish Inheritance Records. I listened intently as 80% of the ancestors of my Australian side came from Scotland. Gosh, Scottish inheritance records are confusing! I learned a lot though, and have got some new avenues to search such as the Calendars of Confirmation & Inventories 1877 – 1959.

I had another chat with Chris, Thomas & Helen each. Thomas and I talked about RootsTech in 2015 which is my goal to attend. I then had to have a bit of a de-brief sort of moment with Helen because my mind was going craaazy. And with that, the day came to a close.

Something that Chris noted about me in his blog post was “she seemed bemused at the interest in her from many of us.” It’s true! I know I put my adventures in genealogy out there on social media for the world to see, but I still have trouble understanding just how far it reaches. I never ever thought my passion and love for genealogy would become what it is now, and provide me with the opportunities I’ve had and continue to have. The support and friendship is truly amazing.

Thank you Unlock The Past for this wonderful day, and a special thank you to Thomas, Chris, Helen & Alex for making this young geneablogger very happy.

If I could put how I was feeling that day into one gif (and am still feeling), I think it would be this one. Seems appropriate, yes?

Matrilineal Monday: Myrtle Gow (1887 - 1946)

Myrtle in 1921/1922, Sydney.

Myrtle Gow was the eldest child of Robert William Gow (Great Uncle) & Mary Agnes Ryan. She was born May 19, 1887, in Sydney, New South Wales. She never married, and died when she was 59 on September 1, 1946, in Sydney. She is buried with her father in Macquarie Cemetery.

While researching my family history, I’ve become quite fond of Myrtle. I’ve heard from other family members that she might have had a learning disability. Her death certificate states that she was an ‘Invalid Pensioner.’ I am still hoping and trying to find out more about that.

Myrtle with her father Robert, 1902/1903, Sydney

The grave of Myrtle Gow, Macquarie
Cemetery, Sydney.

I think of Myrtle often. I’m not sure why I’m drawn to her, but I guess it’s a good thing! I even named my Cactus after her. Myrtle’s name was the first I thought of when I was deciding what to name her. Yes, I named my plant & refer to it as a her. Myrtle was my Poppa’s cousin. Poppa was not that close with his cousins, but my Aunt remembers him talking about Myrtle quite a bit. I wish I could ask him questions about her as she intrigues me.

Isabella Gow Reddoch

Isabella Gow Reddoch, was born in 1885, in Ardoch, Perthshire, Scotland. Her parents were Isabella Gow & John Reddoch, & her mother died when she was 12 years old. She was the middle child with four older siblings & four younger siblings. According to her death certificate, she was a nurse & never married. Isabella Gow Reddoch died at the young age of 33 on December 26, 1918 at the Reddoch’s home, Tullibardine House, in Kinross, Scotland. Her father, John, had died three years earlier in 1915.

The death certificate of Isabella Gow Reddoch (courtesy of Scotlands People).

Death Certificate of Isabella Gow Reddoch (Source: Scotlands People)

Isabella Gow Reddoch, Nurse, Single.
December 16, 1918. 10:15pm. Tullibardine House, Kinross.
Female. 33 years.
Father: John Reddoch, Builder (Deceased)
Mother: Isabella Reddoch, M.S Gow (Deceased)
Cause of Death: Phthisis Pulmonalis.
Informant: James Reddoch, brother.

Isabella died of Tuberculosis, which affects the lungs.

Seen below is the funeral card from her brother, James.

Funeral Card for Isabella Gow Reddoch
From my personal collection

Accentuate the Positive 2013 Geneameme

Jill, a.k.a GeniAus, has challenged us to think about our genealogy achievements this year by responding to the following set of questions. We can write as little or as much as we like.
Enjoy! ^_^

1.  An elusive ancestor I found was    

This year I didn’t find any elusive ancestors. However, I am still on the trail of my Great Great Aunt Jeannie Gow (who I found last year!), and what happened to her children after she died.

2.  A precious family photo I found was

The Smith Family, taken in Union County, Mississippi, in 1906. It is of my Great Great Great Grandmother Louisa Clementine Smith nee Brister and many of her descendants, including my Great Great Grandmother Mary Frances Renfrow nee Smith.

Smith Family, Mississippi, 1906.
Image from my personal collection.

My Great Great Grandmother, Mary, is the lady in the 2nd row, 2nd from the left, with the little girl in front of her. The little girl is my Great Great Aunt Launa. My Great Great Great Grandmother Louisa is also in the 2nd row, 4th from the left.

3.  An ancestor’s grave I found was

I found so many of my ancestor’s graves at the beginning of the year in January when I was in Bowraville, NSW. Many of my Nanna’s family are buried there including her parents, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great grandparents etc. I also found my Great Great Uncle’s grave, as well as his wife and children’s graves in July.

Here’s a photo of me & my Great Great Uncle Robert Gow’s grave. He’s buried at Macquarie Cemetery in Sydney, and is buried with his daughter Myrtle.

Grave of Robert Gow & his daughter Myrtle Gow.
Macquarie Cemetery, NSW.
Image from my personal collection.

I’d been trying to find his grave since I started researching my family history in 2009! My Nanna & Poppa (Robert was his Uncle) are buried at Macquarie too. Poppa died in 2003…and this whole time Robert has been buried quite close to him. Robert’s name never came up in the online index for Macquarie Cemetery because his last name was listed as ‘Tow’. That has now been fixed, and no future descendants of Robert’s or mine, should have difficulty finding him in the index!

4.  An important vital record I found was

The birth certificate of Martin McFarlane, Great Great Aunt Jeannie’s youngest child. He was only 2 when she died. A lovely lady who got ‘hooked’ on my article about Jeannie in Scotlands People did some more research and found Martin’s birth certificate which I had been unable to find. The census records I have list his name as Malcolm….

5.  A newly found family member who shared

Carolyn who provided me with the Smith Family photo above, and Carole (a relative of the husband of my relative), who provided many photographs of my Gow ancestors.

6.  A geneasurprise I received was

Oh goodness! Three of them are Scotlands People wanting to publish my article, Thomas MacEntee interviewing me for How I Hack Genealogy & Shauna Hicks inviting me to the launch of National Family History Month.

7.   My 2013 blog post that I was particularly proud of was

This one: http://genealogically-speaking.tumblr.com/post/40646846450/father-daughter-genealogy-day

8.   My 2013 blog post that received a large number of hits or comments was

This photo for some reason: http://genealogically-speaking.tumblr.com/post/53801147267/the-gowan-young-plot-at-white-church-cemetery

9.  A new piece of software I mastered was.

10. A social media tool I enjoyed using for genealogy was

Facebook, Twitter & Google+.
Oh, and Google Hangouts which is a new toy for me (well, most of us I think). Yay for Pat (DearMYRTLE) & Jill’s (GeniAus) Hangouts!

11. A genealogy conference/seminar/webinar from which I learnt something new was

I attended the launch of National Family History Month this year! I learned about The Hive, which is the NAA’s new thing where you can transcribe records for them, particularly World War 1 records.

12. I am proud of the presentation I gave at/to

13. A journal/magazine article I had published was

Scotlands People published my article on my Great Great Aunt Jeannie! You may find it here:
http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?r=2212

14. I taught a friend how to

Use the Victorian BDM website!

15. A genealogy book that taught me something new was
16. A great repository/archive/library I visited was

The Queensland State Archives! I went on a private behind the scenes tour which was amazing! Check out my video review here.

17. A new genealogy/history book I enjoyed was

18. It was exciting to finally meet

SHAUNA HICKS!!!! :D

19. A geneadventure I enjoyed was

The Father/Daughter genealogy day I had with my Dad in January, the cemetery day I had with my Aunt in July & the tour of the Qld State Archives I had with Mum in November.

20. Another positive I would like to share is

Thank you for all your support and friendship this year. It means a lot, especially to a young one still trying to find her way in the genea-world. I love being a part of this wonderful online community, and I’m hoping to meet a few of you in 2014. ^_^

LET’S BREAK THOSE BRICK WALLS IN 2014! *karate-genea-chop*

And just because it’s been an awesome year…