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1 ournal 9 79 Jof One-Name Studies
A One-Name Study from the Scottish Gàidhealtachd Vol 10 Issue 2 April-June 2009 Vol
Welcome To The Cherish Erroneous Computing For Members Room Death Records ONS Beginners 12th Australasian Hair Today, DNA Congress... Tomorrow
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1 9 79 CHAIRMAN Peter Walker 24 Bacons Drive Box G, 14 Charterhouse Buildings Cuffley Goswell Road, London EC1M 7BA Hertfordshire Tel: 0800 011 2182 EN6 4DU Guild information E-mail: [email protected] 01707 873778 Website: www.one-name.org [email protected] Registered as a charity in England Bookstall and Wales No. 802048 As well as Guild publications, the VICE-CHAIRMAN Bookstall Manager has a supply of Peter Hagger Journal folders, ties, lapel badges 106 Hayling Ave and back issues of the Journal. The Little Paxton address is: President Huntingdon Derek A Palgrave MA FRJistS FSG PE19 6HQ 01480 477978 Howard Benbrook Vice-Presidents [email protected] 7 Amber Hill John Hebden Camberley Richard Moore FSG Surrey SECRETARY GU15 1EB Iain Swinnerton Kirsty Gray Alec Tritton England 11 Brendon Close E-mail enquiries to: Tilehurst, Reading [email protected] Berkshire RG30 6EA Guild Committee 0118 941 4833 Forum The Committee consists of the four [email protected] Officers, plus the following: This online discussion forum is open to any member with access to e-mail. Gordon Adshead TREASURER You can join the list by sending a message with your membership Keith Bage Cliff Kemball 168 Green Lane number to: Gerald Cooke Chiselhurst [email protected] David Mellor Kent To e-mail a message to the forum, Paul Millington BR7 6AY send it to: Roy Rayment 0208 467 8865 Anne Shankland [email protected] [email protected] Ken Toll Regional Representatives Sandra Turner The Guild has Regional Reps in REGISTRAR many areas. If you are interested David Mellor in becoming one, please contact Bookstall Manager 2 Bromley Road the Regional Representatives Howard Benbrook West Bridgeford Coordinator, Sandra Turner: Forum Manager Nottingham Wendy Archer Notts NG2 7AP 2 St Annes Close Regional Reps Co-ordinator 01159 141838 Winchester Sandra Turner [email protected] Hampshire SO22 4LQ Website Manager Tel:01962 840388 Anne Shankland EDITOR E-mail: Keith Bage [email protected] 60 Fitzgerald Close Ely The Journal of One-Name Studies is SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Cambridgeshire published quarterly by the Guild of Executive Peter Walker CB7 4QD One-Name Studies and printed by Marketing Ken Toll 01353 650185 Flexpress Ltd, 5 Saxby St, Leicester Seminar Gordon Adshead [email protected] ISSN 0262-4842 © Journal of One-Name Studies ournal Volume 10 Issue 2 April-June 2009 Jof One-Name Studies CONTENTS
MAIN ARTICLES CONTENTS 6 Computing For ONS Beginners - 1. Computers & The Web by John Coldwell 10 Welcome To The Members Room by Anne Shankland 12 Hair Today, DNA Tomorrow by John Swallow 14 A One-Name Study From The Scottish Gàidhealtachd by Iain Kennedy 22 Cherish Erroneous Death Records - by Peter Wells 26 12th Australasian Congress... by Susan Hilliker & Sandra Turner
GUILD REPORTS - NEWS - EVENTS
5 The Journal - One Year On by Keith Bage 9 Guild NewsXtra 13 Obituary - Sydney Brewin MBE 17 Marriage Challenge Update by Peter Copsey 20 London Poster Seminar - Seminar Report by Gillian Stevens 21 Forthcoming Seminars 23 JournalSearch - by Anne Shankland 24 Guild Subscriptions to Increase... by Cliff Kemball & David Mellor 25 Goons RAOGK by Kirsty Gray
REGULARS
4 From The Chairman’s Keyboard by Peter Walker 18 A View From The Bookstall by Howard Benbrook 27 Book Review
ARTICLES, letters and other contributions are welcomed from members, especially accompanied by illustrations, and should be sent to the Editor. Publication dates will normally be the first day of January, April, July and October. Copyright of the material is to the Editor and Publishers of the Journal of One-Name Studies and the author, No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the prior permission of the publishers. The views expressed in the Journal are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the committee of the Guild of One-Name Studies. The distribution list for this Journal, and the information in the Register Update, is based on the information held in the Guild database on the first of the month preceding the issue date. From the Chairman’s Keyboard...
By Peter Walker
ust before Christmas, a number of demand? On behalf of one-namers I deviant spelling. Thirdly, we can also us who had registered on the 1911 put this to them, but they failed to now locate, by searching on the wife’s Jcensus website got rather excited understand my point, focussing solely maiden name, for the children of our when we were offered early access on the very high cost of the digitisation married ladies. But that’s not all. I to a beta version of the site. Excited process and the fact that the price expect that many of you have similar and frantic too, as this beta access was the same as the ship passenger experiences to me. When I have a was to be open for just 4 days, though list images. But the digitisation costs contact from a new correspondent, in the event this was later extended. are sunk, and their recovery should it is important to understand that There were other downsides too. now focus on maximising income. while you may be mainly interested Only a small number of counties were Maybe they just dismissed it all as in your study surnames, they will be available - though again this did special pleading, which in part it was interested in their entire family, which increase as the days went by - and we of course. will include some lines you won’t have would have to pay full fees for any fully researched, such as the ancestors information beyond the very basic Irish Records of the wives and the descendants of free search index. The price set for Coming hard on the heels of this the married women, both groups access to the full enumeration image wonderful new data opportunity of course not having one’s chosen (30 units, around £2.70 depending on was the release online of the first study name. The fact that I am trying volume purchased) is the same as the sections of the Irish 1911 census, but to encourage maximum sharing images for the ship passenger lists on this, impressively, is free and con- of information and that I have Findmypast’s emigration records (aka tains a lot of information about the access to more information through Ancestors Aboard), which is fine if homes where the families lived. This subscriptions than most new contacts, you only need to look for one’s own different approach probably has two means that I will often be prepared grandparents and a few collaterals, reasons. Firstly, the Irish government to assist their own research. So all but prohibitive for all but the smallest is well aware of the goodwill and in all, this new indexed data is most of one-name studies. But most of us potential tourist income from encour- welcome. For births in England and could not resist shelling out to answer aging families to research their Irish Wales we now have excellent indexed a few long-standing mysteries. What roots. Secondly, making access free coverage through the combination none of us knew was how soon in the makes up in part for the well-known of FreeBMD, Family Relatives (1866- New Year the official launch would lack of Irish records due the events 1920) and Ancestry (1916-2005). I occur. True, some counties are still of 1922 - though I think I am right understand that marriages and deaths not available, but the fact that it has that this is not the sole cause of the will follow. been released so early and with none destruction of Irish records. In a sepa- of the disasters of the 1901 census rate development, Irish BMD indexes Seven Pillars is an impressive achievement and are now available on the LDS Family So even if collecting the 1911 data Brightsolid are to be congratulated. Search site. is partially on hold, there are still lots But still, the price is prohibitive and of opportunities to assist others and complete collection of the complete New Index at Ancestry this helps underline the expertise that data for many studies will have to Another development at Ancestry is one-namers usually have. Moreover, await the availability of a subscription the availability of fully indexed births even with these huge new data option. for England and Wales from 1916. For collection opportunities, there are many of us that collected our BMDs many other aspects of a one-name Findmypast have stated that a the traditional way - and can recall study to follow up. The committee subscription option will be available the biceps development that came have been busy here in trying to later in 2009 but be warned that this with it - these indexed records won’t identify gaps in the availability of is likely to be a separate subscription add to our basic data. But this doesn’t sources of knowledge in the various from any you may currently have and mean it is of no use to us. Firstly, areas that comprise a one-name study, no price has yet been mentioned. One we can carry out a quality check on basing our analysis around what has can only wonder how far Brightsolid our original hard won data (did we become known as the ‘seven pillars’, have understood the market and the miss an entry when a neighbouring namely data collection, Analysis, elasticity of demand. In other words, researcher had the volume we Synthesis, Responding to enquiries, would they make more money if the wanted to search?). Secondly, we can Publicising your study, publication of price were lower, but this might be search for elusive entries that might results and Preserving your study. This more than made up for by the greater have been registered with a really has several objectives: it will allow
4 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 our Editor to identify potential new impacted by the recession. Perhaps respond to issues raised in this way, it articles for this Journal, our Seminars focussing on our mutual hobby diverts can be an excellent way to work. sub-committee to identify new ideas us away from all the doom and gloom. for seminar topics and also once I hope to meet as many of you as As mentioned in the last issue, I the gaps have been filled with new possible, both frequent attendees and was unable to attend the AFFHO sources, to strengthen further the first-timers. I hope you will also give Congress in Auckland, but I would information contained in the Wiki. the new committee every support. As like to express my thanks to all the I know from the Forum discussions I write it appears that we have less Guild members who did attend and that there are many experts amongst nominations than the maximum 15 ‘flew the flag’ for the Guild, especially the membership and we would seats on the committee, so I would to David Evans who took over my welcome assistance and peer review like to try to co-opt some further speaking slot. And to all those new with this task, so do get in touch if members to strengthen the team and members who joined at the Congress, you are willing to help. Ultimately, reduce the burden on the stalwarts welcome and I hope you enjoy your this should assist members learn the whose ‘multitasking’ has kept the membership of the Guild. I was going craft of the one-name study. For those Guild going over the past couple of to suggest that should you wish to wanting a more disciplined approach years. Could you help? help your fellow members across to learning, the new Pharos course the globe, I’m sure that assistance in is available and early indications are Although the main committee meets collecting those hard to acquire NZ that it is extremely popular. physically 5 times a year, it is possible BMDs would be most appreciated. But to assist the Guild wherever in the by the time I had finished writing this Conferences world you live. It is noteworthy that column the NZ BMDs had gone online By the time you read this the annual our Marketing Sub-committee has too. As someone said a few years ago, conference will be upon us. At the not met physically for some time, collecting data from the Internet is time of writing, it looks to be the best but thanks to e-mail has managed to like trying to drink from a hosepipe. ever attendance, so it appears that so bring in help and expertise from ‘over Happy drinking! n far the Guild activities are not unduly the pond’. As long as members do
The Journal - One Year On
By Keith Bage
ell, that passed quickly to go but I’d really appreciate your response, I wasn’t inundated with didn’t it. The Journal you’re feedback on how I’m doing, good, articles. I can’t stress enough how Wholding in your hands now bad, or just plain ugly. important your contributions are is the fourth I have produced since to making the Journal an enjoyable becoming Editor. I can just about I was at last years Guild conference and useful read. Without a good remember the slight anxiety of putting where I was able to speak to a number selection of articles it is impossible my first issue together coupled with of you and gather your thoughts to provide a good balance of topics. the worry of getting it to print on on the Journal, as well as soliciting Do consider submitting an article, no time, but thankfully all went well. a few articles. Well, I am pleased to matter how small. We are fortunate say I will also be in attendance at that within the Guild there are many You may have noticed a few changes the Guilds 30th annual conference in knowledgeable people but don’t over the year, some rather subtle, Peterborough, which promises to be feel that you need to be an expert and some not so. I thought long and fantastic. So, if you see me, do come on a given topic. Maybe you could hard about how to move the Journal over and say hello. I would really write a book or software review, or forward, from a complete re-design welcome your views on the Journal. maybe you have some techniques or to leaving well alone. In the end I Of course it is also a good opportunity methodologies to share. Alternatively, decided I wanted to retain the overall to discuss any possible articles you you may know of a special collection feel of the Journal which Roy had may be contemplating. of particular interest to One-Namers done so well in creating, yet put my or maybe you are a new member own stamp on it. In the process I really Your Journal STILL Needs you who wants to write about your first want to raise the bar and make the In my first issue I wrote a column impressions of the Guild. I’m sure you Journal something that wouldn’t be entitled “Your Journal Needs You”, all have many ideas for interesting out of place on your local newsagents’ which was essentially a call to arms topics. I look forward to seeing and shelf alongside other genealogy for all Guild members to put pen to hearing about them and to sharing a related publications (a lofty ambition paper and get those articles flooding drink (or two) with some of you at the indeed). I know there is still some way in. I have to say whilst I did get some Conference. n
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 5 Computing For ONS Beginners 1. Computers and the Web By John Coldwell
This is the first of a new series of articles aimed at helping One-Name Study beginners to get the best out of their computer systems. This introductory article deals with computers for ONS and retrieval of information from web sites. Future articles will cover data storage, tree construction and publication. A copy of the articles and example program pages will be placed on the Guild WIKI for future reference. All members are strongly encouraged to expand and develop the advice given in the articles by adding their improvements to the WIKI.
he starting point of a worldwide irreplaceable data is not lost. Consider computer aided One-Name S using an external large capacity USB
TStudy (ONS) is FINDing data D A hard drive (say 300GB) and make by accessing a large number of web N V regular automatic back-ups of the I
sites and the many other genealogical E whole computers internal drive. sources. F The back-up facilities built in to the
computer operating system often
Collected information is SAVEd, have limited capability and can be
typically using a spreadsheet or data- T difficult to use for restoring data. The
L
base program where it can later be R use of a specialist back-up program,
B
analysed. E such as Acronis on the PC, setup for
U E P a full disk back-up with incremen- Individuals can, where possible, be tal back-ups on a daily basis, is rec- linked to form family TREEs using ommended. A further safe guard is one of the Family Tree programs a second external drive used for now in common use (Experienced Basic One-Name Research Cycle monthly back-ups and kept in a fire programmers may prefer to create and burglar proof location. This also or use a bespoke version of a data- with the Windows XP operating sys- provides secure long term storage for base or other program.) This program tem although other Windows, Mac second generation ONS researchers. should output in a format convenient and Linux systems can be used. for interchange with Contacts, ONS Opinions differ on whether the groups etc. (text, GEDCOM, pdf, web If you are planning to buy a new computer should be left on or off at site pages etc.) system consider a web-book which night. An advantage of leaving it on is is small, lightweight and convenient that the back-up can be set to run at Results of the study may be to take on research trips to Record night while the system is not in use. It PUBLished in a book, a ONS website, Offices etc. At home a large external is a good idea to restart the computer a DNA Project or other media high resolution screen can be plugged- every couple of days as the re-loading preferred by a member. Members in for easy viewing, especially for of the operating system tends to are encouraged not to wait for “the looking at large spreadsheets. Icon clear out any software glitches that mirage of the end of the ONS”, but to positions depend on screen resolution sometimes develop. publish early, updating at intervals as but can be remembered separately for research progresses. each screen using the simple program For ease of access when looking for “Desktop_Resetter” (www.desktility. files and saving new files it is a good This article highlights some aspects com) idea to collect all ONS work in a folder of computer use peculiar to an ONS in the root directory (C:/ONS/ on a assuming that the reader has basic Broadband internet is desirable as PC) Sub folders can include Contacts; skills in computer usage. The opinions download times for many of the web Data; Trees; Misc; Images with further expressed are those of the author and sites would be much too long with a sub-divisions for ease of filing. Access are not necessarily supported by the dial-up system. to the main directory can be via a Guild. “short-cut” icon placed on the desk- Unfortunately computers are vul- top with a copy also in the system bar Computers nerable to internal random failure, (just drag the icon into the bar) to Almost all modern computers are accidental damage, theft, loss etc. provide single click access to all your suitable for ONS work. The choice of and routine regular back-up of your files at all times. genealogy programs is much greater ONS data is a vital task to ensure that
6 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009
Operating systems provide a wide Direct email contact is best but in a dedicated folder in the Favourites range of keyboard short cuts (see Help some contacts have to be via mail toolbar with regularly accessed sites for a list) and it is well worth learning sent direct from a web site address as separate items. For example the a few of these. Perhaps the most used (e.g. GenesReunited, Roots message search data entry forms for the census are “Ctrl and C” (CMD and C on the sites). These sites can create a sites 1841, 1851….1911; FreeBMD; IGI; Mac) to copy highlighted data and proliferation of contacts in various GOONS and be shown in the bar as “Ctrl and V” (Cmd and V on the Mac) places and it becomes difficult to separate icons to give one-click access to paste the data into another place. keep track of them. It is suggested to the site. that a spreadsheet is used to track all On a PC personal keyboard shortcuts contacts with dates etc. A systematic approach is needed. can be created using the free auto- It is suggested that a spreadsheet hotkey program (www.autohotkey. Internet Browsers is used to construct a list of sites com/). It includes a comprehensive Some members report that they with a note of the date that data is manual and is relatively easy to use. find the free Firefox browser a better extracted and any limitations (such For example the following 4 line tool than Internet Explorer although as missing years, counties). The site “script” is used to set up a short-cut current versions are quite similar. In title can conveniently be the URL of key to automatically type your email any case use a modern version with the site (copy/paste from the web address into a document or website: “tabs” so that several sites can be Browser) so that jumping to the site open at the same time. This can be is simply a matter of clicking on the #e:: helpful, for example, to enable the title. Extracted data can be kept on Send, various census images of a particular other sheets of the same spreadsheet goons.member@one_name.com family can be quickly stepped through file (until the file size gets too big). return from 1841 to 1911. Review the list from time to time to decide if and when a site revisit is In the above example you would Firefox provides useful free “Add- required. of course include your email address ons”. The “Table2Clipboard” Add-on in place of the made-up address is particularly helpful for an ONS as Registered Births used in the example. The line “#e::” it allows tables of data on a website Perhaps the most useful first site determines which short-cut keys to to be quickly copied. To do this, right- for the beginner to access is: http:// use – in this case the “windows key” click the mouse anywhere on the freebmd.rootsweb.com/cgi/search. (which is denoted by #) with the “e” table and then select “Copy whole pl For example, select “Births” and key. Many other keys can be used and table” from the displayed menu, and insert your ONS in the search box and, the program allows a choice to be the table is copied to the clipboard provided that there are less than 3000 made. The program can include many from which it can easily be pasted into registered entries, almost all the ONS scripts for other uses including for another application (e.g. Excel, Open registered births from 1837 up to the example, inserting your ONS, postal Office Calc). mid 1930’s will be listed. Surname address, and can save a lot of typing. variants can be entered one at a Web Sites time or a “wildcard” can be used to E-Mail Genealogical data is now available cover various possibilities. Wildcards Expect to receive and send large in vast quantities. The difficulty is can be used to substitute ambiguous numbers of e-mail messages which deciding what and when to access the characters. They can be “?” for one often need to be saved and it is worth information. character or “*” for a number of carefully planning message folder characters (see full explanation on titles for ease of future reference. Please refer to the Guild Wiki the site). If more than 3000 births are (which can be found in the members returned, split the search to say born Use your main email address for room) for useful links, and watch the before 1900 and born after 1901, and contacts and safe sites where the Guild Forum as a valuable source for combine later. The easiest way to address will not be “skimmed” for new sites and help in accessing and extract the search results is to use the fraudulent use. For other uses obtain understanding the data. FreeBMD “Download” button to copy one of the many free email addresses the download data to Excel. which can be ditched if it becomes Use the many free sites (e.g. IGI, a target for excessive spam. Your FreeBMD) and also consider an annual GOONS address is probably best subscription to one or more of the reserved for GOONS contacts. main source sites (e.g. Ancestry, Find my past, The Genealogist) The Address Book usually allows contacts to be categorised and it is The Favourites (or Bookmark) worth separating contacts as GOONS; facility of the Browser should Family History; GenesReunited etc. be used to keep a list of all Contacts can also be grouped into a the names (abbreviated) “distribution list” so that all contacts and URL’s of websites can be easily addressed in a single of interest. For ease of email on matters of general interest. access place ONS sites
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 7 It is useful to number each row =VALUE(TEXT(A1+0,”yyyy”)) Experiment with different search of the extracted data to be able to tactics to elicit extra information. return to the original extract order The formula are placed in two new For example when searching the after a sort. Insert a column on the columns next to the extracted Month- England and Wales birth registrations left of the sheet. Type the header Year in cell A1 (adjust the formula if for 1916-2005 try inserting your ONS “Ref” in cell A1 and insert the number not in A1) and then copy down over name as the mother’s maiden name in “1” in cell A2 (the first row of data). In all the rows. The date Jan-04 is then the search. From the children’s names cell A3 type the formula: =1+A2 and shown as Jan in the month column you can see the father’s surname and copy this formula to all cells in the and 2004 in the year column. Change where the child’s name is the ONS it column and this will number the rows results to values. may indicate that a father’s name was consecutively. Copy the whole column not provided. of number formula and then, with Birth registrations obtained from that column still selected, use “paste FreeBMD and Ancestry can be com- Other Sources special” then “values” to over-write pared to check for errors and omis- Try your ONS in Google and this can the formula and freeze the numbers, sions. lead to several useful sources. Also then save the sheet. try Google Alerts which can usefully The Art of Searching bring new sites and possible contacts FreeBMD registration district names, This is a key skill which an ONS on a daily basis. whilst being correct and unambiguous, researcher needs to engender. are sometimes not named consistently Remember when searching that Social networking sites, such as and for sorting purposes it is the site index will probably include Facebook, can be a surprisingly useful preferable to adjust the data to use transcription and other errors. A source of contacts leading to details a standard name. To do this sort the degree of lateral thinking and patience of more recent events and are well data by district and the variations will is often required when inserting the worth trying. Equally, family history then be obvious. Confirm the correct search details before that elusive data sites, such as GenesReunited, can be standard district name and copy it to can be found. Wildcard searching a good source for ONS. And many all the registrations in that district can be helpful especially for finding more… using the drag-copy facility. Note, variant names. always make a copy of a sheet before Own computer searching sorting in case an accidental partial Search using different sites with A large quantity of data will built sort destroys the consistency of the the same data as the search options up on your own hard drive over a data. Delete the copy once it is clear and transcription errors may differ. period of time and it can prove time that the modified sheet is correct. Switching between sites can also consuming to find some specific help. For example it may be possible detail. Consider using one of the free Later registered births up to year to locate a marriage and place in programs which catalogues all files 2005 are available on www.ancestry. FreeBMD helping to locate a census and every word they contain and com. Search results are often limited entry giving age and place of birth. allows quick searching. Examples of to a small number of lines per page such programs are Copernic, Microsoft (e.g. 25 or 50) which means that Web sites appear to be designed Windows Search & Google Desktop. n many pages have to be laboriously primarily to meet the needs of the downloaded one by one to extract all “own family history” researchers only Coming in the next Journal: the data. It is always worth looking requiring a few names. ONS (except at the URL to see if the “lines per rare name studies) researchers on the “Spreadsheets” page” number can be identified other hand often need many hundreds and changed. See Example 1 under if not thousands of names where “Computers for Beginners” in the access to each individual image would Guild WIKI. be prohibitively time consuming. Once again ONS researchers have to The Ancestry birth search results in- use lateral thinking to maximise the clude the date in the Excel date format data that can be extracted from the and presented as “Month-Year” (e.g. free-to-access index. Jan-04). It is more useful to have the year converted to a number for ease of calculating dates (e.g. year died from age at death). Unfortunately this is not straightforward and special formulas are required. The year and month can be separately extracted in Excel using a formula to extract the month (3 letter abbreviation):
=TEXT(A1+0,”mmm”) and for year:
8 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 Guild NewsXtra Guild Library - Stocktake SOMERSET WILLS PUBLISHED What have Dover Castle, fishing ‘weres’ on the shore of the Bristol he Guild Library will be closed Channel and the ‘cad’ Thomas for stocktaking during the week Salmon all got in common? The Tbeginning Monday 27th April answer is they can all be found 2009. Members who currently have in a new book on Somerset Wills items on either normal or long-term published by the Somerset Record loan are requested to arrange for Society (registered charity). This their return to the Library by Friday volume contains transcripts of 1200 24th April at the latest or to contact hitherto unpublished wills edited the Librarian on Freephone 0800 - for the Society by historian Adrian 011 2182 if there is a need to retain Webb. The original wills were burnt items during the stocktaking period. during the Blitz of Exeter in 1942 but fortunately for local and family It would also be of considerable historians Miss Olve Moger had kept help if members who still hold items carbon copies of the transcripts she for review in the Journal would had made. Amongst the wills, which please contact the Librarian as soon are from all over the ancient county as possible with details of the items of Somerset, are many for people who concerned. n lived in the Taunton, Wellington and West Somerset area mainly from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Irish Civil Registration Records 3rd UK Jacket(ts) on Familysearch.org Families Gathering Included in this volume are the wills of John Ashe who left money to the Leper House in Taunton in 1560, The Irish Civil Registration Indexes Another 5 years have gone by and also a tick weaver from Frome and a up to 1958 are now available on members, or desendants of Jacket, Georgian lady who had a collection of FamilySearch.org. This includes non- Jackets, Jackett, Jacketts and Jackett- manuscripts noteworthy enough to Catholic marriages from 1845 and full Simpson families are invited to meet mention them in her will. There are birth, marriage and death indexes at GOONHAVERN VILLAGE HALL on many wills for the Amory, Ashman, from 1864. Saturday 16th May 2009 at 7.0 pm. Crandon, Date, Day, Fry, Hamlen, Hare, Hewlet, Hilborne, Hill, Kelson, There was “one Ireland” up to the Light refreshments will be available Lansdown, Longman, Paul, Peddle, end of 1921 and then separate GROs during the evening. There is also a Pope, Sheppard, Simes, Smith, Squire, in the Republic of Ireland and in large car park and wheelchair access. Thorne, Walton, Webb, Whitchurch Northern Ireland. For the post-1922 and Wilkins families, plus hundreds of period only the index entries for the For full details contact John Jackett, other Somerset families. Miss Moger Republic are available at the link 4 Rose Meadows, Goonhavern, Truro, also accumulated transcripts of many below: TR4 9LB. Tel No: 01872 572449. E-mail hundreds of other documents which [email protected] or jackett@ are now held at the Devon Record http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordse one-name.org. n Office. arch/#p=2;t=searchable;c=1408347 n Volumes are issued free to all members of the Somerset Record Society Mac Users - Get a Guild Register search widget (membership £10 per year). This volume is available for purchase to Mac users might like to know of a non-members for £33.00 (plust £2.49 new Guild Register search “widget” postage in Europe, £5.46 overseas which has been created. This little surface) from the Somerset Studies utility allows you to search the Guild’s Library, Taunton Library, Paul Street, online Register from your Mac’s Taunton, Somerset. Existing members Dashboard. of the SRS can purchase copies of the wills volume at £22 plus postage. You simply enter in a name in the Details of the Society, other volumes, search box and your browser will The widget is available from the including wills, can be seen at http:// open, listing any results which include Guild website at the address below. www.westcountrygenealogy.com/ the name searched for. http://www.one-name.org/members/ somerset/somrecsoc.htm n widget
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 9 Welcome To The Members Room
by Anne Shankland, (Guild Webmaster)
ooking through some statistics on the Membership recently, LI was struck by the fact that it showed that 58.2% of members had visited the Members Room on the website. This means that over 40% of you haven’t. The immediate query that comes to mind is: whyever not? I’m In, What Now? to allow a discount to Guild members The principle behind the Members who quote the special codes from the Logging In Room is that it should give you access Members Room; similarly, the Society If it’s a question of not knowing how to to information and services that are of Genealogists will waive their joining get in, then that’s easy. The Members useful to you as a member and that fee of £10.00 to Guild members who Room is at http://www.one-name.org/ the public does not have access to. In accompany their application with members/, and since this is for mem- this category are Guild services such the voucher available from the same bers only you will need to enter a as the Guild Marriage Index, which source. And don’t forget the discounts username and password to show that may allow you to find links between given by the Bookstall – generally 10% you’re a member. Your username is your study and someone else’s; the off list price, including FindMyPast your membership number, and you Marriage Challenges, where you and Ancestry vouchers. get a unique personal password to go can ask a Challenger Guild member with it. If you haven’t got a password, to look up a marriage for you in a Guild Wiki or can’t remember it, then you should specific R.D. that he or she plans to do There are also sources of practical help go to http://www.one-name.org/for- a systematic search in; and the Probate in the “Information” section of the gotten.html to request a new one. Index, where your registered name Members Room. In particular, there’s This can all happen automatically if may be mentioned as a beneficiary the Guild Information Store, or the your email address is in the database; of someone else’s Will. These facilities “wiki” as it is widely known, which is just fill in the form for a password, aim to make the research done by the result of a collaborative effort on and it will be automatically generated other members of the Guild available the part of many Guild members to and emailed to you within a moment to you in your own One-Name Study. pool their knowledge for the benefit or two. Make sure the email with your of other members. You may be famil- password doesn’t drop into your spam In addition to this, you can request iar with the concept of a wiki, from folder! It will be sent direct from the that some forms of research be Wikipedia, the best known of public website but the “from” address will be done for you, as part of the “look- wikis. The Guild’s wiki is a similar (but mine, i.e. [email protected]. up” services offered by the Guild. smaller!) project, where members can Make sure that your email client will There are a number of data sources add or edit pages to contribute their accept messages from this address. available in CD form, where the Guild own expertise. You can see the wide has obtained permission to do look- range of material in the Wiki, in the If your email address isn’t in the ups for registered names on members’ (partial) Contents Page at http://www. Membership Database, or you’re not behalf. These are fully listed under one-name.org/members/wiki/index. sure whether it is or not, (or even if “Lookup Services” in the “Services” php?page=Contents Page. If you’re you just prefer the personal touch and section of the Members Room. In not familiar with wikis and how they don’t mind waiting a day or so), then addition, members who do not have work, have a look at the introductory fill in the form at http://www.one- access to the Internet can request that page at http://www.one-name.org/ name.org/cgi-bin/request_pw.cgi, and look-ups are made for their name on members/wikintro.html, which will I’ll generate one “by hand” and send www.findmypast.com - the Internet tell you all about them. Or just go into it to you. source of UK B/M/D register indexes. the wiki pages and take a look around at the wealth of information on many If you have any difficulty getting a Special Offers different genealogical areas that is password – or if you can’t remember For your own research purposes, there held there. your membership number – or if you are also some promotional codes have any kind of problem getting into available to you in the Members Of course, the wiki is only one of the Members Room, then email me Room, which can help to reduce the the many useful sources of infor- at [email protected] and I’ll cost of your research. Both FindMyPast mation in the Members Room. The sort it out for you. and LostCousins have kindly agreed “Information” tab includes not only
10 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 the wiki but also the online version of Profile Pages meetings should be published to the current Members Handbook, a list As Guild members you will already be members; these are available under of useful URLs, a collection of items well aware of the usefulness of the the “Guild Admin” tab, which also about DNA and DNA projects, and web in general in publicising your provides access to similar details for various articles about useful and/or study, but you may have hesitated to the Executive and the Subcommittees. interesting aspects of Guild member- get involved in the technicalities of This is intended to increase the trans- ship. You might, for instance, like to building your own website. This is the parency of the Guild governance look at the seminar material we have purpose of the Guild “Profile page” to the members, and hopefully will posted here from recent seminars facility, where by typing in information prove interesting to the membership, where the presenters have been kind about your study on to a simple form perhaps even encouraging some of enough to allow us to reproduce their you can generate your own web page them to put themselves forward for work on the website. within the Guild’s website. This allows election to the Committee. As the you, with minimal effort and skill, to Chairman observed in the last Journal Membership Details have your own web presence! Google (January 2009), the Guild Committee On a more mundane level, there are searches for your name will then find is always keen to benefit from “new also some useful web forms that you your Guild profile page and hopefully blood” volunteering itself to help can use to change the details we bring you more enquiries and contacts with running your Guild. have about you in the Database; for for your name. instance, if you need to update your It is your Guild, and the Members address or your email address, or if Guild Electronic Archive Room and the rest of the Guild you would like to change the way that Another major use for the web is for website exists to serve your interests. your study is shown in the Register, storage of data, and there is another Do take the time to visit and take then here are the forms to do it. Guild facility, the Guild Electronic advantage of what it offers. And if Note that some of the changes you Archive, to allow you to store your there’s something you’d like to see can request will happen immediately, collected births/marriages/deaths, which isn’t there, let me know! n but others will require action by the probate, and census data on Registrar and so will take a day or the Guild website. This can two to take effect. These forms of be either for access by others course include facilities to allow you interested in your name, or to pay your annual subscription at for data backup, or both. renewal time, including using the Your data can be uploaded PayPal feature which was introduced to the website as a .csv file a couple of years ago and has proved (easily generated from a very popular. spreadsheet file), and you can specify whether, once in One of the most important of these the Archive, your data will forms is the one for joining the Guild’s be accessible by the general online Forum; see also the link to the public, or by Guild members “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) only. about the Forum. The Forum costs nothing, but gives access to a lively and Both the Guild Profile Page informative email exchange where facility, and the Guild Elec- Guild members can ask questions and tronic Archive, are accessi- have them answered by other Guild ble from the Members Room members showing an astonishingly (through the “Services” tab) wide range of knowledge. Among with plentiful details of how the services offered by the Guild, to use them to create your this is arguably the most effective in own web page and data creating a sense of community among archive. Guild members. Guild Administration For those keen to meet fellow Finally, the Guild seeks to Guild members in person as well promote members’ under- as electronically, it is well worth standing of how the Guild visiting the section on Regional works by publishing in the Representatives. A new page has Members Room details of how recently been added to this section the Guild is run, who the Guild listing the meetings due to be held in Committee members and the various regions; Guild members post holders are (and how to are welcome to any of these events, contact them), what their jobs whether they are in their own region entail, and what goes on at or not (but it is courteous to contact Guild meetings. In 2007 it was the organising RegRep in advance agreed that all the agendas, to allow him or her to manage the minutes, and documenta- numbers attending). tion for Guild Committee
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 11 HAIR TODAY,
DNA TOMORROW! By John Swallow
NA is a tool of recent invention, (pardon the pun) is that the mother For genealogical purposes however, which many of our middle to may not know who the father of a greater burden of proof than that Dolder generations do not quite her children is in an extreme case. In provided by paper records should, understand; to be fair, you need to other cases, she honestly believes that whenever possible, be established be a biologist to understand it fully. she is telling the truth. In my case I and the DNA test is a tool in trying The population at large know that it have no choice but to accept that to reach this objective. We say, is to do with tying people together by William George is my father, not only in support of this argument, that establishing some sort of biological because my mother tells me he was research is a discipline which has to linkage where, should you have body but because it is impossible for two tease out the facts and present them parts or body secretions an individual males to have the same ridiculous hair in a format that allows your peers to can be determined and quite possibly without there being a connection. review them. Accuracy in the research actually identified. Some DNA special- So that is me in the clear then. The process is not a luxury option but is ists also claim, that by some black art, same significant marker however, something which the true researcher you can go back to earlier times too, cannot be seen in either of my two should strive to attain, even if the thus revealing a lineage. They also sons but one does look like me and outcome is not exactly welcomed with know that this mysterious process is the other looks like his mother. So it open arms. Herein lays another part sometimes helpful in solving crimes is a reasonable assumption that us of the problem. A short story to illus- that might not otherwise have resolu- three would match if a DNA test was trate the point. tion. However, asking this part of the carried out. Also, possibly lurking at population if they would like to have the back of most people’s minds, once A Cautionary Tale a DNA test done they are likely to they start to consider the implications The following is correctly portrayed respond as my mother did (now 99 yrs of DNA testing for genealogical but the surname is expunged to avoid old). She forcibly declined because, as purposes, is the possibility that their distress to the individuals concerned. far as I could make out, it was prying father, grandfather and so on might I spent a period of time researching a into her past for no good reason. I not actually be related to them. The name not connected with my twigs, tried to explain why us genealogists music hall jokes about the window and during the course of this research might want to carry out such inves- cleaner and the milkman, had to have I happened across two others work- tigations but my argument did not some basis in fact. Wow! That would ing on the same name. One lived in prevail. be one turn up for the books. Birmingham, the other in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen person joined me and Putting her hat on for a moment, One of my distant relative’s lives in the Birmingham guy, somewhat late why do I need to identify myself as Sydney and he and I appear to spring in the game. Mr Birmingham and I belonging to a particular SWALLOW from a William SWALLOW who was had established a reasonably well twig? I do so to improve the quality born around September 1702 in The documented case getting both of us of our knowledge about the tree and Hadhams in Hertfordshire. I used back to the early 1800s but we were also because I am into reducing the “appear” in the previous sentence beginning to run out of luck. He and I amount of assumed and estimated because, in reality, although the were then contacted by Mr Aberdeen, data that any tree must contain, available paper records support the who wanted to know what we had effectively, the difference between argument, it actually does no more found out. Mr Birmingham and I were Genealogy and a Family History. I than say that a line of parenting males happy to exchange information. For suspect that most people do not can be established between Bruce all we knew, he might have a link to make such a distinction and may feel and me. Parenting, thankfully for us earlier times. Alarm bells began to threatened by a deterministic process. humans, is not solely determined by ring however when he told us that he I don’t have a quarrel with that in genetics but by acceptance too and was aiming to get his tree on the wall general but I am concerned about the there will be innumerable instances of his yet unborn child’s bedroom, so amount of family history statements where a non biological father sustains that it would be there in all its glory that are more based on parenting a child of another man. Does this when his wife returned from hospital. than genetics. matter, well not from a sociological “...... by the way, how long have point of view. If the pseudo father you two been trying to put this twig Am I My Father’s Son? did a good job raising this child, why together then?” Mr Birmingham said, My mother tells me that I am my should anyone else care? The child eight years and I said about 6. At that father’s son, indeed I tell my son’s loves the father and both parents love point he e-mailed us with a rather that they are my children. Bottom line the child, hopefully. derogatory note which expressed his
12 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 surprise at the length of time we had trees may not be subject to the rigours On your death, unless you decide taken to do what he estimated would of DNA review. Bruce and I will start otherwise, this hair sample could be take him about 3 months and reach- again if necessary if the DNA results subjected to analysis with the result- ing back as far as 1400 as well! We show a wrong connection. Bruce and ing report being attached to your jointly composed a reply stressing the I would continue to collaborate but birth certificate. need to be very cautious and to test we would now know that we were evidence as he gathered it. We got not connected in the way that we Imagine that over time you and I an even ruder reply which intimated previously thought. Bruce would of could be responsible for a welter of that we were clearly old and doddery course be delighted as he has always DNA samples that could, possibly, and his tree had just been sent to the considered me to be unworthy of a revolutionise this most interesting printers for a fancy wall chart to grace connection to himself anyway. For my hobby of ours. Of course the above the nursery wall. To show us he was part I am not giving up that easily as I is but the bare bones of suitable not exaggerating he sent his data am hoping to figure in his will (smile, procedure and much more thought file to us. He had a good half of Mr it’s a joke). needs to put into how this could be Birmingham’s family in his tree and managed for the benefit of all. For this family we know for certain is not Costly Business example, the simple expedient of connected. I found a number of dupli- Additionally, there is of course a scanning in data and handing a CD/ cations of data which indicated that logistical and financial cost to having DVD it to the Guild to store, could his research method was to note that DNA tests made. The current cost is not be applied to hair samples. How if a William was the father of a groom relatively (sorry another pun) high would the Guild store and care for he guessed the fathers age and then and not everyone can afford to use these physical entities? looked for a suitable William in records DNA as a tool. In my case it would he could access. Adoption was imme- amount to a considerable sum. At this point in time such considera- diate if a likely candidate was spotted. tions do not concern us; we need to We were, I must admit, a bit put out How could we overcome our very play around with the basic idea. At by this so we collaborated again and reasonable concerns about our bio- least Susan Meates is in the forefront sent him a reply which pointed out, logical beginnings and the cost barri- of this particular science and may what were according to us, errors in ers to getting DNA tests carried out? have already considered elements of his data. That was the last we heard this proposition and we will undoubt- from him. The point of this is that he Back To The Title And.... “Hair” edly hear from her on the matter. would have been unlikely to consider Immediately upon reading this article DNA as a tool in the same way he felt you are bidden to cut off a lock of your Finally, we shall in the future have he did not require documentary proof own hair, place it in a small acid free to have regard to legal issues, medical in support for almost all his findings. paper envelope and attach that to the research and medical advisory matters There was no way that he was going birth certificate, or other pertinent as well as how the insurance industry to come back to the beginning to do hard copy document. react to DNA disclosure that indicates the job properly. a potential health risk. Placed in the envelope alongside the Therein is, I suspect, the source of hair should be a short description of I will be pleased to hear your views, much resistance to DNA testing and you and your “assumed” parents and swallowresearchresource@hotmail. I have concerns that many existing grandparents. com n
Sydney Brewin MBE, 1931 - 2009 After a long fight against kidney occasion which was celebrated in the cancer (since 1991), Sydney Brewin Guild Journal Vol 8, issue #4. passed away on 21st January 2009. Reluctantly Sydney left the Guild Sydney was born in Burton-Upon- in 2004 when his illness meant that Trent, on 14 April 1931. He was he was unable to carry on his study, always proud of his working class though as a keen letter-writer, he roots and was brought up to follow was dictating replies to his many the traditions of the Methodist faith genealogical correspondents and and Liberal political ideology. took great pleasure in receiving and dictating letters. Sydney was a founding member of the Guild (number 17), joining the Sydney remained at home until the Guild in 1979. He was treasurer from last three days of his life when hospital 1980 to 1989 and also served as Vice- became the only option, he died of president for some time. a heart attack, but chatted happily right up until the end. His battle now In 2003 Sydney was awarded an MBE over, we are all very grateful he is no in recognition of some 30 years as a longer suffering and can reflect on his Citizens Advise Bureau volunteer, an full and active life. n
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 13 A One-Name Study from the Scottish Gàidhealtachd by Iain Kennedy
urname research in the Scottish Highlands is stymied by a Snumber of factors. 1. The parish registers tend to be late starting, often only dating back to the late 18th century or even the early 19th century. 2. The 1843 Disruption in the Church of Scotland led most Highlanders to leave to form the Free Church, resulting in the loss¹ of further Fig. 1 The Free Church at Crossbost, Lochs parish, Lewis. information. In the most extreme example, Lochs parish on southern else, seemingly), the name came from older references from before the start Lewis, a key Kennedy area, has a an ancestor called Ulrich Kennedy of the parish registers in highland register only starting in 1831 and who came to Lochaber from Ayrshire Perthshire, where the key parish of with no entries after 1843 – just 16 in the distant past. I have found Fortingall, a Gaelic speaking parish Kennedy baptisms are contained records of this alias in use in Argyll, as late as 1901 and one of the top 10 in it. See Fig 1 above. Inverness and Perth counties. For parishes in Scotland for the surname, 3. Surname aliases are common example the alias is well-known on has a parish register that only dates 4. The patronymic naming system. the island of Tyree, where in an Argyll from 1748. This parish has its own estate rental from 1779 a footnote extra genealogical challenge. It was In this article I will explore some of under ‘Kennedy’ tells us ‘Kennedy is a traditional home to the MacGregor the challenges I have encountered now a common surname in Tiree. It clan who were banned from using whilst studying early references to the appears here in its form McUolrie and their surname in the early 1600s. As Kennedy surname in the era of patro- McCualrig’; the book proceeds to list a result clan members were forced nymics and aliases. 52 McCualrigs and only 3 Kennedies. to take another surname and picked In Perthshire local Kennedies in Foss from a variety of alternatives. Many A Gaelic Kennedy alias – and Strathtay have called themselves appear in the early records with ‘late MacUalraig. McUrich. MacGregor’ tacked on to the end In the case of Kennedy (itself an of their adopted name. Luckily, to Anglicised form of a Gaelic name), date I am unaware of any of them it is well attested that it is known by picking Kennedy as their new name the Gaelic form MacUalraig in certain but a reference to someone called parts of the Highlands, traditionally ‘Duncan Menzeis alias McWilliam leat Lochaber district. McGriger’ shows the challenges in store. Fig. 3 Fortunately there are some good Although some claim that all the sources that predate the parish Highland Kennedys descend from registers. For the men of the north Ulrich, this street sign from deep shore of Loch Rannoch their records inside the heart of the Scottish are amongst the Menzies papers at the Gàidhealtachd in Steòrnabhagh tells National Archives in Edinburgh. Two a different story. Here Kennedy is sets of records were consulted, a set shown to not have a distinct alias and of rental lists for the Menzies estate the name is a simple transliteration and a baronial court book. This court Fig. 2 into Gaelic. was run by the Laird of Menzies until hereditary jurisdiction was abolished This street sign in bi-lingual Fort Kennedy patronymics in 1748. The court books date from William shows the traditional Gaelic I recently studied a number of 1622 and run to some 3000 pages over form of the Kennedy surname. resources at the National Archives six volumes and are a treasure trove According to clan tradition (but little in Edinburgh in an attempt to find of information.
14 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 The earliest rental I saw was from 1695 • Kennedy, Neil, in Leanachanmor, and showed the Kennedy surname at decree against him for despoila- three farms or fermtouns along the tion 580 shore. The key farms appeared to be • McCorig - see McEwin VcInduy those of Camuseracht² Beg and Mor • McEwin VcInduy alias McCorig of (these are the Gaelic words for small Leonachinbeg, Duncan, decree and big and place names often appear against him, 578 in such pairs). The entry was rather • McEwan, VcOnell Roy, Angus, in curious though, and thrilling to find: Leanachanbeg, dec. spol. 580 • McValrick, Angus in Leonachine Neil McCoil VcEwen tennent Kennedie decree against him 578 Rorie Kennedie his sone • [McInduy (VcInduy), Duncan McEwine, alias McCorig, in Lean- I had scored a great first for the achanbeg see McEwin VcInduy …] study, a patronymic linked to the • McQuollarie of Leanachanbeg, modern Kennedy surname! In the Duncan, dec. 579 following rental from 1698 it got even better, as the same pair of men were In my opinion there is only one listed at the same farm but without surname here. The only person in any surname at all: real doubt is Angus McEwan VcOnell Fig. 4 The Kennedys of Leanachan Roy who could be anyone. All the in Kilmonivaig parish church yard. Neill McCuil VcEwin & Rorie his sone others apart from Neil Kennedy are Kennedys using their Gaelic alias, but there. One of them gets a mention in Of course, viewing this record in rendered with great variation. his poem ‘Iorram Cuain’: isolation would furnish no clue as to what surname this represents. One of the most frustating habits Donnchadh Mac Uaraig a’luadhadh leo of indexers, but a most telling one if ‘S b’fhada buan a spalagan. If you are lucky enough to find we are to understand how surnames such records they are often linked developed, is the technique of render- The poems and the connections with the word ‘alias’ but this can also ing a Vc- name as Mc-name instead, between mac Mhaighstir and the happen when the link is between two viz. re-indexing Duncan McEwine MacUaraigs is discussed at some surnames. For example in a militia VcInduy under McInduy. Of course at length in a useful article by Ronald muster roll from 1705, I found the this time McInduy was not a surname Black in the Transactions of the Gaelic following individual listed at Dunkeld: – it is simply the Gaelic for son of black Society of Inverness, and the author John, Mac-Ean-Dubh. Modern day even spends some time discussing the John Kennedy alias McWarlick MacKeans and McIndoes may find the identity of Donnchadh Mac Uaraig form very familiar though. (Duncan Kennedy), probably the local This man is providing us with his schoolteacher at Finnart. In a strange Gaelic alias MacUalraig, a name The use of patronymics gradually twist though, the main English trans- capable of almost endless spelling faded but the timescale was highly lation of the poet’s works, carried out variations. Often the clerks writing location specific. By the time we get to by two Gaelic speaking Highland min- these names down were non-locals, for the 1730s the Kennedys on Rannoch isters, managed to translate MacUara- example the court clerks who wrote up only appear with their modern ig as MacQuarrie not Kennedy. This is the barony court books were mostly surname but further to the southeast, undoubtedly an error on their part. from Edinburgh. We are dependent on the Menzies lands of Apnadull, on their ability to spell Gaelic names in this had happened by about 1660. Gillandrist – a Kennedy alias, a helpful way. We are also dependent But even before then, the modern patronymic and given name! sometimes on indexers providing us surname could be used; the earliest The difficulty of studying patronym- with logical access to these names. record I have from Leanachan is a tack ics is that it is often only after the You never know quite how they will issued by the Gordon family, the Earls event that the significance of a name pigeon-hole the names and it usually of Huntly, who owned Lochaber, and becomes apparent, and recording all pays to scan the entire index in case dates from 1637. It uses the Kennedy names in the area really is essential. I something of interest shows up. form of the name. learned this the hard way when I fol- lowed up my research with the rental By way of example, consider these The Gaelic poets as a surname lists with a study of the baronial court index entries from the Register of source books and a paper in the MacGregor the Privy Council, which all refer to If lowland clerks detract from our collection entitled ‘The Camerons of individuals from Leanachan in Loch- understanding of surname origins, Rannoch’. This was part of a set of aber, the place where the Highland better help may be available from the papers rescued by a John MacGre- Kennedys first set up home. The farms Gaelic poets writing in their native gor from a sale of manuscripts by the of Leanachan-beg and –mor were tongue, calling people by the names Menzies family in the early 20th cen- totally under their control and usually that were in daily use. One of the tury. records only show Kennedys there. great poets, Alastair mac Mhaighstir These entries all come from volume Alastair, actually stayed on Rannoch Many of the entries in the court book XIII covering the period 1683-4. at one stage and knew the Kennedys are simple lists of tenants appearing
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 15 to have fines rendered for minor supra, Euin Kennedie on oath ut engineer in Inverness in the 1730s. transgressions of the local laws. From supra, Gilandrist Kennedie on oath In this passage he attempts to give 1660 the court book listed tenants on confesses wood and frees venison. his understanding of the different Rannoch but none of the names were naming conventions. recognisable and almost all were pat- The use of this given name ronymics, with the first occurrence of Gilandrist, which I had never seen ‘These patronymical names, at ‘Kennedie’ being in 1700. before, now makes sense. It is rather length, are made use of chiefly in a shame that the last record noted writings, receipts, rentals etc. and, In the paper ‘The Camerons of Ran- using this given name is 1736, and in ordinary matters, the Highlanders noch’ the story is told of Camuseracht, once the parish registers commence have sometimes other distinctions, originally held by the MacGregors in 1748 then it was not used once which also to some are pretty long. until the proscription of the clan fol- amongst the 148 Kennedy baptisms. lowing the battle of Glenfruin in 1603: As a surname there is though a sole When numbers of them, composed baptism in 1753 where the father’s from different tribes, have been ‘During Duncan MacGregor’s name is given as Malcolm McIlandrish jointly employed in a work, they absence in Ireland, where but the clerk has indexed the child have had arbitrary and temporary he remained for seven years, under the surname Anderson. The denominations added to their the Laird of Menzies who had long birth was at Inchgarth on the Keltney Christian names by their overseers, for before obtained a Crown charter over Burn which is on the eastern edge the more ready distinction; such as the them, gave a grant of Macgregor’s of the parish, many miles from the place they came from, the person who possessions in Camuserochd to one of Kennedy territory. Interestingly the recommended them, some particular the name of Kennedy from Lochaber, GRO have ignored the clerk’s margin vice, or something remarkable in their known in the country as Gillandhurst- entry and indexed this baptism under persons, etc. by which fictitious names beg, and from whom the Kennedys the surname McIlandrish. There is no they have also been set down in the or clan Gillandhurst in Rannoch are great weight of evidence suggesting books of the employer.’ n descended.’ that this family are Kennedys but it must remain a possibility. ¹ Baptisms not found in the Kirk This is not the only recorded mention registers on ScotlandsPeople between of the name Gillandhurst Kennedy. How reliable the rule of thumb that 1843 and 1855 may be in the records Writing on the Leanachan Kennedies, equates Kennedy with Gillandrist is, for the local Free Church, which are Lochaber historian Somerled MacMil- or over what area it can be applied, mostly stored at the National Archives lan writes that ‘one of the first to be is still unclear. Whilst on the one in the CH3 and CH16 collections. mentioned in Highland lore was Gill’- hand I have found singleton records Andreis Beag, a contemporary of An from further afield which look to ² The Ordnance Survey now spells Tàillear Dubh, who was slain prior to be Kennedys using the alias either this place Camusericht. The last map 1577.’ explicitly or implicitly, it is clear at to show both farms dates from 1820 the same time that in other areas and spelt them Camiserichbeg and The Camuserochd story (still await- McGillandrish exists as a surname in Camiserich more. ing proof from primary sources) its own right. immediately told me two things. References Firstly, it introduced a fourth way in Summary which Kennedys might be referred to Are all these people related, despite • NAS GD50/136/1 Barony Court – either as a Kennedy, a MacUalraig, the plethora of naming conventions? Books Menzies and Rannoch, 6v, a Gillhandhurst or just a simple pat- Modern DNA testing, using 43 marker 1622-1759 ronymic. The second thing was that it testing at DNA Heritage and DNA • NAS GD50/156 Lists of Menzies reminded me of many patronmyics I Ancestry, shows frustrating results tenants, etc., in Rannoch, 1695- had already seen in the baronial court in that there are a large number of 1747 books but not paid any particular seemingly unrelated Kennedy lines • NAS GD50/23 Camerons of attention to. Fortunately I had made in the Highlands. Perhaps since the Rannoch, with notes by John sufficient notes of names at the key surname did not settle down until MacGregor W.S. (c. 1934) locations, even though it seem rather the 18th century, it is too much to • Roll of the Duke of Atholl’s laborious at the time. hope that the oral tradition of a Fencible Men 1705 and 1706 common ancestry had held to be • Register of the Privy Council Vol. In the first listing at Camuseracht in true over the timescale of the several XIII (1683-4) 1660, there was this man: centuries since Kennedy first occurred • ‘Mac Mhaighstir Alastair in in the area. I still feel that we do not Rannoch: A Reconstruction’ in Johne more McIllandres understand enough about the way Transactions of the Gaelic Society in which surnames were adopted in of Inverness (1994-1996) pp341- In light of the new information, this the Highlands, particularly for the 419, Ronald Black man can be identified as a Kennedy. so-called ‘broken men’ who were • Bygone Lochaber, Somerled Mac- Even better, in 1719 I had noted this outside the main clan structure, like Millan (1971) group of people: the Kennedys. • John Thomson’s Atlas of Scotland, 1832: Perthshire with Clackman- Camserachmore: John McOlroy on Here is a quote from Edmund Burt, nan at http://www.nls.uk/maps/ oath, Rorie Kennedie on oath ut an Englishman sent to work as a roads atlas/thomson/531.html
16 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 Marriage Challenge Update By Peter Copsey
Birmingham Marriage Challenge - A New Approach
or large Registration Districts I Challenge with Barbara co-ordinating. please contact Barbara via e-mail at have always recommended that Karen Burnell is now searching the [email protected]. Fa Challenge is done in stages; St Martin registers, David Fall is for instance, stage 1 would be 1837 searching St Thomas, Barbara Griffiths Upcoming Challenges - 1851, stage 2 1852 - 1871, etc. is searching All Saints, Ruth Croft Challenges commencing in the Birmingham Registration District is is helping Karen and Ian Preece, coming months are shown in the one of the largest but the Challenge working from home, is searching the table below. If you would like to is not being done this way. Instead of IGI and collecting associated cardinal request a search for your marriages slicing it horizontally, it is being sliced points (GRO page numbers of the (registered names only for the period vertically. Let me explain. first and last marriages in a church for indicated) send the details from the each quarter). GRO index (using FreeBMD, perhaps) Team Effort to the Challenger, either by e-mail or When Barbara Harvey announced The Challenge is being done church to his or her postal address given in her Challenge in November she by church rather than period by peri- the Guild Register. Also, keep a watch received over 4000 requests. Barbara od; and this approach is working very on the Guild web-page for Marriage lives in the London area and the parish well. Each volunteer has effectively Challenges as further Challenges are registers are deposited in Birmingham. adopted a church, not just abstracting announced. Barbara has easy access to only a few the requested marriage information of the marriages registers, namely but taking cardinal points so that a For more information about Mar- those where copies are held at the mapping of the GRO page numbering riage Challenge, what it comprises Society of Genealogists or available for the District is obtained. and how it works, see the article in the at the Latter Day Saints library in Journal (October - December 2005). Kensington. Barbara’s proposal was Want To Join The Team? to limit her “stage” to these two More volunteers are needed as there Anyone who would like to become churches, St Jude and St Philip. is upwards of 20 churches in the RD. a Challenger or would like to know But, as for all Challenges, there is more about what is involved please However when members realised no time limit and for someone to contact me, the Marriage Challenge what Barbara was intending to do, adopt another church, next year say, Co-ordinator, at marriage-challenge@ several who live with easy access would be satisfactory. If you would one-name.org. n of the Birmingham Record Office like to join the team and help with volunteered to help and join in the the Birmingham Marriage Challenge,
Registration District and Period Deadline for Requests Challenger Challenger’s e-mail
Woodbridge 25th April Ken Finch [email protected] 1837 - 1911
Dorchester, 25th April Mary Brinson [email protected] 1837 - 1911
Guildford - Stage 2, 30th April Shirley Forster [email protected] 1882 - 1911
Pershore (Repeat), 30th April Ian Preece [email protected] 1837 - 1911
Martley (Repeat), 30th April Ian Preece [email protected] 1837 - 1911
Swansea (Repeat), 5th May Eileen Boyt [email protected] 1837 - 1911
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 17 A View From The Bookstall The 2009 Olympics By Howard Benbrook
hew! It’s over! I got back from few more of them here. Published by the annual bunfight that is the Historical Publications, they used to PWho Do You Think You Are? be distributed by Phillimore until their Show at Olympia at the beginning demise and that role has now been of the week and I think my voice has taken by Countryside Books. You can now finally recovered. I may have see the full range on their website: spent most of my working life talking http://www.countrysidebooks. to large groups of people, but that co.uk/, if you click on the Historical wasn’t above the hubbub of several Publications link. Although I listed thousand people in a big open hall for some of these books in the Bookstall eight hours solid over three consecu- Price List with the previous Journal, tive days. I think my voice went down I’ve now added: City of London Past more than an octave! and Clerkenwell & Finsbury Past both by Richard Tames, Clapham Past by But I’m pleased to tell you all that Gillian Clegg, Fulham Past by Barbara I think it was worth it. The expense Denny, Hampstead Past by Christopher of 4 tables last year, together with Wade, Harrow Past by Eileen M Bowlt, associated costs (electricity, travel, Highgate Past and Kentish Town Past parking, etc) led to an embarrassing both by John Richardson, Hornsey loss and I wasn’t planning to repeat Past by Steven Denford, Kilburn & that. I was still keen to have a West Hampstead Past by Weindling/ presence, but I booked just one Colloms, Kingston Past by June table. My helpers (thanks, team!) Sampson, and Walthamstow Past were awfully cramped but, thanks by David Mander. You’ll find all the to their energy and enthusiasm and prices in the Bookstall pages on the a gorgeous range of ‘big books’ on Guild website. London places (see below), I think we may even have made a little profit. And Some Little Books Not a lot, mind you, but at least I can I ventured into a new world in look the Treasurer in the eye again! January and went to a show featuring remaindered or overstocked books. I bought some titles originally published by the ever-popular Shire Books (now part of Osprey), some of which have been out of print for a while but looked interesting. They include: The Drovers by Shirley Toulson, Flax & Linen by Patricia Baines, Stage & Mail Coaches by David Mountfield, Thatch & Thatching and Domestic Bygones, both by Jacqueline Fearn, and The Victorian Undertaker by Trevor May. Again, there are more details on the Guild website. More importantly, over a dozen people decided to take the plunge and join, or re-join the Guild. So, if you belong to that discerning group, a big welcome to you!
Those Big Books The success of the London books at Olympia encourages me to illustrate a
18 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 some people did have unused credits, Where We’ve Been, Where of course). And what’s the cost? Well, We’re Going you’ll need 30 credits to take a look If I’m honest, the Bookstall hasn’t at a household return, and that’s the been to many fairs recently. This is equivalent of between £2.40 and partly because there are fewer of £3.75, depending on how many you them. Why should that be, do you buy, so it’s pretty expensive at the think? This is not to say, of course, moment. As you might guess, there’s that the Bookstall has been idle. been a surge in requests for vouchers Those vouchers have kept me pretty and I’m busy most days sending out busy, and I take the Bookstall with me orders (I took an order by phone to my talks (well - it all helps!). But, while I was writing this article, for since the last Journal, we’ve been to instance). Guild members, of course, Barking, Bracknell, Crawley, the Guild can buy a 40 credit voucher for £4.50, Seminar in London, and Olympia; plus postage. and by the time you read this, Ron Woodhouse will have turned out for If you’re someone who can be us at the City of York FHS Fair, and he’s patient and wait for the excitement also planning to be at the Pudsey Fair to die down in the hope that it’ll (thanks, Ron!). Where Next For get cheaper, the latest I’ve heard on Genes Disunited? this is that there’ll be 6 months of As for the programme coming up, As I write this, the broadcaster ITV has commercial exclusivity, after which we’re going to try and have someone just reported simply dreadful figures; time any rivals will be able to get their at the following events (see table increased competition for advertising hands on the images and start their below), even if I’m unable to take revenues and the inevitable impact of own indexing efforts. You should along the full Guild Bookstall. I hope the financial crisis have clearly taken expect FindMyPast to bring the 1911 I might get to see you at the Guild their toll. But what does this mean Census into a subscription scheme Conference in Peterborough, but if for their subsidiary, Genes Reunited? after that - but expect it to have you’re near any of the events, come In the news reports I’ve been reading, premium pricing! and say hello. its half-sister, Friends Reunited, has come in for some harsh criticism, A New Leaf On The Tree And The Oscar For Best with reporters generally agreed that And, as if he knew, on the same day Supporting Role Goes To... it lost its way after ITV picked it up as the 1911 Census was launched, the Lots of people! Well, I don’t have for an initial £120m (and under that phone rang at 7:15am. Isaac Michael an Oscar to hand out, but I do have agreement there’s another hefty Benbrook had arrived and I acquired a oodles of gratitude for my many payment due soon). But GR has a loyal new status. Yes - just call me Grandad! helpers. This time, I’d like to mention following, not least amongst Guild David Probett (3 times!), Roy Rayment members, and the subscription income (twice!), Barbara Harvey, David & may well be an attractive catch for Brenda Horwill (twice!), Margaret one of the more active players in the Young, Mike Walker (twice!), Sonia family history world. Neither Ancestry, Turner, Colin Ulph, Cliff Kemball, nor FindMyPast, has quite the same Susan Atkins, Pat Wilson, Judy Cooper ‘social networking’ capability, so who (& the ever-helpful Graham!), Kirsty knows? Gray, Peter Copsey and Anni Berman. Please also thank your agent and your Those Vouchers And wonderful parents without whom The 1911 Census none of this could be possible... n And, speaking of FindMyPast, have you taken a look at the 1911 Census Event Place Date yet? Come on! I bet you’ve had a Fri 17th - Guild AGM/Conference Holiday Inn, Peterborough peek! Even if you’re not yet prepared Sun19th April to spend time and money trawling Pavilion Theatre, through all those people with your South Coast Fair Sun 19th April Worthing, Sussex chosen name, there’s probably some- one you want to find... School for the Deaf, Family History Spring Fair Sat 25th April Doncaster The rumours had been circulating Barbican Exhibition The Family History Event Sun 3rd May for a few weeks, but the news that Hall 1, London it was likely to be launched on 13th Lockmeadow Market, January sent everyone in a spin. And Kent Fair Sun 7th June Maidstone, Kent the conditions attached to using the site also took a few people by surprise. Edgehill college, Devon FHS Summer Special Sat 20th June A FMP subscription wasn’t good Bideford, Devon enough, you needed to have some ‘credits’ to take a look, (although Yorkshire Family History Fair The Racecourse, York Sat 27th June
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 19 Seminar Report - London Poster Seminar London University, Canterbury Halls, Euston February 21st 2009
By Gillian Stevens
f you were not able to come for any reason to the Poster Seminar then Iyou missed a fabulous day. The venue, was easy to get to for anyone who is able to travel to London as it is within 5 minutes of Kings Cross Station. There were 23 attendees with 18 producing posters, or presentations covering 33 wide-ranging topics
The day started by setting up the posters, the majority of attendees had prepared the content of their poster at home but the organisers Gordon Adshead and Richard Heaton had provided large rolls of paper, pens, sticky tape, pins, etc. for either preparing the whole poster on the day or to add to a prepared poster.
The two hours prior to lunch many of the handouts and notes have concentrated on the group A been placed on the Guild Website posters starting with an hour of mini in the Members Room Information: presentations lasting between 3-12 Seminar Proceedings section. minutes which expanded on some of the poster themes. The following hour I hope that more Poster Seminars gave the attendees the opportunity will be arranged as I think that it to view and talk about the group A was a hugely successful day and from posters. the comments received afterwards it appeared that everyone agreed that Many Varied Themes After a very good snack lunch we all benefited from the knowledge The themes of the posters were another hour of mini presentations of others whether they had just started far ranging with topics covering was followed by an hour to view and their ONS or had been researching for information about particular record talk about the other posters in group several decades. sources through to those that posed B. questions on various aspects of their The organisers were thanked for the ONS. The day ended with a summary of the effort they had put into arranging a key issues raised. This summary and very successful innovative event. n
20 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 Forthcoming Seminars
Non-UK Sources for One-Namers 8th August 2009 Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall, Hollins Lane, THE ART OF ONE-NAME Hampsthwaite, Harrogate HG3 2EJ STUDY Programme New Members Seminar: Amer- sham. A number of short talks 09.45 - 10.10 Registration and Coffee by several speakers will cover the workings of the Guild and 10.10 - 10.15 Welcome to the Seminar the seven key aspects of a one- 10.15 - 11.15 Records of the British in India – Michael Gandy name study. Although primarily 11.15 - 11.30 Comfort Break directed at members who have 11.30 – 12.00 Introduction to Sources in the Guild Wiki – Gordon Adshead joined in the last few years, there 12.00 – 13.00 Irish Records – Michael Gandy will be much to help all put their 13.00 - 14.00 Lunch study into context. There will also 14.00 - 15.00 European Sources – Peter Towey be a number of posters introduc- 15.00 - 15.30 Tea and Biscuits ing a wide range of aspects of 15.30 - 16.30 New England and US Sources – Bob Young one-name studies. 16.30 Close of Seminar
21st November 2009 n Saturday 16th May we are holding a seminar in Hampsthwaite village just 3 miles from Harrogate, Yorkshire. FINDING FURTHER ONE- O NAME SOURCES The programme will give Guild Members and family historians an insight into a range of sources of overseas records. Less Used Sources at the National Archives, Kew. This Seminar aims The Seminar will be focussing on the material available outside the UK, with to shine a light on a variety of special attention to details sought by people with a one-name study. Michael less familiar records held at TNA Gandy will be giving two talks, one on Records of the British in India, and the of interest to One Name Studies. other on Irish Records Topics include Hearth Tax, Sequestration papers, Chancery Peter Towey will be talking about European Sources (mostly German and databases and Finding aids. We Italian) and one of our Regional Representatives from USA Bob Young has have also arranged a behind-the- arranged a visit to UK at this time so he can give us a talk on New England and scenes tour. US Sources. Gordon Adshead will be telling us what we can find in the Guild Wiki to help our research outside the UK. (Don’t forget to look at the Wiki yourself and if you have any information that will help other members please 20th February 2010 – DNA add it.) SEMINAR Applications are welcome from Guild members, family historians, genealogists DNA Developments at the and members of the general public having an interest in the subject. National Star College, Ullenwood, Cheltenham. This Seminar The cost of the seminar will be £20 per person including drinks and a light will build on the previous DNA buffet lunch. This should be a very enjoyable and informative day. There will discussions with much emphasis then be an opportunity to chat with other delegates and browse the Guild on practical experience and the Northern Bookstall. There will also be interesting posters, books and indexes interpretation of results. to study during the breaks.
To reserve a place please complete the Booking Form or go to the Guild website at www.one-name.org where you can book on-line and pay using PayPal. The site gives more details of the Seminar, including a map showing the location of the venue and the ability to download a further copy of the form (pictures of Hampsthwaite can be seen on the back cover of this Journal, Ed).
If you do not live close, May is a lovely time to visit the Yorkshire Dales so why not take the opportunity to spend a little longer in the area maybe a long weekend. The venue is in the beautiful Yorkshire dales near Fountains Abbey. Readily accessible by bus/train and 30 min to the A1. The Guild website gives places to stay for an enjoyable weekend. Local contact John Coldwell member 2172 for advice on travel (cheap rail Kings Cross/Harrogate, book early at nationalexpresseastcoast.com)
Booking forms may also be obtained by phoning the Guild Help Desk Tel: 08000-112182.
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 21 Cherish Erroneous Death Records!
By Peter Wells
n the course of my one-name study, Another example demonstrates that Northfield is some 50 miles northeast I have come across several errone- even this assumption is not always of Hampton Falls, and had not even Ious death records. My standard valid. The descendants of Eliphalet been settled when Richard was likely comment is to keep in mind that Fifield of Vermont were convinced born, say 1769. However, a check of the information on death records from his death information that the 1790 census showed the presence was seldom, if ever, provided by the his parents were Reuben and Mary. of a previously unidentified Jonathan deceased. However, by analyzing the This belief was readily disproved Fifield there! A further check of town errors it is possible to discover things by a little research; Eliphalet came records demonstrated that Jonathan that would otherwise not have been from a town north of where Reuben disappeared from Epping, near North known. and Mary lived, and a somewhat Hampton, where he was known to obscure probate record put him into have lived, and shortly thereafter Background guardianship there as a result of the Jonathan appeared in the records of Before getting into the subject of the death of his unnamed father at a time the new town of Northfield. Further records, I will make a few comments when Reuben and Mary were alive and confirmation was then found tying on research in the Northeastern U.S.A. well some 25 miles away. A process of the two together, and adding yet In the late 1700’s we experienced this elimination helped to place him in two more children to the family thing called a Revolution which, to the correct family. However, one of of Jonathan and identifying his some degree, destroyed the existing the early census records did indicate previously unknown wife. Obviously government. With their new found a person the age of Eliphalet in the the descendants of the daughter of freedom, the people then went out household of Reuben and Mary prior Richard did not know where their and populated new areas where there to the probate record. Eliphalet was grandfather had been born, but knew was little or no government. Record- in a different age category than their his father had lived in Northfield and keeping went to pot and did not fully documented children. While they made a logical assumption when recover for about a century. Census were not closely related, this suggests asked to fill out the death certificate. records, started in 1790, named only that Eliphalet did spend some time the head of household and listed with the family, perhaps as a hired Oral History Provides A Clue other occupants by gender and age hand, and might well have developed At times it can take a considerable category. Town histories, largely a close friendship with them. amount of analysis to trace the source published around 1900, contained of the error. The death record of genealogies often based on oral Study The Whole Family Sylvia (Fifield) Wright in 1897 gave history. Getting to the more interesting her parents as Joseph Fifield and cases, the town history of Hampton Susan Straw, and no birth location. Some Simple Examples Falls, New Hampshire, claimed that The cause of death of this 85 year old I will start with a somewhat trivial a certain Richard Fifield was the woman was “Disease of the Brain.” example of an erroneous record. On son of George but referenced no Her marriage record was devoid of 12 June 1881 the widow Elizabeth documentation. A study of the family useful information. However, the Bailey died. Her death record named of George plus an estimate of the death record of a daughter who died her father as Tristram Fifield; the age of Richard made this claim very ten years earlier correctly gave the information on the record being unlikely. A check of family naming birthplace of Sylvia’s husband and provided by the town officers. In patterns suggested that the more stated that Sylvia had been born in this case her real parents are known likely father was Jonathan, an older Canaan, New Hampshire. There was to have been Joseph and Elizabeth brother of George of whom little was indication of only one Fifield family in (Sanborn) Fifield. Tristram was her known. It is often worthwhile to make Canaan at the time of her birth, and brother, some 14 years older than she, a full study of the family of a person she would have been a late child in and he had never married, although in such a case. The death record of the family of Daniel. Another record there is reason to believe that he a daughter of Richard from the late indicated that Daniel remarried about fathered an illegitimate son. However, 1800’s provided the needed clue. By two years later. This suggested that his if her parents had not otherwise have this time the record keepers were first wife might have died at childbirth, been known, the record would have at asking for more information, and the and perhaps Sylvia had been put out least placed her in the correct family, providers of the information stated to foster care. She would have had no and further research might well have that the daughter’s father had been recollection of her real mother. turned up her ancestry. born in Northfield, New Hampshire.
22 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 Daniel had a brother Joseph in a gave the needed clue. It stated that old age and senility, remembered nearby town, and Joseph had married Daniel had married “either a Straw or those who had cared for her in her late. His children were born about a Flanders.” A careful look at Daniel’s youth, rather than her real parents. the same time as Sylvia, and his wife family provided further evidence. First and family were reasonably well recorded daughter Margaret was not The one further thing to consider documented. With a possible identity born until over eight years after the is why the Sanbornton historians for Joseph, who was Susan Straw? One marriage. There was then a three and would have been confused about the additional piece of information was a half year gap, and the following surname of Susan. A possibility is that that the parents of Joseph and Daniel, children were born about two years it was also her second marriage, and also a Daniel Fifield who had resided apart. Further, Daniel had not moved she was therefore both a Straw and in Sanbornton, New Hampshire, had to Sanbornton until the time of the a Flanders, one by birth, the other by been sent to live with son Joseph for gap between Margaret and the other marriage. Unfortunately, no further support by the town of Sanbornton. children. records have yet been found to There was a recorded marriage for document any of this. the elder Daniel to Margaret Haggit, The resulting conclusion is that and eldest daughter had been named Daniel had two wives. Margaret, These are examples of why I cherish Margaret. Daniel had recorded the with childbearing problems, likely those erroneous death records. They births of all of his children in a batch in died after the birth of her daughter. are sometimes even more informative the town records of Sanbornton, but Daniel then married second Susan, than the accurate ones. Incidentally, had not named the mother. In fact, who gave him the remaining children. one of the sons of the younger Daniel none of the records of his children The Sanbornton historians knew of removed to Quebec, Canada, where named their mother. only the second wife. Joseph’s wife the Fifield name was consistently was busy with her own children and recorded as Phyfield. n In this case, the oral history genealogy grandmother Susan, living with her of the family in the Sanbornton history son, stepped in to help. Sylvia, in her JournalSearch A New tool to help you locate those interesting old articles. by Anne Shankland
here have been many, many of the text has been word-indexed; PDF file that contains them. Be aware interesting and useful articles it’s driven by a hand-crafted Index that the whole of the PDF journal Tover the years in the Journal of created using the Journal article issue will be downloaded, and that One-Name Studies, and many of them title, plus keywords that appear in some of these PDF files are quite big are worth returning to – but how do the article itself. (Hopefully this will and will take a time to download. you find the particular article you provide a more meaningful set of In some cases, for instance where want in a great pile of back-issues? search results.) You can of course the journal had a two-page spread use the Google search available from which has had to be reflected in the A new facility called JournalSearch the Guild Home Page to search the PDF file, or where (as in early issues) has been added to the Journals section Journals held in the public area, which there were supplements stapled into on the website to allow you to locate includes all except those issued during the middle of the Journal, the page a Journal article more easily. This lets the past year. But I think you will find number given by the Index will not you search by the article’s title, or the JournalSearch facility more useful. relate exactly to the correct page part of the title; by author’s name; number in the downloaded Journal, by a keyword; or by Journal volume Currently, Volumes 6, 7, 8, and 9 and you will have to move forward or and number, or date. JournalSearch have been indexed (i.e. all the A4- backwards in the PDF to find the page will respond by bringing up the list format journals to date). Future issues you want. of articles which meet your criteria, will be indexed shortly after they are arranged in reverse chronological published. Earlier volumes will be I hope that you will find this new order (i.e. the latest first), with a added to the Index over the course of JournalSearch useful. The URL is hyperlink to the appropriate page in the next few months. http://www.one-name.org/journal/ the Journal PDF. journalsearch.html, and you’ll find a Any Journal items which match your link to it in the Journal pages on the This is not an automated all-text search will be listed with a hyperlink website. n search like Google, where the whole to the Journal issue and page of the
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 23 Guild Subscription To Increase From 1st November 2009 By David Mellor and Cliff Kemball
he Committee has reviewed the identified that the Guild was incurring Administrative arrangements long term forecast of its antici- a loss on all its International members. The new subscription rate will be Tpated income and expendi- This review showed that the costs of introduced on 1st November 2009 ture and has decided to increase the providing our international members for all new and renewing members. Guild’s annual subscription to £15.00 with four journals a year and one Guild Revised membership application with effect from 1st November 2009. register then stood at £15.10. This forms and renewal forms will be pro- Household membership of the Guild meant that the costs were some £3.10 duced in time for the 2009-10 renew- will decrease from £6.00 to £5.00 higher than the cost of membership als process. (The household must have at least and provided further evidence that one full member). A differential rate there was a need to increase the We appreciate that there may be of £14.00 is also to be introduced for Guild’s annual subscription. an increase in the number of our those members who opt out of hav- existing members who will not renew ing a printed register. The One-Name The Guild has been, and is now, their membership. The Committee is Study Registration fee will remain at financially restricted in its ability to serious in it aim to expand the Guild £12.00 as a one off fee for each study take up many valuable projects that Internationally, increase its overall registered. would benefit you in your research. membership and continue to provide This has to change. In 2008-09 we more assistance to our members in The annual subscription has remained have had to restrict a number of our their one-name research. at £12.00 since 1st November 1997, a internal budgets to ensure that we period of twelve years. Recent and can meet our breakeven target. Plans continuing rising costs have brought to increase the marketing of the Guild The annual subscription about this decision. Without an outside the UK has had to be delayed “ increase in the annual subscription the and other plans have had to be cur- has remained at £12.00 Guild would incur increasing deficits tailed. since 1st November 1997, at a time when it aims to increase a period of twelve years. its activities, provide more services The increased subscription rate of ” to the public and develop additional £15.00 a year will ensure that the benefits for our members. Guild will in all expectations not need We also appreciate that the change to further increase its fees for some to the subscription rate will impose an As a charity it is not acceptable for considerable time. It will also provide administrative burden – especially for the Guild to allow its subscriptions to a reasonable increase in the Guild’s the 1,073 members who will need to be subsidised by reducing our reserves. income over the next five years to fund amend their standing orders. To assist Our recent spending of reserves in the many activities that the Guild may in this change over the Guild will be 2005-06 and 2006-07 is not what trig- wish to introduce. In addition this providing a revised bankers standing gered the decision to increase the sub- increase will mean that the existing order form with the July 2009 Journal. scriptions. It has been by good finan- expenditure on our international cial management that we have been members would be covered by the We would appreciate it if you able to delay this inevitable decision subscription (as recent steps have also could arrange as soon as possible to to increase our subscriptions. been taken to reduce our journal and cancel your existing standing order register production and distribution and replace it with a new one for Long term forecast costs). the appropriate revised subscription The long term forecasting of the rate. The recent PayPal subscription Guild’s income and expenditure Looking forward we need to ensure renewal facility should also make the has shown that after achieving a that subscriptions cover their costs. change over easier for some of our breakeven budget for 2007-08 and Without this increase it would have members who wish to pay via PayPal. setting a further breakeven budget been hard to justify our plans for for 2008-09, all subsequent financial promoting more overseas members If you have an on-line bank account years would likely incur an increasing when they were making a loss for the you can pay your annual subscriptions deficit, unless the annual subscription Guild. We can now aim to significantly (or any donations you may wish to was increased. increase our international membership make to the Guild) via a direct trans- and become the “worldwide centre of fer. A review of the increased costs excellence in One-Name Studies” we being experienced by the Guild has currently purport to be.
24 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 The Guild Bank Account details you should insert a “1” in front of “Self-service” and “Change Register will need to set up a direct transfer our account number to make it a details”. are as follows: nine-digit number 164819304. Account: Guild of One-Name Studies We are sure that the majority of our Opting out of the Printed Register existing members appreciate that the Bank: Alliance & Leicester For those members who decide to Guild provides exceptionally good Commercial Bank Plc opt out of receiving a printed copy value for money. A list of the benefits of the register, the revised annual available to our members can be seen Sort Code: 72-00-01 subscription rate will be set at £14.00. on the Guild website (click on the top The facility to opt out of the printed blue tab “Membership Benefits”). We Account No. 64819304* register is already available on the anticipate that the Guild will be able Guild website http://www.one-name. to expand both its membership and * Members who bank with Alliance org in the Member’s Room under its benefits in the future. Stay with us and Leicester Commercial Bank and you will not be disappointed. n
Another benefit of Guild membership:
GOONS RAOGK By Kirsty Gray
andom Acts of Genealogical Kindness’ is not a new ‘Rconcept. It represents a long-standing tradition in genealogy where researchers give generously of their time, expertise and opportunity in order to benefit other researchers, with no expectation of financial reward. The idea of the ‘Marriage Challenge’ (inspired by Peter Copsey) is just one example of this and so many members have benefitted from this. So, how else can Guild members help one another?
Our membership is worldwide and as members we agree to collect all references to our registered name/s It is worth mentioning that the payment for work done, although on a worldwide basis. But when will services offered must not breach any reasonable expenses should be met I make it to Staffordshire Record copyright or other similar agreement by the recipient. Office to look up the two Sillifant associated with data; for instance, references there? And South African offers of look-ups from databases Individual volunteers will work in Sillifant records will be untouched for which limit use to the purchaser or different ways - some may be able a long while yet! This is where GOONS licensee. A small number of look-ups to do look-ups every week, some RAOGK comes in…… may be acceptable as ‘fair use’, but once a month, some less regularly, so a standing offer to do look-ups on a please bear this in mind when making The Guild warmly approves of kind- database such as the National Burial requests and be sure to acknowledge ness of all natures and especially Index for example, would be contrary receipt of any requested information when we can help one another in our to the terms of the database. These and ask if there are any costs incurred. research. Firstly, if you have a particu- offers would have to be removed lar skill or knowledge that would be from GOONS RAOGK. As co-ordinator for this project, of use to other members, or maybe please direct any questions or com- access to specific repositories, you Secondly, there is a facility for you ments you have about this facility to can offer your services to other Guild to make a request of Guild members [email protected]. I hope you members through a form in the Mem- to provide a service to you, using the will agree that this is an excellent new bers Room (http://www.one-name. same form. All services are offered facility and look forward to lots of org/cgi-bin/members/raogk.cgi). or requested with no expectation of feedback from you all. n
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 25 12th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry Kings College, Auckland, New Zealand “Preserving the Past for the Future”
he New Zealand Society of Exciting Things To Come attended my first Australasian Fed- Genealogists hosted a won- The presentation that had the eration of Family History Organisa- Tderfully friendly and very well audience clapping and cheering I tions (AFFHO) Congress this year in organised Congress, with a feast of was the exciting announcement by Auckland New Zealand. I say my first interesting speakers and topics. There Judy Jones from FamilySearch, of because I do hope it wont be the only was plenty of variety to interest every- the forthcoming British Jurisdictions one I go to. one and pleasant surprises to discover Prototype. This will be an interactive anew topics of interest such as DNA. internet programme using optional The Guild is a member of the AFFHO A bonus was the facility to access WiFi overlaying of maps such as county, and David Evans is our representative, internet throughout the venues. ordnance survey, parish, with links to so attends their meetings and reports sources of holdings of local records back to the committee. This was the 5th triennial AFFHO and much more, including seamlessly Congress that I have attended in the looking at maps of adjacent counties The AFFHO Congress is held every past 21 years, the most recent being using same scale maps. three years and unlike the Guild 6 years ago. My most outstanding Conference it runs for 5 days and memory of this Congress was the Being personally interested in has a stream of 3 talks to choose amazingly fast advances in technology. ways to archive and store research, from or a workshop in the morning This was aptly demonstrated by the I was enthralled by a photographic and afternoon each day. There was a lecture by Elaine Collins who was workshop given to help understand plenary session first each morning and unable to travel to New Zealand due the properties of various types after lunch before we all went to our to the pressures of her job during the of photography and how best to chosen talks. Many of the lecturers release of the 1911 Census. Instead preserve them. Also Judy Jones gave were from USA and UK as well as we were treated to a live satellite an excellent lecture on organising NZ and AUS. Michael Gandy and teleconference broadcast on a large research. Being a visual learner I David Hay (from UK), both of whom screen. Not only did we learn the latest was sorry that the lecture on using spoke at one of our conferences in information on the 1911 Census, but Custodian for one-name studies did Wyboston a few years ago, were also got to see fascinating footage not eventuate. Overall I feel I have amongst the speakers. Those of you on the meticulous process of filming returned with some wonderful ideas who read Dick Eastmans newsletter the census. Other exciting advances for advancing my personal research. will already have learned a little of included new methods of recovering the Congress and know that he was unreadable documents by merging I am looking forward to the next there for the whole time – he gave infra-red scans with ultra-violet Congress in Adelaide in 2012 by which three talks and one of the plenary scans. The digitisation of Australian time I am sure great advances will addresses about recent developments Newspapers by the National Library have been made for easier access to in the family history world. Two of of Australia is impressive, and as an records in all parts of the world. n the things he told us about which will example of technological advance I be available soon - the new Family was delighted to be able to take out Susan Hilliker, Search Database, and the fact that my iPod Touch and do a search during Sydney, Australia the 1841 Manchester Census that was the lecture.
Standing: David Evans (3062) AUS, Sharon Evans (4380) NZ, John Dodds (4324) NZ, Susan Hilliker (0508) AUS, Christine Headford (4795) NZ, Lilly Baker (751) NZ, Lorraine Wright (4084) NZ, Andrew Peake (161) AUS, Brian Crocker (346) AUS
Seated: Valerie Garton (4825) AUS, Helen Smith (4300) AUS, Pam Herrington (4589) AUS, Sandra Turner (3038) UK, Mary Rix (1328) UK
26 Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 damaged by fire will be read using we have had eight new members, members Lilly Baker 751 and Jan infra red and ultra violet. four from New Zealand and four from Gow 4677. There were 450 delegates Australia. and because of the complexity in I was also very pleased to learn from organising such an event it was another talk, that the Australian Another difference from our own five years in the planning. The next Newspaper database can be edited conference is that all the speakers AFFHO Congress is already being where the OCR is incorrect. have to send in papers beforehand. planned and again one of our Guild These are produced in books that can members, Andrew Peake 161, is on The Guild Chairman Peter Walker was be purchased. Luckily for me though the organising committee. We wish scheduled to speak but had to cancel I opted for the shorter version and you well with this Andrew and I for for personal reasons. David Evans the full papers on CD. The booked one will be saving up and hoping to stepped in and gave a talk on One- looked too heavy for my luggage. use this as a reason for my first visit to Name Studies to around 70 people (Maybe something we should try in Australia in 2012. n and that was very well received. We the future?) also had a meeting for Guild members Sandra Turner and a few interested non-members On the organising committee for Regional Rep Coordinator attended that. Since the conference this years Congress were two Guild
s a relatively young family and interested 9 to 16 year olds in historian and a teacher by day, family history. Although this book Athe Editor’s choice of reviewer is aimed at today’s youth, it could for this wonderful new resource was appeal to all children from 7 to 70, or hardly surprising. The foreword says: even older. ‘If you are interested in family history, this book will inspire you’, and it isn’t There is very little to dislike about far wrong. Jane Starkie has three the final product which has clearly children of her own and it is clear set the author on a new venture as from her style of writing and many one of the founder members of the interesting turns of phrase that she is Family History Partnership; the non- ‘down with the kids’! profit organisation who published this book. When publishing my own The introduction sets the scene and journal Simply Sillifant?, the use of leads us into a story that Jane ably Curlz MT font seems like a good idea. guides us through, beginning with However, in this lovely book I find Chapter 1 which is aptly titled ‘Once myself having a real aversion to it. upon a time’. Each chapter has a The use of multiple fonts is perhaps catchy heading and is interspersed employed to engage the reader…… with photographs (both black and sorry Jane, it doesn’t work for me. white and colour), puzzles, diagrams, I would also have liked to see more pictures from yesteryear and a vari- examples of the documents that are ety of other artistic accoutrements. relevant to family history. There is Different coloured pages scattered an example of the writing in the Hw 2 *t ur Fmly Hstry throughout the book highlight some Domesday Book and a birth certificate by Jane Starkie, key elements of the hobby (or should I though no censuses were reproduced say, obsession) which the author more (the chance was there and the author than adequately explains in the sim- decided upon a transcript). An Paperback plest way possible. Jane’s imagination opportunity missed in my opinion. ISBN 978-1-906280-04-8, has created a vivid illustration of the That said, I would recommend this published by many aspects of family history – no book to anyone wishing to get their The Family History Partnership, mean feat. children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, Lancs, 2008, £12.95, 159 pages cousins or any other member of the Jane Starkie covers the basics of family interested in this fascinating genealogy and leaves very few stones hobby of ours. n unturned in her endeavour to catch the eye of the younger generation Kirsty Gray
Journal of One-Name Studies, April-June 2009 27 Pictures of Hampsthwaite, Harrogate Location of the next Guild Seminar Vol 10 Issue 2 April-June 2009 Vol
Main inset: Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall. Top left: Google Maps view of Hampsthwaite in relation to Harrogate. Middle left: St Thomas á Becket church. Bottom left & right: Street scenes of Hampsthwaite. Bottom Centre: Another view of Hampsthwaite parish church.
Journal of One-Name Studies Quarterly publication of the Guild of One-Name Studies ISSN 0262-4842 £2.00 when sold to non-members