Genealogy Chat

Ah! I started doing my tree many years ago, because I was a square peg in a round hole, and wanted to know WHY I was so different from all my relations, in temperament and outlook. Absolutely no question that I am not the child of my parents - I look like them, for a start. So - where did the drama queen come from, the passionate nature, the arguing, the almost insane sense of injustice wherever I see it? The love of beautiful, expensive things in a family which had only serviceable items and wouldnt spend ten quid if a fiver would do. Going back in my tree, I discover a mouthy argumentative lot, who loved the finer things of life, were always sueing someone, or writing rude letters, and always championing the underdog - as far back as the 1500s. My Grandfather was a Professional Opera singer - so there lies the drama. (I can sing, but not to professional standard and I can over-act!) He was a flashy dresser too, and I have his signet ring which is inset with five diamonds. He wore a mink coat but I don't know where THAT went. They were all tall - so am I. (My umpty times GGF was buried with the note 'a very tall man' in 1601). The thick, bushy hair comes straight down from my Great grandmother. The pale skin comes from the Scottish side, as do the long legs. My grandmother was a professional artist and I have discovered six generations of map makers on my father's side (he was a draughtsman). Sadly, I cannot draw a straight line with a ruler, lol - but all three of my daughters are artistically gifted. OC

My great grandfather was an artist and woodcarver. He mostly carved things like screens in churches but he is supposed to have carved decorations in the House of Parliament. I've yet to find out if that is true. I have always been interested in his life and I'm an artist too. But in my case I mainly engrave glass. He died in the 1920s but I have always had the feeling we might have been kindred spirits. Otherwise I am short like previous women in my family but my daughters are taller. Sue

a witches laugh from my mum and her sisters and Nana 5 pointed molars from I dont know where Brown eyes like my sisters from our fathers side of the family And everyone apart from me, including my sisters and my daughter can twist their tongue over. I can roll mine, but not twist it :o(

Auburn hair (when I was younger and in my prime!) green eyes and freckles from my Irish Brady side of the family. Small feet….again from the Brady’s…Gran’s shoe was size 1. Even my 2 children have small feet for their MUCH taller height than me.. 5’ 1” short…both Irish grandparents were short. Gran was 4’ 11”. Twin toes on each foot. (i.e. 2 toes joined together to just below the toe nails, a right b****r when cutting the toenails).….inherited from my Mum’s uncle Joe. Joseph Pollard, I think, as so far I haven’t found a Joseph Brady who could be related…..Unless you know different. Sense of humour and a Giggler. Once I start giggling I have a job to stop….inherited from the Irish. English side of the family were very prim and proper. Love of family gatherings, having one too many and having a really good time! The Irish score again! Crochet, sewing and Embroidery. Probably from my English Grandma…she was a milliner and made her hats and decorated them by hand. Several of her relatives were dressmakers too.

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