Sarah Rae was the 8th child of my great great grandparents, Thomas Rae and Ann Symington. She was born on 18 September 1870 in Sorn, Ayrshire. My great grandfather Robert Armstrong Rae was her nephew but they were raised as brother and sister. Robert was born in 1879 and was left in the care of … Continue reading A Mother – Sarah Rae 1870-1951
Author: Shaking The Branches
My (Easy) 2021 Family History Goals
I’m not great with New Year resolutions. Like a lot of people I start off with great intentions but weaken as time goes on. We’re only six days in and I’m already wondering if “Dry January” was such a good idea given everything that’s going on right now! However, I’ve been inspired by some of … Continue reading My (Easy) 2021 Family History Goals
Finding Out More – John Brawley 1857-1892
I have previously written about John Brawley and the circumstances surrounding his death. At the time of writing all I knew about him was that he died young and that made him seem a tragic figure. Of course, one event cannot tell us everything there is to know about a person. From newspaper reports and … Continue reading Finding Out More – John Brawley 1857-1892
A Different Christmas
This Christmas was far from what we’re used to and for many it was a difficult time. While the circumstances were very different, Christmas during the war years would have been a tough one for the women of Newmains as husbands, sons and brothers were missing from the Christmas table. It’s nice to know that … Continue reading A Different Christmas
A Scottish Soldier – Adam Armit 1896-1915
Anyone passing through the Lanarkshire village of Newmains will have seen the War Memorial. It stands in the middle of the roundabout at Newmains Cross. You can't miss it but perhaps you might not pay attention to it or consider what it represents. The memorial was unveiled on 4 December 1921 and it was created … Continue reading A Scottish Soldier – Adam Armit 1896-1915
Born On This Day – Jessie Armit 1887-1968
Jessie Armit was the first cousin of my maternal grandfather, Hugh Brawley. Her mother Elizabeth Keenan and Hugh’s mother Ellen were sisters. Jessie was born on 1 November 1887 at 10 Hope Street, Newmains. There were eight Keenan sisters all close in age but when Elizabeth married John Armit in 1887 it caused a falling … Continue reading Born On This Day – Jessie Armit 1887-1968
