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
Author: Shaking The Branches
Sarah Brawley 1896-1972
My maternal grandfather, Hugh Brawley was one of 12 children. Tragically two of those children died in infancy. Of the remaining ten siblings, half of them left Scotland during the depression of the 1920s. My last post was about his brother John Brawley and this week I’ve been looking more at the sister who emigrated. … Continue reading Sarah Brawley 1896-1972
A New Life In Canada- John Brawley 1897-1964
My maternal grandfather, Hugh Brawley was one of twelve siblings born between 1887 and 1908 to Daniel Brawley and Ellen Keenan. Of the ten children who reached adulthood five of them left Scotland for new opportunities in Canada. My great uncle John Brawley was born on 21 June 1897 at the family home at 8 … Continue reading A New Life In Canada- John Brawley 1897-1964
“Unusual Occurrence” – Robert Rae 1919-1977
On the evening of Thursday 13 November 1930 Robert Rae, my 11 year old first cousin (3 times removed), was playing with some friends in a local contractor's yard. What happened next was quite horrific as this newspaper report shows. Reading the report, the story doesn't quite ring true. An eleven year old boy worried … Continue reading “Unusual Occurrence” – Robert Rae 1919-1977
Stories From the Poorhouse (Part 5) – The Keenan Orphans
In the 19th century for the poor life could change in an instant. Families who were managing fairly well to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies could, in an instant, find themselves at the mercy of the parish. An illness, injury or other change of circumstances could leave a family … Continue reading Stories From the Poorhouse (Part 5) – The Keenan Orphans
Grace Russell 1922-1926
There are some family members that I have discovered quite by chance. Looking through cemetery records, for example, I have stumbled on names I had never seen before. Searching the newspapers is another way to find people and stories I would otherwise miss. Grace Russell is one such person. I found her searching the name … Continue reading Grace Russell 1922-1926
