I often think about what it would be like to go back in time and find out my ancestors’ stories direct from them. There would be so many questions. And how good would it be to observe their daily lives? Robert Wilson Armstrong was my great great grandfather but I reckon if I could go … Continue reading Robert Wilson Armstrong 1857-1910 Part 1
Rae
A Mother – Sarah Rae 1870-1951
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
“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
A New Life in Australia- Grace Halliday Rae 1861-1945
My great great grandmother Grace Halliday Rae was born in Scotland but died thousands of miles away in Australia. She had left behind her parents, siblings and even her first born child. During her life she faced many hardships, rejection and abuse. It wasn't until later in life that she found some peace and happiness. … Continue reading A New Life in Australia- Grace Halliday Rae 1861-1945
Stories From The Poor House (Part 1)
The North Lanarkshire Poor Law Applications are now available online via Ancestry. I have visited North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre in Motherwell on a number of occasions looking for specific records and it is amazing and quite moving to see the original registers however, until I have had the time to look through the online records, … Continue reading Stories From The Poor House (Part 1)
A Young Mother – Mary Dunbar Rae 1877-1901
Mary Dunbar Rae was born in Dalmellington, Ayrshire on 18 July 1877. She was the youngest child of my 3x great grandparents, Thomas Rae and Ann Symington. Her sister Grace was my great great grandmother. In 1879 Grace gave birth to my great grandfather, Robert Armstrong Rae. Her son was illegitimate and, unable to take … Continue reading A Young Mother – Mary Dunbar Rae 1877-1901
Shaking The Branches 