Genealogy Chat

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Some of you will know that I am chasing details of my ggmother Mary Ann Close. In 1871 she was living at the Kings Head, West Cornforth in Durham County with her Uncle and Aunt and her young cousin Henry George. In 1881 only she and Henry were there, I have since discovered that her Uncle Stephen had died in Dec Qr of 1871. Going through some of my old paperwork this morning I came across a book I used to use for correspondence. (Write the letter, tear off the top copy and send it, carbon copy remains.) I started reading it for nostalgic reasons and found that it gave a lot of information about my life over that period. Letters to friends, to the Council, the Building Society, Business letters etc. Even a copy of my resignation letter from a Company in 1978. I have just come across a letter I wrote to the Archivist at County Hall, Durham on the 22 Jan 1981, regarding looking for Mary Ann Close’s birth certificate, and I noticed that I had supplied the information that Henry George Close was Landlord of the Kings Head in 1894 and 1897 according to Kelly’s Directory. It just goes to show the importance of checking back on what you have, and also of keeping copies.

I agree with that. So often you don't recognise at the time what is going to prove useful later on. Christine

Me too, I keep all my notebooks and every now and then I go through them and its amazing how details that I deemed irrelelevant at the time now connect. I have recently started to use a different notebbok for each record office I visit too. Pauline

Great tip Grandpa Jim and one I totally agree with. I am often amazed when I go through old research notes to find that there will be a surname there that I have since managed to connect to my tree. Even down to a list I have for who was invited to my father's 21st birthday celebration. So many names there and not a clue about any of them when I first started researching. Now i can place most of them as either family or friends. Wilf

Years ago we sent for some Wills written by men of the required surname and in the right area. When they came, they didn't have much meaning and were filed away. About 2 weeks ago we looked again and because of some married-in surnames mentioned, we have now been able to firmly link the Will writers into our tree. Gwyn

Grampa Yes, its impossible to remember everything you know or have found out. Its a good idea to go back through research every so often - whilst waiting for certs or when the computer is being used by someone else or the internet is down or whatever. I've often found I already know the answer! nell

Conversely You can find out that you never did get that death cert, or you haven't found the marriage and then you have something else to look for. nell