Accentuate the positive- Better late than never. A review of my research and writings of 2022

1.I got the most joy from a document that was in Elizabeth Macquarie‘s book (“In Her Own Words” The writings of Elizabeth Macquarie by Robin Walsh.  ) It was a handwritten guestlist from her January 26 Ball in 1829. I got to see my 4xgreat aunt Sophia Johnston’s contemporaries when she and David Allan lived in Old Sydney Town. Not much was written about the female partners in early of early New South Wales settlers and government officials.

Guess Who Is Coming To Dinner?

2. My own Covid infection gave me the opportunity to sit down in my study cum makeshift bedroom and finally find my  great grandmother Mary McLaughlin and her parents. Had to take a few deep breathes and sit on it for a few days.  Didn’t want to be like  my father.  “I like the look of this family I think it’s mine.”

3. I managed to attend a face-to-face event… not  I’m still liking Facebook live presentations. Facebook/ FaceTime with fellow researchers and not having to wear a mask. 

4. My main focus in2022 was finishing off the stories for the Schweidnitz blog.  All the men in the escape have been written about. A few others who found their way to this Prisoner of War were included. I wrote about their final repatriation journeys. It’s ready to print into a book. https://schweidnitzpowcampwwi.blogspot.com/

5. A piece of technology or website Mastering dictation to my iPad  has greatly improved my typing speed and story turn around. Much more accurate than the iPhone.  I looked into Scrivener but I should probably be inventing my own improved processes for blogging.

6.A genie surprise I received was when all the ducks fell into line when I matched  sympathy, wedding, engagement and baby cards together with the 1950s electoral rolls for others living in my early childhood apartment in Woollahra.Edgecliff Rd Woollahra

 

7. Facebook group that helped.  I love my Facebook groups- so helpful except those who feel the need to be self-righteous or mean to newbies. I started my own Facebook page this year for my Strelley stories. Search Strelley Family genealogy

8. A social media post I was most proud of A post written about a family holiday house  and shared with neighbours and friends on an I Grew up in Carlingford Facebook page generated much discussion from the people who visited and stayed. 10 families who owned and restored this historic house. Many family memories were made at Empire House.  https://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-holiday-house-for-10-families-for.html

 9. A new genealogy  history book I enjoyed. I dug out Dad’s collection of early history books from Sydney’s early days. I loved reading fictional and nonfictional tales of Elizabeth MacArthur and Elizabeth Macquarie‘s books. A look at the letters of these ladies gave insight into the colonial  times and the hardships these ladies faced. Read them and enjoy before they become too woke to contemplate.

10  I was impressed by help  At the end of 2021 I discovered that  the New South Wales State Archives would scan my research documents for me. I purchased five divorce cases which were scanned and sent to me early in the New Year. It’s saved me the cost of travel, lunch and time spent scanning myself. FTM has  a growing  list of other documents to  apply for soon.

11 A journal or newspaper article I found. My cousin’s grandmother and her sister have plenty to answer for. Still unravelling. Let’s just say she’s not Jewish and she didn’t marry the father.

 

12.Most valuable subscription Ancestry Worldwide is still my go to subscription. I wish the newspapers and Scotland’s People were included.

13. I progressed my DNA research by chasing up DNA matches on Truelines. The Baker Family of Warwickshire has expanded. 

14. I told Genie mate how to… In between selling raffle tickets for the Rotary raffle I’ve shown my friend some insights into her DNA results- she’s still looking for her grandmother.

15. A blog post taught me something new this year I’ve been reminded that my blog posts are searchable. People have responded to my Kerr, Rowbotham  and Murphy posts.Tagging is crucial.

16. A DNA discovery I wish there was some really useful ones. Still hoping for some Kerr, Strelley Greedus and McLachlan ones to show up after the “sales” kits are gifted and processed for the end of 2022.

17 A newfound family member shared….. After receiving a little newsletter with a  photo, a mystery photo with “the 20s” written on it eventually found  a name to the face. I thought there must be a reason a three times married man changed his name so much. Petersen Family History

 

18 I finally found  my great grandmother Mary McLachlan Six Feet Under but I wish I knew more about her story .My nanny was keeping some secrets me thinks.

 19 I splashed out and purchased more and more Scotland’s People credits when I discovered the 1921 Census had come online early. I will be investing more on divorce cases from the New South Wales State Archives. Compulsive reading.

20 Another positive I’m preparing to print  via Pixie books about 200 of my blog stories. Just needs a quick edit- but loving the previews.