Dance Skeletons

Interesting Fact: Or Things I Thought Only Happened In Other Families

2012-03-04T11:31:00.003+10:00

Scooting through Trove, my favourite website, I stumbled upon a little gem. This article is about my husband's second cousin, Vincent Palamara. I believe it is important to take pride in the achievments of our ancestors.

This one I'm not so sure...

KILLED 266,000 FLIES.

Boy's Record for Week.

MELBOURNE, Sunday.-Vincent Palamara, aged 10 years, of Whitehorse road, Balwyn, now holds the juvenile fly swatting record of Australia. Last week he swatted 266,000 flies and easily won the first prize donated by a Melbourne newspaper in connection with Health Week. The winner worked on original lines. He made five bundles of rope and placed meat and fish bones in the tangle. The bundles were sung(sic) in a shed, and every evening Palamara would place a bag over each of the bundles and beat it with a stick.

More than 100 entered for the competition, and, it is estimated that approximately 3,000,000 flies died prematurely during tho week. The second prize winner, aged eight years, killed 96,000 flies.
Trove Article

Henceforth, he shall be known as Lord of the Flies!

Apps, Writing and What We Leave Behind

2012-02-24T16:14:00.000+10:00

I'm a fan of technology, apps, gadgets, you name it and I'll have a go. Exploring my family history, I value the ability to take my tree on my phone wherever I go, to save an electronic version of those all important documents, and to email fellow researchers. That's just a few of the amazing benefits technology offers the current group of genealogists.
So why have I been thinking more and more about handwriting?

I guess it is because some of my favourite family heirlooms involve just that; a small sample of an ancestor's handwriting. I adore my Nana's old cookbooks. Not that I plan on ever making any recipe involving a rabbit (to each his own!) but because of the little notes in the margins, the scraps of paper with carefully copied lists of ingredients and the splodges of cake batter. Signs of life. Her life.

There is one particular book we used when cooking together. It may have been a precursor to the Dummies' Guides and contained the instruction when baking: Put sifter away. Every time we got to this point, we would laugh ourselves silly around the kitchen.

It is this memory that has encouraged me to start a diary. It's a five year diary and I only write one sentence per day. Nothing earth shattering. Just day to day stuff of how we live, because that's what I'm most interested in with the ancestors I'm researching. Also, I want to leave a snippet of my handwriting. Not an app.

And we never did put that sifter away. Well, not immediately.

Week #8 - Abundant Genealogy - Genealogy Libraries

2012-02-21T07:30:00.000+10:00

Well that's timely!

Amy Coffin's 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy continues with this week's topic being genealogy libraries. As I've said before, I am a beginner so don't always have something to add to the conversation; 'better to remain silent...'. I guess that means this post is about my one visit to one genealogy library. Hey, one is better than none!

Many people advise those new to family history to join their local association. For many months I couldn't see the point. Our ancestors left their mark in Tasmania and Victoria, and I'm in Queensland. States away. Literally. Why would I join a Gold Coast Family History Society? See how limited my knowledge is...was? In January, I joined up, sent away my form and fees and within a couple of days received a very welcoming letter. So...the locals were friendly!

Next, I thought I should attend a class. They were due to run one for beginners in February. I signed on. That class was held last Friday and I went, with about 12 others. The first test was to find the place. After a lap of the building and a conversation with a very friendly gent, I made it through the front door. Not their fault as I was early and they were just putting out the sign. Next was signing in, locker procedure, name-labelling myself and grabbing a seat. There was plenty of room as the class spots are booked and the library isn't open Fridays.

And we were off! I guess I had often wondered if I was doing it right. Was I trying to force the facts to fit my version of the story? Anyway, the class began and Karen ran us through the basics in an entertaining way. Her talk was interesting and I picked up a few new ideas to try. The library has many resources, not just Queensland records. I had a quick poke around the Tasmanian section and plan to spend a great deal more time there annoying the convicts.

The volunteers are simply lovely. They seemed very happy to answer questions and chat about family trees. I had planned to go back on Saturday, but my teenagers had other ideas. Maybe next week.

Book Review - The Tin Ticket

2012-02-19T09:13:00.000+10:00

The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of Australia's Convict Women by Deborah J. Swiss

I finally finished this book. The delay was caused by my need to get a new script in my glasses, rather than the book itself.

I have a strong interest in the female convict story. I believe we have at least one in the family tree. I'm currently researching another link, but that story will have to wait. For that reason, I was probably highly motivated to read The Tin Ticket.

The book tells the stories of four convicts to varying degrees. Although we meet Agnes McMillan, Janet Houston, Bridget Mulligan and Ludlow Tedder, Bridget's tale doesn't begin until nearly the end of the book. Much more focus is placed on Agnes and Janet, and their stories are compelling.

The author provides details of each person's background and why they found themselves being transported. Many individuals are mentioned, with the index running to 12 pages. There is also a great deal of historical context available, helping to answer the 'why did that happen?' question. I particularly enjoyed the description of the relationship between the Elizabeth Fry and the convicts, given we have Quakers in the family, arriving in Tasmania in the 1840s.

This book has made me broaden my thinking with my own family research. I now have a few new theories to explore. The Tin Ticket looks like it will be made into a movie. There's one I'll splash out for Gold Class tickets!

View all my reviews

Ancestry: Facebook for Dead People

2012-02-10T06:00:00.057+10:00

This post is silly, so if you are after something more serious, please move along...nothing to see here.

My family tolerates my obsession with genealogy. There's no doubt about it. The constant rolling of eyes, and asking, 'did you find another convict?' My standard reply, 'not every ancestor is a convict' will sometimes be answered with a follow-up question, but they are rare. This would be the main reason for starting a blog!

Anyway, we were sitting at the dining table, scene of many a celebratory lap when an ancestor has been found, when I had a brilliant idea of how to explain my fascination with the family tree. My husband and three man-size teenagers (can no longer call them boys) were dumbfounded when I said, 'I think Ancestry is like Facebook for dead people'. They laughed and continued to try and steal roast potatoes off neighbouring plates.

But it was a thought that stuck with me. On Facebook, there are friend requests; Ancestry has the leaf flickering away. A friend request from an unrecognised name will raise the question, 'and who the heck are you???'. Same thing when finding a possible new family member.

Both attempt to achieve the same result - you, the user, add people.

Then there are the photos on Facebook. I will often wonder why someone added that particular picture to FB. Same thing happens on Ancestry. Watching people add others as FB friends when you know they don't get along in real life (away from the screen and keyboard) equates, in my mind, to those Ancestry trees where the father is 65 years younger than his firstborn. And you know the ones I mean, we've all seen them!

Unanswered messages, mangled spelling of names, constant email reminders to log back in, updates from those you've made a connection with...the list goes on. So from now on, when asked what Ancestry is or how it works, I think I'll simply say, 'imagine Facebook for dead people'.

The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of Australia's Convict Women

2012-02-09T09:13:00.000+10:00

Not so much a review, but more a teaser. I'm currently reading this wonderful book, enjoying every page while learning more about female convicts. Although I haven't finished, I wanted to share this little video. Enjoy!

Book Review - The History of Tasmania

2012-02-06T10:36:00.000+10:00

The History of Tasmania, Volumes I-II Complete by John West.

I must begin this review with a confession. I haven't read the book completely.But there is a very good reason; the book covers so much information and there is an easier way.

Written in 1852, the author begins with European discovery, moving on to early accounts of Van Diemen's Land and formation of the colonial government. Sheep and whales also get a mention as well as the attempts by religious orders to civilise the society.

Chapters on convict transportation, the state of English gaols, treatment of indigenous people, bushrangers and education all appear in these volumes.

The language is a delight to read. Here's a sample from the introduction:
"It is not the intention of this history to relate every event which, when passing, may have been deemed momentous; much less to recall from obscurity the errors, absurdity and wickedness which exercised no distinct influence on the common welfare. The author has endeavoured to realise the feelings and sympathies of the benevolent and just of another age, and to confine his pen to details which may maintain their interest, when the passions with which they were associated shall subside for ever."

This publication has become one of my favourite references on Tasmanian history. It contains many details of life at the time, rather than limiting the discussion to big events.

My absolutely favourite part of this book is, being on kindle, it is searchable. I'm currently interested in early Quaker life in Tasmania and West's book contains a wealth of useful information. If you have Tasmanian ancestry, this book, at around the cost of a coffee (large size, double shot) is fantastic value.

Week #5 - Abundant Genealogy - Life Experiences

2012-02-02T12:54:00.000+10:00

Hard to believe it is already week number 5 of the Abundant Genealogy challenge! This week, Amy Coffin's topic is 'Life Experiences'. One of the questions posed is, looking at a brick wall ancestor, how did that person shape your family history experience?

And here's the beauty of being a beginner; all of my ancestors are brick walls as far as I'm concerned. I say that in a positive way. Each and every person I've researched has taught me something. Whether it is finding another resource, learning how to search names that involve multiple spelling (Hortin family, I'm looking at you!), understanding the importance of historical context, or simply discovering that although some food may be fast, family history 'ain't.

My favourite brick wall person would be David Pearson (born abt.1800). When I finally cracked this one, I did run a lap of honour around the dining table, much to my teenage sons' amusement.

We have a chasm in the family in one branch. There is a huge break between the current generation and the ancestors. Very little has been handed down. There are no photos, no stories. Nothing.

Starting with the known, I worked back using my favourite method; kill them off (death cert), marry them off (marriage record), get them here (immigration) and birth them. I knew some of the later Pearsons had married in Tasmania, but how did they get there? Off to my favourite records, the convict stash at AOT. No luck.

Then I stumbled upon a sibling, who had died in Victoria. I have a special soft spot for Victorian records and their downloadable, instant gratification ability. (Is it wrong to hope someone in the family died there???) Having grabbed the certificate, I then had parents, found their deaths and before I knew it, I had some Scottish ancestors on that withered branch. And the best part was they were pioneers in Port Phillip, arriving on the Mary Shepherd in 1849. (Scroll down the linked page to read a diary kept on the voyage)

So for experienced genealogists, this wasn't really a brick wall, perhaps more a wet paper bag!

Book Review - The Big Genealogy Blog Book

2012-01-28T10:21:00.000+10:00

The Big Genealogy Blog Book by Amy Coffin

This book is one of the essential 'how to' manuals for genealogy bloggers. From the very beginning, Amy Coffin writes in a very supportive, encouraging manner, making the novice blogger feel confident.

The mechanics of actually setting up a blog are not covered, and who can blame the author? With the rapid changes to blogging platforms, any advice would have been outdated before the book was finished. That being said, Amy points the reader to Blogger and WordPress and mentions the wealth of online assistance.

So back to the book. There are chapters on writing quality posts, important blog elements and blogging myths. Then in the second part of the book, Amy provides numerous lists for post starters as well as suggestions for promoting a genealogical society. There are over 200 topic ideas so there's no excuse!

For me, this book encouraged the creation of my blog as an outlet for all of the stories and ideas that were swimming through my mind.

View all my reviews

Female Convicts Research Group - Tasmania

2012-01-27T05:55:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite websites is that of the Female Convicts Research Group. I have found a few family members, plus valuable historical information. The group also runs many events, including public lectures, and it's times like these I would love to be in Tasmania!

The next lecture will be held on Thursday 2 February 2012, at the State Library, Murray Street, Hobart. Lucy Frost will deliver a talk titled 'The Pleasures of Playing Detective: Researching the Stories of Convict Women'. Doesn't that get you thinking?

For more information, check out the details here.

Australia Day 2012 - Wealth for Toil

2012-01-26T07:08:00.000+10:00

Shelley, from Twigs of Yore, invited bloggers to write about a family member with the theme, Wealth for Toil. I'm sure many of us had a similar problem; just who to write about?

My subject was inspired by the lyrics of Advance Australia Fair.

Australians all let us rejoice,

For we are young and free;

We've golden soil and wealth for toil;

Our home is girt by sea;

Our land abounds in nature's gifts,

In beauty rich and rare,

In history's page let every stage,

Advance Australia Fair,

In joyful strains then let us sing,

Advance Australia Fair.

It was the golden soil part that made me think of my gggrandfather, Arthur Louis Alexandre Bastin. A sailor, he arrived in Melbourne in 1854 on the Belgian ship, Maria Louisea, and, shall we say, forgot to get back on the ship and instead headed for the gold fields. Many letters were sent from his family pleading with him to return to avoid official action. He decided not to leave Australia, triggering an inquiry back in Belgium. Judgement was passed but we are unsure of the consequences for him or his family. Arthur's mother, Julie (nee van de Weyer) wrote to the French ambassador in Melbourne in 1855, pleading for clemency for her son should he return. It appears Julie was unaware a Belgian diplomat had been appointed in 1854.

Arthur went to the Ballarat district, before finally settling in Daylesford. He married Mary Ellen Grimes in 1861 and they had seven children. By 1882, Arthur was no longer working as a miner. He was a bookseller in Howe Street, Daylesford. Arthur was active in the Miners' Association, being the first secretary of the Daylesford branch up until about 11 weeks before his death. He died in 1888 from phthisis (miners' disease) at the age of 51. There's no family legend of him striking it rich, unless someone isn't sharing!

Week #4 - Abundant Genealogy - Free Offline Genealogy Tools

2012-01-25T09:13:00.010+10:00

Another great topic! Although I do most of my research online, there are a number of offline and free resources I love. First, there is the local library. So many books, so little time. Libraries are a wonderful place to find those less popular, more unusual books; the ones that don't make the best seller lists, yet contain so much useful information especially about local history.

Another resource that costs nothing is to ask questions. Lots of questions. Parents and grandparents have so many stories but often think the 'young folk aren't interested in all of that old stuff'. But if we never ask, we'll never spot the gems of information. My Father has recently begun emailing snippets of his life story. It is amazing to read his memories as a four year old of his own grandfather.

I can't go any further on this topic without mentioning cemeteries. So many of my school holidays were spent wandering around Victorian country gravesites. Ok, so that might not be a 'normal' childhood memory, but when your Mother is a family historian...

Speaking of my Mother, I would have to say she is my most valuable offline free gadget. She has given me so much information about our family and guidance on how to trace the rest of them. Added to that, she also gave me the genealogy loving gene!

Writing My Family History - A Challenge!

2012-01-24T08:52:00.002+10:00

The Armchair Genealogist has thrown out a challenge to all genealogists to write our family history. I first spotted the challenge on the Jones Family History blog and had to find out more. This is perfect timing as I've spent the last few days pulling scraps of paper out of very strange places while muttering to myself, 'I really must organise these notes'.

I've been reading and thinking about what happens when I'm no longer around, or unable to explain what the scrawl on the post-it-note means. It is next to useless for the next generation if I keep a lot of detail in my head and have files with indecipherable notes.

I've also taken on board Lynn's brilliant suggestion of using Microsoft's One Note to collect my nuggets of information.

My aim will be to write 250 words per day, from 1 February to 29 February.

Now it is in writing, I'll have to do it...well, that's the theory. I'm giving myself a reasonably low target so then I might actually do something! I'll spend the rest of January planning and hopefully, by the end of February, I'll resurface with a decent chunk of writing. Some of it might even be acceptable.

Friends of the Australian War Memorial

2012-01-22T07:10:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I noticed an advertisement for the Friends of the Memorial and found this picture of a poppy field by Simon Howden that seemed so appropriate.
With Australia Day fast approaching, supporting the Memorial would be a great way to honour our special ancestors.

Book Review - 33 Mistakes Writers Make About Genealogy and Family History

2012-01-21T07:08:00.000+10:00

33 Mistakes Writers Make About Genealogy and Family History by Judy Rosella Edwards

The Secrets Only Insiders Know.

Although this booklet is from an American perspective, and the author states this clearly in her introduction, I found it very interesting and informative.

Most of the mistakes listed would apply to other countries and could easily translate to a local context. For example, one of the errors is assuming your family always lived in the same place because people have become more mobile only in recent history. Ms Edwards uses the example of immigrants arriving to work the gold mines and when the gold rush was over, moving again to find work, farm etc.. I have recently found a family who travelled from England in the 1840s to Tasmania, returning by 1871, only to then leave for New York, followed by Canada.

Another error is expecting each family member to have a unique name. This is a personal favourite of mine!

This booklet encourages researching the historical context of your family. One family I'm studying had the parents divorce and children stay with the father. It is possible that the legal position at the time, 1915, was fathers get custody. Obviously something I need to explore!

The booklet certainly made me think differently about my family history research, and as a result, I've found a few more branches to add to the tree. I would recommend it for anyone starting their family tree as it certainly helps to broaden the search and you might actually find that elusive ancestor.

View all my reviews

Lesson 1 - Listen

2012-01-19T12:05:00.001+10:00

I've described myself as a 'family historian with L plates', and there's a reason why that L is a capital! Last Sunday, the Genealogists for Families group met for lunch at the Queensland State Library. And what a lovely day it was, although there may have been too much loud laughter involving discussions of dead people.

I was delighted to meet Chris and Ken, as well as Judy and Helen. I took complete advantage of Judy's suggestion to bring notes if there was a question. Honestly, I could have dragged a filing cabinet! Anyway, my brick wall involved two people with the same name, about the same age and mothers' first names also matched. The group tossed around a few suggestions, then Helen mentioned looking for friends and associates. (Yes, I've forgotten the saying, but hopefully Helen will remind me!) Edit: "Friends, Associates and Neighbours first mentioned by Elizabeth Shown Mills" Thanks Helen! Judy also recommended a researcher who might be able to help.

So I did my homework. And will continue with this wall.

Then I applied my learning to a different problem. The Hortin family has bugged me for a while. There was a daughter born in about 1858, but I hadn't found a name. The parents had both died by 1878 and no one seems to know what happened to the children. Using my new found knowledge, I tried a sibling's marriage certificate and bingo! There she is, Mary Rachel Smith (nee Hortin) welcome to the family. I've since found her birth details to confirm her parents.

Perhaps Mary took responsibility for the family? I don't know, but I do feel very happy to have knocked over a small brick wall.

Week #3 - Abundant Genealogy - Free Websites

2012-01-17T06:45:00.002+10:00

What's not to love about the number of cost efficient, ok, free, resources available to genies on the internet? I know I'd be lost without them. I'm delighted this topic has arrived at Week 3 of Amy Coffin's Project.
But where to start??

I could spend hours, and have, trawling the State and Federal archives. I've found so many ancestors in Tassie, for the wrong reasons, Victoria, for more legitimate reasons, and the National Records exposed a family secret.

Then there are all of the wonderful blogs available. So many people freely giving out advice, suggestions, ideas...it is simply brilliant! Blogs are a great way to attract other family members into the researcher's net. Or as on commentator (Just Folks) described on a message board, 'blogs make the best cousin bait'!

Then we have gems like Cyndi's List and Coraweb. These sites are so handy when I've run out of ideas and can no longer think straight. Founders & Survivors and Orphan School have removed a few brick walls.

But my absolute favourite would have to be Trove. I've found so many tiny details that have given our ancestors personality and sometimes provide explanations as to why they moved. The digitalised newspapers really appeal to my sticky nose. Sometimes I just read the adverts.

Book Review - The Happiest Refugee

2012-01-15T09:01:00.003+10:00

The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do

I have a confession to make; I didn't read this book because of Anh Do's comedy routines. But now I will pay a lot more attention to his performances.
We were living near a migrant hostel in the 1970s,when my mother decided to teach English to Vietnamese refugees. As part of this program, many refugee families were invited into our home. I can clearly remember their faces and amazing stories of survival. Things we could only imagine in our worst nightmares were part of their journey to Australia. This book took me back to these stories and the people.

The book begins with a background story of his parents' meeting and heroic adventures. Then there is the amazing tale of the journey to Australia, which turned out to be nowhere near Switzerland and a lot warmer than expected! Anh talks of his years at school, education, career and racism. His close relationship with his brother, Khoa, and their mutual support through childhood lead to them working together on film projects. See a review of 'Footy Legends' here. Khoa was also named Young Australian of the Year in 2005.

Anh Do tells his story with humour and an abundance of compassion for all of his extended family. His parents taught him many great lessons and created the caring adult he has become. Ahn doesn't hold back and some of the stories must have been difficult to share. And in some cases, news to the family!

It's a book that had me laughing and crying on the same page many times. I only hope he continues to write!

Week 2 - Abundant Genealogy - Paid Online Tools

2012-01-10T07:07:00.001+10:00

Paid online tools is another great topic suggested by Amy Coffin. Although a heavy user of Ancestry, I'm not sure I appreciate it quite as much as I could. Sure, I can find important dates, use electoral rolls for place of residence etc., but I often feel I'm only getting the bones of the ancestors.

One place I enjoy having a nose around is the Members' Search area of the Genealogical Society of Victoria (Australia). What I like is being able to find records such as hospital admissions, even though I'm living two states away (QLD).

I love asking my family question such as, 'hey, did you know, that in 1930, Uncle Frank was admitted to hospital with scarlet fever?'. The usual response is, 'no, and who is Uncle Frank???'. I know there are many other sites I could use, but for some reason, I always feel like I'm putting meat on the bones of those ancestors after a visit to GSV.

My other favourites are free sites. So that's a topic for another day!

Book Review - Private Journal of A Voyage to Australia

2012-01-08T11:41:00.005+10:00

I didn't expect to enjoy this book. I thought it would be very dry and dull; a bit like looking at somebody else's holiday photos.

I never anticipated pirates, mutiny, an incompetent captain, adultery, theft (who's been milking my cow, no less) and a very private love affair. James Bell kept a journal of his voyage aboard the Planter which departed London in 1838, due to arrive in Adelaide some 130 days later. The actual journey took six months! He wrote his own introduction, specifically stating the journal was for a C.Perry, was to be sent to her, and 'that it must never be read by a third party'.

The journal provides us with a first person account of a journey taken by so many of our ancestors. Not every page is full of adventure, but Bell's writing is descriptive and it's not difficult to imagine life on board.

The book finishes with an epilogue, by Anthony Laube, which traces the lives of many of the passengers and how they coped in the new colony. There is also a list detailing passengers and crew.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in what the voyage was like, and most particularly for anyone with ancestors aboard the Planter (although you might not like what Mr Bell writes!)

There is an interview with Anthony Laube on the ABC Wide Bay Website

Details: Hardcover, 202 pages

Published by Allen & Unwin

ISBN 1742377955

Purchased at Love That Book, Helensvale, QLD

ETA: Many thanks to Infolass for her comment recommending a recent article about this book. Very interesting to read the reactions of some of the passengers' decendants!

Week 1 - Abundant Genealogy - Blogs

2012-01-06T17:34:00.002+10:00

Talk about hit the ground running!

Not only have I taken on a new blog, but also decided to participate in Amy Coffin's 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy project. First up, Blogs. Although this blog is brand-spanking new, I've been a reader of genealogy blogs for about 12 months. Coincidentally, this is about the same period of time I've been working on our tree. But I guess you saw that coming!

I have a few faves. Geniaus is a regular read. I find this blog informative, personal and lots of things for the techie. Another one is Kerry Farmer's Family History Research. I always come away with a few new tips and her advice has saved me so much time, but also given me so many more leads! I'm also a huge fan of Shauna Hicks' Genie Rambles. Again, heaps of great suggestions that have helped me enormously.

I know I won't be alone in my thoughts on which blog has inspired me. The Genealogists for Families Project using Kiva is a brilliant idea, run by Judy Webster (Australia) and Joan Miller (Canada).

So there are my thoughts on the few blogs I discovered. I know there are heaps more and look forward to discovering new reading opportunities!

Welcome!

2012-01-06T11:44:00.000+10:00

A new year...a new blog.

This blog will trace my journey as I try to build our family tree. As a beginner, I'm always learning from my mistakes, so be gentle, dear reader.