We move back downunder for our next GeniMates profile.
Kathleen also completed her profile about the time I was setting off overseas so I apologise to Kathleen for sitting on it for quite a while.
I have been following Kathleen's blog for some time now and really enjoy her well-researched and thoughtful posts.
It is an honour to be able to publish Kathleen's profile.
Date July 2011
Name Kathleen Fanning
Hometown NSW Australia
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist
What is your day job? Teacher
How long have you been chasing ancestors? About four years
How did you get hooked on genealogy?
My father used to tell us about his family when I was growing up and I gradually got more and more interested in my ancestry. I was lucky in that I knew exactly where in Ireland the Fannings came from. A second cousin of mine had also done a family tree and her family still live in the original homestead in Bulla Victoria. They held a family reunion there and had lots of original documents and photos. This kindled my interest. Although thinking about it ,probably the main factor has been the internet. It is now so easy and quick to trace a family history compared with a few years ago. This is especially true with Victorian ancestry.
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
I have taught myself using internet resources and some books.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
I have specialized in Ireland and particularly North Tipperary around Thurles where my ancestors came from.
What are the lands of your ancestors?
On my father's side they all came from Ireland: Co Tipperary, Co Limerick, Co Galway, Co Down.
On my mother's side they came from England, Scotland and Ireland.
What Family Names are you Researching?
Fannin, Fanning, Sheehan, Hayes, Darmody, Skeehan, Gormley, Collins, Gribben, Dell, McSweeney, Cook, Collier, Knighton, Ledwidge, Ryan, Canavan, Mackey, Glass and more.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?
One ancestor I am fascinated by is my ggrandmother on my mother's side. Growing up I was told both my ggrandparents had died during the Spanish Flu Epidemic. I had always imagined these very old fairly dowdy people in sensible coats. Then I discovered a photo of my ggrandmother, Annie McSweeney, and she was a stunner ! Nothing like I had imagined. I discovered she had an interesting and wild life having two husbands and having a child to the second while still married to the first. I wish I knew more about her.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?
I would like to visit Thurles Co Tipperary as this is where my Fanning ancestors were born and lived and I would also like to visit Cobh which is where they left for the colonies in 1841. I am planning a trip to Ireland in 2012.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?
Apart from the internet I use two books a lot: A New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland by Brian Mitchell and the Index to the Townlands, and Towns, Parishes and Baronies of Ireland 1851. For starting out in Irish ancestry research I recommend John Grenham's Tracing Your Irish Ancestors.
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?
Family Tree Maker 2011
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?
Ancestry, Twitter, Google+
Do you have a blog? Yes
What are your blogs' URLs? www.fanningfamilyhistory.com/
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?
Bush regeneration, gardening, kayaking, yoga, reading, photography
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?
Reading
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
If you have anything else to share please add it below:
I have two trees on Rootsweb World Connect:
My maternal side, Knighton Family Tree
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/wcus?db=knighton_torpey
and my father's ancestry, Fannings From Tipperary
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/wcus?db=fanning-tipp
I also have these trees on Ancestry.com
Showing posts with label NSW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NSW. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Peter Stewart
Peter, the President of the Campbelltown District Family History Society, is typical of the sort of person I love to profile on GeniMates. He is one of a band of unsung heroes who works in a voluntary capacity to progress the pursuit of genealogy in his local area.
Thank you, Peter, for telling us your story.
Date May 6, 2011
Name Peter Stewart
Hometown Campbelltown, NSW
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Enthusiastic hobbyist
What is your day job? Caring for Aged and infirm Religious at St Gregory's College Campbelltown, NSW. I am a Marist Brother and for 30 years taught in Catholic Primary Schools in Australia & New Zealand. My last 11 years in education I was a Primary Principal.
How long have you been chasing ancestors? Twenty years
How did you get hooked on genealogy? I had an interest in where my maternal grandfather was born and raised in Yockleton, Shropshire, England and had decided I would visit there if and when I got the chance to travel. I met grandfather's neice who was 96 at the time and wrote to a cousin living in Sydney. Joan suggested that I try and find out about the Simon and Tomlins families before they came to Australia. And as they say, "the rest is history".
When I returned home in 1993 and was telling my sister what I'd discovered she asked what I'd done on Dad's side. I had to admit - nothing. Pat suggested that I contact a 2nd cousin of Dad's in Moree, which I duly did - only to find out that Dorrie had died 3 months before Dad in 1990. Her son contacted me and sent me a copy of all his mother's info. And I went from there with the Jurd Family, my paternal grandmother's maiden name. With some 500 names recorded I mused on what I would do with them. Having seen a couple of family historys that had been produced around the time of Australia's Bicentennary and realising that 2002 was the 200th Anniversary of the arrival of Daniel Judd/Jurd, a convict, in August of that year, I sussed out a few opinions on trying to put the info I had into a booklet. Like topsy, it just grew. The book, "To Live On In The Hearts And Minds Of Descendants Is To Never Die" was launched at the reunion on the 200th Anniversary with some 8,600 descendant names recorded, and where possible stories told.
I was asked at the Reunion, "Well what now?" 'The Descendants of Daniel and Elizabeth Jurd nee Douglas Association' was formed at the reunion. I've continued researching and writing and we've planned a 200th Wedding Anniversary Reunion for the weekend of 28-30 September 2012 at Windsor. Elizabeth was the daughter of First Fleeters, William Douglas and Mary Groves.
There are currently in excess of 13,600 descendants on my database, along with many more stories, facts etc. There will be a 2nd edition of the book launched at that reunion.
I get really excited when I hear from those connected with the family or who have an interest in this particular family.
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? I have no formal training in genealogy. I regulary attend meetings of the Windsor Family History Group and the Campbelltown District Family History Society. I have had an immense amount of assistant from fellow researchers.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? Enthusiasm for genealogy. Love to ferret out info where possible as time permits.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups. January 2003 joined the Windsor Family History Group and attend monthly meetings as often as possible - usually each month.
June 2003 - joined Campbelltown District Family History Society Inc. July 2003 was elected as Treasurer, August 2008 was elected as President. I conclude my time as President in August this year.
What are the lands of your ancestors? England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Australia.
What Family Names are you Researching? Began researching the Tomlins & Simon Families, then the Stewart line.
Currently working on Jurd, Stewart, Walters, Walker, Fernance, Thompson, Bailey and associated families.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? Elizabeth Jurd, the Currency Lass. Elizabeth was only 16 when she married in 1812 and Daniel was 32. She was one amazing woman. Daniel died in August 1833 leaving her with 9 children, the youngest was 7 months old. She not only raised her family but also cared for several orphans. I see her as a woman of great strength, practical, compassionate, a woman of love and generosity. She suffered the death of 3 children in 1856 within a few months.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Colsterworth - where Mary Groves grew up, Lincolnshire where William Douglas came from and track down where Daniel Jurd hailed from. I don't know much about their lives before they were transported as convicts.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? BDM's, Ancestry and Ryerson Index
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? Family Tree Maker for Windows
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes
If Yes What is the URL? Genes Reunited - a basic tree
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Genes Reunited
Do you have a blog? No
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? Long car drives, cooking, cake decorating; spending quality time with friends and family
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? Driving
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? Not a good reader so don't have a favourite book.
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ? To live a happy fulfilling life, being caring and helpful to people. Trying to keep healthy
If you have anything else to share please add it below. Would love to hear from ANYONE who is related to the JURD Dynasty or who knows any of the Jurd and associated families. Feel free to put them in contact with me please.
Friday, April 15, 2011
John Patten
John is one of my Virtual GeniMates that I have communicated with via email, blogs, Linkedin and Google Wave over the last couple of years. I hope one day to meet him in a face to face situation.
Name
Hometown
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? Aboriginal Australian genealogy and history.
How long have you been chasing ancestors?
How did you get hooked on genealogy?
The other major contributor to my interest was my mother's lack of knowledge about her family history, as she was raised in an orphanage with no idea of her history.
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper?
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Carole Riley
Carole is an enthusiastic and energetic professional genealogist who lives in Sydney, NSW. Although we hadn't met in person until last year and we live just a few kkm apart I had met Carole virtually a few years ago through social networking sites.
As well as working professionally Carole does an amazing amount of voluntary work for The Society of Australian Genealogists. She has also neglected to say in her profile that she was instrumental in setting up the TMG Sydney Users Group and organising that Group's online presence. I am delighted to introduce you to Carole.
Date 19 March 2011
Name Carole Riley
Hometown Dubbo, NSW
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Professional
How did you get hooked on genealogy? My uncle wrote a family tree program and then collected information from relatives to put into it and distributed it to the rest of us. It wasn't much of a program, in fact it didn't even have a field for the date of death, but it got me looking for more information, and a new program.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups I serve on the Council of the Society of Australian Genealogists and the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
What are the lands of your ancestors? Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the United States, Ireland, Scotland and England. There is a family legend about Huguenots but I have not yet been able to substantiate it.
What Family Names are you Researching? Riley, Whippy, Simpson, Brown, Andrews, Connel/Connor, Cusack, Eason, Stewart, Simpson (again), Lowe, Craig, Allan, Love, Thomson, Goode, Miles...
Who is your favourite ancestor? Whichever one I'm researching at the moment.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Still planning a trip to Ireland, and I always love going to Fiji.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? State Records NSW Western Sydney Records Centre. Such wonderful resources and helpful archivists to help you find them!
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? The Master Genealogist
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes
If Yes What is the URL? http://caroleriley.id.au/familyTree
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, MyHeritage , Twitter
Do you have a blog? Several
What are your blogs' URLs? http://caroleriley.id.au, http://nswgenealogy.com.au/blog, http://fijigenealogy.com, http://socialmediagen.com
You can read more about Carole at her blog profile.
As well as working professionally Carole does an amazing amount of voluntary work for The Society of Australian Genealogists. She has also neglected to say in her profile that she was instrumental in setting up the TMG Sydney Users Group and organising that Group's online presence. I am delighted to introduce you to Carole.
Date 19 March 2011
Name Carole Riley
Hometown Dubbo, NSW
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Professional
How did you get hooked on genealogy? My uncle wrote a family tree program and then collected information from relatives to put into it and distributed it to the rest of us. It wasn't much of a program, in fact it didn't even have a field for the date of death, but it got me looking for more information, and a new program.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups I serve on the Council of the Society of Australian Genealogists and the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
What are the lands of your ancestors? Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the United States, Ireland, Scotland and England. There is a family legend about Huguenots but I have not yet been able to substantiate it.
What Family Names are you Researching? Riley, Whippy, Simpson, Brown, Andrews, Connel/Connor, Cusack, Eason, Stewart, Simpson (again), Lowe, Craig, Allan, Love, Thomson, Goode, Miles...
Who is your favourite ancestor? Whichever one I'm researching at the moment.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Still planning a trip to Ireland, and I always love going to Fiji.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? State Records NSW Western Sydney Records Centre. Such wonderful resources and helpful archivists to help you find them!
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? The Master Genealogist
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes
If Yes What is the URL? http://caroleriley.id.au/familyTree
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, MyHeritage , Twitter
Do you have a blog? Several
What are your blogs' URLs? http://caroleriley.id.au, http://nswgenealogy.com.au/blog, http://fijigenealogy.com, http://socialmediagen.com
You can read more about Carole at her blog profile.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sharon Brennan
Sharon is the author of two family history books:
Crossing the seas to build a future : twelve generations of the Seabrook family 2005
Date 11 March 2011
Name Sharon Brennan (Moore)
Hometown Wallangarra, Queensland
Are you a hobbyist or professional genealogist? Hobbyist
What is your day job? Teacher Librarian
How long have you been chasing ancestors? Since I was 10
How did you get hooked on genealogy? My aunt began researching when I was 10 years old and each time I saw her she'd fill me in on her latest finds. After I married, my husband and I walked through the local cemetery and found 2 baby girls who shared his surname. Of course I wanted to know who they belonged to. We purchased their death certificates and off I went on a journey that is still going today.
What are your areas of expertise in genealogy? I have never really given this some thought. Can persistence and perseverance be called areas of expertise? I love the challenge and the hunt. Years of researching has given me the skills I think to know where to go to next and how to fill in the story. I enjoy internet research.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups I have at various times been a member of the following societies and groups:
Bourke Family History Society
Armidale Family History Group
Tamworth and District Family History Group
Coffs Harbour District Family History Society
Newcastle Family History Society
Society of Australian Genealogists
What are the lands of your ancestors? Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Scotland. My husband adds German to our children's ancestry.
What Family Names are you Researching? Agnew, Allsop, Birt, Brennan, Cleary, Davenport, Dawson, Fleming, Flynn, Giles, Glock, Halloran/O'Halloran, Hannah, Harrison, Henry, Hope, Kerr, Key, Lagan, Lee/Ley, McColm, McElwee, McInerney, Merchant, Milroy, Moore, Mylan/Moylan, Odgen, Perrott/Parrot, Prince, Ryan, Scheef, Seabrook, Smail, Spatch/Spetch, Squires, Tobin, Waters, White.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? It's difficult to choose a favourite ancestor, but I think I would have to choose Dr William Lee Dawson, my great great grandfather. He was born in 1817 in Ireland and studied in Dublin to become a doctor. He worked as a surgeon on a packet ship around the Carribean and then came to Hobart Town as the surgeon aboard the Mooltan which arrived in 1854.
I am very grateful to have the following documents that belonged to him:
* a sheet of paper detailing his birth in 1817
* copies of many certificates pertaining to his medical studies
* a diary written by him while he was a surgeon sailing to the Carribean and then again to Hobart Town
* his notebooks which contained notes of the day to day running of his life as a country doctor
* a large portrait of him in his uniform (found in the back of a cow shed)
* his surgeon's amputation saw
After writing all this I think of others who perhaps should have been mentioned.
e.g. My gggg grandmother Hanorah Flynn who came to Ausralia in 1826 with a young family to join her convict husband Patrick. What courage that must have taken!
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Last year I went to Ireland and Britain and managed to visit a few places where ancestors lived. I can't wait to go back to Bellaghy (in the heart of IRA territory during the Troubles) and Ballymoney both in Northern Ireland, Dublin and London and Cork and Cootehill and Stranraer and and and........
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? At the moment it is the internet as I really don't have time to visit because I live too far away from archives and repositories. I quite like Ancestry but don't like the family trees full of errors.
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? Reunion for Mac but am seriously looking at The Next Generation. Perhaps that's a Christmas holiday job.
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? No
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, GenealogyWise, LinkedIn, Twitter
Do you have a blog? Yes
What are your blogs' URLs?
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? Is there really time for anything else?????
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? Reading
What is your favourite (non-genealogy) book? I've had to think too long for this question so there mustn't be a favourite. I read lots of books for my day job as a teacher librarian.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Tayna Honey
Thanks, Tanya, for accepting my plea to be profiled.
Graduate Diploma - Librarianship
No informal studies as yet.
I can lay no claim to any areas of expertise, but have a particular fondness for tracking down articles, family notices etc in old newspapers.
Family Treemaker
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