Nikki-ann

The rain finally held off today, so I took the opportunity to go for a drive and take some photos. I ended up at Borth & Ynyslas (about an hour away from home).

It was cold and windy, but that didn’t stop some people enjoying the beach. One family braved putting their feet in the old Irish Sea water, while others were flying kites (perfect weather for it!).

(Click to enlarge)

Look who I bumped into today! OK, maybe not bumped in to… more like queued for over 2 hours on a cold & windy high street in Birmingham. I looked extremely windswept and the lovely John Barrowman looked perfect!

JB was only supposed to be signing books for an hour, but I’m guessing he stayed a bit longer (depending on his schedule) as the queue stretched right down the High Street.

I took this photo (click to enlarge) while I was in the queue. A couple of police officers had come in and he asked if he was in trouble. It turns out the male police officer just wanted to take JB’s photo!

When it was my turn I had my photo taken with JB (which turned out awful - I was windswept and the Waterstone’s staff member who took the photo had obviously never used a digital camera before), my book personally signed and a smile, then I was off. Happy as Larry.

JB’s autobiography Anything Goes has jumped the queue and is now next on my pile of books to read. I’m currently half-way through Gary Barlow’s autobiography My Take (the updated paperback version), which is very interesting so far. I’ve also got Richard Hammond’s account of his life before & after his terrifying high-speed car crash while filming for Top Gear - On The Edge - waiting to be read, as well as one or two other books.

After doing a little more research in the England and Wales census records last night I think I discovered a 3rd child for Henry Purslow.

I still can’t find anything in the 1851 census records, however later census records brought some light to the situation. In 1871 Henry’s widow Jane and son Henry are noted as living with John & Elizabeth Pryce, although “Purslow” has been wrongly transcribed as “Purdon”. Jane Purslow is listed as Mother-in-Law to John Pryce, so that would make Elizabeth her daughter.

I then used Free BMD to find an Elizabeth Purslow born c1842 in Shrewsbury. Bingo! There was a birth registered in 1841, so I have ordered the birth certificate to confirm (or not) if Henry & Jane Purslow were indeed her parents (assuming I have the right certificate). So now it’s just a matter or waiting.

This still leaves a 10 year age gap between Elizabeth (born 1841 - assuming she is Henry & Jane’s daughter) and Henry (junior - born 1851), so maybe there were other children too.

Henry Purslow is my Great Great Great Grandfather. I don’t know much about Henry (and even less about his wife, my Great Great Great Grandmother), but below is what I do know.

Henry was born circa 1801 in Shropshire, England (most likely in the town of Shrewsbury).

The earliest record I have of Henry is in the Shropshire County Quarter Sessions. On 13th day of August 1835 Henry appeared before the Justices of the Peace for the county and gave a statement. One Timothy Jones and another youth had stolen a quantity of iron and tried to sell it to Gittins & Cartwright Foundry (Henry’s place of work). As well as a copy of the statement, I have a copy of a document which states that Henry must appear at the next sessions in the county to give evidence against Timothy Jones, if he doesn’t he will owe £30 (a great deal of money in those days!). The evidence resulted in Timothy Jones being sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and hard labour for his crime. (Thanks to Shropshire Archives for the copies of those documents).

Ten months later, on 20th June 1836 Henry married Jane Younger (or “Young”) at St. Julian’s in Shrewsbury. Their daughter Sarah (my Great Great Grandmother) was born on 21st April 1837 and baptised at Saint Alkmund, Shrewsbury on 14th May of that year.

We next see Henry and his family in the 1841 England Census living in Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury. He was working as a moulder.

I have been unable to find Henry and the family in either the 1851 England census or the Wales census, but they may have moved to Montgomeryshire, Wales (which borders with Shropshire, England) by then. Later that year, a son is born to Henry & Jane in Puzzle Square, Welshpool and is named after his father.

Henry Purslow died on 20th March 1857 at Puzzle Square, Welshpool aged 56 years of asthma (not certified). He was an ironmoulder (journeyman) at the time.

Henry’s daughter Sarah married Thomas Williams in May 1861 and died in December 1871.

His wife Jane and son Henry can be found in the 1881 Wales census living together in Welshpool. Henry (junior) is listed as working as a nailor. I believe Jane died in 1885, but I’m awaiting the death certificate.

Ah well… A family historian’s work is never done!

I’ve treated myself to a mini photo studio. It includes a lighting tent (40cm x 40cm x 40cm), 4 colour backgrounds (white, black, red & blue), lights and stands. The tent folds into a carry case and everything else fits in the pockets on the front. It’s only small, but it’ll do the job I want it to do.

When I got it out of the box the day it arrived Leo (the cat) had other ideas. I think he thought it was a cat tent because he marched straight up and sat in it. It’s just the right size for him too! Unfortunately, my camera wasn’t too hand at the time.

So this afternoon I did a bit of product photography.

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

The pewter pig belonged to my Great Auntie Polly. It was used for carrying matches and it has a bit on its base to strike the matches. Unfortunately, it’s missing its tail and ring through its nose.

January usually sees the return of Jack Bauer and ‘24′ on our TVs (well on my TV, anyway!). Unfortunately, Kiefer Sutherland is currently sat in jail and the 7th season of ‘24′ is on hold indefinately due to the writers strike. Filming hasn’t finished on the series and the season needs to air uninterupted due to its format, so it looks like we’ve got a bit of a wait for this one. I have seen a trailer for the forthcoming season and it looks great, so I’m sure it will be worth the wait.

Another show I’m looking forward to is Torchwood season 2, starting 16th January on BBC2. The first episode of the season not only stars the wonderful John Barrowman (obviously!), but it also stars another favourite of mine, James Marsters as Captain John Hart. Videos (including spoilers - so BEWARE!) can be found over at the Episodes section of the website - Link.

Talking of John Barrowman… His autobiography (so far!) Anything Goes (written with his sister) is released on 24th January (UK) and in April (US). Yet another book for me to add to my growing pile, but one I’m sure I’ll enjoy. John will also be doing book signings… and I am very tempted! The book will also be available as an abridged audiobook.

Everybody Loves Raymond is currently in my DVD player. I finished season 7 last night and will probably start season 8 at the weekend. I have yet to buy season 9 though, so I guess I’d better hurry up on that score!

I couldn’t help myself last weekend while passing through WH Smith. They had a sale on DVDs, so I couldn’t resist taking a look… and buying 4 DVDs (including In Pursuit of Happyness)! I had a bargain though. The DVDs cost me £19 in total, with one of them only costing £1. I also found a bargain in Woolworths. I managed to buy Take That’s official 2008 calendar for £2.49 - Definiately a bargain!

The Ancestry Aid website has just been relaunched!

If you haven’t heard of Ancestry Aid then you’re missing out. It’s a genealogy community that is free to use and has a wonderful community. Everyone is friendly and willing to help others break down those genealogy brick walls. It is geared towards those researching their British family history, but has members from all corners of the world. I have been a member for some time now and recommend anyone who’s interested in genealogy and family history to come and have a look around.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Website: www.ancestryaid.co.uk