Out of the wandering Kerry boy He was to fashion a man of God whose chief delight it henceforth should be to preach that gospel which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. (From Cannibal Land to the Glory Land, p.51.) … Continue reading Thomas Needham, wandering Kerry boy
Category: Occupations
866 Company in Dublin 1916-1919
A brief visit to Dublin I recently spent a few days in Dublin. It was my first trip to Ireland; I was there for the wedding of a friend from Australia, Simon More, who has made his home there. He and his wife Michelle were … Continue reading 866 Company in Dublin 1916-1919
The Gledfield smithy
James Andrew Ross (1794-1866) was the father of my grandmother’s grandfather. As far as I have been able to find out he was born in Edderton, in Ross-Shire, on the southern side of Dornoch Firth. His parents were Donald Ross and Ann Fraser. Donald Ross … Continue reading The Gledfield smithy
James Ross: a servant in Victorian England, 1851
The Victorian age was one of great wealth and great poverty. The poor served the wealthy. It is slightly disturbing to read about the nature of society at that time, especially when it is seen through modern eyes. Bill Bryson describes this world in his … Continue reading James Ross: a servant in Victorian England, 1851
Horse transport in WW1
As I mentioned in my last blog, George Simmonds, my great grandfather, agricultural labourer and carman of Heston, Middlesex, joined the Army Service Corps during the Great War and served variously in England, Ireland and Greece. Before the war he was involved in the transport … Continue reading Horse transport in WW1
Forgotten tales 