For the past few years, on and off, I've been trying to delve into my family history, and finding it fascinating.
Information I have discovered includes:
- My great grand-father was a chimney sweep.
- My grandmother was employed as a Fancy Box Maker.
- I've discovered four relatives who were killed in the First World War, including one, Robert A. Johnston, who was a POW in Germany and was shot in the back when trying to escape from his prison camp.
- My great grand-father, James Vannan, had to apply for Poor Relief because he was unable to work because of a lung disease. He was a sailmaker by trade.
- My great great grand-father made a very good living in Earlston as a molecatcher.
- My great grand-mother had twelve children.
- Another great grand-mother collected teapots.
How I got interested in family history
My cousin Irene Johnston (now Williams) has written a book on her father's early life in Glasgow. That's what first got me interested in family history.