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Showing posts from March, 2014

More Eureka Moments

Thanks to all who contacted us after the Eureka Moments blog posted earlier this month. The personal stories highlighted proved so popular that we decided to reproduce more. In this week's examples, we hear from a New Zealander who found her family in London's Brompton Cemetery, a Briton who had success in another 'Magnificent Seven' cemetery, and an Australian who reconnected with his Scottish roots. Tree growing among gravestones in Brompton Cemetery, West London New Zealander, Vicki Houlbrooke (nee Leach) , was searching in central London burial records for her Westminster ancestor, George Leach . She had a transcript of the headstone, found in a letter from her Grandad's Great Uncle Fred, but there were no clues as to where the grave was located. The transcript read: Sacred to the memory of Mary Maria, Wife of George LEACH, of Vauxhall Bridge Rd, Pimlico, Who departed this life Sept 3, 1856, Aged 66 years. It is finished. Also Mr. George LEACH, Husba

Eureka Moments

Recently, we asked on Facebook for your positive experiences in finding long-lost ancestors and relatives through the Deceased Online database. We have been overwhelmed with all the stories and memories you have sent us. Emails have arrived from the UK and beyond. We're not sure how many of you shouted, "Eureka!" when you found your missing ancestors, but we like to think of these discoveries as your Eureka Moments. This week, we highlight three of the stories we received. These Eureka Moments take us on a journey from Yorkshire to London, featuring a wartime fire, a lucky find in UK's largest cemetery and a great grandmother who had run off with the lodger!  Rebecca Walker (@Ancestreemakers on Twitter ) sent us this beautiful photograph [above] of her great grandmother, Revina (nee Kimber, b. 1870 in Yorkshire). In 1899, Revina married Joseph Westlake . They had a family and settled in Wealdstone, Harrow. Rebecca knew that Revina and her 36 year old