Week 1: Foundations
My sister was the one who began the family history journey. She had always a keen interest in local history and she began to piece together documents.
Her work inspired me, and while she focused on our maternal line, I decided to pick up the paternal lineage. My obsession began in particular when I worked at Canada’s National Library and I happened upon this document:
The bond says that David Pickle married Catherine Renner in 1832 at Grimsby Ontario. Witness was her father William Renner who gave his mark X . and John Campbell was present ( there are campbells at a neighbouring farm.) I needed to know more. I was hooked!
Week 2: Favourite Find
David Pickel, my 3xGreatGrandfather has been a brick wall for me for ages. The Ontario Township Papers available online offer a tantalising clue. (Though free, Family Search requires an account to log in) https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSY9-79RK-F?i=299&cat=2759321 It mentions Matthew John as David’s father, who likely died sometime in 1820.
Then while perusing some recently digitised farm account books at the Brock University archives, I found this page which mentions David and Mathias Pickle
David is given credit for three days work. and I am not sure who is recieiving or getting but I think Matthias has purchased a pound of salt? It puts these two together in the same area where David eventually married.
Now to see where it leads me!
Week 3: Favourite Photograph
I think this photo is just charming.
BIRTH 25 JUN 1850 • Haldimand, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada DEATH 8 JUL 1922 • Hastings, Ontario, Canada
Hugh Burley, y 2nd great-grandfather, son of Samuel Burley and Chloe Barnes, married Hannah Mattis 5 Jun 1871 at Northumberland and Durham, Ontario. Hugh was 21, Hannah 22. She is from the Township of Camden. William and James Mattis were witnesses. They were marreid by [Davis Crowther?] and both are listed as E. Methodist. It says that Hugh was a farmer, but in later documents his occupation is listed as a jewler (sic). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to find a piece of his handiwork? as usual I need to find out more.
One line of research that I am currently invetsigating is the link from Hannah Mattis too the UEL Jessups Ranger, Jacob Gordanier.