I like how you outlined your research strategy in this story. Will be interested in what you discover about Ada’s mother. Perhaps there is still royalty ties in the family. But regardless, there may be even more interesting stories in being a family of stonemasons. 😀
Thank you, I wasn't sure how that would be received, but thought it might be more helpful to people to see the steps I take when conducting this kind of research.
I'm sure there is some truth in the story somewhere, but it's likely been embellished.
I'm definitely going to do more explorations of Edward Kelly (the stonemason). I know there is a connection to Ireland possibly Dublin and that an uncle of his was a Roman Catholic Priest. At least that what my Grandad remembers hearing.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, I appreciate it 💚
I particularly enjoy genealogy posts that seek to clarify (and sometimes debunk) family legends. This is a great example of all the sleuthing and document-based research that goes into getting to the truth.
Thank you for outlining your research process, along with bits of analysis. Newbies often read the result, and never know there will be yearsof research before the final result is known.
Also it occurs to me that with gardners and journeymen in the lineages thus far, it may be that ancestors worked on the estate, and that's where the story of a lost inheritance will be found. Cannot wait to see what more you discover!
I love the research process. It's like a mystery or a puzzle. I usually write my posts about my research uncovering family members. If I didn't, there would be nothing to write about! Things take a long time to uncover.
Thanks for this piece exploring the family legend about Ada Williams, said to be descended from Welsh royalty. Through careful research, you reveal a different story, one rooted not in castles and titles but in Birmingham’s working-class life. These kinds of tales are surprisingly common. What motivates them? Why do they linger? For family historians, the challenge is to honour these stories while testing them against archival records. What we often uncover is less romantic but more human.
An extremely thorough and detailed piece of research which shows the value in cross checking multiple record sources before reaching a reasoned conclusion, great read
I like how you outlined your research strategy in this story. Will be interested in what you discover about Ada’s mother. Perhaps there is still royalty ties in the family. But regardless, there may be even more interesting stories in being a family of stonemasons. 😀
Thank you, I wasn't sure how that would be received, but thought it might be more helpful to people to see the steps I take when conducting this kind of research.
I'm sure there is some truth in the story somewhere, but it's likely been embellished.
I'm definitely going to do more explorations of Edward Kelly (the stonemason). I know there is a connection to Ireland possibly Dublin and that an uncle of his was a Roman Catholic Priest. At least that what my Grandad remembers hearing.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, I appreciate it 💚
I particularly enjoy genealogy posts that seek to clarify (and sometimes debunk) family legends. This is a great example of all the sleuthing and document-based research that goes into getting to the truth.
Thank you for outlining your research process, along with bits of analysis. Newbies often read the result, and never know there will be yearsof research before the final result is known.
Also it occurs to me that with gardners and journeymen in the lineages thus far, it may be that ancestors worked on the estate, and that's where the story of a lost inheritance will be found. Cannot wait to see what more you discover!
Myrt
Thank you 😊
That's a great tip to keep in mind, very possible that someone worked on an Estate and it's been embellished over the years.
I love the research process. It's like a mystery or a puzzle. I usually write my posts about my research uncovering family members. If I didn't, there would be nothing to write about! Things take a long time to uncover.
I really enjoyed reading this and great to be able to see your thinking and research process. Look forward to hearing where it goes next.
I look forward to reading the next instalment. I enjoyed how you shared your journey of discovery.
I love how detailed your approach was to the research. Can't wait to read more.
Great work - how-to posts are very helpful.
Thanks for this piece exploring the family legend about Ada Williams, said to be descended from Welsh royalty. Through careful research, you reveal a different story, one rooted not in castles and titles but in Birmingham’s working-class life. These kinds of tales are surprisingly common. What motivates them? Why do they linger? For family historians, the challenge is to honour these stories while testing them against archival records. What we often uncover is less romantic but more human.
Oh, who doesn't love a good mystery! I'm strapped in, let's go!
An extremely thorough and detailed piece of research which shows the value in cross checking multiple record sources before reaching a reasoned conclusion, great read