Viv gave a very interesting and informative talk on using newspapers in your family history research.
Initially newspapers were taxed, so it was generally only the rich who could afford them until 1855 when the tax was repealed, and a further tax on paper removed in 1861.
She gave examples using her own family history research, with photographs, throughout the talk. Births, deaths and marriages were good initial sources, allowing Viv to track a female relative, previously untraceable, by her marriage thus giving her a new surname and home with her husband in Glasgow.
Marriages could be great sources of information with far more details given for those with a higher social standing. Sometimes complete descriptions of the whole wedding service, with speeches, was given or florid and exaggerated résumés of the bridegroom’s military career. Divorce also featured for men but wasn't available as a realistic option until surprisingly late (1937) for women.
Wills and their consequences often showed the wife's claim on a dead husband's estate and bequests to other family members.
Other information found in newspapers, which might help you track down an ancestor, may concern criminal activity (which often involved alcohol),carriage or car accidents, occupations giving addresses, petitions for bankruptcy and property sales.
Viv advised using your subscriptions wisely and warned about becoming distracted by the totally gripping stories of someone else's ancestors - fascinating stuff!
Report by Lesley J Smith
Next Meeting
Tuesday 14th August 2018
From Hope to Expectation by Peter Rose