Ten Genealogy Lessons “Game of Thrones” Teaches Us

Posted on 20 May, 2019 by Janice Brown

Sketch of THE CORONATION CHAIR. Old and New London: a narrative of its history, its people, and its places by Walter Thornbury, 1873, page 461. Internet Archive.

During the television series Game of Thrones knowing how people were related, or who they descended from, becomes intrinsically important to each character and determines their fate. If you were related to any of the “great houses” of Westeros you could not avoid being swept up in the vast net of intrigue and conspiracy.

As for this story –spoilers ahead, sort of. I am using quotes from various seasons of the acclaimed HBO: Game of Thrones series to demonstrate ten genealogy lessons we can learn from watching “Game of Thrones.” Only one of these quotes was taken from this final season. They are not really plot spoilers, as the quotes are taken out of context, and the scene behind the words are not explained. Continue reading →

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A New Hampshire Mother: Evelina “Eva” (Rollins) Sykes of Manchester (1870-1942)

Posted on 17 May, 2019 by Janice Brown

Sykes family, from left to right: Kenneth, their mother [who I identified as Evalina (Rollins) Sykes], Irma, and Basiel; Manchester Historic Association. Used with permission.

It all started with one photograph.  Shown on the left the graphic is identified as: “Sykes family, from left to right: Kenneth, their mother, Irma, and Basiel.” [Based on the real birth dates I tend to think that instead it should be Basiel, mother/Irma and Kenneth.]  Possibly this was taken on a 4th of July, based on the United States flag and guns on display by the children. But before I continue with my story, a little congratulatory side-trip is in order.

This story originated while browsing through the Manchester Historic Association online photograph archives, which I seem to do frequently. That archive is a treasure trove, so kudos to everyone at that organization for the countless hours of identifying, scanning and uploading. I would highly suggest that anyone researching the Manchester New Hampshire area should look there first for photographs.  AND if you have any old photographs of the city, identify them and consider donating them to this fine organization. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire Tidbits: The Best Mother

Posted on 12 May, 2019 by Janice Brown

Jona-Red apple, grown in New Hampshire.

Regular readers of my Cow Hampshire blog know I’ve written many times about New Hampshire agriculture, and in particular about heirloom apple history. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d present a tidbit story that combines both subjects.

On 24 October 1878 the New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette of Concord published New Hampshire State Fair fruit being exhibited. Among them were: “Apples–Best five varieties, Best Mother, Chas H. Colburn, city; Foundling, Daniel Shirley, Goffstown; Baldwins and Northern Spy, Moses D. Page, Dover; Sweet Porters, J.P. Jameson, Dunbarton; Tolman Sweet, Leonard Robertson, Goffstown; Maiden’s Blush, B.W. Nichols, Bedford; second-best 10 varieties, Isaac Huse, city; best 10 varities, Golden Sweet, Hubbardston, C.C. Shaw, Milford; Blue Pearmains, R.M. Rollins, city; Baldwins, A.P. Joy, South Newmarket; Gravenstine, W.W. Howard, Milford.” Continue reading →

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Another Heroine of WWI: Pauline Hildreth Field (1885-1919)

Posted on 7 May, 2019 by Janice Brown

Photograph of Pauline H. Field from her July 1918 U.S. passport.

Pauline Hildreth Field was not born in New Hampshire, but her paternal grandmother was. Pauline  was one of over 160 women World War I Red Cross workers who died during service during World War I. She did not work as a nurse, but rather was a member of the American Red Cross  in France, in Hospital Hut Service, performing “hospital recreational work.”

In 1912 Pauline H. Field was listed on the New York City Social Register along with her sister.  On 15 June 1912 she attended the commencement exercises at Temple University (Philadelphia PA), receiving a certificate at the Teacher’s College, for having completed the Normal Course in Kindergarten Training. Continue reading →

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Actor, Director, Comedian and Teacher: Peter Bonerz of Portsmouth New Hampshire (1938-Still Living)

Posted on 30 April, 2019 by Janice Brown

Photo of Peter Bonerz from the 1956 Marquette High School Year Book.

Peter Bonerz is quoted as saying, “I consider myself as a once upon a time, a minor celebrity.” This unassuming gentleman is so much more.  Most of us remember him for his role as Dr. Jerry on ‘The Bob Newhart Show,’ but he also directed two of my all time favorite shows, ‘Friends’ and ‘Home Improvement.’  Very few realize that he was born in New Hampshire. Continue reading →

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