Are you looking for a new winter hobby? Caithness Family History Society suggests you try genealogy
Caithness Family History Society (CFHS) has an AGM on October 10 and invites the public to come along and learn a bit about genealogy.
If you would like to find the stories of your own family, CFHS says you should attend its event at the Nethercliffe Hotel, Wick, on Tuesday, October 10, at 7pm. Caithness 1901 census books, gravestone transcription books and the latest in the WWI series published by the society will also be on sale.
Although a couple of positions on the committee have to be filled and interested parties will be made very welcome, the society would also like to invite those who are not committee-orientated. A spokesperson said: “Don’t miss the opportunity to come and have a chat and see if family history is something that you would enjoy. Or, if you have already started some research, come and get advice on how to continue. You never know what you may find out.”
One CFHS member, with no knowledge of any seafaring connection in her family, discovered that a great-great-great-grandfather was Captain Daniel Charleson (1801-1878), who lived in Smith Terrace, Wick, with his family. He sailed to the Baltic ports as well as around our own shores and weathered many storms, which were reported in the John O'Groat Journal.
Captain Charleson’s oldest daughter, Christina, married saddler Thomas Dunnett. One of their descendants was Dan Dunnett, whose shoe shop in Wick’s High Street was a well-known business in the town for many years.
The same CFHS member uncovered the story of her granny’s great-uncle who, in 1829, was transported in a convict ship to Van Diemen’s Land, which we now know as Tasmania. Robert Sutherland had been involved in a brawl at Dunbeath and was sent to a prison hulk at Woolwich on the River Thames to await a journey of 104 days on the ship Bussorah Merchant.
Four people died on the long voyage. After serving his seven years punishment, Robert managed to earn enough money to return to Caithness, where he took the rent of a farm.
CFHS has a website at caithnessfhs.org.uk/ and is also on Facebook.
Contact can be made at enquiries@caithnessfhs.org.uk