E is for

E is for “E” christian names in my tree, Electoral Rolls and everything in between. There are plenty of females with “E” names Elizabeth, Eliza, Eliza-Jane, Edith, Eleanor,Ellen, Elsie, Ethel, Ella, Emma, Esther but only one male “E” name Edward.

Elizabeth, Eliza and Eliza-Jane feature a lot on my maternal side. My 3rd maternal great grandmother was a convict transported to Australia for 7 years. Her story is feature elsewhere on this blog with creative non-fiction stories and Uni Essays. 

I feel she was a strong woman, especially for her time and situation. Many of the early woman in the new settlement of New South Wales, Australia were strong women. They had little choice. From her name of Elizabeth there are many descendants who show up with the variation of her name…. Eliza, Eliza-Jane. 

Electoral Rolls have given me lots of information on ancestors over the years. Many places of residence have been found on Electoral Rolls along with occupations, spouses and siblings. 

As for everything in between? Who of us know when we start on the Family History journey, what we will uncover.

It is not just about finding names.

It is not just about building a tree with with lots of branches.

It is not just about filing cupboards filled to overflowing with documents.

It is not just about the DNA connections trying to find unknown relatives.

The everything in between is about connecting with and honouring our ancestors by finding them and telling their stories. 

The people who although unknown, shaped who we are and where we are going. 

The everything in between shows that we are the product of many who have gone before us. They faced many hardships in a new land and they paved the way with courage and tenacity.