Meet the family!

[cgms310]

Until March of 2008, I had never seen an image of any of my extended family. The following two pictures are:- 1/.My great grandmother who I had heard of only because part of my name was created from her maiden name and 2/. My great uncle John Stuart with his wife Maude Whitby and two of their eight children.

My Great Grandmother Joanna MacLeod (1838-1894) of Sutherland.



My Great Uncle John Stuart (1870-1937) his wife Maude his daugher Sheila MacLeod-Stuart (1907-2000) and Mary Stuart (1905-1922) who died at age 17 from Scarlet Fever. All were born in Glasgow. It is Sheila's son Bruce, who I discovered in March of this year via Ancestry.com



John Stuart bears a remarkable resemblance to my father of whom I sadly have no pictures.

Regards,



Charles.

[Bobbie En Tejas]

Charles, to me family history is interesting, even other people's!

Last summer I went back to my family area, western New York. I knew I had a strong roots there, but imagine how surprised I was when I found every gravestone on my father's direct line back to the early 1800s and my mother's line back to around 1830, all buried within a couple of miles of each other! I began to feel like I was related to myself (which could explain a lot).

My McKay family is from Scotland via the West Indies.

[cgms310]

Hi Bobbie!

I know exactly what you mean!!

After 25 years of research, the above pictures and contact were the first I had made since I found my two half brothers shortly before I left for America in 1983.

Which part of Western New York? I know the area well as I fish Lake Erie and the surronding area often. I am only 45 minutes from Buffalo, New York when I cross the Niagara River at the Peace Bridge.

Regards,



Charles.

[Bobbie En Tejas]

Born in Silver Creek, county of my ancestory is Chautauqua. Spent most of my schooling in Buffalo where my family still lives. When you go to Buffalo next time, have a Mighty Taco!!

[cgms310]

Hi Bobbie,

I know Lake Chautauqua well.

I had a friend who was born there named Swift Spaulding. He moved to Maryland and now lives in Florida. His mother and father recently sold their home by the lake and moved to Ohio.

Do you know the family?

Regards,



Charles.
p.s. My figure is big enough!!!! I don't think I need a Mighty Taco, but thanks for the recommendation

[Bobbie En Tejas]

No, I don't know the family. Welcome to the forum!

[Annie]

Going up to visit the falls in two weeks! Got any good suggestions for food, visits, etc.???

[cgms310]

Hi Annie,

Most of Niagara Falls is a tourist trap and the food is over priced. I tend to get out of Niagara after the falls and a few rides and go to Niagara on the Lake, which is a small town about 20 minutes drive away. To say it is special is an understatement. The town is divided down the middle with a huge selection of brightly coloured flowers and shrubs. The local taxi's are horse drawn carriages and the shops are like something out of an English village! There is a fudge factory, a small playhouse, Canadian/American food and of course a Chinese restaurant!

If you wanted to overnight, the Prince of Wales Hotel is in the heart of down town Niagara on the Lake and when you go inside, it is like taking a trip back to England in the 1920's (with modern conveniences of course!).

For an evening meal, I can highly recommend the "Copacabana" which is close to the new casino back in Niagara Falls. The food is endless for a fixed price and the entertainment is awesome, including Brazilian dancers in full Carnival costume! You will need to make a reservation NOW as it gets busy!!! Tel (905) 354-8775 or visit their website at www.copacabana.ca

Regards,


Charles.

[cgms310]

Oh I almost forget.

Some of the best Canadian wineries line the road from Niagara Falls to Niagara on the Lake. (I think it is route 25)

I suggest a few stop overs for some tasting. Just don't start singing old Scottish songs, or they will never let you out of the building!!!

Charles

[hugh]

C.G.M.S. Found your family's history, letters and photos absolutely fascinating. It's amazing how far roots can spread.

Bobbie. Chautauqua? That's ringing bells, that is. Must be a good 30 years since I read it, but does that have anything to
do with Robert Pirsig's "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"?