In a previous post I explained how to construct a timeline using Excel. If constructed correctly a timeline can be used as an effective tool for analyzing major changes in a person's life. Major life events can be analyzed by adding historical context. This information can be found in a variety of different forms and does not have to mention your ancestor directly. I like to consider anything that related to:
- Their occupation
- Where they worked
- Who they worked with
- Where they lived (exact address, street, and community)
- Type of housing
- Who they lived with
- Occupations of people living nearby
- Their religion
- Where they worshiped
- Their FAN club
- The legal system
To properly explain how to use this technique I am going to use an example of someone that I am currently researching.
Case Study: David Sword
David Sword was born in Dundee, Angus, Scotland during 1822. He was a skilled iron and brass founder in Edinburgh, but for some unexplained reason he moved his family to England. My objective for constructing a timeline was to determine why he moved to England.
I started by looking for him in the newspaper and was immediately met with an article about him receiving a notice from the register-general of births to register the births of his two sons. I didnt know exactly when he left Scotland, but I knew that it was during the same decade that the notice was published. Was that the reason he left? To be sure I began building up the timeline with more historical context. Aside from answering my initial research question, I gained a deeper understanding about his life and profession in Scotland.
I knew that David was an iron founder so I checked the Edinburgh directory for both his home and business address. Back in the mid 1800's, those who practiced a profession would have their name and trade listed in the back of the local directory. I used the address to find others who were renting business space in the same foundry. Next I began searching local newspapers for those individuals and for events that happened at his business address.
Throughout much of his professional life in Edinburgh he rented space at 66 Fountainbridge (the Port Hopetoun Foundry AKA Fountainbridge Foundry) to operate his business. The foundry belonged to the Learmouth Company. During August 1866 a fire broke out inside of the foundry, however it is unclear from newspapers if this occurred in or affected the space that David was renting. Regardless, the damage to the foundry was considered minor and did not prevent either party from continuing operation in the coming years.
Life in Edinburgh was going quite well for David until 1868. He owned and operated a successful business, lived in an upscale home, had a title, and had a family. On May 12 1868, he received a notice (via the newspaper) from the Register-General of Scotland stating that he needed to register the births of his now grown sons. There is no evidence that David ever followed through on this order, rather that this was the reason why he left Scotland three years later. To truly understand just how much he left behind, lets take a look at the success he experienced prior to his emigration.
In 1869 he secured what I believe to be his only patent. The device was described as improving how water is supplied to cattle trucks, wagons, and railcars. In 1870 he was elected as one of three commissioners for the William Denoon Young Co (an engineering and iron manufacturer). In addition to this new position, he continued to operate his own foundry in Fountainbridge. He served as commissioner for approximately one year, until he left Scotland in 1871. Between operating his own business for nearly a decade, owning a patent, and being elected commissioner, it is quite clear that he was skilled in his trade.
Was it really worth leaving all that behind? The answer is yes! According the 1854 Registration Act, failure to register a birth could result in financial penalties, imprisonment, and even transportation to a penal colony. The entire family moved to England, albeit settling in different counties. David and his two sons all took their former profession of iron and brass moulding with them. There is no evidence that the Register-General of Scotland ever located him in England, ultimately leading to him never registering his two sons.
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