Record Family History

01/25/2026

Valentine’s Day isn’t only about romance — it can be about sharing stories and memories with the ones you love.

I’m pleased to be the guest speaker at the Seniors’ Valentine’s Day Tea at the Wi******er Branch on February 13.

A relaxed afternoon of tea, conversation, and community.

Hosted by the SD & G Library. Registration details are available through the library.

12/24/2025

Almost Christmas! For those who celebrate, Merry Christmas. For those with other traditions: Happy Holidays!

In the image, you can see my favourite heirloom furniture piece. This mahogany whatnot belonged to my Tompkins grandparents in New Brunswick. Where they acquired it, I don’t know. I’ve never found any identifying marks on it, though a Google image search suggests it is special, if not one-of-a-kind.

My parents displayed it in their home for many years, and when I returned from British Columbia, they entrusted it to my care.

I love that it has no great purpose other than to be beautiful and to display whatever feels right to the person who owns it.

Let this be a reminder to note the heritage or sentimental value of the items that matter to you. A photo and a short description can help your family understand why something is important. And if you are ever obliged to let go of items because of downsizing, you can at least continue to enjoy the image—and the story.

11/12/2025

If your soldier was a home child, there is another site which you can check for information. Try contacting them to add or correct info:

   This in an index only, extensive research has been done for most of these soldiers.    Contact us at info@britishhomechildren.com for more information on a soldier.      

11/12/2025

You might want to check the Canadian Virtual War Memorial page for your deceased soldier relative. Once you're in the person's memorial page, you can add digital images if you have them. Search for your soldier here.

Remember Canada’s Veterans

11/11/2025

The last day before Remembrance Day, I share part of the story of Jack Shiel Voss, believed to have been the illegitimate son of John Shill and Sarah Elizabeth Voss, a coworker. In her later years, Nell Waddell mentioned her mother having taken care of her father's "natural" son. This boy at some point was sent to be cared for by Barnardo's and shipped to Canada to work on a farm. The mother and children followed within a month, but they did not take care of him again. Perhaps they never saw him again or even knew that he was killed in the war as his two half brothers were. As far as his attestation paper is concerned, he had no living relatives and did not even know where he was born. As he, too, died without issue, there is no way to know for sure unless Barnardo's will provide access to his file to his 1/2 sister's descendant. Sadly, I am unaware of any photos of him.

11/10/2025

Jack Shill, the elder brother, was married when WWI broke out and living in London, Ontario. A couple of months after the birth of his daughter he enlisted. In July of 1915, his daughter, Florence Gertrude Shill, died. In August, he shipped out and he was killed within the year. Another tragic tale among so many! His wife returned to the UK and remarried. He had no descendants.

11/08/2025

Bert Shill was the younger of the two brothers and was the first to enlist at the beginning of the war.

11/06/2025

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing posts and images of family members who served, particularly during World War 1. My paternal grandmother had two brothers and a half-brother who were born in England, moved to Canada, and enlisted from here. More stories and memories will follow. All three of them were killed overseas.

Lest We Forget.

09/14/2025

Week 3 of Save your Photos Month starts this week with the topic of recovering from photo disasters: How to Save Photos Damaged by Fire or Water: Restoration and Recovery Tips, with Expert Kari Kane.

Tuesday, 16 September, 14:00 - 15:00 (EDT)