Friday, October 17, 2008

A Photo From The Past


This picture of my great-grandfather was part of a coal-mining exhibition featuring four generations of my family. The exhibit was on display at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was blown up to quite a large size for display.

At age 34, my great grandfather arrived from Crook, England, via Liverpool, in January of 1882 on the maiden voyage of the SS Lake Huron. He came to America alone to pave the way for his wife and their children. My paternal grandmother was the first of their children to be born in America.

Having mined under the North Sea in England, he took on the occupation of coal miner in Kentucky and West Virginia. He was also a Methodist minister and carpenter.

I love old family photos with a history behind them.

To see other's family photos today, visit:

JEANNE at Backyard Neighbor

DAWN at Dawn's Daybreak

MONTEE at Palmetto Girl

CLAUDIE at Tickled Pink

CAROLYN at Wings of Eagles

VANESSA at Vanilla Lavender

BECKY at Lace and Lures

JOY at Joy to the Blog

SHERRIE at Sherrie's Stuff

9 comments:

One Shabby Old House said...

Good morning Deborah,
You really have a wonderful history and photograph. I wish I had asked more questions when my grandparents were alive. Our gratitude to your grandfather for being so brave and for what he did to make our country strong.
I wonder what he would have to say today?
Becky

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

Deborah,
What a great picture, he has such a kind face and looks very distinguished. Hard to imagine him risking his life to go into coal mines.
Rhonda

One Shabby Old House said...

Hi Deborah,
I'm back. I always have trouble connecting to Claudie's blog.
So I hope she checks here because I wanted to say Hi.
Becky

said...

What a tremendous photo made even more special with the history behind it. Past generations were quite brave to face the unknown of a new country and dangerous occupation for the good of their families.

Anonymous said...

Deborah, I thought you were still on your trip. I am so glad you are home again. You won't believe this but we were in Knoxville for the World's Fair in 1982. I remember that photo so well. What a small world. And how interesting to read your story this morning. Your great grandfather is so distinguished looking. A wonderful story to share.

Hugs, Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Deborah, I love Friday at your blog. It is so interesting to read everyone's family stories.

You clearly are blessed with a fine family.

Montee said...

This is a great picture! You can tell that he must have had a wonderful personality. He has a little glint in his eye and a slight smile. Most old photographs have the subject looking so stern. He was probably happy to have the opportuniy to live in America.

Virginia said...

Dear Deborah,
What a great picture to have with such a wonderful history behind it. Tomorow I,m posting the wonderful goodies you send me. Thanks again.
Blessings, Virginia

Anonymous said...

My maternal grandfather also came here from England~also paving the way for his wife and 4 daughters. My mother was the first to be born in the US. (My father's side of the family have been in the US for eons!) I actually have (somewhere) the address where my grandmother was born in London and I hope to one day travel there to see what is there now. Thanks for sharing!