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:
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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