Bluestone Genealogy

The subject for week 8 of the 2019 #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge, organised by genealogist Amy Johnson Crow, is 'Family Photo.' Of all of the family photos in my possession, the one I am about to share means the most to me - not only in terms of sentimentality, but in terms of historical significance. It is the oldest family heirloom in my possession, and the only image that I have of my great-great grandmother, and her children.  Original photograph of Maguire family, c. 1906 This photo was originally in my Nan's possession, but since I am the (self-appointed) Family Historian, she passed it on to me for safe keeping. This photo was taken in mid to late 1906 which was a period of great hardship for this little family but, before we continue I strongly suggest reading my previous post 'Invite to Dinner' to give you some important contextual information. You can find the post  here. Restoration of photograph of Maguire family, c.1906 Sta...

First work locomotive reaching Hurstbridge during the extension of the railway line from Eltham to Hurstbridge. Source: Picture Victoria. Copyright Nillumbik Historical Society Last week, I told the story of John and Goymer Shorten and their illegal exploits in several counties in England, discussing their luck in narrowly avoiding a Capitol sentence after they were apprehended for horse stealing. Week 12 of #52ancestors gives us the prompt of "misfortune." Misfortune is defined as bad luck; an unfortunate condition or event. For John Maguire, that unfortunate event occurred on Thursday, 2nd October 1913. John Michael Maguire (sometimes Maguire, sometimes McGuire) was the first born of Patrick Maguire and Elizabeth Monaghan, and was my 2nd great-granduncle. He was born around 1857 in County Meath, Ireland and traveled with his parents and his younger brother Patrick Michael (my x2 great grandfather) from Liverpool, England to Melbourne, Australia aboard the Phoenix ...