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...

Larpent Diamond Jubliee Dinner 1909 / W. H. Watts. Source: State Library of Victoria Week 4 of Amy's #52ancestors in 52 weeks challenge is 'invite to dinner'. This is a difficult one for me as, if I had the option of inviting any of my ancestors for dinner, I would invite them all! I would invite my Poppy,  Calcidonio 'Charlie', who passed away ten years ago - I would listen to his stories with great interest instead of youthful arrogance; I would invite my maternal grandmother Mary, who passed away a month before I was born. I would love to speak to my 3x great grandfather Goymer, a convict and career criminal until a stint at Norfolk Island seemed to set him straight. I'd love to have my great-grandfather James over for dinner, who served in France in World War 1 and who, like hundreds of thousands of veterans, witnessed such atrocities that scarred them for life, both mentally and physically. I would like to have any and all of my female ancestor...