I've found Aunt Helen!

[Hilary]

I decided to have a go at my Dobson family (not my elusive grandmother but her ancestors). Mainly because I'm bored as I'm stuck in more than I like because the coffee table fell on my toes and broke the big toe. I now have a very "elegant" big boot on my left leg and my toes and foot looks as if it hasn't been washed for a year or so.

Trying to tidy up my great grandfather's siblings and discovering quite a few of them died youngish I found that Ellen had suddenly become Helen and didn't die until 1893 at 10 Edith Road Walton. Prior to that she took over her brother's pork butchery business at 190 London Road and before that lived in the family home at 38 Thurlow Street. I doubt any of those properties will still be in existence now.

I have a very battered book in my possesiion called The Republican Admiral. Inside it says

Presented to
John Dobson
by his
Aunt Helen
on
the 1st of Jany 1873

John would have been in his 13th year at the time as he was born in 1860.

Just thought I'd share my find with you all as I've looked for Aunt Helen off and on but never cracked it. Now I have!

I feel inspired to do more. I also found the sister of Helen, called Nancy who married Matthew Pratt ended her days about half a mile from where I live.

Now if I could find my grandmother!!!!!!!

[simone]

Nice one Hilary it's a great feeling cracking something isn't although I suspect cracking your toes wasn't on the agenda... ouch Hope you be better soon

Simone x

[MaryA]

foot looks as if it hasn't been washed for a year or so.

Ummmm as we don't normally see your bare feet, how can we be sure that it ever is?

Nice find anyway, people do tend to pop up at Christmas, perhaps it's a time of year they want to be remembered?