Steam Locomotive History
Family history, why not ask questions when you can?
I remember visiting the industrial museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, when I was about 10 or 11. It was a school trip. I remember entering the factory and see the looms and the thought …. What has this to do with me? Bradford is one of the great actors of the industrial revolution and I could not understand what has been brought people of my generation. I was young … What can I say?
Years later, while conducting my own to family history research, I discovered that the largest percentage of my ancestors Bradford worked in factories similar to that we had been demonstrated. In the census of 1901, three of my great grandmother's sisters wool spinners worked as. If I knew then what I know now, I'd say … show me what they did, these are similar conditions, hours, wages. What my great gran never work in mills, before she was a cook department stores Busby? I do not know because I did not ask.
Shortly before my father died, he had a conversation with one of my brothers and sisters in the sense of "oh you know I always had a fascination with Steam Engines?" several phone calls later, it was determined that not one of us knew. I know that from the age of 5 years, my father was put on the Steam Train to Torquay, Devon by his parents (the guard rail has been asked to keep an eye on him) He was greeted by his grandparents in Bradford, where it was his fascination with steam Locomotives result? I'll never know.
My own children (hopefully know what interests I have) have expressed interest as vague in their history family. This is not something I mind because I think young people are too busy living their lives really original concept. I hope one day they will pause and ask "What are my roots?" "Where did I come?" I hope I still here to answer the same questions I asked, but left it too late to do so, but if not, I know they will have access to all the research I did on my farm workers Devon roots, my 3x great grandfather verger in Worksop, my great grandfather minor Coal 2x in Nottinghamshire and Durham and all ordinary but fascinating members of our family tree.
About the Author
A History of Steam Locomotives