The Chiddicks Observer Edition 22
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Chiddicks Observer, where history, family stories, and heartfelt memories come alive. Each issue, I delve into the rich tapestry of our past, uncovering hidden tales, celebrating unsung heroes, and sharing the emotional journeys that connect us all. Whether it’s through genealogical discoveries, captivating stories, or touching personal reflections, I invite you to join me in exploring the remarkable tales that make us who we are. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let these stories inspire your own journey through time and family.
We’re starting off this week by welcoming a new poster
His recent post about coming full circle in his family tree research really resonated with me so thank you for highlighting the story. It’s amazing how often I hear from family historians who uncover incredible stories about ancestors who lived right under their noses, often without them ever knowing. Dyfan’s story is a perfect example of that.Enough said—you’ll understand exactly what I mean when you read it.
I’m excited to introduce you to another new writer whose work I think you’ll really enjoy. Let me take you on a wonderful journey of discovery with the story of The Creighton Cabin by
In this captivating tale, you'll uncover the mystery behind a remarkable letter found in an old, forgotten cabin. What secrets did it hold? What stories from the past did it bring back to life? This short narrative is a charming glimpse into a bygone era—rich with nostalgia, intrigue, and the quiet magic of forgotten history.
How
from Genealogy Matters manages to piece this together every single week for all of us to enjoy is truly staggering. It’s a remarkable testament to Robin’s dedication, care, and unwavering commitment to this wonderful genealogy Substack community.Thank you so much for all the effort you put into creating and curating such meaningful content. I'm also incredibly grateful for including my stories, it's genuinely appreciated!
I can say, hand on heart, that this is the best use of AI I’ve seen so far
has taken the information she had researched about one of her ancestors and used it as a prompt for AI to create a storybook for an 8-year-old. What a truly ingenious way to inspire the next generation!
I have the pleasure of introducing yet another new Substacker for you to enjoy,
here N.P. Maling explores the idea that our ancestors were social networking, even before social networking was even a thing! Interesting idea!After all, social networking isn’t new — it’s just that our ancestors did it without smartphones.
You don’t know what you don’t know and it’s only when somebody points something out to you, or introduces an idea or something new, that we learn. That’s how education works! Here’s yet another new Substacker for you to enjoy, with some truly enjoyable “pearls of wisdom.” In this post, I learned about ten unsung heroes of the American Revolution, and honestly, before reading it, I hadn’t heard of any of them! Thank you
It wouldn’t be an edition of the Chiddicks Observer without a post from
in this post Lori introduces another ‘unsung hero’ from one of her previous stories The Epic Canoe Journey of George W. Gardner - William Eckman was the man who accompanied George Gardner on his 1883 trip down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In this new post we learn more about the ‘sidekick’ who played second fiddle to George in the story.
Another beautifully told chapter from
and the final instalment tracing the life and service of her great-grandfather Edouard Gravel. If you haven’t yet read the earlier stories, I recommend you read parts 1 and 2 first. The links for those are here:Some stories slip out of focus with time—but they never truly disappear. This is one of them.
“What I’ve Learned Writing Family History Books for Clients”, as told by the wonderful
“Writing family history, veteran history, and personal history is soul work. Through the act of storytelling we preserve memories, teach lessons, give a voice to the voiceless, and quite possible heal deep pieces of our hearts and souls. This healing happens whether we write for a client or ourselves.”
Detective work isn’t as straightforward as it often appears on screen or in novels! In this fascinating exploration, we delve into The Science of Sleuthing with
, who reveals ten surprising facts you may not know about Victorian and Edwardian detectives. From the techniques they pioneered to the challenges they faced in an era before modern forensic science, this insight sheds new light on the realities behind the detective malarkey of the past.
We finish with the customary tears………a truly beautiful loving story from
remembering her Dad Thomas Lloyd Jones.
Thank you for joining me on this week’s journey through the past. It’s these stories of discovery, love, and perseverance that remind us how deeply connected we are to those who came before us. If you have a story to share or a piece of history waiting to be uncovered, I would love to hear from you. Until next time, may your own family history continue to surprise and inspire you, and may the memories you cherish always bring warmth to your days.
Thank you for including my in your post. It means a lot that my story resonated with so many. And a big thanks also for your recent posts from your WW1 journey. It brought back emotional merories of my own journey there and inspired me to write about my great granduncle who died in the war.
Thanks so much Paul – I've just come back from my holidays and this was a lovely surprise!