IS IT TRUE...?

PUTTING SOME “MEAT ON THE BONES”!

Part of the enjoyment of being a family historian is trying to unravel and where possible substantiate some of the stories that have been recounted over the years. Rather than just generate and endless list of names, dates of birth, marriages and deaths I have always had an eye on these stories. Some of them I guess we may never get to resolve, with others I have been more successful and with the majority I have often found an inkling of truth in the story. With the help of mum, Ian and Ruth I have tried to document the stories a summary of which is detailed below:

1.      Someone in the family worked on Stephenson’s Rocket. Is it true?

2.      Who was in the suffragette movement at the turn of the 1900’s? Is it True?

3.      The Liston-Smith surname was conjoined on December 25^th 1884, when Mr. Lawrence Smith married a Miss Liston. There is a large silver plate presented to Lawrence from his fellow clerks when he worked for the Leith, Hull and Hamburg Steam Packet Company, celebrating this marriage. Is it True?

4.      Was dad born in Edinburgh or Hunstanton? Is it True?

5.      One of the Matkin’s was murdered by a gang because of gambling debts. Is it True?

6.      Great Grandma Ada  Lotherington was brought up by her grandparents when her parents left to start a new life in the USA. Is it True?

7.      Granny Matkin went to Cambridge University. Is it True?

8.      Grandpa Matkin was gassed in WWI and died later in life due to complications caused by it. Is it True?

9.      One of Granny Matkin’s ancestors left to start a new life in Australia when he got the maid pregnant! Is it True?

10.  Dad’s father, George, died very young. Is it True?

11.  Dad went to Watson’s a public school in Edinburgh but was expelled for cheating in exams. Is it True?

12.  Grandpa Matkin was the youngest of 10 siblings. Is it True?

13.  Great Grandma Matkin (nee Green) lived at Hambleton Old Hall in Rutland. Is it True?

14.  Where did dad get Peter Watson from? Reveal...

15.  One of dad’s aunt’s was great at making spicy/curried food. Is it True?

16.  Grandpa Matkin went to Oakham school. Is it True?

17.  The Matkin’s of Oakham where printers and also owned a stationery shop. Is it True?

18.  Someone has written a book on a Matkin. Is it True?

19.  One of dad relations was awarded the OBE. Is it True?

20.  Jane Austen is an ancestor. Is it True?

The results of my toil to uncoil these events and anecdotes is recounted…