It is Week 12 in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks writing challenge. This week’s writing prompt, Popular, was a tough one. Maybe it’s because the concept is so foreign to me personally that I had difficulty finding a “popular” ancestor in my tree. I did, however, identify several unpopular ones, including my 21st great-grandfather, Edmund of Woodstock. As you will read, Edmund was not particularly well-liked by his contemporaries.
Famous Faces and Places
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Disaster
Welcome to Week 9 in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks’ writing challenge. This week’s theme is Disaster. When I saw this writing prompt, the first thing I thought was “large loss of life” and “extreme weather.”
Sadly, the disasters I will be sharing involve both. However, before I address this week’s theme, please allow me a moment to explain how my family came to be in an area where these tragedies occurred.
Thomas Lynde
On this day, 30 December 1671, Thomas Lynde (my 11th great-grandfather) passed away in Charlestown, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Born on 11 January 1594, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, Thomas was the son of Nathan Lynde, Jr. and Elizabeth Digby. He joined brothers Enoch and Richard Lynde.
Genealogy Poetry Challenge: Scotland
For 11 years, Bill West, a retired bookseller with a computer and an interest in genealogy and history, has hosted an annual genealogy poetry challenge.
Anyone is welcome to join the challenge. All you have to do is blog a poem or song (or in my case, both) about the region in which at least one of your predecessors resided. Within the post, share how that poem/song relates to your ancestors’ lives.
Sancha of Léon
On this day, 7 November 1067, Sancha of Léon passed away. She was my 29th great-grandmother through her granddaughter Urraca di León y Castile and my 30th great-grandmother through her granddaughter Teresa of Léon.
Born circa 1018, Sancha de Léon was the daughter of Alfonso V of León by his first wife, Elvira Menéndez. She joined brother Bermudo III of León, born a year earlier.
