received 7 jul 1999mrs m.d.griffiths douglas k.eeresford kelvin e.warth honorary editor : frederick...

RECEIVED

7 JUL 1999

VOL.2 NO, 6 Spring 1986

DERS OF THE GUILD OF ONE-NW ST"D,ES

President:

Chairman :

Hon.Serretary :

Hon. Treasurer:

Publications Officer :

Minutes Secretary :

Other Members of Committee :

Mrs M.D.Griffiths

Douglas K.Eeresford

Kelvin E.Warth

Honorary Editor :

Frederick N.Filby FSG

Derek A.Pdlgrave MA FRHistS FSG 210 Bawtry Rd. Doncaster, S.Yorks UN4 782

Mrs i.J.Marker Green Ridges, 25 Gladsdale Drive, Pinner, Middlesex rA5 2PP

ChCs L.Barrett 15 Limes Rd, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4AU

Sydney Brewin FCA Hall Place Cottage, South Street, Havant, Ha"tS. PO9 1DA

Gnhn R.Hebde" 15 Nailcote Avenue, Tile Hill, Coventry C"4 9GT

Miss H.Baker 4 Pennyfields, Brentwood, Essex CM14 WP

36 Duchy Rd, Harrogate, N.Yorks. HGl ZER

‘Rorel’, Downesway, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 758

57 Stephenson Road, Harwell, London W7 llcli

Lt.Col.I.S.Swinnerton TD DL JP FSG Owls Barn, 33 Bridgnorth Rd, Stowton, near Stow-bridge, W.Midldods DY7 6RS

Contributions to future issues of this Journal should be sent to the Editor at the above address.

Members of the Guild of One-Name Studies receive copies of this Journal ; additional copies are available from the Registrar, price 7Sp.

Guild Emblem designed by member David Pulvertaft

Enquiries specific to individual committee inembers should be sent direct to the appropriate address as listed above.

General enquiries should now be sent to :

Guild of One-Name Studies, Box G, 14 Buildings, Goswell Road, London EClX 7BA.

Charter

The Journal Of

ONE-NAME STUDIES BContents B

ISSN: 0262-4842

A continuation of the NEWSLETTER of the

Guild of One-Name Studies

Volume Two Number 6 Issued Quarterly Spring 1986

From the Editor's Desk

A One-Name Study Group - Martin

Points of View on One-Name Societies

Your Records and the Future

Surname Studies and Genetic Structure

Secretary's Notes

Tales of the Unexpected

A Generation Grid

Registration under the Data Protection Act

Publishing my Family Histories

Publications Received

150 Not Out: Paymaster General's Office

A Guild Project for the Domesday Anniversary?

More on the Patent Office

Letters to the Editor

Book Reviews

The.Family Tree in Verse Conferences and meetings

The Guild's Library

L.W.M.Nex

Ray Anstis

Dr.Mascie-Taylor

Henry Dowel1

Francis Leeson

A.Sandison

Elizabeth Roberts

Elizabeth Simpson

Colin Ulph

Douglas Hamley

R.H.Bliss

Elizabeth Simpson

W.G.Corbitt

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

I am well aware that in some quarters I am held to be controversial and that I like to stir things up! Not entirely correct, it is true that I do occasionally write with my tongue in my cheek to provoke a response, a habit which has proved beneficial to the correspondence columns of this Journal in the past, but I prefer to think that I bring into the open issues which others prefer to skirt around.

Certainly my Editorial in the last issue was not intended to be controversial - it was a plain statement of the situation regarding the position of One-Name Societies about which, as I said, I had received several letters. However, as you will see from the first section of this issue, it has provoked a big response and not only from those who run societies.

As is usual, some writers have gone much farther than the matter I raised and have commented on other issues whereas I was only trying to make a simple point - that the Guild does not appear, any longer, to recognise One-Name Societies or to give any assistance to those members who run them by publicising their efforts. Surely, it would be a great service, not only to members of the Guild but to all Family Historians, to make it known that there is a Society or a publication for a specific name, At the moment, as far as I am aware, the only list of One-Name Societies is that published by the Federation of Family History Societies and that, of course, is only a list of its own members.

As I see it, there is a very simple solution to the problem, the inclusion of an extra section in the Register (probably not mire than a couple of pages) listing the Journal or Newsletter published for the various names by members of the Guild. This list could also tell the reader whether there is a Society or just an individual publishing the results of his OP her researches, for exarrple:-

CAVEMAN. The Journal of the Cave Society. Hugh Cave No.025 SANT NEWSLETTER. G.W.Brown No.019

The reader could then look up the address to which to write in the main body of the Register, in the first case it would be obvious that there was a properly constituted society and in the second, that it is an individual circulating information.

I make no apologies for labouring this point because I think it is a very important one. I have always said that the future of Family History Studies is in the One-Name field, there is a limit to the number of County/Area Societies which can co- exist viably and, of course, a proper One-Name Society is worldwide. I own to being biased, having run a One-Name Society for 12 years and seen it grow from a one-man band to 208 members,

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I do want people of my name to be aware of its existence and I would like to belong to a" organisation that will organise special seminars for One-Name Society organisers so that I can learn how others do things and swap ideas with them.

It is interesting to recall that all the seven people who attended the first meeting of One-Namers in 1975, from which roots the Guild eventually sprang, either had One-Name Societies or published newsletters.

I hope the matter will be fully aired at the AGM and I would like to leave you with a final thought on the subject which some of you may find a little unusual. I was a soldier for 32 years and i ca" assure youthat a soldier's first duty is to prevent war not fight it. The more people we can link throughout the world with a common interest, the less likelihood there is that we shall see another major war. A true One-Name Society is international (my own currently has members in the USA, Canada, South Africa, Oenmark, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, Abu Ohabi, Ethiopia, Singapore and Cyprus as well as the UK) so let us do all we can to encourage members to form them.

This is why I accept the fact, which many seem to bemoan, that only a very small proportion of members will actually contribute by doing research lin fact they do by merely supplying their own immediate family's details which one would otherwise have to research). The majority just want to 'belong' but I believe that the family and fellowship side is equally as important as the accumulation of records.

Your Executive Committee have consented to expand this issue to 36 pages, a tremendous increase on the 16 pages which was the norm when I took on t,le ec'itorial mantle in Autumn 1983 and a healthy sign that the Guild is flourishing and that you, the members, are contributing. However, in one respect, I am disappointed. Mr Aitken, in the last issue, appealed for articles on 'Methodology' a: I have done in the past but, so far, the only ones have bee" the one reprinted from the Norrington Newsletter and the one I wrote which, you will remember, brought down a hail of criticism sometimes almost abuse! I hope this did not put you off because we do want to know how you do it. I am quite sure that this is what the majority of members would really like to read, how others are accumulating, keeping, filing and using their records and what lines of research thy are following. oo please let us have some articles on these lines.

On the same subject, OUT member David Pulvertaft, YOU Will remember, volunteered to prepare a monograph on One-Name Record Keeping following his talk at Taunton on how he kept his record*.

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He is anxious to hear from members as to how they keep theirs so that a representative cross-section of methods can be included. Do write to him even if you are hesitant to write to this journal!

The Chairman has asked me to remind members that back numbers of this Journal are available from the Publications Officer. New members, in particular, may well wish to complete their sets.

A special form has now been produced for One-Namers to enable them to add their details to the new Family Registry of the LDS Genealogical Society - full details can be obtained from the Secretary.

I regret to report that we have had a letter of complaint from the Heraldry and Genealogy Society of Canberra about a One- Namer who wrote asking for all of his name who emigrated to Australia between 1880 and 1914! He did not enclose an SAE or any IRCs or make any offer to pay costs. The secretary of the society says that this is becoming more and rare prevalent, they will be pleased to respond to such letters but only if there is return postage. He goes on to say "...maybe 'One- Name' groups think themselves different to individuals." NO, we are not - please ALWAYS include return postage for any letter on Family History to anyone from whom you wish a reply.

My predecessor as Editor, Basil La Bouchardiere, gave a talk to the Regional Meeting at Tonbridge on the 'History of the La Bouchardiere Family 1700-1985.' In response to Mr Kenneth Aitken's suggestion (Vol.2 No.51 he has now produced this as a monograph for interested members who could not attend and is willing to send it first class/airmail to members for El UK: El.60 Canada/USA or f1.65 Australia/NZ. The booklet consists of 11 A5 pages containing 5000 words, 2 Family Trees, 5 sectional maps and an index of names. His address is 1 Blackbridge Court, Blackbridge Lane, Horsham, W.Sussex RH12 1RH.

This is an excellent idea and I hope other speakers can be persuaded to do the same.

Pauline Litton, the editor of the Federation's 'News & Digest' has rightly chided me for my slip of the pen - or should it be daisy wheel? - about the Elizabeth Simpson Award in the last issue, it is ,as she says, not for the best journal but for the best contribution to Family History made by a Journal (I did get it right in the Spring 1985 number!). I like to think that the comments made in this journal have influenced the judges this time to look at One-Name Journals seperately.

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ONE - NAME SOCIETIES

A selection of letters and comments received on the relationship between One-Name Societies and the Guild of One-Name Studies.

A ONE-NAME STUDY GROUP . . . . called . . . . THE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARTIN. L.W.M. Nex

A need to respond to the "Editor's Comment" in the Winter 1985/6 issue, plus a desire to explain the progress of the above - named Study Group, as well as a wish to criticise (constructively, I hope) the perambulations of the Officials of "our" Guild, has led to the composition of this article.

In any One-Name Study, the terms Group/ Research Organisation/ Society or what-have-you, clearly indicate that there are a "umber of 'individuals' who are researching into the histories/ genealogies of a particular Surname with all its Variations. A list of those co-ordinating such research is generated by the Guild of One- Name Studies to whom many initial enquiries are directed ( for further information). To date, this duty appears to have been carried out in a" exemplary fashion - a jolly good show.

Representation at Council Meetings of the Federation of Family History Societies has been (and one assumes that this is still so) through the Officials of the Guild - a fact which reduces the impor- tance (if any) for a" Individual Study Group to apply (in its own right) for membership of the FFHS. Moreover, a look at the membership within the FFHS reveals that the majority are representative of ow County Societies. There is a vast difference between a County Society and a One-Name Study Group, see" not only in a comparison of membership numbers, financial resources, and organisations but also in the aims and objects of all societies. Further- more, the study of a" Individual Surname is NOT confined to a county boundary.

The value of the publication Family History News and Digest should "ever be under-estimated, even by One-Name students. Although the content relating to a single surname is relatively small, lines of research can often be absorbed and, when used, can produce surprising results. One might remember that, previous to the setting up of our County FHSs, invariably there were/are County Historical Societies and there is' often much to be gained from their publication;.

"The only reference to the fact that a Guild member runs (?) a family organisation is the inclusion of the letters A or 6 after

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his/her name in the Register".

Somehow, it is thought that greater emphasis might be given to this feature. All members of the Guild should be encouraged to compile the results of their studies, preferably on a regular basis, as a diary, a newsletter or a journal, and somehow a copy of this endeavour should be held by the Guild for permanent record. Officials of the Guild are asked to consider the above points; one does not attempt to teach 'Grandmother to suck eggs', the "how's and why-for's" come under 'their' responsibilities.

The paragraph relating to a One-Name Society falling between two stools is very misleading. It is felt that "we" belong to the Guild of One-Name Studies through which "we" share individual ideas, failures and successes. and information too, some of which "we", in turn, share with our associates. The formation of a Group/Re- search Organisation/Society falls well within the first of 'our." Aims and Objectives. . . . "but the Guild felt it was outside its remit as the Societies are not members." Surely this is a case of faulty leadership, and once again 'our' Officials are asked to reconsider.

Relevant to our Group/Research Organisation/Society, even before its formation in January 1980 some individual study had been carried out. All MARTIN extracts had been taken from all the Calendars and rebound (for personal study). An 'Introduction to the Arms of Martin' was published in September 1978. An Intro- ductory Journal to our Society was published in April 1979. A venture into the realms of "A Society" was not lightly taken, and I received much encouragement when attending my first meeting of the Guild in 1980. Methods, aims & objects, and "costs" - the latter is a great deterrent for any individual intending to 'set up' an individual study group, one reply initiated apprehension with a blunt appraisal that 'one expected to pay for one's hobby'; moreover, examples were quoted. By foregoing the smoking habit, it was possible to allow fxxx's for this venture; a step never regret- ted, but the habit has been resumed recently owing to a recurrence of "something".

We are now in our SEVENTH year since our commissioning. The accumulation of MARTIN records is fantastic and occupies the space of one medium-sized room; a method copied from the late Frank HIGEN- BOTTAM, and it works. It is clearly impossible to relate to our members EVERYTHING of interest, especially when one accepts that there are more than 500 publications which accommodate 'family' histories and genealogies, together with approximately 10 to 100 times that number of references.

There are no less than FOUR possible origins for those of a MARTIN descent and these have been recorded; but it is the opinion of the writer that the great majority of those called MARTIN, or of a

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MARTIN descent, share a common ancestry. Such an opinion allows a 'family' approach to an immense problem; moreover, this opinion is backed by associated research and side studies (U.K.origin only).

Of course, the majority of oui- members are personally involved with the common cause, a task far too ambitious for an individual or even a small group; hence, in the hope of co-ordinating OUT tasks, membership is allocated into Research Groups consisting either of similar areas of study w immediate family lineage. This alloca- tion is proving to be a great success and in many cases distant relationships have been established. There is room for more thought with this adaption, it is possible to re-allocate members to other groupings dependent on the progress of their 'traceback' or field of study. It might be practicable to initiate side-studies, each having a definite object in view - consultation and co-operation with all members is vital.

While 'our' membership (including a branch founded in Australia/ New Zealand) is in the region of 300, it is good to learn that another 'similar' association in the U.S.A. has a membership in the region of 700, and yet another similar Society in Canada has a membership approaching 600 - a known total of those interested in the surname of MARTIN of not less than 1,600.

In our last Members' Directory, a list of the Secretaries (& their addresses) of relevant County Societies was included; members are advised to join such a Society, especially to gain 'background' information consistent with their research; co-operation between all societies is felt to be necessary when following a specialised subject in depth.

"Have 'we' succeeded?". It is to be hoped that 'we' have done our best. Can 'we' do more?

+ l l l * *

In a seperate letter, opinion,

Mr Nex makes the comment that, in his One-Name Societies are invariably regarded as the

'poor relations' which, he says, a 'family' interest,

is relatively true but without the whole concept of Family History would

be in doubt and one would only have the County Historical Societies to fall back on. He goes on to say that those Guild members who have initiated group research would appreciate a little publicity and it is probable that the Guild would benefit.

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POINTS OF VIEW - One-Name Societies

Dear Col.Swinnerton

I don't usually write letters to the Editor as I am usually a lazy letter writer but I couldn't ignore the situation you outlined in the latest issue of the 'Journal of One-Name Studies'. re: One-Name Studies and the Guild. I am not in such a position of representing a Society myself because there is insufficient interest amongst the Markwick clan to have such a formal group, but I do sympathise with the One-Name Groups that do exist and strongly feel that there should be provision in the Guild for such corporate members.

The Association of One-Name Studies based in Salt Lake, Utah, (The North American equivalent of the Guild) to which I also belong, does make such a provision. I feel strongly that we should fol?% their lead. We do not want successfully inaugurated One-Name groups left out in the cold.

Yours sincerely

Valerie Melanson

Member No.375 Researching MARKWICK and EVERSFIELD

13506 Swansacre, Vancouver B.C. VSS 458 Canada1

Dear Colonel Swinnerton

The concern expressed re the Federation of Family History Societies allows me to attempt to make a few constructive observations in the interests of the Guild.

Firstly, the FFHS a seemed to exclude small Societies wherever possible and over the years these exclusions have been our own gain. It is a pity that a simple and happy solution was not found as clearly now another round of increases will soon follow. FHSs at County or District level also seem to be losing their way as they all do the same things and have the same subjects led by the FFHS, only a few seem to retain their originality and appeal.

For the Guild it is now high time we found strength in our unique- ness - what started as a Register is now a Guild - unfortunately ore are dubbed as GOONS and yet most of the experts in the game are our members and for sure our newcomers will become experts. We should now upgrade the Guild and place it in some greater promin- ence as whilst many of us are members of one or many Societies they no longer care much for our specialist interests. The Guild is a gathering of specialists in their own right and we should force some recognition of this - one can make many suggestions.

- 132 .

Perhaps the first is to consider the Title itself and to change it so as to upgrade the overall perspective : a more deliberate constitution which would grant the status of Fellow as does the Society of Genealogists: we could make representations in our own right to make searching more easy; we could constitute a Panel of executive advisers to assist those who get stuck or lose their way.

We are so wide in variety and location that we are not too much burdened with the quasi social gatherings for which many of us have no time. We need to admit the other names; many one - name researchers inevitably, as they become more expert, find themselves taking up additional 'fringe' names as they paint their picture and researching in depth one or two other 'familial names'. HOW many one-name societies can honestly say that they never look at other names?

I feel that now is the time to look at the Guild and to set up a working party to examine the changes that are here, to examine where (if we do?) fall short, how we can be better. It might be concluded that we should re-group as The Guild (or Association) of Specialist Genealogical Research. No longer GOONS but specialists. We could have our own overseas officers if needed and a larger band of people at the helm to serve a wider horizon. If the FFHS does not want us then we must look after ourselves.

As for the Elizabeth Simpson Award, we can have our own and anyway it is content not gloss that makes a journal. Let us awake and do what is right for us, not just stay as castaway GOONS.

As Jimmy Young might say - plenty more I can tell you. What are we hanging about for?


Further to your 'Comment', the following thoughts spring immediate- ly to mind:

1.

2.

One-Name Groups outside the pale. For any given surname, or variant group, there is no need for more than one member to join the Guild. Eunice WILSON's exper- ienCe mat be common to many who soldier on with the support of a small circle of interested correspondents, perhaps worldwide.

Whom does the FFHS serve? Seen from the field, the FFHS looks more than ever like a forum for professional researchers at the head of (fairly) affluent local interest groups. The researcher with far-flung family origins - as, for instance, Mrs HANMER's FAIRCHILOS - needs to subscribe to a number of Societies; good though Family His- tory News & Digest is it does not pretend to cover the detailed -by individual publications. grow

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3. Co-operative research. All credit to you for printing K.G.Aitken's letter in full. The co-operative field would be an ideal means of bringing together the work of all those with under-used computer facili- ties, for instance. One of the real assets we could bequeath to succeeding generations of researchers would be a single national look-up table for each major resource - starting, if you like, with the U.K. telephone network - which must surely be on a database somewhere! (Perhaps it is already on fiche?).

4. The Guild as a disseminator. The book reviews by Messrs. BROWN and CLIVES are a good start but they do leave so many questions unanswered. For example: (i) WHITLOCK N/L 'useful scattered events cleverly paged -

aiming at a book format by loose binding.' (ii) MORRELL N/L 'a useful method of continual paging . ..'

Are potential publishers to descend on WHITLOCKiMORRELL for specimen copies: can't we be shown how to follow suit? If there are brains to be picked, letml have a look at the promised land!

Fina?ly - congratulations on increasing the 'volume' of the Journal. It would be a help if the printer could ensure that the inner (binding) margin of all pages of text left enough room for a standard 8 cm perforation; as the Journal gets fatter, it becomes more difficult to punch for a ring- or post-binder . . . .

Carry on the good work - you are appreciated! - CJ.M.Butteris, 210 Victoria Drive, Eastbourne, E.~USS~X BNZo 8QnJ

Oear Colonel Swinnerton

Your current editorial, concerning society membership of the Guild, prompts me to offer views that I hope will be of some interest:

(i) Our 'Prospectus" is enclosed to acquaint you with the constitution of our society. You will note that our principal aims are to bring the family together & to pool our genealogical research.

(ii) Since its foundation, 2b years ago, the society has grown to about 35 members at home and abroad. However, due no doubt to other commitments and interests, it is now clear that very few members are prepared to carry out and pool any genealogical research. Members are naturally very interested in their family origins and our bi-annual gatherings are always well supported. Sadly, therefore, whilst the society is a social success, activity on research is a little disappointing. It follows that "grass roots" interest could take a long time to reach Guild level and 1 imagine that a similar situation exists in our other one-name societies. Any advice on the constitution of one-name societies, to pro- mote better academic development, would be swell received!

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(iii) There are two policy matters that I would like to raise affecting Guild members who run one-name societies. Firstly, could guide-lines be established on the reproduction of material from the Guild's Journal in society Newsletters and vice versa. Where suitable material is often difficult to find, such a pooling of resources could benefit both the Guild and its Societies. Secondly, may invitations to Guild functions be referred on to society members on the same terms. A gregarious approach to these matters would. I feel, engen- der wider interest in the Guild's activities among Society members.

Dear Sir

The Elizabeth Simpson Award

This Award is given to the journal which, in the opinion of the judges, has made the best contribution to family history in the last twelve months. It is NOT for 'the best Family History Journal' which many people would inzpret as the most professionally produced publication - content matters more than appearance although presentation h important and is obviously taken into consideration.

It has long been realised that, given the existing 'guidelines', the Award has tended to be biased in favour of British County FHSs. In an attempt to counteract this, the 1985/z% Award will be judged in 3 categories :

1. United Kingdom FHSs. 2. Overseas Societies 3. One-Name Societies (which are members of the FFHS in their own

right)

A winner will be chosen from each category. The three winners will then be considered separately and the overall winner chosen. The criteria used for this will not necessarily be the same as those used for judging the main competition as it is realised that publications from the 3 categories have very different aims and contents.

The overall winner will receive the Elizabeth Simpson Award and the cash prize; the other two group winners will receive consal- ation prizes.

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YOUR RECORDS RND THE FUTURE Ray Anstis

The reminder by the Secretary in the last issue that members should leave instructions for the disposal of their family history papers prompts me to send you a form of Codicil which, as a solicitor, I believe would be eminently suitable for this purpose.

In some cases there will be one individual whom the testator (i.e. the person making the Codicil) knows will carry on the One-Name study, whilst in others the testator will need to find someone who can sort the papers out and divide them among different people or libraries.

Obviously there are variations in the instructions to be given and the Codicil will need adjustment to meet particular circumstances. I have drafted this Codicil in a way which hopefully makes it as easy as possible to do this.

Clearly the person chosen should be consulted to ensure that he or she is willing to undertake the task. Perhaps if there is no suitable candidate the testator could nominates 'Yhe Chairman for the time being of the Guild of One-Name Studies or a person nomin- ated by the Chairman".

There could be a difference of opinion as to whether a particular book or piece of correspondence falls within the definition of "family history papers". Someone has to decide - hence Clause 4 of the draft Codicil. If the testator has any particular doubt about an item, a note can of course be left with the papers to say whether it is to be regarded as part of the family history papers lx- not.

The Codicil of course pre-supposes that the testator has already made a Will. If not, then Clauses equivalent to Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the draft Codicil should be handed to the solicitor preparing the Will.

The Codicil should be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses (neither of whom should be the person appointed or married to that person), who should both sign in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other. The Codicil should be dated at the same time and placed with the testator's Will.

If any member of the Guild has any query on the drafting of his or her genealogical Codicil I would be happy to speak to him or her on the telephone to discuss it on 01-629-5121 during the day and 0628 27127 in the evenings.

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I. Of

DECLARE this to be a FIRST CODICIL to my Will dated the

Of 19 day

1. I BEQUEATH to of

my family history papers (as defined in Clause 3) to [retain for

his or her own benefit or to dispose of as he or she thinks fit]

or [dispose of in the following manner :-I

2. I DIRECT that my Executors shall reimburse the person named

in Clause 1 out of my estate for any expenses properly incurred

within six months of the date of the grant of Probate of my Will

in complying with this request

3. FOR the purpose of this Will the expression "family history

papers" includes all notes, lists, indexes, correspondence, com-

puter programs, photographs, books, magazines and other papers

[relating to the surname and its variants] OP [relating

to any surname] or [relating to family history generally]

4. IN the event of a dispute as to whether any books or other

material form part of my family history papers the decision of [the

Executors under my Will] or [the person named in Clause 1 of this

Codicil] shall be conclusive

5. IN all other respects I hereby confirm my said Will

IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this day of

19

SIGNED by the Testator as a Codicil ) to the Testator's Will in the presence ) of us present at the same time who ) at the Testator's request in the )' Testator's Signature ' Testator's presence and in the ) presence of each other hereunto sub- ) scribed our names as witnesses :- 1

Signature of Witness Signature of Witness

Name of Witness Name of Witness

Address of Witness Address of Witness

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SURNAME STUDIES AND GENETIC STRUCTURE --_-- Dr C.G.Nicholas Mascie-Taylor

My interest in the study of surnames is both a" academic pursuit and a personal one - we have traced the MASCIE-TAYLOR family tree back to the early eighteenth century.

My academic interest is because information about the genetic structure of populations can be obtained from studying the distribution of surnames.

We can trace the use of surname analysis in Biological Anthrop- ology back to George DARWIN (1875). DARWIN was interested in the possible deleterious effects of consanguineous (relative marrying relative) mating and he wanted to get some idea of the frequency of first cousin marriages in England. He used Burke's Peerage and the Pall Mall Register to collect data on marriages between persons of the same surname. To cut a long story short, he was able to estimate the rate of first cousin marriages among, for example, the aristocracy (4i%) and the middle classes and landed gentry (31%).

The idea of using su~"ames to study inbreedfng thtis originated with DARWIN although it was not until work in the 1960s that the full potential was realised. Since then many populations have been studied and the level of isonymy (the sharing of the same surname by two individuals) and inbreeding determined.

There are other uses of surnames besides the study of inbreeding. For instance, we can gain a" idea of migration by studying rare and common surnames. Place-name surnames are ideal in this co"- text but we have also used common surnames like SMITH and JONES. We found that there is clear evidence for the main foiis of JONES in Wales but also evidence of a cline across England. Indeed, the vast majority of common names show clear geographical patterns some of which are very similar - Welsh surnames (U:'IES, EDWARDS, EVANS, GRIFFITHS, HUGHES, MORGAN and MORRIS) gro:;; together as do India" surnames (PATEL, MISTRY and KALIR).

Because of the problems of polyphyletism the results from common surnames must be treated with some caution. However, rare surnames would be ideal to analyse (providing one had information on geographical location) as they would give realistic information on migration distances and patterns of past populations. If detailed family trees (pedigrees) were available isonymy levels could also be calculated.

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SECRETARY’S NOTES Chris Barrett

GUILD REGIONAL MEETINGS OUTSIDE THE lJ.&

Your Executive Committee's policy of arranging Regional Meetings was extended in 1985 to the U.S.A. Your Secretary attended two Family History Conferences in America and took the opportunity to arrange a Guild meeting at each one.

He wrote to all the American members of the Guild advising them of this and about half replied. Nearly all of them said, "What a marvellous idea but I shall be in England (or Europe) in August"!

In the event, a meeting was held in Salt Lake City, at the Confer- ence of the National Genealogical Society, when several American and Canadian members had the opportunity to meet 4 of the English members and 46 non-members who wanted to hear about the Guild.

This was preceded by a lecture in the Conference programme given by Don STEEL on "One-Name Studies in England Today" at which your Secretary was able to add a few words.

In the following week we had the opportunity to meet a couple more Guild members at the Conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies in Kansas City and we were able to talk to more non - members interested in the work of the Guild.

The response to these meetings indicates that there is a very considerable demand for meetings of Guild members in other countries, to give them the opportunity to meet one another as we have been doing in England for several years. There is also a great interest in the Guild among non-members and talks by Guild members about what we do are very popular.

It is the wish of your Executive Committee that such meetings continua. HOWeVer, the Guild does not have the resources, fr.om its present subscription levels, to send Committee members around the world to organise them. It is hoped, therefore, that some of you will want to volunteer to help with this important development in the life of the Guild. Obviously, the small administrative costs of doing this would be met.

Some of our members in Britain travel to North America and Austral- asia on business or to visit relatives. Some of OUT members not resident in the U.K. may already be planning to attend conferences where a Guild meeting could be included, either in the main programme or' on the fringe.

Some Conferences already notified to us are:

1986 8111 May 4th Australasian Conference, Canberra B/31 May N.G.S. at Columbus, Ohio 25/29 Sep. F.G.S. at Orlando, Florida

1988 17/23 Oct. 1st International Congress, Sydney, Australia (in conjunction with BiCentenary Celebrations)

- 139 -

and there must be many more

If you are thinking of attending any of these, 01" any other conference, and you would be willing to help arrange a Guild meeting at it, please write to the Secretary for briefing & further information.

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED Henry Dowel1

Research into family history can produce many surprises. My own includes two examples of replies being received to letters which had been sent 17 years before - surprising but true!

Some of us are disappointed if a letter remains unanswered after 17 days, most would give up hope after 17 months, but only a born optimist would still expect one after 17 years. Since it was re- ported a short time ago that the duties of some Post Office employees include delaying mail we may be tempted to put the blame there. For various reasons letters have been known to reappear mysteriously after a few years but the explanation for the long delay in the delivery of these two replies was much simpler, they had been written only after an interval of 17 years (during which time the cost of postage had increased from 3d to 17~).

In the first instance, a reply arrived on 15th October 1980, to an enquiry sent (enclosing, of course, a stamped, self-addressed envelope) on 29th October 1963. It provided a typical example of how one's attitude to family history can change from apathy as a student to keen interest as a parent. The result was the production of an interesting family history which, but for the first tentative enquiry, might never have been written.

The second example of 'delayed action' concerned a letter which was sent on 25th July 1968, again with s.a.e., when another recip- ient committed what, to a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies, is the unforgivable sin of not sending even a negative reply so this was rectified on 1st November 1985. Again, there was a successful outcome resulting in rekindled interest and a modest renewal of faith in human nature!

If you are discouraged by the thought that replies to your letters in 1986 may not arrive until the year 2003, take heart because your dilatory correspondent may read this and be roused to immediate action!

Readers may like to note that an interesting letter from Mr Oorrell, relevant to one-name researchers, is printed in the Did You Know section of the current issue of Family on page 134.

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AGENERATION GRID_ Francis Leeson

Genealogists frequently allot letters or numbers to successive generations in pedigrees, in order to facilitate reference to them or to identify individuals; but many of these private systems have the serious drawback that they lack a common 'datum line' and are not 'open-ended'.

In the case of single-surname studies, where pedigrees covering different family groups, or branches all bearing the same surname

and often the same forename - occur, the need for a standard system, which can also be used, after county or parish divisions, as a means of filing slips, becomes vital.

A system of allotting identifying letters to each 30-year span of time from AD 1380 (beyond which few average pedigrees stretch) to AD 2159 has been devised by the Surname Archive for the purpose of separating and grouping the generations, and the originators hope that, by becoming more generally know", the 'generation letter' may become a standard reference in genealogy.

The arbitrary 'datum line' of this system is the S (for 'self') generation, representing those of us now in full maturity &, incid- entally, the large post World War I generation of the 1920s. Simil- arly, T generation represents the post World War II progeny of the 1950s. The full list is set out below for convenience and it will be noted that there are useful mnemonics in the E that introduces the 'Elizabethan' century of the 1500s and the 0 allotted to the 'Double-O' generation of the 1800s.

A 1380-1409 G 1560-1589 M 1740-1769 T 1950-1979 B 1410-1439 H 1590-1619 N 1770-1799 u 1980-2009 c 1440-1469 I 1620-1649 0 1800-1829 v 2010-2039 D 1470-1499 J 1650-1679 P 1830-1859 W 2040-2069 E 1500-1529 K 1680-1709 Q 1860-1889 x 2070-2009 F 1530-1559 L 1710-1739 R 1890-1910 Y 2100-2129

s 1.920-1949 2 2130-2159

In those rare instances where pedigrees stretch back before 1380, a letter preceded by a minus sign may be used, working backwards from -Z; thus an ancestor born between 1290 and 1319 would be a -X generation person.

Apart from purposes of identification, a number of other obvious uses come to mind for the Generation Grid; it can be placed over old charts (e.g. Visitation Pedigrees) where perhaps there is only one dating clue, and generations coming before or after this 'datum line' can be read off, and compared with similarly labelled clues in other records; or in lists of marriages or burials one may make provisional assumptions about the subjects, for filing and other purposes, by saying that the former represent persons of the previous generation letter, & the latter of two generations previOuS - e.g. a burial without a given age in 1870 would be labelled Generation 0, and a marriage in 1870, Generation P.

(108 Sea Lane, Ferring, We.st Sussex BY12 5HBI

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RFGISTRATION UNDER-THE DATA PROTECTIDN AC~I A.Sandison _c---------- __

In the September issue (1) I described the general features of the Data Protection Act as they affect genealogists who hold personal information in a computer about living individuals or have it processed for them. I want now to elaborate on the practical implications. Dates below refer to letters from or to me under the Registrar's reference 'AOOZI'.

Recreational Exemption

- Many amateur genealogists should be able to rely on the exemption in the Act for personal data held by an individual and 'concerned only with the management of his personal, family or household affairs or held only for recreational purposes'. The Registrar takes the view that "if you treat your activities as a recreation then you should be able to rely on this exemption and you will not need to register under the Act. The fact that you make the information available to others, perhaps recovering your out of pocket expenses from them, would not lose the exemption. But if you treat your activities as a business, whether whole or part time, then you would not be entitled to the exemption and should register any personal data which you hold. This would be the case where you charge fees for the work you do on behalf of clients". (Feb 14)

Transcription

For those transcribing most old documents, none of the people can be alive so there is no question of registration. 6ut he has said:

- "Where the Data User has no actual knowledge or grounds for believing that the individual is still alive, it would be reasonable to assume that the individuals who are referred to in records over 100 years old are now dead and that information which relates to them is not 'pwsonai data' as defined in the Act". (Dee 18).

- "If the Data Users wish to make some different assumption in respect of marriage records then it is a matter for them". (Feb 3).

Text Production

He has also been asked about free-lance indexing of books and periodicals. This involves listing, and sorting for publication, personal names (with other information) to be published (often by someone else) in hard copy, microform or an electronic data base, and retaining the index in memory for editing for the next edition. He said (Dee 18) :

- "I would expect that the processing operations performed in the course of that work would be 'only for the purpose of preparing the text of documents'. That being the case the indexer would not be 'holding' personal data within the meaning of the Act."

142

Thus writing and indexing ONLY for publication can be outside the Act. He has published (3) Answers 10 (a-b) which accept that we- paring and r&using the ~t&ts of letters are outside the Act. ihis seems to imply that those who use a computer ONLY to write & index a family tree, to prepare text for their printer, and print it, probably need not register. But the Registrar does not treat searching a computer file for data about individuals as text prep- aration : it must be registered.

Registration Procedures

If you think you need to register, you must have posted your application (preferably by recorded delivery) with the fee ( f22 covers up to 3 years) before 11 May 1986 or before you start using your computer. You can obtain a 'registration pack' with application forms and an explanatory booklet from crown post offices or the Registrar, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AX.

There are two types of form. Part A asks for details about yourself and the name and address to wham Data Subjects should write to discover whether and what information you hold about them. In Section Al you would be wise to register both as a Data User and a Bureau if there is any possibility that you will allow anyone else to use your equipment for a registerable purpose on their own behalf. As an individual genealogist you only need one Part A and to pay one fee: you could need others for different business activities.

Parts B ask for the purposes and types of data, with one form for each purpose. I put it to the Registrar (23 Nov) that genealogical activities consist of :

- "collecting any biographical data about individuals who are, in relation to (a) the Data User, (b) his client, or (c) individuals of public, private or other interest, (1) an ancestor or potential ancestor, (2) of the Same surname ( including variant spellings), (3) a descendant of or (4) related to or potentially related directly or collaterally, including relationships by marriage, adoption etc."

- "for some individuals or groups, transcribing and/or indexing historical records in which it is possible that a few indiv- r iduals could be still alive."

The Registrar's letter (Feb 14) agrees that these activities can be covered by one entry on one form 6:

1. Bl. PURPOSE - Enter by Method 1 using co&e ' PO16 ', title 'Research & Statistical Analysis' amplified in the further details space by "family, local & other historical research including the maintenance of records and exchange of information appropriate to that research". This he said "achieves the same purpose as" a more detailed statement which I had suggested for Method 2, which included reference to "main-

- I$3

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

taining data banks, indexes & other records" and to "sharing, receiving & exchanging such information with individuals and organisations interested in it."

BZ.,DATA SUBJECTS - Tick in all 3 columns, boxes 'SO12 Busi- ness and other contacts', 'SO24 Correspondents & enquirers', 'SO39 relatives, dependants, . ..I. 'SO40 Members of the public' and add in the spaces at the foot on separate lines 'the Data User' & 'Any other individuals potentially relevant to the genealogical enquiry'.

82. DATA CLASSES - Enter at the foot 'Any or all of these', and a" a new line 'Any other data of biographical interest'.

B3. SOURCES - Tick in the A column against boxes 0101, 0102, 0103, 0106, 0203 (for any searchers you might employ), 0207, D324, 0379, 0380, 0381 (for any professional genealogists), and on a separate line at the foot against D382 'Any other source willing to supply biographical or genealogical information'.

83. DISCLOSURES - Tick in the 8 column against boxes 0101, 0102, 0103, 0204 & D207 (these two can cover requests for genealogical or biographical information), 0379 ( to cover copies of your data deposited in libraries), 0380 (to cover information exchanged with other genealogists, societies, IGI, etc), and on separate lines against 3382 'the general public' (to cover any publication of your family history or trans- cripts)'.

84. OVERSEAS TRANSFERS - These only apply to transfers in a form capable of being processed automatically, e.g. by modem & telephone, or by posting cassettes or discs. If you are sure you will never do this tick box 1000: if you might wish to exchange data only with the IGI tick box TO54 for USA & similarly for other knowrr contacts: if you want to be free to respond to requests to exchange discs etc. with contacts anywhere, tick box 1999 Worldwide, with in the space below 'Exchange of genealogical, family and local history data, record transcription & indexing'.

The Registrar has written "Members should complete the form in accordance with what they actually do in practice and keep their register entry under review". There is no charge for changing your entry in the Register (Dee 18). The Act, howeverl requires the register entry to include 'sources from which he Intends OR MAY WISH TO obtain data' and similarly for disclosures and transfers overseas. I can see no grounds for rejecting a" entry based on a wide interpretation of what you 'might wish' to do, and I can see great danger that individuals will fail to keep their entries under review and find themselves inadvertently going beyond the scope of a "arrow entry in the register. The suggestions above are drafted with that in mind.

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I have attempted to convey the situation fairly. but it is vow personas responsibility to satisfy yourself that your entry co&s your personal circumstances adequately. I have, of course, been considering'only genealogical activities: anything else you do with personal data on your computer will involve quite different purposes and an additional Form B for each - consult the Registrar's 'Guideline No.1' (2).

Your Responsibilities once registered

The main purpose of the Act is to ensure that confidential information held in computers is properly handled, is correct, obtained fairly and not improperly disclosed. You should read my earlier article (1) and the 'Data Protection Principles' in the Act or in the Registrar's 'Guideline No.1' (2).

If you are covered by the Act, then it is a criminal offence to neglect the Data Protection Principles or to hold or use data for

s purposes not covered by your register entry, which may need up- dating from time to time. The very wide entries suggested above avoid unintended offences from reasonable sources or disclosures of data. But they do not relieve you of the requirement only to obtain and process your data 'fairly' and to treat confidential data in confidence. changes of address.

You nust keep the Registrar informed of any

If, after 11 Nov 1987, you are approached by someone who thinks they might be the subject of any information you hold, you must say yes OP no within 40 days, and supply a copy of the information if you have any. But you must satisfy yourself that the enquirer really is the individual about whom you hold data: it could be an offence to disclose it if he is not. courts can alreadv award compensation for damage or distress caused by disclosure; inacc- uracy or loss of personal data.

Conclusion

I must re-emphasise that the Act is highly complex (44 pages) and in many places very obscure. I have done my best to set out the main points as they affect genealogists but you must read the Registrar's guidance for yourself to see how it fits your personal circumstances.

References:

1. SANOISON, A. The Data Protection Act. Computers in Genealogy, 1985, 2 (1). 6-7 & Journal of One-Name Studies, 2,4 (Aut 85).

2. DATA PROTECTION REGISTRAR, The Data Protection Act: Guideline No.1: an introduction and guide to the Act. trar. 1985.

Wilmslow, the Regis-

3. DATA PROTECTION REGISTRAR, The Data Protection Act: Questions and answers on the Act (I-20). Wilnislow, the Registrar. 1985.

145 -

PUBLISHING MY FAMILY HISTORIES Elizabeth G.Roberts --__---

Having read Elizabeth BARLOW's account "Preparing your Family History Material for Publication" (Vol.2 No.11 I decided to write down how I managed to get my own family histories into print.

The first book was the result of my research into my Welsh ancestry. The search was not difficult as I found them all in the Parish Registers of St Cybi's Church, Holyhead. After some time I found that a large number of people whom I had known only by sight were in fact related to me. They had all been born in Holy- head and had lived there all their lives. I worked back from my Welsh grandmother, born Grace HUGHES (1850-1916). One of the newly discovered cousins gave me some notes from a family Bible which took me back two more generations.

I typed the story, naming it In Search of Anglesey Ancestry, and paid for it to be printed by Gee & Son, Oenbigh; 550 copies with a printed pedigree which folds into the book and a brown hard back with paper dust cover. I made an index of names and places. On the inside of the cover I had drawn a mao of Holv Island (on which Holyhead is situated), naming the farm; and ~houses where the people had lived. It includes photographs of some of the people and of the houses. On the cover is a photograph of my grandmother with her first child. The book was printed in 1973 and luithin two years all copies were sold to the family, friends and libraries. The price of the book was $1.50. I have kept 20 copies.

The printing of the second book, Anglesey Family Letters, was the result of writing the first book. My cousin, Freda Beck JONES, had put me in touch with descendants of her branch of the family who had been farmers at Ty Mawr Mynydd for 3 generations. William HUGHES (1823-1910) had become a Customs Official in Liverpool; his brother Richard was a mariner and had finally bought land in Iowa, meaning to farm there when he retired; he was drowned when his ship overturned at the mouth of the Humboldt River during a tornado. The land came to his father, Hugh HUGHES, a farmer. He persuaded his son William to go out to Iowa to pay tax an the land or it would be confiscated; his father told him he could have Some of the land for himself. William went out to Iowa but his letters reveal that he was homesick. He was later joined by his niece, Mary JONES, who became his companion and housekeeper. In 1870 she married James BELL and they had 3 children, Eva, John Clifford and William Harvey. Eva married Ernest WILLCUTT in 1895. They all kept in touch with the family in Wales; I was put in touch with Sherwood BELL and Everett WILLCUTT and his wife, Letha. Many of them came over to visit their cousins. Freda and I took them to see where their forebears had lived. Finally Sher- wood BELL sent me a large collection of old letters. I typed these and edited them and used photographs sent to me and those we had

taken when they were on a visit as illustrations for the book. Gee & Co. again produced an attractive hard back green with a green paper dust cover, on which there is a drawjng of Mynydd.

Ty Mawr The book was printed in 1976 and the cost was f3.00.

The next book, Mr Ballyn and the Bunns of St Albans, was printed after I arrived in Hagley. 'Mr BALLYN' is my grandfather who married Grace HUGHES in 1870; .they had 9 children. Again, I was given a large collection of letters written by my great grandmother (1824 -1914). These make up half the book and reveal a good deal of the past. My great grandmother was the daughter of Joseph BUNN (1798- 1841) who married Millicent Catherine HILLER (1799-1873). I discovered dozens of HILLER cousins, the earliest one being John Fred- erick HILLER (1742-1816). lightkeeper of the North Foreland Light- house. We have his silhouette and one of his second son, Thomas (1768-1849). He was a Mariner who kept every possible kind of record of his childhood and of his voyages at sea. He married Sarah HUGGETT (1770-1839). records.

All his voyages are confirmed in Lloyds' One great surprise was to find that the HUGGETTS were

armigerous and had been so for centuries; their origin was Huggate in East Yorkshire. All the vast pedigrees are printed in small print at the end of the book. I am in touch with a descendant of the HILLERs who lives in Australia and we correspond regularly; another contact is a cousin in Canterbury - a descendant of the HUGGETTs - whom I have met twice. The cover of the book is dark blue with white lettering; the book has many photographs and the price is f6.50; it was published under the name of Paulin Press at my address. The photograph on the cover is that of my grandfather, Clifford James BALLYN (18461911).

The next book, Witness these Letters by G.D.ROBERTS was again the result of a large collectloo of letters sent to me after the death of my husband. I don't know why they were not sent to me much earlier. My husband was the youngest of 4 soils who, with their father as Chaplain, all served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers in France during World War One. My husband had already typed & edited the letters, evidently intending to have them published, but must have postponed this because his mother and his 3 sisters were still alive. However, he died first and his mother died six months later in March 1939. I thought that these were such an important record of all that had happened to one family that they really should be published. Gee & Son, Denbigh, agreed to publish them. The edition was limited to 300 and the price was 55.00. They were very well produced with white cover and green lettering. The book is almost out of print and I have kept 30 copies to hand on to the young people for I now have a great-grandchild. The book was published in December 1983. It has photographs of the four brothers and one of their father, all in uniform, and a photograph of their mother with the 3 sisters.

The last book, my mother's family history, is the one which I had

- 147 -

always hoped to write. Its interest lies in the fact that, on both sides in the direct line, all her forebears were liohtkeeoers. Thev all lived in Lighthouses was published by Gee & Sbn; tie price f2.50 and it has ten illustrations. some ohotosraohs of the oeoole and also drawings of various lighthouses. The& were 5 generatibns of KNOTTS at South Foreland Lighthouse, Kent, and the eldest son of the fifth generation, Henry T.KNOTT (1851-1910) was, after his ;E;;Enticeship, appointed Assistant Keeper at the Skerries Light-

off Holyhead, in 1873. In 1877 he married the daughter of the PFincipal Keeper, John HALL (1810-l&31), and a year later their first child (my mother) was born. John HALL was the first of four lightkeepers. He was the son of a mariner from Dale, Pembrokeshire. His only son, Thomas O.HALL (1839-1899), married Grace DARLING (1844 -1919), daughter of a lightkeeper and niece of the heroine Grace DARLING (1815-1842). One of their sons, John William, was the third of the HALL lightkeepers and his son, Harold O.HALL (1902 - ) is now retired and aged 82. The book has been attractively produced and Trinity House have shown great interest in it.

Publications Received Elizabeth Simpson

THE AUSTERBERRY FAMILY Vol.1 1985.

An annual Newsletter, the brain-child of the Rev. David AUSTERBERRY who has managed, like many other One-Namers, to ' find ( himself dependable representatives in other vital parts of the world. He obviously also has the knack of encouraging other family members 10 write articles so that his Newsletter is NOT a one-man-band. A GIANT AUSTERBERRY FAMILY TREE is promised by early 1986, which will include names and addresses of all the so far traced wide flung present day AUSTERBERRYs ..,. and a World Gathering is planned for 25 June 1988. Would that I were an AUSTERBERRY! A very promising beginning.

THE GODDARD ASSOCIATION OF EUROPE Newsletter No.2 October 1985.

Howard GODDARD-JONES,. acting Chairman of this Association formed in May 1985, is worklog very hard to 'collect' eminent GODDAROs as Patrons and, judging by the list herein, he is not doing too badly. Here is a man with big ideas. He advertises crystal goblets - Gal- way crystal to boot - bearing the GODDARD family crest. He has a TV researcher friend through whom he hopes for a presentation "funds permitting". One criticism - I didn't like the one-off page which keeps falling out as you read this Newsletter. I would either have filled the other half of the A2 sheet or saved two sides of the A4 page for the next issue. Why 'Europe'? There's a great big world outside as well!

- 148 .

150 NOT OUT: the story of the PAYMASTER GENERAL'S m 1836-1986 by Colin Ulph

One of the smallest and least known of government departments, the Paymaster General's Office (PGO) has been quietly and efficiently carrying on the essential business of paying the nation's bills since 1836. Today it processes 30 million transactions and handles f250,OOO million a year. It also administers the payment of some 1,200,OOO public service pensions.

To commemorate its forthcoming 150th anniversary the PGO has published the first official history of the department, a story which has origins in the corrupt practices of Stuart politicians, progresses through war and peace and emerges in the age of computers. A struggle to survive in the 19th century, devastation at Whitehall by a bomb in 1940, postwar relocation in the clean air of Sussex and the rapid advance of technology are just some of the events which have affected the PGO and its people.

The author has not only delved among official records to find the significant dates and statistics in the PGO's development. He has also carried out extensive interviews with past and present staff, to spice the book with the sort of human and unusual stories which occur in every office but are seldom documented. Thus we find an office cat which received a 100% pay rise, the case of the Assis- tant Paymaster General's vanishing sherry, a celebrated pianist in the typing pool, how the computer came to be named PANDA, and accounts of early attitudes towards female employees and the development of extra-mural activities from angling to athletics, and football to foreign visits.

Illustrated with old photographs from the Office archives and new ones by Ken Bridle, the book gives a fascinating insight into the life and times of a small but important department.

Colin ULPH came to the Office 20 years ago in order to work in his native Sussex and is at present head of the teachers' pensions division. In his spare time he has written guides to walking on the South Downs and recently embarked on a world-wide survey of families bearing the ULPH surname.

Technical details: Paperback, 94" x 6t", 172 pages, with 55 illustrations in black and white. ISBN 0-9510433-O-7. Price $5.95. Available on application to Room 126, HM Paymaster General's Office, Sutherland House, Crawley RHIO IUH. Cheques payable to '* H.M. Paymaster General's Office".

(281 ugper shoreham road, shoreham bg sea, west Sussex BN4 6881

(Mr Ulph writes that he is the Office's historian and may be able to supply information about 19th century employees. The book con- tains hundreds of names).

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A GUILD PROJECT FOR THE DOMESDAY ANNIVERSARY? ____ Douglas W.Hamley

Our Editor asks if we are planning to do anything this year to co- incide with the 900th Anniversary of the Domesday Books; I ask is it not possible for the Guild itself to take part in d project? Cannot we give a lead to others and each attempt to record the history of our surname through the ages with relevant notes and make a permanent record of our efforts?

What is envisaged, is a collection of surname data, as in the following example, that can be gathered from members and printed, maybe in the style of the Journal, perhaps 20 or 25 wrnames for each issue, and made available to members at a cost that would clear any expenses involved.

This would not be family history although all examples could be from one family, but more in the way of surname history and would be a reference book for future researchers.

I would be willing to act as a clearing house, eve" acting to type those texts that arrive handwritten, before passing them on to be printed.

Perhaps our Editor will be able to give some idea of the cost of such a booklet at twice the number of pages in a current Journal with a percentage added to cover postage and other petty expenses.

Example :-

SOW VARIANTS :- OUTLAWE, LE UTLAGHE, UTLAGH, UTLAWE, OJTLAGH, OWTLAWE, OWTELAW.

ORIGIN : A" outlaw was a person who, when called to appear before a court for a misdemeanour, failed to appear, and thus put himself outside the law. One could become a" outlaw for &trifling matter - not only for serious crimes.

This surname was probably strengthened by the King giving pardons to those outlaws who accompanied him into Wales in the 13005 as part of his forces, and who thus became respectable members of the cormunity.

EXAMPLES :-

1310 Roger le UTLAGHE is mentioned in connection with land at Burton on Trent.

1311 Matheas OUTLAWE in connection with Lakinghethe (LakenheathlSfk. 1313 Earl of Gloucester & Hereford names William OUTLAWE as one

of his attornies.

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1315

1318

1319 1324

1330 1336

We read of John OUTLAW in connection with many other citizens including Simon de Refham (Reepham), Alan de Welles, Stephen de Thetford, Roger de Costesye (Costessey) and Adam de Bungey being involved in a case of assault & theft in the Cambridge area. Licence for Roger OUTLAW, Prior of the Hospital of St John Of Jerusalem in Ireland. Adam UTLAGH is mentioned re Bury St Edmunds. William OUTLAWE held one carucate of land in Carrykdoundilre in Kilkenny. Roger, Prior of the Hospital of St John, is now termed UTLAGH William, son of Nicholas UTLAWE, mentioned in connection with Ireland.

1338-40 The surname is to be found as OUTLAWE, UTLAWE, UTLAGH &

1338

1340

1374

1403

1474 1507 1590

Families). 1661 Ralph OUTLAW was the Rector of Necton, Norfolk (ref. BAROSLEY) 1813 The name OUTLAW aooears in Cawston Parish Records. Norfolk. 1985 Thz name OUTLAW ik'still current in this country.

OUTLAGH. The appointment of Roger OUTLAWE, Prior, to the Office of Chancellor of Ireland. The presentation of Reginald le OUTLAWE, Parson of the Church of Esthattele, in the diocese of Ely, to the Church of Risshenden, Lincoln. Adam OUTLAWE signed ordinances of the Guild of St John the Baptist in West Lynn (ref. BARDSLEY). Reference is made of Robert & Adam OUTLAWE being appointed, with others, to take certain enemies of the King into custody. Thomas OWTELAW of Watlington, Kings Lynn (384 GREY). Thomas OWTLAWE of Mattishall, Norfolk (41 GRANTHAM). Thomas OUTLAW is mentioned in the Will of Robert DAVY of Norwich, grocer, as his brother. Robert DAVY also mentions his brothers Thomas & Stephen ALLYN ( ref. RYES Norfolk

REMARKS :-

This name is not easy to classify, as it is neither a trade name nor a name of office. It is in a small class of its own, similar

. to that of Felon or Bastard; persons who had not complied with laws laid down by the Establishment. Whilst not a surname often met with, it has lasted for well over 600 years and has left its mark not only in English history but also in that of Ireland.

HERALDRY :-

Argent, a saltire gules, between four wolves' heads, couped proper.

All examples, when not referenced, are taken from Fine, Patent, Close or Treasury Rolls.

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@RE ON THE PATENT OFFICE R.H.Bliss

After reading Brian CHRISTMAS's article in Vol.1 No.12, I spent a day and a half at the Patent Office and the following notes, compiled for our own Society, may be of interest :

Our "Genealogical Records" now include an index to 89 British Patent Applications taken out by BLISSES at home and abroad in the period 1862-1910. However, 37 of these applications were abandoned or made void prior to the grant of a patent. Furthermore, I could find no BLISSES listed for the earlier period, 1617-1861. Despite these gaps, an interesting range of inventions came to light. They include an ingenious spring-leaf suspension for roller skates (William Henry BLISS of Lewisham, Kent, 1875), a water closet - possibly the forerunner to the present Asian or Contin- ental style "porcelainware" - (William GOOOALL BLISS of Constant- inople, Turkey, 1898). the now familiar meat-carving fork, fitted with a safety guard (Ernest COULSEN BLISS of Tulse Hill, London, 1905) and so on - as can be seen in our records.

The British Patents Vault. As I wished to study a large number of printed patents (to find the full name and address of each applicant), the staff kindly issued me with a pass to the "B.P. Vault". This was a welcome short-cut to the formalities mentioned in Brian's article and, once there, the patents I sought were very easy to find in well-arranged volumes on open shelves

Photocopies. The Patents Office provide photocopies of their material at reasonable rates. However, the charge to photocopy a complete printed patent is f2.50. This can prove expensive since most patents only comprise about 5 pages of text and drawings.

Overseas Patents. The U.K. is party to both the "European Patent tonventlon" of 11 European countries and the "Patent Co-operation Treaty* between 3: countries in Europe, Africa, Asia & the Americas. Thus, I found that the nearby foreign section of the Patents Office holds a wealth of detail on patents granted in these countries. Historical material can be found on the open shelves that could well benefit those researching a branch of the family overseas.

THE GENEALOGIST'S CONSOLIDATED GUIDE TO PARISH REGISTERS COPIES & INDEXES IN THE OUTER LONDON AREA 1538-1837.

The 3rd (Updated) Edition of this work is now available Price f2.50 + 3Op postage & packing. The Guide consolidates details of Original Registers (Anglican/Nonconformist/foreign), Copies and Composite Indexes held by Incumbents and by Official Reposi- tories in the area. Available from the author, Norman H.Graham, 69 Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 IBX.

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prea(s) of origin of Surnames

I read with interest Mrs Judy HANMER's letter in the Winter 198516 journal.

Using the name PHENNA and its variants (PHENNAH, FENNA and FENNAH) I found that there were 296 deaths registered in the first 50 years of the General Register Office. 259 of these entries are for the adjoining pre-1974 counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Shropshire. The remaining 37 entries show no particular groupings.

On this information, it seems reasonable to suppose that the name originated somewhere within the block of six counties. Using the IGI and marriage register, the heaviest concentration of the name for the period 1660-1860 is see" to be in the areas of Wrexham, Bunbury, Chirk, Hope and Hawarden. My guess is that the name originated in the fen area on the present Shropshire/Clwyd border around Fenn's Moss.

The name seems to have a separate origin to that of FENNER which appears to come from Eastern and South Easter" England.


What type of letter?

I recently joined the GOONS and was interested in Judy HANMER's letter . . . I am researching my father's name GRAFHAM and have established that it originated from GRAFHAE: in Surrey about 1238. "Graffham Grange (originally spelt with 2 ffs) was an old house held by the Abbey of Waverley of Roger de Glare c.1238 anti inhab- ited by a family who took their name from it. About that year Walter Giffard, Abbot of Waverley, granted all the rights of the Abbey in Graffham to Walter de Graffham . ..' (V.C.H. Surrey Vo1.3)

. It would appear that everyone with the name GRAF(F)HAM descends from Walter. The families spread to the surrounding Surrey villages of Albury, Bramley, Ewhurst & Cranleigh and then over the County boundary into Sussex and Hampshire. They also went to London, Middlesex and Berkshire. Except for two references in Kent and one in Norfolk I have not found the name anywhere else pre 1875. Apart from branches of the family still living in Surrey, I have traced one London branch back to Dorking and my own branch, also London, back to Sussex in 1584. I have yet to link my branch into surrey.

I appear to be the only person researching the name so I am about

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to write to everyone listed in the UK telephone directories in the hope of enlisting some support. I would be pleased to receive advice from more experienced GOONS members on the type of letter which produces the best response - e.g. should I keep it very brief and just ask for an exchange of information or should I try to stimulate interest by giving all the details of the origins of the name?

I was most impressed by the article/letter by Kenneth AITKEN. I would be very interested in articles on techniques, sources and record keeping and in co-operative research projects.

Dear Sir

I am writing to say how much I agree with Kenneth AITKEN's letter in Vol.2 No.5. When I joined the Guild a year ago I hoped for 2 benefits :-

Firstly, I hoped to make contact with others interested in the surname DORLING and its variants. I had already contacted most DORLINGS through the telephone directories but hoped to hear from people with female DORLINGS in their family trees. Secondly, I hoped the journal would provide me with ideas on further sources, methodology, record-keeping etc.

For the first, I have, so far, received no correspondence as a result of being on the One-Name Register.

For the second, I have found the journal of interest and there have been some useful items, but I would very much welcome more articles on techniques, sources, record-keeping etc. I would also like to hear how other one-namers began and developed their study.

Being the mother of a g year old boy and an 8 month old girl, and having a very busy husband, I am one of those who find it difficult to attend conferences and meetings. I would be very grateful for even a paragraph imparting some useful information, rather than "Mr X gave an interesting talk on Y" which does nothing but elicit the inevitable feeling of disappointment that I could not be there to hear it.

Finally, I would be interested to hear what sort of correspondence other members have had as a result of their study being publicised in the Register of One-Name Studies.

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Growth Rates of Unusual Surnames

Would you or any other member of the Guild know of a 'rule of thumb' method for estimating the likely increase in the occurrence of an unusual surname over specific periods of time.

It is appreciated that growth rates will "?.TY considerably at different periods in the past but, to give a specific example :-

"if in the year 1550 there were 10 families with the name of, say, ZAPP, all fairly localised in a rural part of England, how many descendant families with the same name (or accepted variants) could normally be expected to be found nationwide in the years 1650, 1950, 1850 and 1950?"

Am I over-optimistic in thinking that a simple "ZAPP Formula" exists?!


Computers in Genealogy

The Autumn 1985 issue of the journal and the two items dealing with computers in genealogy, for which you expect to draw fire, prompt me to break silence and come to your support. I note that you, yourself, do not particularly like computers but regard them as something we are going to have to live with more' and more in the future. These are views which I suspect are shared by the majority of people who have not yet taken the plunge & have not experienced their usefulness.

As my one-name study grew with the years, I found that, since I am inclined to be rather disorganised, my records were getting into a state of chaos, which card indexes and filing systems did little to rectify. The result of this was that I was finding it difficult to stay on course. This had the effect of causing a loss of interest in my researches, to the extent that I almost gave up, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.

One day, a friend showed me his home computer and, in particular, a program which he hoped was going to win him a fortune at the races. It was basically a filing system with a sorting capability and I soon came to realise that a program such as this could well be adapted for my own use. It is less than a year since I purchased my Commodore 64 and attempted to grapple with computer jargon, which is largely responsible for keeping people away from computers. I have probably made every mistake that it is possible to make,

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such as typing out tape-based filing systems from magazines, and after hours spent 'debugging' errors have found that they have left the memory short, or simply do not operate fast enough. Neverthe- less, I was hooked, and the more recent purchase of a disc drive and a masterful piece of software called "Superbase 64" make me feel at last that I am really getting somewhere. My records are now total~ly organised and my interest in the subject is renewed. The further addition of a printer has enabled me to make rapid printouts in answer to the queries that we all love to receive but which can take an age to answer.

I could write at greater length on the use of computers but, as this has already been done by people far more knowledgeable than myself, I will refrain whilst hoping that my effort might encourage researchers to overcome their doubts concerning their ability to grasp this marvellous invention.

Dear Sir

Family Heritage Book

I was very interested to read the letter in Vol.2 No.5 fiwn W.J. Hodgkinson, because Canada is not the only place where these 'flyers' are being sent out to unsuspecting people who are led to believe that they can purchase the results of a One-Name Study, compiled by a person of their surname. My son-in-law, living in New York, received a letter which named a book shortly to be published called the 'SUTTON Family Heritage Book'. The 'flyer' suggested that the purchase of a copy would save time, money and duplication of effort. One paragraph actually said, "In case you notice any family members not included in this book, I'd like to ask you a favour - let us know about them". I consider this to imply that the book is full of Family Trees. The offer did state a money back guarantee, but it would be interesting to know if any- ;;z,pid purchase the book and an its return did receive the money

The content of the books are as stated in Mr HODGKINSON's letter except that the references are to American History. There is a block of names from Telephone Directories and quite clearly all the books are the same, only the names from Directories are different per surname.

The thing that worries me most is that 'One-Namers' may be 'tarred with the same brush', as they say. Fo'r instance I recently received a letter from a lady in America who was researching my name and, within my reply, I told her I was preparing all my research for publication and I was asking all interested parties to indicate

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to me whether or not they would wish to purchase such a book - I could then go to a Printer for a quote based on the number of copies required. I have not heard from this lady again and I wonder if she thought I was suggesting something similar to the Heritage Book.

I enjoy contact with people who share my name and over the years I have supplied masses of information happily and quite free of charge. I hope to continue to do this for many more years and I am sure that what I do in this way is quite the norm for One-Namers. I would hate to think that these Sales Promotion gimmicks are going to damage the goodwill built up when Family Historians the world over contact each other. I will be bringing the Heritage Book with me to the next GOONS conference as others may wish to see what is happening in America and, hopefully, will not happen here.

* * * * *

Dear Sir

Vol.2 No.5. Review of CAVEMAN (Aut 84)

Our Newsletters are sent to the Guild for record and not looking for criticism on how they are put together. Our Newsletters are perhaps our only communication with BO%-90% of our members. If I want to chat with my members that is up to me.

My Newsletter is put together by volunteers, usually in a hurry, and always at minimum cost. I am still printing by Gestetner. Does it matter if the cover is better looking than the body of the neWsletter - it's what is inside that counts and I am not looking for medals in what I produce.

There was a time when abstracts were taken from our Newsletters, let's get back to that alone.

* * * * *

Editor's Note: It is not too long since some members were complain- ing that their publications had not been reviewed! Please note we do not do abstracts for this Xiirnal, in Vol.2 No.3 you were asked toprepare your own abstracts and send them to MARY GRIFFITHS. News & Digest welcomes abstracts from ANY Guild member, not just those who are members of the Federation.

**** * GUILD - a Society for mutual aid or prosecution of common object

(Oxford Concise Oictionary):historically, a mediaeval association of merchants OP craftsmen of a particular trade whose purpose was to pi-wide masses for the dead, maintenance of common interests, mutual support and protection.(Chamber's Compact English Dictionary)

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BOOK REVIEWS Elizabth Simpson

THE LEASKS by Madam Leask of Leask. 1980.~

The foreword, written by Lt.Gen. Sir Henry LEASK KCB, DSO, OBE begins "The story of the LEASKS, like other ancient families, is the story of Scotland, and in particular the counties of Aberdeen- shire, Orkney and Shetland." Without the people and their struggle through each individual life-span, there would be no history at all. The ordinary common people - in this case the LEASKS - created a part of Scotland and its history and then stamped their indelible and particular mark upon the histories of countless other parts of the world. The book begins with a MAP. Would that others would emulate this example. It is not enough to know that the name was first encountered in Scotland - the good researcher and descendant needs to know exactly where, because it makes all the difference to the type of background his ancestors experienced.

This is a scholarly treatise, as one would expect from a woman of high academic achievement. Nevertheless, it is eminently readable as it needs to be to reach all descendants of the LEASK Clan. The last page of this little book presents the LEASKS in each of their major areas - Orkney, Shetland, Ontario, California and Australia - and explains the 'how and whence' of their arrival there. LEASKS have also been located in South Africa and Eire and I have no doubt that their respective arrivals will be similarly documented and explained ere long. A beautifully presented booklet, giving Clan members a good start to their own personal research & understanding of what their origins stand for.

SEED OF ISAAC : A Family History of the KISSACKS of the Isle of Man hy Rev.R.Kissack, Borodaill, Glen Mooar, Kirk-Michael, Islet FMan. 1985. 230~~. Hard back 911.15, paper back f8.00 (inc p&p).

Reginald KISSACK is a founder member and Chairman of the Isle of Ma" FHS. He submitted this treatise in 1983 for ti-,e Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies's anniversary prize for the best Family History book and, out of 150 entries, this was amongst only 7 awarded a certificate of High Commendation.

KISSACK, he tells us, actually means 'Seed of Isaac' and, strangely, the author descends from an illegitimate so" christened Isaac. TO me this title brings images of Judaism. Mr KISSACK does not quote a source for this derivation and I suspect that many readers might be 'lost' because of the title, clever as it is with its double-entendre.

There is a" index of Christian, or first, names but "one of the variations of the surname itself. I found this irritating because the name KISSOCK appears in the genealogy of a first cousin of mine and I would have liked a quick way of checking whether her Scats KISSOCK ancestry connects with the I.O.M. KISSACKS. By the very geographical position of the Isle of Man it is obvious that Scats and Irish ancestral blood will flow in the veins of many islanders.

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This is a book to be read over and over again. The first part is comprised of the 'house-hold' units of some three hundred families as extracted from the registers of the 17 I.O.M. parishes, filled out where possible by the addition of such details as occupation and residence. The second section, beginning with some useful photos, traces the historical background of the 'family' and, un- like a Clan, this is a family, although since the name suggests descent from 'an Isaac', it may well be that there are indeed several 'families' here rather than just the one. There is a good map, suitably annotated.

I can see how this work reached the last 7 out of 150. I can also see why it didn't reach any higher. I am sure that the author can too and that he will already be working on the revised edition. I wish him luck and recommend that today's KISSACKS support him in his efforts by purchasing this book and help by adding their own research to his fine start on the history of the KISSACKS.

THE FAMILY TREE

I think that I shall never see

The finish of a family tree,

As it forever seems to grow

From roots that started very low;

'Way back in ancient history times

In foreign lands and distant climes

From them grew trunk and branching limb

That dated back to time so dim,

One seldom knows exactly when

The parents met and married then

Nor when the twigs began to grow

With odd named children, row on row.

Though verse like this is made by me

And the end's in sight, as you can see;

'Tis not the same with family trees

They grow and grow thru centuries.

(writren by the late Willis c.Corbite and reproduced with the permission of the ceoealogical FD~U~ of Portland, Oregon, Inc. )

Ed: Memory seems to recall a song tune of the thirties that would fit this !

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1st May 1986 - In connection with Mr Sandison's article on Registration under the Data Protection Act (see pages 142-145) there will be a meeting in the rooms of the Society of Genealogists, 14 Charterhouse Buildings, London EClM 7BA at 6.3Dpm. The Deputy Registrar, Mr F.G.B.Aldhouse, will be present. Bring your registration pack with you.

,7/18 May 1986 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Seventh Annual Conference Barbican City Hotel, London.

5th July 19% - Regional Meeting at Peterborough. 9.30am-5.0Dpm at Great Northern Hotel (Victoria Conference Room),Station Road, Peterborough.

8-14 Sep 1986 - Society of Genealogists' 75th Anniversary Conference at Oxford incorporating the Federation's Autumn Conference and Council Meeting(13/14th)

* * * * *

CORRECTION: Several readers have pointed out an error in the date given by the author for the death of the Reverend Yilliam Gaskell on page 108 of the last Journal. This should have read 1884.

* * * * *

SUMMER JOURNAL: The closing date for articles and contributions for the next issue will be the 1st June.1986

* * * * *

THE GUILD’S LIBRARY

At the AGM last year, it was agreed to use the proceeds of the Frank Higenbotham Melnorial Fund to purchase a bookcase to ihouse the Guild's collection of One-Name Journals. This has KIW been done and, in fact, two cabinets costing f347 have been installed at the Society of Genealogists. If you publish a Journal or Newsletter, are you sending a copy to the Guild? Please do, i~t is a unique collection and will form an invaluable aid for the future. Any thaw: a-e sen:to this Journal are passed on to the Guild Library after they have been read and reviewed. Incidentali;, in vied of Hugn Cave's letter in this issue. if you do send a Journal to the Editor, please indicate whether it is just for him to see, otherwise it will be automatically sent out for review unless it has already been done. .

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THE GUILD OF ONE-N,WE STUDIES was foriued in September 1979 to encourage the exchange of ideas and co-operative liaison between the growing number of family historians who concentrate their research on all references to a single surname including proven variants.

In the majority of cases this activity is carried on by an individual working alone and not as 2 member of a One->iame Society, although many such societies have been established and admitted to the Federztian of Family History Societies as formally constituted organisations.

The Aims and Objectives of the GUILD are :

(a) To bring together t'ios? individuals and groups of people who are engaged in the collection of family data relative to all references, branches and occurrences of a single surname.

(b) TO pradljce a Journal and hold pericdic meetings for the exchange of information on sources and research techniques helpful to One-Name activity.

(c) To maintain and publish a REGISTER of the surnames being researched and, through close association with the Federation of Family History Societies, to secwe the widest possible awaren?5s of One-Name research.

(d) To encourage and enw~, by a written undertaking, that members will deal with all reply-paid enquiries relative to their registered surname.

New applicants for membership of the Guild should send a stamped addressed envelope to the Registrar, requesting a Registration form. Overseas applicants may send International Reply Coupons.

, The Registration Fee is 13.00 and the Annual Subscription, payable 1st January, is f5.00. The subscription covert four issues of this Journal and two issues of Family History News and Digest.

_. -- _..,- .-. r THE JOURNAL OF ONE-NAME STLXJIES ISSN ()2E'..:$~~.:

The official publication o,F the Guild of One-,Name Ski;;!,if+: Box G, 14 Charterhouse Buildings, London EClM 7EA

received 7 jul 1999mrs m.d.griffiths douglas k.eeresford kelvin e.warth honorary editor : frederick...

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