Found Anyone Famous

[Scottiedog]

Not a direct rellie, but via a second marriage on wife's side I came across Isaac Reckitt (b1793) of "Reckitt's Blue" (you have to be of a certain age) and "Reckitt and Coleman" (much later).

Led me to further research into Quaker families around Colchester and in Norfolk and I can see that some of my wife's ancestors where those who lent Isaac the money to get his business up and running in Hull after two previous failures. Ransome of the agricultural implements and machinery also turned up as involved.

And I guess that brings me to my point really. Both these names (Reckitt and Ransome) triggered some memory cells deeply buried somewhere - but I wonder how many others I've missed simply because I didn't recognise the names.

[trish251]

I have nothing to add to this thread.

Perhaps I should start a thread called, "Ancestors who abandoned their children, lied on their official certificates, hid from the census-taker and didn't want to be found" or "Lives of the poor and infamous" or "How many fathers named Unknown in your tree".

 

Regards,
Josephine

It's the family stories generated by lies that frustrate me    I have ancestors who say they are related to the Ross family (uncle and nephew) of artic and antarctic explorer fame.  Much time and a little money later - it is nonsense, no possibility of a relationship (maybe 20th cousin    )

The other almost claim to fame is the ggg uncle who worked for Royalty! He was given a right royal funeral 

Trish

[KathMc]

Trish,

You are so right. My father always said we were related to HG Wells. I traced my Wells branch back to the 1700s and there is definitely no link. Oh well.

Kath

[tulstig]

HI all,
I actually share  gt gt gt etc grandparents with William Shakespeare , which  makes us 5th or sixth cousins (many time removed). Apart from O levels I never read any of his stuff, and ain't too good at writing meself.
Mark

[Sunny Boy]

Yes, I have found some famous if not infamous ancestors/relatives. You can see them here on my website http://forbros.rootschat.net/

Sunny Boy

[Jayson]

I don't know what is worst to have in one's family tree: A celebrity or criminal?

[Minn]

Or generations of politicians......I've got those too 

Minn

[Ann Baker]

I have found two definites - Kenneth McKellar (yes the one in a kilt) who is my 2nd cousin and my gt gt gt uncle who was Sir Robert Peel's butler and went on to be head of the shanghai municipal police.

An almost one is I am meant to be related to Billy Connolly but both having Irish ancestors I think will take some proving - But I can dream! (I am a Connolly of Irish descent whose ancestors also came to Glasgow but the link if there is one goes back to 1800s and am stuck)

Ann

[debryany]

I have John Robert Wildman he was an artist to Queens Charlotte and King George 111 he was the court painter

http://www.artnet.com/artist/664049/john-robert-wildman.html

He is my 4x Great Grandfather

Debbie