Walter Geary. Head Water Bailiff at Broadlands Estate, Romsey

[JohnCH]

Sue, you are a wonder! That's great information thank you so much. I have just checked and you are completely right about Sarah Vane's death - it was my error.  I visited Michelmersh two years ago to visit the place where she was born. What is your Pragnell link? Are you interested in photos of Walter? If so I can post some more on here, or send them to your private email if you wish to let me have it.  Yours most gratefully,  John.

[Sue Yorks]

Hi John,

Yes I would be really interested to see photos of Walter, that would be wonderful.  My email address is... sue@razor0.demon.co.uk.               Oh yes, the digit after razor is a zero..I have to mention that as it can be mistaken for a letter o.

I live in Southampton now, but was born at Mottisfont, about a mile from Michelmersh.  I go out that way quite often, mainly just to enjoy the peaceful countryside.  I was brought up at Kimbridge, the next village to Michelmersh, well its really just a hamlet.  As I have grown older I miss the peace and quiet of the countryside more and more, but with house prices the way they are nowadays a move back to that area is out of the question!  Unless we win the lottery of course!

Better turn this computer off for the night now, my head is spinning with all family tree info!  Luckily I don't have to get up for work....well sort of lucky, I am unable to work because of a chronic back problem.  My family tree research keeps me going, don't really know what I would do without it.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures,

kindest regards,
Sue

[Sue Yorks]

Hi John,

Just wanted to say thank you so much for the photos and letters, my word they are so interesting.  The letters are such wonderful keepsakes.

Regarding the photograph taken at Kings Somborne, yes there is certainly a connection, not sure who it is, but there was also a thatcher in the village called Geary.  I will see if I can find out more.

You asked what my connection to the Pragnells was - my grandmother was Caroline Pragnell, daughter of Henry George Pragnell and Ellen Pragnell (I believe they were second cousins that married).

Once more, many thanks for those photos etc., I am so pleased with them.  I will see what further information I can find out about the Geary's and will forward anything I find.

Happy Easter by the way!

Regards,
Sue

[JohnCH]

Hi Sue. So glad you enjoyed seeing them. Yes, the letters are quite something. John Geary, Walter's father, WAS a master thatcher of great ability and skill. I happen to remember Walter talking about it. There were probably many cottages around the area and more widely that were, at some time, thatched or repaired by him. Interesting that you should mention that. So the Pragnell's were relatives of Sarah Geary/Vane. I remember  reference being made to a branch of their family - as living at something like 'Bannow?' Lane in Romsey. Does this mean anything to you? Happy Easter.   John.

[shazigh]

Hi

I see from this site that you are a decendant of Walter Geary from KS. My Great Great Grandfather was William Geary born 1847, brother of Walter Geary.  Williams Eldest Son Thomas was my Grandfathers father.
I still live in KS, and have some info. I know that Walter had 2 daughter one of which had a daughter that worked at Sainsburys Badger Farm for some time.

I am fortunate to live here in KS, and have been told some of the family history.
I would love to know some more tho.

Regards
Sharon

[JohnCH]

Hi Sharon.

Yes that's right. Walter Charles Geary [1891 - 1971],  younger brother of William George Geary, was my grandfather. I visited Kings Somborne and Brook and Michelmersh, all places related to his life before he moved into Romsey, in 2008 while on holiday and researching his life in the area. Obviously I knew him very well and often stayed at his home at The Causeway near Sadlers Mill. He worked at Broadlands as Head Water Bailiff for fifty years. Walter had two children - Joanne and Ron. Joanne was my mother [1923 - 2004].
Can you explain your family relationship to William Geary [who I never met]. Which of his children are you related to? I look forward to exchanging information with you and thank you for making contact. With regards. John CH.

[shazigh]

Hi John

My connection with William is as follows

William Born 1847 was married to Miriam Lawrence - thier eldest son was Thomas William Born 1879 who was married to Ada Ellen Smart - thier eldest son was William Eric Geary Born 1900 who was married to Gladys Hewlett - thier eldest son was Laurence Eric who was my father, I am Sharon, the youngest of three.

Thier is still alot of family connection in KS so I am able to give information about several members.

Its funny, as over 25 years ago while my Great Aunt was visiting I have written down a Walter Geary - Water Keeper at Broadlands, and now I have had contact with you.
My email address is * if you wish to email me through that address.
With kind regards
Sharon

*Moderator comment: e-mail address removed to prevent spamming and other abuse.  Please use the personal message system for exchanging e-mail addresses.  Thanks.

[gearybar]

Evening John
I am Barry Geary.son of Ron Geary,Joans brother.Its been a long time since we have spoken. Of course I know a lot about grandad. contact me at my e mail address and we can talk.                                      Regards Barry

[JohnCH]

Hello Barry.
Well, that is a surprise. Good to hear from you. I've sent a message via this system with my email. All good wishes, John.