Grandmother stolen at 2 years of age (1897). Help?

[LizzieW]

Carol

I've been away for a few days and missed this thread.  What a sad story, but it looks as though, at last, you may be able to find the real Mary Ann.  What an amazing lot of Rootschatters we have working their way through documents and newspaper reports to find clues for you.

The photograph of your gran shows a lovely young woman who seems to have overcome her awful early years.

Lizzie

[CarolRR]

I want to share something with all of you - I have a small photo album that belonged to my grandmother, Mary Ann "Fisher", in which she wrote a short poem on the inside cover, in her own hand.  It provides a little bit of insight into the person that she became. 
When you turn the first page, the leather cover of the album, she has written:

"Nov. 2/17

Take not this book my honest friend
For if you do the gallows will be your end
And when you die the Lord will say, where is that book you stole away!
And if you say you do not know,
The Lord will say
Go down below
"So beware"

[california dreamin]

Thanks very much for sharing that   

[Maddie]

Thank you so much for sharing your Grandmother's poem with us Carol, that is so poignant.

What a wonderful lady she was.

Maddie

[Finley 1]

This story is about a wonderful woman who overcame so much ... and moved forward with her life.

Leaving behind her people who really cared for her. 

bless her xxx

xin

[susan hemmings]

Carol,

Your grandmother was a beautiful person.  The picture is so lovely.  She looks to be a kindly, intelligent lady.

That poem speaks volumes.  She has summed up her early life with the end warning.  How clever and astute of her. 

I am sure we all understand your need to get things right and validated prior to sharing whatever you find with your family.  By the time you do share information it, hopefully, won't be so raw for you (I can appreciate it must be for you right now). As you say, it is at the very core of you.  It will bring up all sorts of emotions.  Perfectly normal for you to just want your mum, bless her. 

It will be a wonderful thing when you can share your knowledge with them; there will be questions fired at you from all angles!!

People here are so helpful.  Will fall over themselves to help anyone.  They are magical.

I reiterate what others have said, we are all "here" for you.  Even if you want to shout and scream in capital frustration letters - let it out.

We remain your friends.  Bless you Carol.  Just imagine - if there is an afterlife - your mum and gran will be looking down laughing.

Fondest regards

Susan

As an afterthought - Going back to the court case.  I wonder who the male witness was.  It seems all witnesses/contributors were named.  Just after Mrs Sheriff, the 78 year old lady  who walked all the way... Then the prisoner says "Who's going to give me away" It goes on to refer to a witness as "he".  Shame he was not named. 

I also wonder about the suggestion someone made about contacting the original Solicitor.  They may have something in their archives.  One of us could do that for you if it would make it easier.

Take care for now.   

[loobylooayr]

Susan,
On re-reading the article, I think the witness referred to is Inspector Agar when he was giving evidence regarding his questioning of Hall. At least that's how I read it
Looby

[loobylooayr]

And Carol,
What a lovely photograph of your grandma . I sincerely hope the truth is found after all these years.
Best wishes,
Looby

[susan hemmings]

Ah Looby

Yes, re-read.  You are correct.  Thanks for the pointer. 

Susan