DUFTON DIARY-1869-1899

[willgen]

My G.Grandfathers eldest brother William FLEMING wrote a 'DIARY'  from 1869- 1899. William was a Mine Agent with the London Lead Company, covering Dufton & Alston moor. He was also a Methodist lay preacher. He lived at Chapel House in DUFTON until his death in 1899.

He wrote in a leather bound notebook his daily happenings, both work & personal. He also recorded the events for others in the village, near surroundings & NENTHEAD (where he had relatives).

I am willing to trawl the diary for anyone who may have an interest in this localality.

[Ruskie]

Sounds fascinating - is it interesting enough to be published?

[willgen]

I find it fascinating as there is so much info for my own family.

It does only cover a small geographical area so would there be many folk who would be interested?

[Ruskie]

Possibly. It depends on what he writes about - often the mundane things and day to day life are appealing. Even better if he adds some historical context and saucy anecdotes.

I don't think the small geographical area matters.

Obviously if he writes well and tells a good story that will be of interest. There are quite a lot of diaries which have been published. There is also the possibility of publishing it in blog form though that is a huge task which you would have to be committed to. I have seen this done with a couple of diaries, with today's date corresponding with the appropriate diary entry.

[Jolyon]

Hi Willgen,

Fascinated to learn of your Dufton diary.   A number of my maternal ancestors (Ellwood's & Parker's) were born in Dufton and living in the village during the period you mention.
If you come across any 'snippets' concerning them I would love to hear.

Jolyon

[willgen]

Hi Jolyon
Had a quick look at the index for the diary & found refs to:-
John ELLWOOD
Nancy ELLWOOD
Margaret ELLWOOD
Henry PARKER
John PARKER
Mary PARKER
Thos. PARKER
Any of these of interest?

[Jolyon]

Willgen,

Fancy I know most on your list though one or two a puzzle at the moment. 
Related, but not in my direct lineage, are John Ellwood (1795-1872) & wife Nancy [nee Bell] (1804-1876). Their numerous children also included a Nancy.

I'm curious about the John Parker in your list, as that was the name of my grandfather, though by 1876 he was living and working in Manchester.   
But I'd like to know what you have if you don't mind.

Jolyon 

[willgen]

Hi Jolyon
This is what I have on John Parker:-
''At Witton Park Weslyan Chapel on the 12th Aug 1872. Mr John Parker married to Miss Annie Burnip of Hondon. John Parker belonged to Murton, Westmorland.''
'' Mary, the beloved child of John & Mary Parker died on Sunday March 11th 1894. Aged 11 years.''

Maybe two different John Parkers as the wives weren't the same?
Regards
Willgen

[Jolyon]

Hi Willgen,

Thanks for that but your John Parker not my grandfather I'm afraid.
Will do a little more research and see what I can come up with.

Regards

Jolyon