|
|
| SEARCH |
Letter to RGHF |
| Letter to Jack M. B. Selway, RGHF
Founder 30 May 2008 |
| Dear Jack, I refer you to our previous Email correspondence, particularly that of September 2007. For quite a while I have been investigating the Genealogy of Jean Harris and think it is appropriate that I submit what I have at the present time. When investigating the Genealogy of a particular person, several decisions have to be taken at the outset and parameters set, including, for example, 1. The Lines to be investigated. Basically, each person has two lines, the Paternal and the Maternal, but each of them, in turn has two Lines, namely two sets for our Grandparents. Each of our Grandparents has, in turn, two sets for our Great Grandparents and so on. The number of lines, therefore, keeps growing. In the same way, the number of Lines in a forward direction grows, for example, our children, who marry (or not) and have children of their own. Each of these events introduces several other lines, for example, their spouses. It is almost endless. 2. The use to which the research is to be put There is, in my view, very little to be achieved by simply collecting names and dates. You can, however, advance your researches by sometimes working “outside the box” and in this way, you can often uncover information that you would not otherwise do. In my present researches of Jean’s Genealogy, I have recorded 276 names with relevant information, including forward information. I thought the main purposes of researching the genealogy of Jean would be to: · Present the family background on a purely factual basis without any fanciful narrative. · Ascertain if there was any evidence of any relatives (who were not too distantly related) still being alive, as that might help uncover further information, documentation, photographs etc. Previous Researches Various persons have previously carried out some research into Jean’s background but, unfortunately, this does always appear to have produced totally accurate results. Most, if not all, of this appears in the Fellowship Web Pages. I am of the view that it would be wise to correct the various inaccuracies in these so that conflicting information is not shown. I have no great knowledge of the mechanics of producing Web Pages or the legalities thereof but, if it is possible, I think the best course of action would be to amend or withdraw the original Pages but if that is not possible, then to post a new Page with “Errors and Corrections to Jean Harris Pages”. I am attaching, at Schedule T-4, a Schedule of “Observations on items already posted on Global History Website”. This shows some identified inaccuracies. Previous researches This seems to have concentrated mainly on Jean’s Paternal Line. Present research I thought it appropriate to look at both the Paternal and the Maternal Lines going as far back a possible at the present time. I have therefore produced Schedule T-2 with Charts of those both Paternal and Maternal Descendants Lines with more detailed information relative thereto. As is usually the case there are areas where complete information has not yet been obtained but if we wait until all the gaps are filled, we will never produce any results, as research is usually an ongoing process. Schedule T-2 covers Generations 1 to 5 of both the Paternal and Maternal lines. In addition, I followed these through to Generations 6 and 7 at Schedule T-3 in respect of the only sibling of Jean known to have had children, that is, Joanna (aka Joey). I am attaching a copy of that Schedule for the retention of the Fellowship. However, I do not think that it would be appropriate to publish that Schedule, as the sensitivities and privacy of the parties concerned, some of whom are probably still alive or have issue still alive, should be respected and protected. Possible Outcomes The information obtained in these Schedules and other data gathered could be helpful in trying to establish whether any of the parties concerned are still alive and whether they might have any information in the form of letters, certificates, family Bibles, photographs etc that might relate to Jean or Paul or any other family members. I think this is worthwhile pursuing although at the end of the day we might find very little or, indeed, nothing. On the other hand we just might uncover a treasure trove. I don’t know whether anyone has previously attempted to check out this aspect but if you would like me to pursue it further, I would be happy to do so. Ongoing You asked me to “mentor” you in relation to Jean. Certain aspects of Jean’s personal life seem to have been garnered from reminiscences of various people and from the Journals of her travels with Paul but, so far as I am aware, these have not been gathered into a comprehensive article. One of the best Articles is that entitled “Jean Thomson Harris” produced by Ed Lucas of the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, although subject to the reservations contained in Schedule T-4 attached hereto. Jean seems to have been a remarkable lady and I feel that this aspect, although difficult to investigate, might be worth pursuing. This would perhaps seem to fall into three areas: 1. Her life in Scotland prior to her departure to USA I may find something, if we pursue “surviving relatives” Perhaps Callum could pursue this section or suggest someone local to Edinburgh who could do so? Subsections might include, education, work, church-going and social activities. 2. Her life in the USA/Canada prior to her marriage and thereafter including her travels with Paul. I would think that a Chicagoan with an interest in Genealogy would be best for this. Perhaps someone could be recruited from one or more of the Chicago Clubs? Subsections might include her places of residence and work, church-going and social activities. 3. Her life after returning to Scotland from the USA This would be similar research as for item 1 above plus establishment of her places of residence other than those already found. There would be a lot of work involved in trying to find each of the above and I would recommend that it only be undertaken if the Fellowship feels that it would be of sufficient interest to Rotarians. Personally, I feel that the Article by Ed Lucas is sufficient, subject to the minor adjustments that I have suggested elsewhere in Schedule T4. That Article together with my paper on the Genealogical Aspects (Schedule T2) would, in my view, give the Membership sufficient information regarding Jean. I would however suggest that the two papers would be better shown together on a separate page of the Website. I hope that the foregoing is of interest. Yours in Rotary Ian H Campbell PDG 2003-2004 District 1230, Scotland 30th May 2008 |
RGHF members, who have been invited to this page, may register RGHF members, who have been invited to this page, may register If a DGE/N/D joins prior to their year, they will have more exposure to Rotary's Global History by their service year. This will be beneficial to all concerned. *Based on paid members, subscribers, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, mobile app users, History Library users, web pages, and articles about Rotary's Global History RGHF Home | Disclaimer | Privacy | Usage Agreement | RGHF on Facebook | Subscribe | Join RGHF | |