John rose early that day and dressed in his best. He left his mother in a pother and his father in a stomp. But he was of age and didn’t need their permission, and Old Betts over at Fishley Farm had let him a cottage, though tied to the job.
Ahead lay a walk of six or more miles, a walk he’d grown used to since he first flirted with Sarah at the cattle market held at Acle. His family sniffed at her, bastard-born woman of a bastard-born mother. But he’d not have his first child bastard-born too. The banns had been called three times at St Edmund’s and at St Mary’s, South Walsham. Now no one would stop him.
Based on a true story… in as much as in 1817 at St Edmund’s, Acle, one John Self Brown of South Walsham married one Sarah Mutton, daughter of Sarah Mutton of Acle. And these two begat… and more begat… and way down the line, my grandparents begat, and my father was born, in 1920… 99 years ago. It’s his birthday this coming Monday. Happy Birthday, Pops.
Written for Crimson’s Creative Challenge #35
So will the telegram next year come from Queen Liz or Chuckle-head?
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Possibly the latter. Though in truth it’s churned out by a computer. But no matter who it’s from, it’s all fingers crossed now that he makes it. I’ve just been to see him. Age is definitely taking a toll. And he finally has an ailment. Gall stones.
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A delightful tale. Doing family history can be fun. 🙂
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Indeed. I had walked the area loads of times before I discovered a whole line of my father’s family comes from there.
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What a tie in! Oooo I love this one!
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I thank you, Violet. It’s quite a simple photo. But to me it’s the last mile to the most welcome bus. And for forefather, it was the walk to seal the rest of his life. I often think of that as I plod up that hill.
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Ooh, I like how you write your family history down into such a compact prose!
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Probably because it’s lodged in my head, easy to access and repeat
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Wonderful discovery Crispina. I’m certain your father will, get his letter 😊🌼
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My daughter is organising it.
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Nice. 🙂
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Keeps her happy 🙂
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ok lol
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Isn’t this a little incredibly beautiful! I love the tale too😃❤️
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I thank you. My home … well, origin of some of my DNA.
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Yes and it is always amazing to find out about our ancestors ☺️
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Indeed. And though if you go far enough back, I’ve ancestors come from everywhere. But over the last 250-300 years, they come from just 3 main areas. This photo represents one.
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Aww… What a beautiful story and written with such flair! Kudos to you and a very warm and happy birthday to your dad!
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I’ll pass your wishes on 🙂
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🙂
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Wonderful, Crispina!
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Thank you, Dale 🙂
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Great tale dear.
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I thank you. 🙂
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My pleasure.
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Happy birthday to your dad! And nice way to tie the pic in with family history.
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I thank you. I shall pass on your best wishes.
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Happy birthday to your Dad and best wishes for the next !
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I thank you, I shall pass your wishes along 🙂
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