I'm struggling to find out actual facts. Such a lot of this is guesswork and I find that frustrating in one way, yet liberating in another.
Yes, it would be amazing to be able to set down categorically that Pearl met Sam in such and such a place, and that this and that happened. Yes, it would be wonderful to be able to tell my own sons about their ancestors...but, as I can't...as it's mostly guesswork and speculation, I suppose I'll need to use my common sense and a hefty dose of imagination.
I am supposed to be a writer after all.
When I have the bare bones I will have to embellish. When I have the background facts I will need to add some flavour to this story of my family.
Today I set out all the census returns, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage lines, etc. in a folder. I've separated the different branches of the extended family and tried to follow threads wherever possible.
Tomorrow I think I will need to put these in some sort of order. I'll need to weed out the red herrings and focus on the most likely facts.
I haven't yet researched the working conditions of 1901, and I still need to find out possible reasons why Sam was in the workhouse.
I know I will get there eventually. I just need a bit of patience and perseverance.
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