Hello, I am Barry, and my wife is Linda. Following the passing of her father in 2021, we inherited a vast collection of genealogy data from her father and stepmother, who were dedicated genealogists. The collection includes handwritten histories dating back to the 1850s, family bibles, annotated photographs, census records, tree diagrams, and more. We also have CDs filled with information from their pre-internet research. We are committed to preserving this heritage and are motivated by the lack of interest in genealogy from the next generations.
Our focus lies in researching the Weights, Hatch, and Leach family lines on Linda's side, as well as the Hopkins on my side. We have dedicated significant efforts to understanding our ancestral connections within these lineages, primarily on Ancestry. One intriguing theory we are pursuing is a potential connection between Linda's mother's childhood memory of Cary Grant visiting her home and our Leach lineage. Although we haven't found any concrete links yet, we suspect Grant may have been conducting his own family research.
The primary genealogist responsible for amassing a significant portion of our data is Joyce Hatch, who was Linda's fathers first cousin twice removed and eventually married Linda's father. We have an interesting story surrounding Linda's great-grandfather, Harold Morley Weight, who was born out of wedlock. His mother never revealed the identity of his father, but she claimed that a photograph of Harold's father exists within our extensive collection. Through careful analysis and comparisons, we are 99% certain of their identities and their close proximity to each other. However, we face a dilemma in deciding whether to delve deeper into this family line and potentially reach out to relatives who may be aware of this connection.
Another intriguing piece of our genealogy puzzle is a journal written by a potential Weight ancestor who travelled across the United States in a wagon train and later played a role in establishing the original Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Utah. While we don't have concrete evidence of a direct ancestral connection, we are eager to explore this possibility, considering the shared UK origin of our Weights.
The Weights provide the most extensive and well-documented history in our possession. We know that we had three generations of watchmakers, dating back to around 1820. Their craftsmanship earned them a Royal Warrant as suppliers of clocks to Queen Victoria, and they installed numerous town and church clocks across the UK. We have even discovered interesting historical links, such as a premises with a blue plaque next to one of their shops, indicating the residence of the driver of Stephens Rocket, the first passenger train. However, we haven't proven a direct connection yet.
We proudly possess a long case clock crafted by H.Weight of Tetbury, along with various artifacts from their watch and clock making endeavors. Interestingly, we found a business card belonging to an individual named S. Weight, printed with son of Henry, despite Henry not having a son with that initial. It is possible that Henry's daughter, whose name started with an S, was involved in the business but wanted to appear male.
In addition to the Weight and Hatch family lines, there is an intriguing story surrounding my family, the Hopkins. My great uncle, Joseph Gordon Hopkins, played a significant role during World War II. He was seconded to the United States government and tasked with procuring food for the United Kingdom under the Lend-Lease agreement. I possess tangible evidence of his involvement, including his US Government ID badge. There is a family rumor that he introduced powdered egg to the UK, which became a vital staple during rationing. Although there is no definitive confirmation, I am compelled to investigate further and uncover any potential connections between Uncle Joseph's role and the introduction of powdered egg in the UK.
Our primary goal is to preserve and share our family history on the WikiTree platform. To tackle the overwhelming amount of data, we have devised a systematic approach. First, we will sort through handwritten histories, family bibles, and other documents to create a solid foundation for our family tree. This involves meticulously recording names, dates, and relevant details, which we have already begun on Ancestry.
Simultaneously, we will digitize the photographs, ensuring that each image is accompanied by relevant information such as names, relationships, and dates. This visual representation will help us connect faces to the stories we uncover.
We also understand the importance of corroborating oral history with documented evidence. To achieve this, we will cross-reference stories, theories, and memories passed down through generations with available records, including census data, certificates, and other official documents. By employing this rigorous approach, we aim to validate our family's narrative and separate fact from fiction.
As we delve deeper into the Weights, Hatch, Leach, and Hopkins family lines, we are open to collaboration and knowledge-sharing from fellow genealogy enthusiasts on WikiTree. We recognize the value of collective intelligence and the potential to connect with distant relatives who may possess missing puzzle pieces or unique insights into our shared ancestry.
Furthermore, we are eager to explore the "long-shot" theories that have captured our curiosity. This includes reaching out to individuals who may have information about their own linked family history, such as in the case of Cary Grant's visit. While the outcomes of such endeavors may be uncertain, we believe that the process of investigation itself can lead to unexpected discoveries and forge new connections.
In summary, our genealogical journey is fuelled by a passion for preserving our heritage and ensuring that the stories and accomplishments of our ancestors are not forgotten. By leveraging the resources available on WikiTree and collaborating with fellow genealogists, we aim to create a comprehensive and accurate representation of our family tree. Through this endeavor, we hope to inspire future generations to embrace their roots and continue exploring their own unique family narratives.
We welcome inquiries and are open to seeking guidance on how to best utilize the WikiTree system to record and preserve our family tree while finding a place for the wealth of additional information we have in our custody.
Barry & Linda Hopkins, Oxfordshire, UK.
