Born in a log cabin: Mary Cairns

Above: Log cabin at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London, Ontario. I took this photo during a visit several years ago. I’ve always loved visiting pioneer villages, but I’ve never really longed for the rustic life for myself. Sure, a hermit’s hut in the peaceful woods may sound pleasant at first, especially during a pandemic, but the …

A complicated childhood: Margaret Killoran

Above: Margaret as a baby Above: the Margaret I remember My grandmother Margaret had a sweet and sunny character. I recall her smiling and laughing and nodding as she listened to her family speaking. Sometimes she would tell us a few of her tales as well. When we went to her house, she and her …

Border-hopping with the Spencers

Although I’ve known for many years about my Irish and English ancestors, until recently I hadn’t heard much about my American roots. USA to Canada Above: Part of Solomon's military record. Solomon Liscomb and Elizabeth Jane (nee Hogaboam) Liscomb were born in the United States. They were my 4th-great-grandparents, related to me through my grandmother …