by: abennett
Cheryl Hudson is my spouse and I have been doing genealogy research on her family for about 5 years. Her father John and his father Bill Hudson both died young and the family knew little of their Irish origin.
Last month in May 2013, Seven of us went on a holiday/journey to the area of Magherafelt in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Back to where Bill Hudson was born.
We met family we never knew and saw things we never thought we would have the good fortune to see. Following are a few of the pictures and stories that made our trip so wonderful and provided us with such rich memories.
It is interesting meeting family for the first time. Not knowing what to say and what not to say. Not knowing likes and dislikes. Everyone took it slow and eased in. With what seemed like hundreds of introductions I am sure both sides thought they would never remember all of the names, but wouldn't change a thing!
Florence made us a true Irish Stew and we sat down to lunch.
Following lunch Herbie brought out an old photo album and answered many of my Hudson genealogy questions.
We were now about to head to the Hudson Farm. Farm land that had been in the family for generations. One of the key highlights of our trip
Hudson Farm
We never thought we would be here! When my research started we didn't know where the farm was and if it was still in the family. Now we were standing on the Hudson Farm!
Diane Grimes (a Hudson decendant) and her family now live where the original Home on the Hudson Farm was. All that remains from the original farm is one out building.
Watching the five Canadian Hudson's walking in the footsteps of their ancestors was moving to say the least. Time and time again you would hear one say that their heart was beating a little faster and arm hair was standing on end. Just being there brought them all closer to their past. You could feel it soaking into your veins as we walked through the pasture.
Here is a story that Glenda told me that just had to be retold ..........
Us 3 girls had a pony called Billy, who absolutely adored Big Ma (Gretta Hudson). Everyday (or almost) we would ride round the lane and stop at Big Ma’s for some goodies, a chat and for the pony, a slice of bread, and even if we where not for stopping Billy would have other ideas. Every so often the pony would break out of his padock and he would be found at Big Ma’s house. He would put is nose against the door handle open the door and pop his head in. On more than one occasion he would even have all four feet in the kitchen.
The day Big Ma was buried Billy was in his padock. When the coffin passed by, Billy ran over to the fence. Billy walked along side the coffin for as far as could with his head bowed. Without a shadow of a doubt Billy knew what was happening.
15 Days filled with seeing family history right in front of us. Meeting new family and making new friends and memories that will last a life time.
Genealogy made this possible.
If you even have the chance to turn genealogy research into family memories ...... DO IT!!
I can help. Contact me at alb.genealogy@rogers.com