The two main branches to this tree, The Taits (my father's family) and The 
Matthews (my mother's family) have their roots in two very different counties 
and both have interesting and colourful history. When I was a child, the two 
families did not 'get on' as is common in a lot of families.

My paternal grandfather's family are said to have originated from Dunbar in 
Scotland, but with most family stories passed down through the ages, fact has 
proven the story just that, a story. Not much is known about the Taits, and any 
information from any visitor would be most welcome.

My paternal grandmother's family are Kirsopp and Adams. The Kirsopps are a large and 
well established family from the Hexham area, but the connection to my great 
grandfather, James Kirsopp, to his relatives has not been accurately determined yet. 
Originally it was thought they were connected to the families from Great Whittington 
in Northumberland, but that proved to be inconclusive. (Again, any 
assitance/information would be greatly appreciated from visitors!) The Adams family 
(excuse the joke!) are growing daily on my tree and are deeply rooted in the 
Tyneside area. Research has proven that they had a pretty tough time just surviving.

My maternal grandfather's family is recorded in a very small way. If you follow 
the tree from William Henry Matthews and read the notes, you will see why!

My maternal grandmother's family is rather complicated at the beginning. Start 
with Gladys Curtis Milne, my grandmother, born in York. Her father was George 
Curtis and her mother was Lucy Milne, nee Scott. George and Lucy never married 
and Gladys was the only child from this 'partnership' even though it is said 
they were very happy together. Lucy had previously married Hugh Milne and in 
the same year of their daughter Eliza's birth, Hugh died leaving Lucy having to 
return to her father's home. Eliza is Gladys' older half sister, and she had a vry 
difficult life and desperate last few days in the workhouse. Through Eliza, 
the family is connected to the Judsons and Cliffords, which are very large 
families. These extended families all have strong roots in York, and living 
members of those families have been major contributors to this tree and become 
good friends of mine.

I am compiling this tree from information given by family and contacts, or 
found through official records.

I hope that my nephews and nieces will continue the building of this tree when 
I am gone, and pass the 'job' on to their descendants, as I have none of my 
own. I hope they too meet up with some of their distant 'cousins', and have as 
many happy hours with this tree as I have!

When viewing this tree, please check that the information stated is correct. If 
not, I would really appreciate your sending any and all amendments to me via 
the link on this site. This is a protected site and can only be accessed by 
invitation.

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