We’re always hearing about DNA, especially in connection with police forensics, but what is it exactly, how does it work and how can DNA techniques be applied to genealogy?
Patron Saint of Family Historians
Patron saints are heavenly advocates for nations or places, occupations and professions or people. Perhaps the most well known is St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers.
I think that it is time for family historians to have a patron saint who they can call upon in times of stress and bewilderment. But who should it be? Who would favour our particular interest?
Sidney in World War 1
Sidney was a private in the 1st Royal Marine Light Infantry. The RMLI were the naval gunners and infantry soldiers of the Royal Naval Division. And the RND was regarded as an elite unite, tasked with ‘the hardest nuts to crack’ on the battlefield.
Sidney found himself in one of the worst battles of World War I.
Sidney Herbert Martin
Married at St Luke’s church in 1907, Sidney had two children with his wife Rose Beatrice, Sadly, less than two years later, Rose died of infection following childbirth and Sidney was left with a baby and an eighteen month old to care for.
The Two Georges
When his parents moved to Minehead, George went with them. He became a policeman in Gloucestershire’s Constabulary but suffered ill health and died young, leaving a son less than 18 months old.
From sad beginnings, George Cowley Martin built a stable life for himself, his wife and twelve children in Gloucester.
From Minehead to Gloucester and a position of trust
The Martin family were a family of mariners. Peter Martin was also a customs officer, reliant on shipping coming into harbour.
But Minehead was a port of fluctuating fortunes and when the port was going downhill, Peter had a decision to make.