Welcome

Every family has a story, but not every story gets told. Welcome to Jenny’s Scrapbook of Family History Stories, where I uncover and share fascinating stories about my ancestors through the generations.

From brave soldiers who fought in forgotten wars to pioneering great-grandmothers who crossed oceans in search of a better life, I explore the lives that have shaped our family. Using letters, historical records, and family interviews, I piece together the triumphs, challenges, and mysteries of those who came before us.

My research focuses on my husband's MacKay, Thomas, Mansell, and Sutherland families, as well as my own paternal Cripps, Delisser, Lymburner, Jeffs, Campbell, and Green(e) families, and my maternal Herbert, Caddy, and Carson surnames.

You’ll discover stories of everyday people with extraordinary experiences - like my 2x great-grandfather, who was transported “beyond the seas” and another who was shipwrecked in the remote north of Western Australian.

While some narratives are moving, many are filled with happiness, strength and even humour.

Join me on this journey of personal discovery, where history comes alive through family anecdotes. Whether you’re a fellow genealogy enthusiast or simply love a good story, there’s something here for everyone.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or learn about your own family history discoveries. Why not subscribe to my newsletter and let’s explore the past together?

A Little about Me and My Genealogy Journey

My genealogy journey began in the 1980s when my Uncle Ray Herbert nudged me into exploring dusty archives. Back then, research meant physically visiting various archives, libraries, and family history societies. Since then, I've been tirelessly piecing together our family tree.

In the early 1990s, I had the honour of serving as President of the Geraldton Family History Society. One of our significant achievements was publishing the "Midwest of Western Australia Pre-1901 Pioneer Family Register." In 1994, I organised a Cripps reunion at my parents' farm in Mumby, near Northampton, WA, celebrating the centenary of the Mumby Merino Stud. To commemorate this, I penned "Beyond The Horizon: Centenary of Mumby Farm 1894-1994," honouring my great-grandfather, Charles Thomas Cripps, and recounting our family's journey.

Volunteering at the Chapman Valley Heritage Centre, I researched fallen soldiers from the Upper Chapman region for the 100-year anniversary tribute to WWI. This experience greatly enhanced my research skills.

Uncovering Convict Ancestry

Discovering my husband's convict ancestry in Western Australia led me to an online course at the University of Tasmania on convict research. To my surprise, I found not one but two of my own convict ancestors. Their remarkable stories inspired me to write and self-publish "In Search of Orphan Annie," all while we were locked down during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Our Scottish Ancestry

By 2023, I was ready for another family history project. This time, commemorating the 100th anniversary of my husband's father, Donald Mackay, and his uncle Jock's arrival from Scotland to Western Australia in April 2024. My latest project, "From Highland Roots to a Land of Opportunity," celebrates their journey and the opportunities they found.

Why subscribe?

Join me as I uncover the stories that make us who we are. Dive into the past, explore our family roots, and perhaps, find a piece of your own history along the way. You will receive an email each time I add a new story to my Substack by clicking the subscribe button below.

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