RECTOR, VICAR, CURATE…OH MY!

Over the past several months, I’ve shared the stories of William Browne (1534-1613), Joseph Browne (1561-1633), and William Browne (1585-1650) who were members of the clergy during the Protestant Reformation. Trying to make sense of the Reformation’s impact on the church and to understand the various levels of clergy, however, nearly drove me batty.  

William Browne (1585-1650) – Curate, Schoolmaster & Merchant

Before my 10^th great grandfather William Browne was even born his future was seemingly laid out before him. Browne men, after all, were educated at Cambridge and spent their lives serving as the rector or vicar of a parish church. 

Joseph Browne (1561-1633) – The Rector of Rusper

Joseph Browne was the eldest son of William Browne and his wife Magdalene, whose story I recounted last month. Like his father before him, he was educated at Cambridge University and became a member of the clergy.

William Browne (1534-1613) - The Rector of Horley

In my previous post I told the story of Phebe Browne, my 9^th great grandmother, her journey to and life in America. Now it’s time for me to tell the story of her forefathers and the religious turmoil that impacted their lives.

Names Behind the Numbers - Nielsen & Westlund

My paternal grandparents, my Dad’s parents, were immigrants to America. My paternal grandfather, George Martin (née Jørgen Martinus) Nielsen, emigrated from Denmark in 1890.  My paternal grandmother, Ida Maria Westlund, emigrated from Sweden in 1900. Besides the obvious language barrier, tracing the names of my ancestor’s in these countries presents unique challenges not faced when tracing my Creger & Blayden families.

Phebe Browne (1620-1664) - The Immigrant

It was surprising for me to see how many historians and genealogists have written about my 9th great grandmother, Phebe Browne. A Google search for her name returns nearly 50,000 results—a staggering number for a woman who lived in the 1600s. 

Names Behind The Numbers - Creger & Blayden

My childhood was filled with my Mom’s family: her parents, her siblings and their children, her aunts and uncles, her 1st and 2nd cousins. They came to our home for visits and we went to visit them. We saw each other at holiday gatherings and family reunion picnics. They sent Christmas cards with newsy letters. Their names are familiar. These are my people.

Louis J. Houlette (1764-1841) - The Immigrant: Finding Louis

Numerous descendants, myself and my parents included, have spent countless hours trying to find records in France for Louis J. Houlette, my 4X great grandfather. Despite our efforts, we all came up empty handed. Will recent discoveries finally break down this brick wall?

How many ancestors do we have?

Constructing your family tree is simple enough. You simply put your name in the box at the bottom and then enter each preceding generation—parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. great-great-grandparents, etc.—into the preceding boxes creating an ever expanding upside down pyramid.