RootsChat.Com

Hi Jane

Here is a photo of my grandfather John Allen Hall and his son - my father John Allen Hall. The Hall line still continues with my brother also John Allen Hall and his two young sons Sam and Tom. 

I was in the UK in July this year before I had tried to research the Hall line. I spent time in Devon and Cornwall trying to find information on my grandmothers side. Such a shame I didn’t know about my roots in Braunston. I have discovered that there were three generations so far of Halls that were boat people. Thank you so much for your very kind offer to show me around Braunston. It would be amazing to go to the narrow boat show and meet people who’s ancestors might of known my family. I would love to look around the cemetery across from All Saints church to see if any of my family are buried there. I’ll just have to save up and come back. The offer is extended to you here Jane if you ever come to Perth I would love to show you around.
Now I understand why my father hated the gypsies and he really did with a vengeance. I used to have lots of heated discussions with him when I was an idealistic teenager.
Thank you for the other photo of Alice gosh there is an amazing likeness. I will send you some pictures of my Halls and you will see. I will Google the 1920 boatman strike. Thank you also for that.
Thank you Jane

Dear Jane
Thank you so much for the information and especially the wonderful photo. There is a huge likeness between Alice and my father and my fathers sister Marjorie.  They had such dark hair.  Had no idea we were related to boat people. My father and grandfather never spoke of their family. Although I remember being told that my grandfathers little brother drowned by getting caught in a snag in the river. We also used to go for Sunday afternoon  walks along the canals when I was a child.  I remember my mother teasing my father by saying you all come from gypsies which infuriated him. Thank you so much for your help