Hi All,
I've just joined this message board in attempt to find some connections of
whom I unfortunately have very little information on. I am trying to chase
down the family of one of my great grandfather's older sisters, Doris
THOMAS. Her family was from Wales (Brynmawr and surrounding area) but
immigrated to the U.S. between 1910 and 1930 (I'm not sure exact date as
there seemed to be a few trips back and forth). My great grandmother
believes (but isn't 100% sure) that Doris moved back to Wales at some point
and married an Edgar CHALLENGER whom was also from Wales, and that they
again settled in Brynmawr. She does not know if they met in the U.S. or if
Doris already knew him from home when she came here or even if they were
married in the U.S. or somewhere else which is why I am having so much
trouble. If the couple met in the U.S., it is likely that they would have
met around Nanticoke, Luzerne County, Pa as that is where the THOMAS family
settled before branching out, with my branch heading for southern
California.
Doris is daughter of John Elias THOMAS and Elizabeth Jane WATKINS. John was
a coal miner in Wales and continued this occupation in the U.S. An
interesting story that relatives may have been told about this THOMAS family
is that my great grandfather (Doris' brother Thomas John THOMAS) and his
mother (Elizabeth Jane) travelled on the last successful voyage of the RMS
Lusitania. My grandmother was told that all the people on the ship were
terrified on the journey from Liverpool to New York because they were aware
of the German submarine that followed them to New York. They all arrived
safely, but on the ship's return voyage it was sunk with a number of
civilians killed. This action is what turned the then neutral U.S. against
Germany during the First World War
My great grandmother is so keen to find these relations (and hopefully
living relatives) because she's taking a trip to Wales in August of this
year and would love to meet her late husband's living relatives. I know
this isn't much to go by, but if anyone on this list has any information you
think might help me, I would be very appreciative (and so would my great
grandmother). In return, I am more than happy to share any and all
information I have that may be of use to anyone else.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and I would love to hear
back from any possible long lost relatives.
Kindest Regards,
Jenny