Had a DNA test

Had a DNA test and the result is Ethnicity Estimate Thousands of years ago
Europe 100%
Great Britain 37%
Ireland 29%
Europe West 24%
Scandinavia 8%
The more recent generations point to Scottish as the major grouping so my maternal side dominates with grandfather George Graham born in Leith in 1890. George GRAHAM (son of James William Graham and Eliza Neil was born 13 Nov 1890 in Edinburgh, and died 25 May 1953 in Topcliffe.
He married Emily LILLICO on 05 Aug 1916 in Primitive Methodist Chapel Millfield, daughter of William LILLICO and Mary Brown. Lillico is Scottish, derived from Linlithgow in the Lowlands. Perhaps there is Covenanter blood.
Emily LILLICO (daughter of William LILLICO and Mary Brown was born 1881 in Millfield, and died 1959 in Topcliffe.
William LILLICO son of William Lillico and Eleanor was born 1835 in Ford, Northumberland, England and died 1923.He married Mary Brown on 1850, daughter of John BROWN and Ellen.Mary Brown (b. 1836, d. 1920)Mary Brown born 1836 in Ford, Northumberland, England
John BROWN was born 1795 in Ford, and died Bef. 1871.He married Ellen on 1821  b. 1800, d. Bef. 1871)
William Lillico was born Abt. 1786 in Northumberland, and died Abt. 1850.He married Eleanor
James William Graham (b. 30 Apr 1863, d. 09 Nov 1929)son of George Graham and Isabella Burn) was born 30 Apr 1863 in Wooler, Northumberland, England, and died 09 Nov 1929 in Newcastle upon Tyne.He married Eliza Neil, daughter of James NEIL and Margaret.
Eliza Neil (daughter of James NEIL and Margaret) was born 1867 in Cavers, Roxburg, and died 1901 in Leith.James NEIL (son of M was born 1826 in Minto, Roxburghshire.He married Margaret.Margaret Neil was born 1788 in Berwickshire
George Graham (son of George Graham and Mary Graham)3 was born 1838 in Wooler, Northumberland, England and died Aft. 1901.He married Isabella Burn on Bef. 1861, daughter of James Burn and Isabella Burn. Isabella Burn (daughter of James Burn and Isabella Burn)315 was born 1823 in Wooler, Northumberland, England.She married Thomas Chisholm on Bef. 1840.She married (2) George Graham on Bef. 1861 James Burn was born 1773 in Northumberland, England and died Bef. 1851.He married Isabella Burn on Bef. 1823. born 1784 in Lowick.
George Graham (b. 1788, d. Bef. 1861) George Graham was born 1788 in Wooler, Northumberland, England,  Ensgn, Royal navy. and died Bef. 1861.He married (2) Mary Graham on Bef. 1838.Mary Graham was born 1807 in Berwick.

Grandfather to great, great,great gf.

George Graham born in Leith in 1890, died 25 May 1953 in Topcliffe.
James William Graham born 30 Apr 1863 in Wooler,died 09 Nov 1929 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
George Graham was born 1838 in Wooler,died Aft. 1901.H
George Graham born 1788 in Wooler, Northumberland,Ensgn, Royal navy. and died Bef 1861

John WEEKS died Abt. 1806 in Abson.He married Mary.
Robert WEEKS, b. 1788, Wick and Absom, d. 1864, Clifton.He married Jane S BOND born 1798 in Wick & Absom, and died Aft. 1871.
Robert WEEKS was born 1829 in Wick, Gloucestershire,and died 02 Jun 1895 in Newport, Monmouthshire.He married Sarah DREW on 04 Jul 1847 in St Pauls Bristol, daughter of Thomas DREW.Sarah DREW was born 06 Oct 1822 in Bristol376, and died Aft. 1881
Thomas DREW son of William DREW was born 21 Mar 1796, and died 29 Jan 1836 in Bristol.
William DREW was born 23 May 1730 in St Philips Jacob Bristol.He married Martha ARNOLD.
Robert WEEKS, b. 12 Mar 1848, Bristol, d. 12 Jan 1900, Newport, Monmouthshire..He married Sarah Ann LEWIS on 04 Jul 1868 in St. Woolos, Newport
Sarah Ann Sarah LEWIS (daughter of Edward LEWIS and Ann LEWIS)was born 1820 in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales and died Sep 1905 in Glamorgan, Gwent
Shadrach John WEEKS (son of Robert WEEKS and Sarah Ann LEWIS)was born 20 Jun 1879 in Newport, Monmouthshire, and died 12 Sep 1936 in Newport, Monmouthshire.He married Elizabeth PREECE on Sep 1903 in Newport, daughter of James PREECE and Sarah BROOKS.
Elizabeth PREECE (daughter of James PREECE and Sarah BROOKSwas born 27 Feb 1881 in Withington, Herefordshire, and died 23 Apr 1950 in Newport, Monmouthand died Bef. 1901.
James PREECE son of William PREECE was born 1847 in Sutton, Herefordshire,and died Bef. 1901.
William PREECE was born 1808 in Yarkhill, Hereford, and died Bef. 1891.He married Susan.
Frederick Harold WEEKS (son of Shadrach John WEEKS and Elizabeth PREECE) was born 27 Oct 1918 in Newport, Monmouthshire, and died 16 May 1994 in Thirsk.He married Mary Lillico GRAHAM on 20 Jan 1944 in Topcliffe, daughter of George GRAHAM and Emily LILLICO.


John WEEKS died Abt. 1806 in Abson.
Robert WEEKS, b. 1788, Wick and Absom, d. 1864
Robert WEEKS was born 1829 in Wick, Gloucestershire,and died 02 Jun 1895 in Newport
Robert WEEKS, b. 12 Mar 1848, Bristol, d. 12 Jan 1900, Newport, Monmouthshire.
Shadrach John WEEKS born 20 Jun 1879 in Newport died 12 Sep 1936 in Newport, Monmouthshire.
Frederick Harold WEEKS was born 27 Oct 1918 in Newport, Monmouthshire died 16 May 1994 in Thirsk


52,66,51,57,75 male line
7 males Weeks age at death av=63

52,66,51,57,75 male line
7 males Weeks age at death av=63

More to follow but where did the Irish part come from? N0-0ne I have found. Here is a family tree.

Census 2011

I have been filling in the form which is a testimony to our over intrusive government which has no sense of history. I had to answer 56 questions, the others in the household, 42 each. One hundred years ago my great grandfather had to answer 12 questions on behalf of each person resident on April 2nd 1911. In 1911 there was a head of the family. Now I am merely a householder. In 1911 the census asked five questions I do not have to answer. In 2011 the state is not bothered how many years I have been married, how many children we have had born alive, how many live and how many died. Nor is the state interested to know my place of birth. Come 2111 my great grandchildren will learn a lot about how we live now but any genealogical research will be hindered by the questions that were not asked in 2011 but were in 1911. This census is for the government and the employment of more civil servants. It is not in the real interest of future generations.

Is this an ancestor of mine in Bristol?

"WEEKS’S HOTEL AND Lamplighter’s Hall Inn and Tavern.

P. WEEKS, truly sensible of the gratitude he owes to a generous Public, begs leave to return them his thanks for the very flattering and increasing encouragement he has experienced since opening the above House. He continues to dress DINNERS for Parties on the most liberal Plan. TEAS, COFFEES, &c. as cheap as at any House in the United Kingdom.

Ladies and gentlemen going Passengers to any part of Ireland, or elsewhere, provided with Sea Stock of every description.

He wishes to inform Ladies and Gentlemen living in the Neighbourhood, that he has a constant Supply of fresh Fish, of every description, in the highest perfection.
PLEASURE BOATS of any Size, with comfortable Accommodations, provided to go to any Part of the Bristol Channel, at Six Hour’s Notice. …"


[Commentary: Philip Weeks was brother to John Weeks of the Bush Tavern in Corn St. (c.1773 to 1804). Philip Junior also ran Lamplighters in the 1820s. John Weeks was famous for his turtle dinners. The Reference Library has a copy of John Weeks' Scrapbook.]

Ancestors - christiansquoting.org.uk

A genealogist is one who chases his own tale.

Old genealogists never die. They just lose their census.

The gentleman will please remember that when his half-civilised ancestors were hunting the wild boar in Silesia, mine were princes of the earth.
Judah Philip Benjamin (1811-1884), said in reply to an anti-Semitic remark made by a senator of German origin:

Yes, I am a Jew, and when the ancestors of the right honourable gentleman were brutal savages in an unknown island, mine were priests in the temple of Solomon. --Disraeli (reply to a taunt by Daniel O'Connell

We cannot reform our forefathers. --George Eliot, Adam Bede, 1859

Ah, yes, but they will make fine ancestors.
Francis Forro (1914-1974) replied to a journalist's comment, that the Hungarian refugees arriving at Mascot aerodrome (Australia) looked scruffy:

Oh well, it's right that the members of these old families should stick together nowadays. After all, their ancestors in those days were probably chained together. -- Billy Hughes (1864-1952) speaking about a rival candidate standing for election in North Sydney, 1931

A nation is a society united by a delusion about it's ancestry and by a common hatred of it's neighbours.
William Ralph Inge (1860-1954) , In Saggitarius and George, 'The Perpetual Pessimist'

Every generation revolts against its fathers and makes friends with its grandfathers.
Lewis Mumford, The Brown Decades , 1931

The man who has nothing to boast of but his illustrious ancestry, is like the potato--the best part under ground. - Sir Thomas Overbury (1581 &endash; 1613)

John Weeks Publican

In 18th century Bristol a John Weeks was a famed host, coach proprietor and shipowner.

The first type of sign for a place of alcoholic refreshment was a bush outside the door, leading to the name of the Bush. There was a famous Bush Tavern in Corn Street The word Tavern derives from the Roman word for an inn 'taberna'. In 1775 it was presided over by Mr John Weeks and the directory of that year notes 'Birmingham diligence and a Bath coach go from this inn, post chaises to let'. He served turtles every day and advertised greatly in the newspaper. Later known as the Bush Hotel it was replaced by the South Wales and West of England Bank which was erected in 1858. www.bristolinformation.co.uk/pubs/home.asp

September 15th 1784Vincenzo Lunardi, secretary to the Neopolitan Ambassador in London, at last lifted off infront of a crowd of 100,000 or so impatient spectators at the grounds of HonourableArtillery Company to become England's first aerial traveller. Overnight the young Italianbecame a popular hero, with the ballooning craze in this country reaching its peak soonafter. Balloons were all the rage, with Lunardi's ascent being depicted on Bristol Delftbowls, and other items of crockery, while similar designs figured on glasses,handkerchiefs, fans, head dresses, and clock faces, as well as on copper tokens. Anumber of astute businessmen used the balloon's title to christen their commercialundertakings, and in Bristol John Weeks, the patriotic proprietor of the Bush Tavern in Corn Street, started a "Balloon Coach" to London, while others ran from the White Hart inBroad Street, and from Bath . -fishponds.org.uk/balloon.pdf

A Puritan ancestor?

So far I have not established a genealogical link but I am sure we are related spiritually

WEEKS, JOHN. Vicar of Buckland Newton, Dorset. 1662. Adm. 2 Oct. 1657: presented by Crown 25 July 1660. Successor inst. 8 Oct. 1662; (L. 998. 108: 46 R. 120: B.C. Bristol: Cal. 262, 415.)Nephew of S. Hardy (q.v.). At Shaftesbury in Feb. 1656-7, when surety for a composition of firstfruits. After ejection pastor of a congregation at Bristol. Discharged at Bristol Sessions after 6 months' imprisonment under Five Mile Act 22 Feb. 1668-9 (D.W.L. Turner MS. 13). 1669, preaching in 4 Wiltshire and 3 Somerset parishes. Licensed (P.), as of St. James Back, Bristol, 19 April 1672. Imprisoned by mayor of Bristol 15 Feb. 1674-5. Took out a writ of habeas corpus, 15 May 1675, that his case might be tried in London, but by the mayor's influence he was remanded back to Bristol, with an order that the sheriff should provide a better prison: released 2 Aug. 1675 (Broadmead Records, 222 ff.). His name occurs as presented 16 times in the bishop's court 1677-8 (Turner MS. 13). Sent to prison for 6 months, 31 May 1682, for preaching and refusing the Oxford Oath (ib.). The meeting-house removed from St. James Back to Tucker Street 1686: another meeting-house built in Lewin's Mead 1694 (ib.). 'Minister of a Congregation of fifteen hundred People, all of his own gathering.' Buried at St. Philip and St. Jacob 24 Nov. 1698, age 65. Funeral sermon by Joseph Kentish. Joseph Standen, who married his daughter, published a poem on his death (Bristol 1699: D.W.L.). Calamy went to Bristol, 1692, with possibility of becoming his assistant. 'I found Mr. Weeks a very frank, sincere, plain-hearted man, and as popular a preacher as most in England. He had an unwieldy body, broken with infirmities; but a mighty voice and a great spirit. He had a most affecting way of pleading for God with sinners, and of setting forth the odiousness of sin to make it detected. He had a wonderful interest in the affections of his people, to whom God had made him exceeding useful' Calamy Revised by AG Matthews page 517:(Life, i. 314).

Buckland Newton: Mr. John Weeks. He was afterwards for many Years, Minister of a flourishing Congregation in the City of Bristol. One of great Prudence; and as popular Preacher as most in England. He met with Hardships on the account of his Nonconformity, but pass'd through them with great Patience and Meekness. His Spirits were elevated by the Zeal of his Enemies. The Thoughts of his Persecutors would revive him, if he was dejected and dispirited before. As he was preaching in Froom-Woodlands, some informers came, who had vow'd to Pistol him: And he directed his Discourse to them with that Majesty and Boldness, that they rode away, without giving him any Disturbance. He was very submissive to the divine Will in sore Pains, And when reduc'd to great Straits. He never complain of GOD, but was abundant in blessing and admiring him: And would rejoyce that he could find his Heart inclin'd to love GOD, even when under manifold Afflictions at once. He was charitable beyond his Ability. He was a most fervent Expostulator with Sinners. With what Life and Warmth, would he utter those Words, I beseech you by the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST, hear a poor dying Worm, upon the Account of your inmorst Souls! He was a Minister in the Pulpit and out of it. A most affectionate sympathising Friend: and one that became all things to all Men. He discover'd a most divine Temper in his Sickness; and was most serene and satisfy'd, content and joyful in the approach of Death. He exchang'd this for a better Life, November 23. 1698, Aged 65. His Funeral Sermon was preach'd by Mr. Joseph Kentish (who assisted, and afterwards succeeded him) from 2 Kings 2. 12. And Mr. Joseph Standen (who marry'd his Daughter) publish'd a Funeral Poem, which gave his Character.- Calamy on the Great Ejection,1713 volume II, pages 262

Back to the Puritans

Thanks to Katy's cousin David who has researched her mother's family, I now have 931 people on the family tree, fourteen generations back to 164o. But the Puritan link I should really like to establish is to John Weeks, ejected for the Church of England in 1662 and Bristol's first Presbyterian minister.

The Family Tree

One of my three score birthday presents was genealogy software. It has taken me six months to put about 300 plus names from nine generations onto computer. Now at last I am connected for the next six moths, free of charge to an ancestry site so hope to learn more. No great shocks so far. We have been given neither wealth nor poverty, neither riches nor the workhouse. We have at least five generations of preachers and one bastard. The Weeks were blacksmiths from the Bristol area. My mother's family were from the borders in Northumberland, farm workers and domestic servants. See the tree at http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/w/e/e/Graham-J-Weeks/
I have been encouraged by contact with my wife's cousin who has done detailed research on their family in Cheshire and by finding a link to the family of the brother of my paternal great great grandmother in Bristol, though as of yet we have no means of contacting the living relatives. It has also been fun to find Days to whom Weeks are linked.

Searching for ancestors.

absdmw
Originally uploaded by maigemu.

David looks in vain for the grave of a Weeks at St James, Absom.

St James, Absom, near Bristol

absom
Originally uploaded by maigemu.

St James, Absom, near Bristol was the parish church attended by my great great great great grandfather John 200 years ago.

The Family Tree

The past month, second son David has been avidly seaching the web for Weeks, Grahams and related names.

A month ago I knew my paternal great great great great grandfather was Robert Weeks, blacksmith of Bristol. Now i know his father John was from the parish Abson and Wick in Somerset. We are back to the late 18th century but have one reference to the 1675 will of a Preacher Weeks and know there were weeks across the Atlantic from 1620.

So far, no-one is in the poor house or jail. But we now know that great grandmother Weeks was illegitimate. Her mother called herself Sarah, Susan or Susanah Lewis. We think she was in the employ of Lord Tradegar at one time and wonder if our forebear was conceived there.

The Grahams go back to great great great great grandfather George, aged 17 when he fought at Trafalgar.

Grandfather Graham was born in Leith so I thought i was half Scottish, but no, I am a 100% pure bred English mongrel as the whole of mother's side hail from Northumberland.

David has also looked at his mother's ancestry and the most interesting possible connection is with the Victorian banking house, Gurney and Overend, which was very big and went very bust.