Today marks 45 years since the death of my grandfather John Melody Dever, aka Jack. I was 4 years old when he passed, which means I have had to gather most of the knowledge about his life from records and peoples remembrances. John was born in 1897 in Montreal the son of Irish immigrant parents,…
In one month, it will be time to commemorate the centenary of Armistice of World War I. One century ago thousands of damaged soldiers were returning home, marking the resolution of the war to end all wars. Worldwide there were soldiers embarking on the journey home. Some hadn’t met their children or hadn’t laid eyes…
I think newspapers may be my favorite item to research in my family tree. I love that is real time, I love that it can tell a bit of a story (especially when those are few and far between in my family), I love the detail given in some of the older newspapers but I…
Day 10 of the 11-day Military Challenge Today I am remembering my grandfather who was a signaller during WWI. Here is a faded picture of him with fellow soldiers Clary Cohen and ___McCoy at Camp Petawa before heading to Europe. #mymilitaryancestor
Day 6 of the 11-day Military Challenge My grandfather John M. Dever was a Signaller during WWI and he came home to Montreal with a few souvenirs from his time in overseas. Drawing – I have often wondered about the artist and the subject but I have not had any success finding information about either.…
Today is the day of my grandmother Beatrice Mary Victoria Jordan’s birth in Quebec City. In wanting to mark the day I also realized it is also the 60th anniversary (one day late) of her becoming the International President of the Rebekahs at their Annual Session in Miami, Florida. Beatrice had worked hard in the…
My Diver / Dever family had a harrowing journey on the Doctor Kane from Londonderry, Ireland to Quebec in 1862. The ship they were sailing on set out in April of 1862 and struck ice leaving them stuck for an hour. This event was long before the Titanic but I am sure the passengers would…
Here is a great picture of a men’s social gathering on the Normandie Roof in Montreal. A Google search tells me that the Normadie Roof was located in the Royal Hotel in Montreal. My grandfather John Melody Dever is a part of this group of men. Grandpa appears to be in his late thirties so…
I am in possession of my grandmother Beatrice (Jordan) Dever’s papers that consist of numerous items from her involvement with the Rebekah Assembly in Quebec, the female branch of the I.O.O.F. Her passion for this organization led her to numerous positions throughout her lifetime and I know she was especially proud to serve as the International…
I don’t have Jay’s in my family tree but in case anyone is out there searching for them I found an old newspaper clipping in my grandmother Beatrice Jordan’s papers. The newspaper mentions Mrs. Jay of Cadieux street, Montreal, her son’s names were George Arthur, John and William. The connection to my family is likely George Arthur…
My Genealogy Life 