I love researching a new novel. I love letting the story swirl in my head as I chase clues, ideas, and whims across the country and into research heaven: libraries and museums, historical sites and societies, bookshops and academia. Wherever the road may lead is research heaven. My fiction is based on real historical women and to trace the path …
17th Century Baking Cookie, Cake or Biscuit?
When is a cake not a cake? In 17th century baking, it could be a cookie, cake or biscuit! In researching my family history I was surprised and pleased to find there is one record of my ancestor, Barnabas Horton, listing his profession as a baker. Surprised because he came from a long line of English landowners, was literate and also …
Oh, for an English Apple!
In 1999, my mother and I flew from Oregon to Long Island, a journey that would become a cherished memory for me. My younger brother had been researching our genealogy and found that a lighthouse had been named after our 8th great-grandfather, Barnabas Horton. Mom had told us stories about this grandfather, tales that were passed down for generations. Family …