My parents have jokingly argued about whose ancestor this was for years as the photo got mixed in with both of their photo collections and neither could remember whose it was. My Mum gave me the photo yesterday and I have been able to identify it! This is Eleanor Wigley nee Greenway, my Mum’s paternal 2x great grandmother.
Eleanor Wigley nee Greenway b 1831, d 1917
Nothing was written on the back of the photograph however the cardboard frame of the photo lists John Lay & Son, Eaglehawk, as the photographer. I found out that John only operated the business under the name John Lay & Son between 1904 and 1906 so this narrowed down the possibilities of who it could be greatly. I thought the woman appeared to be in her 80s in the photo. In my family tree database I searched for everyone who had lived in and around Bendigo and narrowed it down to all the ladies and those born over 100 years ago. Eleanor was the only one who fit the time frames. She was between 73 and 75 in the above photo.
On checking a family photo we received, relatively recently, of the Wigleys I found that it is indeed Eleanor.
Charles and Eleanor Wigley seated in the centre with some of their children and grandchildren.
Dancing with you Kylie
I’ve been cheering all day!!
Great detective work Kylie!
Thanks Kirrily! 🙂
Great work.
Thanks Fran
What a pity these more formal extended family group photos have gone out of fashion. I can’t imagine being able to get everyone together in the same place. It’s a beautiful photo.
Yes it is a shame, thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Kylie 🙂
i was looking for info on Eleanor and I stumbled upon this. I think its super cool how your researching your family tree. Eleanor is my 4th great-grandmother!
Hi Cousin!!
Eleanor is my 3x great grandmother. I am descended from Richard Henry Wigley, Eleanor and Charles’ second son. Who do you descend from?
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! If you need any more info on the Wigleys let me know. Kind regards, Kylie