7 Comments

A very interesting point to ponder - how did our ancestors pave the way for us. I think we rarely consider it. My grandparents were working class, my grandmother a nurse and my grandfather a policeman (in the UK). My father was clever and university was free in those days, but his parents supported him otherwise through his education, and he became a doctor. It was a big social and financial leap, and his parents made it possible.

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That's really cool, Jack. I wonder what made him move?

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Thanks Dad! Well, right around the same time (late summer 1904), his son-in-law, the head of the house, passed away in his early 50s. Andrew, his wife, widowed daughter, and eight grandchildren moved to another part of town, across the street from his son-in-law's brother. So, it sure seems like they moved to be closer to family amidst a tragic time, losing the primary money-making family member prematurely.

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Congratulations on your graduation from Duke, Jack. As you so rightly noted, your ancestors paved the way to your current success.

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Thanks, Nancy! :)

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A very clear eyed and insightful post. I too have felt deep appreciation for many brave and hard working people in my family history, especially those who did not know how to read and write but wanted education and opportunities for their children.

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Thank you! Gosh, it sure is remarkable to think about.

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