In the Salt Library at 9:30 am till 2:30 pm.
In afternoon Mr Cyril and Ede, Mr Banks and self went for a week to Stafford Castle. A snowstorm passed over whilst we were in the Castle. Mr Banks stayed with us until 11:30 pm. I tell Western tales relating my adventures.
Friday 26 March 1915
Staying in with Cyril and Ede in their new home.
I go to the Carnegie Library and get very useful information in the morning. At 2:30 pm go into the town of Stafford with Ede. We are shown through the William Salt Library. I stay and study. Ede goes home. Ede sees the printed Pedigree of the Draycots.
*William Salt was a British banker who collected books, pamphlets, manuscripts, drawings and other materials suited for libraries and archives. Upon his death in 1863 the materials were donated to the city of Stafford. The William Salt Library was opened in 1872 to house the material he collected. The Library still operates today and is an important repository of local history in Stafford.
Thursday 25 March 1915 – fair
Colonel Farquhar killed (Princess Pats Colonel)
Had breakfast at the Copeland Arms and then to library.
At 1 pm H.E. Rhodes called and took me to Jones pottery plant. I am shown over the whole works. From the common clay to the best China.
It took till 3 pm to cover the works
From here we went to the fancy tile works of Barratt’s, was shown over by a Brother of Rhodes, Rhodes gave me some China. I leave Stoke at 5:12 pm for Stafford.
* Lt. Col. Francis Farquhar – The first commanding officer of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, who held the position until his death. Farquhar asked permission of Canada’s Governor-General, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, to name the regiment after the Duke’s daughter, Princess Patricia. Farquhar suffered wounds on March 20th at St. Eloi and died shortly after. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
Wednesday 24 March 1915 – fine
Up at 7:30 am and to visit Mr Henry Draycot of 60 Portsmouth Road.
Had breakfast with the family. Took train for Stoke on Trent
Stopped off at Longton and met a Draycott Arthur a Pawnbroker a descendant of Frances Draycot of Fenton. On to Stoke on Trent what a dirty hole. I put up at the Copeland Arms, Glebe Street. To the library and peruse books, I put up at the Copeland Arms.
Tuesday 23 March 1915 – fine
To Library at Derby
hunting up ped[igree] and history etc
The Russians take Pryzemysl.
To town with Tom and wife and Alice and had a fun time.
Singing songs etc, at Mr and Mrs Godsmark
*The Siege of Przemyśl- Przemyśl was a fortress town on the San River held by Austro-Hungarian troops. The Russians began attacking the stronghold on September 24th 1914 and at first accomplished very little while suffering heavy losses. The Russians however relentlessly held the siege and eventually acquired proper artillery to attack the forts. Though the Austro-Hungarians were able to hold out for 133 days they were eventually forced to surrender. This was the longest siege of the First World War
Monday 22 March 1915 – fine
Left Sileby for Derby at 10:55am and arrive at 12 noon.
Went to my uncle Tom MacKay
Met Agnes (my aunt)
To Reference Library at 3 pm and stayed till 6 pm.
Sunday 21 March 1915 – fair, sunny
Up at 8:30 am.
To P M Chapel with the family
Mr Francis of Sileby (a schoolmaster) preached.
Saturday 20 March 1915 – fine
Had interesting chat with Emily and Lily.
Left Seagrave at 11:10 and caught 11:42 for Leicester.
To library at Leicester from 12:30 till 6:45.
To market and saw Harry Draycot: Had tea together. For Seagrave at 9:20, arrive at 10:15pm.
Letter from Paymaster, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry arrives and £5 enclosed
Friday 19 March 1915
At 11 am I go to interview Mr Rev Gilbert at the Registry. Seagrave and look thro’ the Registers
At 4 pm to John Draycot’s and consult him regarding Draycot
Thursday 18 March 1915 – snow
Slept at Mr and Mrs Fox’s House last night.
To Mayes for breakfast and left Kettering at 9:15 for Leicester.
Arrive at Syston at 11 am and go to Matthew Pearson’s. Stay for dinner and get some information regarding Draycot family.
On to Sileby and Seagrave in a snowstorm
Arrive at Seagrave at 4:30 pm. Maud at home. To bed at 12 midnight
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