Inside the Life of May: Ongoing Research and Revelations

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.

Childhood

May was born in Reigate, Surrey which was a market town in the south of England with about 6,000-7,000 people at the time. It was known for being an affluent town with lots of housing, shops, and public buildings. Soon she was joined by her brothers Ernest Preston in 1874, John “Jack” Howard in 1875, and William Cecil in 1876. By 1878, when her brother Harold Purton was born, the family had moved to Newborough, Straffordshire, which was a small, rural village with a population of 400-500 people and focused on agriculture. Her father was a vicar, and later a priest, which is likely why they moved around a lot. In each place they lived, the family stayed in a residence provided by the church and employed at least a cook, a maid, and a parlourmaid.

In 1881, May lived at “Wenlock Road Corner House” in Shrewsbury Holy Cross, Shropshire, England, which was a parish known for middle-class professionals and working-class families with a population of about 25,000 people at the time. May lived with her mother, Edith (32), her father John (39), her brothers Ernest Preston (7), John “Jack” (6), William Cecil(5), Harold Purton (3), and their father’s sister, Aunt Leila Laura Wright (28). In addition to her family, their servants, Augusta Lavatt (30), Eliza Ann Summers (21), and Lizzie E. Campbell (18) lived in the house. The three oldest children were enrolled in school, and their father worked at Findern Vicarage. In 1883, when May was 10, her sister Edith Dorothy Philippa Wright was born, and the family was complete.

By the 1890’s there were many changes in the family. First and foremost, their brother Ernest Preston had died at the age of 15. More to come on his story. The family no longer lived together, as the 1891 census shows that the parents and daughters had moved 35 kilometers away to the small village of Oldbury, Shropshire, England to live with their Aunt Hesta.

Meanwhile, Harold moved to the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex to live with his paternal grandparents. The town in East Sussex, was a popular health resort in the 19th Century. Harold was a day’s travel away from his parents and sisters as a boarder with his grandparents. Brother’s John and William, whom preferred to be called Jack and Cecil, lived with their other grandmother and Aunts Leila and Annie close by.

The Call of the New World

Something was stirring. Letters were sent. Plans were made. May wouldn’t remain in England for long. She had crossed the sea before, but now she was bound for Canada. A journey that would shape her life. What lay ahead was known in a few years, she would return. But nothing would be quite the same.

We’ll pick up the thread soon, as May steps aboard the ship that will carry her into the unknown.