Writing the Book, Part Two

In my previous post  I explained the planned scope of my book and my intention to write it in Register style. Before I could start writing, I needed to compile and organize a great deal of information. Today’s post looks at the information that went into writing the book and how it was obtained. My… Continue reading Writing the Book, Part Two

Writing the Book, Part One

With this and subsequent posts, I plan to describe how I went about planning and writing The Descendants of Isaac Casbon in America (see "The Casbon Book" link at top menu). The stages in the book’s production were something like this: The decision to write; scope of the project; format Compiling the information Writing Editing… Continue reading Writing the Book, Part One

Back to the future—the book is finished!

My entire year has been devoted to writing a family history about the Casbon family—specifically the American branch of the family with English origins. I’m happy to say the book has gone to press and is now available by a private link to the Lulu.com website. Screenshot of the book’s product page on Lulu.com Since… Continue reading Back to the future—the book is finished!

Michael J. Casbon, 1965–2019

My universe was shaken earlier this week when I learned that Michael “Mike” Casbon had passed away suddenly and without warning on Sunday morning, 17 March. He was fifty-three years young, and lived in Hebron, Porter County, Indiana. I’ve been corresponding with Mike’s father, Ron for a number of years because of our common interest… Continue reading Michael J. Casbon, 1965–2019

A Practical Guide for Emigrants

What was it like to emigrate from England to North America in the mid-1800s? How would you travel? What kind of supplies would you need? How would you go about planning for such a trip and where would you go for answers to these questions? These are questions that Thomas Casbon faced when he decided… Continue reading A Practical Guide for Emigrants

More Servants!

My last two posts profiled two individuals who entered into domestic service as a ladies-maid and footman, respectively. Before I leave the topic altogether, I want to pay tribute to many other Casbon family members who worked as domestic servants. I’ve combed through my files to find those Casbon relatives who were listed as servants… Continue reading More Servants!

“Situations Required”

The title for today’s post comes from the July 22, 1887 London Morning Post.[1] 1887 We see that “E Casbon” is seeking a position as a “Maid to One or Two Ladies.” She is twenty-five years old, has experience as a dressmaker, belongs to the Church of England, and has “good references.” She is living… Continue reading “Situations Required”

Musings on John

This is a follow-on to an earlier post titled “Stuck on John,”  in which I described how my research into the origins of the Meldreth branch of the Casbon family hit a “brick wall.” I had been able to trace the ancestry to a John Casborn who married Anne Chamberlain in 1742.[1] The problem was… Continue reading Musings on John