Descendants of Keighley New Church members from almost two centuries ago have met up.
Robert Lawson, who lives in the USA, and Kathryn Brooks compared notes during the meeting at the Braithwaite Village church.
Their forefathers were both members in 1815.
Robert, who was visiting Keighley with his wife Shelia, was eager to know more about his great, great, great grandfather Thomas Lawson, a former Keighley foundryman who emigrated to America the year after the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the second War of Independence.
Kathryn, an historical authority on the church, was able to assist Robert with his search for information and pointed out the Lawson name in the 1800s baptismal register.
While here Robert also used resources at Keighley Reference Library and managed to locate the grave of Thomas’ mother, Elizabeth.
It is intended to preserve the New Church records by scanning pages from the books and Mr and Mrs Lawson made a donation to hire a suitable machine.
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