Poor Marion! I can just see her family holding it over her head - "See what happens when you marry against your father's wishes? You made your bed - now lie in it."
What happened to Marion's brother William who inherited their father's property? How did Marion end up with the property?
That is the mystery. When my father was growing up he had fancy second or third cousins, “the Gordons,” who were clearly the descendants of William. They were quite well off (John Gordon’s descendants from that second family were socialites and buried in the nicest part of Montreal’s Protestant cemetery). So I imagine there were other assets that side inherited— better than the real estate in Griffintown that they passed on to Marion’s daughter.
A great telling of a few generations of family! I love the details in your story: the darkness of the sky, the image of the skyline, the flooded streets. These details add a lot depth especially when combined with the genealogical elements. It makes a rich story.
I loved finding Marion and very moved by her story. Everyone has an ancestor they wished they could travel back in time to meet, and I think Marion is mine. The people behind this family legend were before living memory. But my grandfather, father, and brother all have Gordon as their middle names! I had no idea why this was a family name until I found Marion.
Wonderfully detailed social history! You squeeze so much personality from every bit of it.
Poor Marion! I can just see her family holding it over her head - "See what happens when you marry against your father's wishes? You made your bed - now lie in it."
What happened to Marion's brother William who inherited their father's property? How did Marion end up with the property?
That is the mystery. When my father was growing up he had fancy second or third cousins, “the Gordons,” who were clearly the descendants of William. They were quite well off (John Gordon’s descendants from that second family were socialites and buried in the nicest part of Montreal’s Protestant cemetery). So I imagine there were other assets that side inherited— better than the real estate in Griffintown that they passed on to Marion’s daughter.
Your opening paragraph is brilliantly crafted. The only thing I don't like about it is that I did not write it myself.
Richly detailed. Imagery creates a movie-like feel. Tantalizing to speculate on the family dynamics. Is there a book in this one?
I wish I knew more. I am still digging around the Gordons trying to learn more about her siblings.
A great telling of a few generations of family! I love the details in your story: the darkness of the sky, the image of the skyline, the flooded streets. These details add a lot depth especially when combined with the genealogical elements. It makes a rich story.
I loved finding Marion and very moved by her story. Everyone has an ancestor they wished they could travel back in time to meet, and I think Marion is mine. The people behind this family legend were before living memory. But my grandfather, father, and brother all have Gordon as their middle names! I had no idea why this was a family name until I found Marion.