Albert Barefoot.

[p.risboy]

Just been having another look in my box of bits and bobs.
I came across a wedding photo of my next door neighbours daughter, Olive Barefoot with my sister as bridesmaid, I think.

Any way, it brought back fond memories of her father Albert Barefoot. He was what you would call a 'character' of the town.

I can remember him disappearing toward the hillside woods early sunday morning, on several occasions and returning just after lunchtime.

I would be outside playing and see him coming home. As he got to his house he asked me if I wanted to see something, and being 6 or 7 years old who would say no.
He opened up his long overcoat and there hanging inside was quite an array of 'game'. 3 or 4 rabbits, a pheasant or two and a couple of other birds, which I know now to be partridges. And almost hidden from sight was his shot gun, which he slowly pulled out and showed me.

I have just looked on Ancestry and have found his WW1 army records, and it shows he was wounded in action at the end of 1917.

As a child, WW1 did not exist in my world, and so now I hold this 'old rogue' in a different light as a hero and a 'character' who crossed my path, and who has left me with fond memories.

Steve.

 

[JMR]

That's a lovely story Steve, it would be a nice one to record and put on Ancestry for his descendants to discover one day!

Cheers,
Jill

 

[p.risboy]

That's a lovely story Steve, it would be a nice one to record and put on Ancestry for his descendants to discover one day!

Cheers,
Jill

hi Jill,
I also found Alberts parents and siblings.

His eldest son was a similar character, and I remember on one occasion when in a neighbouring town, his son was a bit worse for wear(drink), and just wobbling along hurting no one and the police tried to arrest him for no real reason. He took exception to this and resisted arrest. It took six coppers to subdue him, but not before he gave them a few lumps and bumps which they deserved.
I am sure he was 'baited' for a reaction, as these policeman sprang from nowhere.
Early 60's, those were the days.

Steve.

 

[p.risboy]

Out of interest, I searched the Barefoot family. Within 5 minutes I have gone back nearly 300 yrs.

I wish it was that easy for my family.

Steve.

 

[JMR]

Isn't it wonderful when that happens? I always feel that there are some generous souls that want to be found and love that someone cares enough to search and those who are still hiding stuff beyond the grave, like my lot!!!

It's interesting the interaction with police, back then. I remember my Grandad telling me once that he felt really sorry for boys these days, because they were charged with crimes that were just considered harmless "larrikin" behaviour when he was a lad. He told me some stories of himself with other boys in the neighbourhood, who used to walk around the top of the 6ft brick walls that ran around the graveyards after dark. They took their catapults and when the Bobbies walked around on their beat they used to knock their helmets off their heads with them. If you got caught you got hiding, not dragged before the courts. Today it would be capsicum spray or in Australia, you'd could be shot!

Cheers,
Jill

 

[leefer]

Just been having another look in my box of bits and bobs.
I came across a wedding photo of my next door neighbours daughter, Olive Barefoot with my sister as bridesmaid, I think.

Any way, it brought back fond memories of her father Albert Barefoot. He was what you would call a 'character' of the town.

I can remember him disappearing toward the hillside woods early sunday morning, on several occasions and returning just after lunchtime.

I would be outside playing and see him coming home. As he got to his house he asked me if I wanted to see something, and being 6 or 7 years old who would say no.
He opened up his long overcoat and there hanging inside was quite an array of 'game'. 3 or 4 rabbits, a pheasant or two and a couple of other birds, which I know now to be partridges. And almost hidden from sight was his shot gun, which he slowly pulled out and showed me.

I have just looked on Ancestry and have found his WW1 army records, and it shows he was wounded in action at the end of 1917.

As a child, WW1 did not exist in my world, and so now I hold this 'old rogue' in a different light as a hero and a 'character' who crossed my path, and who has left me with fond memories.

Steve.

Barfoot in my family could be derived from Barefoot Steve...i like characters from the past and indeed like to hear old peoples storys period.
He sounds a character and two weeks ago i got a telling off for parking in a disabled area,by accident i hasten to add,anyway after a half hour discusion on life in general it turned out he was Polish and was a fighter pilot in WW2,came to England after the war and he showed me some photos he had in his wallet,was good fun and we ended up parting with a handshake and a smile.

 

[joyceawood17]

Hi All,

I really enjoyed reading all the stories it is like watching a short flick, in my mind.:biggrin: Joyce

 

[stevegraham85]

Isn't it wonderful when that happens? I always feel that there are some generous souls that want to be found and love that someone cares enough to search and those who are still hiding stuff beyond the grave, like my lot!!!

It's interesting the interaction with police, back then. I remember my Grandad telling me once that he felt really sorry for boys these days, because they were charged with crimes that were just considered harmless "larrikin" behaviour when he was a lad. He told me some stories of himself with other boys in the neighbourhood, who used to walk around the top of the 6ft brick walls that ran around the graveyards after dark. They took their catapults and when the Bobbies walked around on their beat they used to knock their helmets off their heads with them. If you got caught you got hiding, not dragged before the courts. Today it would be capsicum spray or in Australia, you'd could be shot!

Cheers,
Jill

I think they were still hanging people up to late 60s Jill,Australia was a fairly barbaric place until fairly recently.

Oz Steve

 

[davelambert271]

Hi Steve
I would love to see this so called box you keep fishing new things out of. It must be a great big trunk. can I have one please

dave

 

[stevegraham85]

Out of interest, I searched the Barefoot family. Within 5 minutes I have gone back nearly 300 yrs.

I wish it was that easy for my family.

Steve.

Ah rekken some of youse fambly was a bit "dodgy":biggrin: :biggrin:

ozxteve

 

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve
I would love to see this so called box you keep fishing new things out of. It must be a great big trunk. can I have one please

dave

Here you go Dave, have a peep.
Also, boxes are freely available at your local supermarket.:2fun:
Also thanks for reminding me Dave, had another rummage in the box, and found my Granny Rebecca's obit newspaper clipping.


View attachment 238


And here is Albert Barefoot. 2nd from the right, on the photo. And his wife Bertha, stood next to the bride(Olive their daughter).

Bertha was almost blind, but she could find her way around our house for a cuppa and a good old chat. Lovely Lady.:kissu:

View attachment 239

Cheers folks.

Steve.

 

[davelambert271]

Hi Steve
How fabulous, you must spend hours looking through it. I think they should have had a law that all parents must keep a box.
The only trinket I have is a watch fob and chain. The fob is an 1874 shilling with Father 16/12/1895 engraved on it. Obviously a 21st gift, but to who? So far I don't know

dave

 

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve
How fabulous, you must spend hours looking through it. I think they should have had a law that all parents must keep a box.
The only trinket I have is a watch fob and chain. The fob is an 1874 shilling with Father 16/12/1895 engraved on it. Obviously a 21st gift, but to who? So far I don't know

dave

Dave.......I've been through that box so many times, and everytime something else pops up.
I'm sure there's a spooky somewhere, putting stuff in when I'm not looking.

Also, as I get further into my tree, there is another piece from the box that makes sense.
And also......(sorry to go on).....found an Anc**try member who has Albert Barefoot(1901) in her tree. I do hope it's the same chap, as I've got a few pictures and stories of this chap to share wtih that member.


Cheers mate.

Steve.

 

[p.risboy]

I've just sent a message via Anc**ry, to another family in Australia, who haven't got Albert Barefoot in their tree, as he was born after the 1901 census, in May 1901.

They have quite a comprehensive family tree for all his forebears. Would be good if I could pass on the photo I have of him and his family, and a few stories as well.

Oh yes, by the way. I also have the PR's on disc for his birthplace of Lacey Green, Bucks.
Forgot I had the disc.redf) redf) redf)

So I can fill quite a few more blanks for these good people, if they let me.

Steve.

 

[p.risboy]

Recieved a big thankyou from Alberts rellies for pics and stories. Nice when we can help.

Steve.

 

[leefer]

Here you go Dave, have a peep.
Also, boxes are freely available at your local supermarket.:2fun:
Also thanks for reminding me Dave, had another rummage in the box, and found my Granny Rebecca's obit newspaper clipping.


View attachment 238


And here is Albert Barefoot. 2nd from the right, on the photo. And his wife Bertha, stood next to the bride(Olive their daughter).

Bertha was almost blind, but she could find her way around our house for a cuppa and a good old chat. Lovely Lady.:kissu:

View attachment 239

Cheers folks.

Steve.

Love it Steve.......your a lucky feller.