House of Alexander

—– Original Message —–
    From: Norma Solomon
    To: Sarah Culton
    Sent: January 27, 2010 6:15 PM
    Subject: Alexander Family History
    Dear Sarah,

    I received your AMAZING book yesterday and I just can’t put it down. I knew all about the history and genealogy of our family in Australia but I always had this very strong desire to go further to find out what kind of people our earlier ancestors were.  Our great, great grandfather, Andrew, came to Australia in 1835, a member of the 50th Queen’s Own Regiment and he had his wife and four children with him.  Our great grandmother, Mary, was born on the “Lady Nugent” during the voyage. When the regiment received orders to move on to India he bought his way out to stay in the colony.  He founded the Loyal Orange Institution in Australia, was a founding member of the Total Abstinence Society and a staunch member of the Free Presbyterian Church.  Our family has always been active members of our church and our grandson, at sixteen, has just started teaching a Sunday School class.
    I had this feeling that there was a great story there to be told but I didn’t know where to begin.  Andrew’s death certificate stated that he was born in the Parish of Glendermott, his father’s name was Jacob and mother Frances –.  He was born on the 12th July, 1799.  There was a history about him in a book published by the Lodge which said ‘that he was born to be an Orangeman’.  That is the date of the Battle of the Boyne” when William of Orange defeated James II. It turned out that his ancestor, Capt. Andrew Alexander, was at the seige of Derry and a captain in King William’s army.
    I prayed for help and God didn’t let me down — it has been an amazing journey - and He has been with me every inch of the way.  The leads that have just materialised and the wonderful help I was given so freely, as you yourself experienced, has just amazed me.
    I have so much material and so many stories to tell and now I am trying to bring it all together….  And now I have your wonderful book to put me off further.  I really can appreciate the WORK you have done and theTENACITY you needed to do it.  I tell my grandchildren that enthusiasm is a wonderful Godgiven gift and I am sure they both have it.  Jessica is 14 and she and Andrew both know their Bibles inside out, as well as being brilliant at school.  They, and their mother and father will both love the book. 
    Thank you so much, Sarah, for all you have done.
    Kindest regards,
    Norma.