Leathmac Genealogy

History of the Leathem Family

According to the records held in the family bible, the Leathem Family began with the marriage of Joseph Leathem to Esther Watson somewhere around 1800.

I was always told by my father, that other Leathems in Christchurch were no relations to us. A few years ago, I spoke to Carol Leatham (note spelling as it is correct). She is a descendant of the "other mob". From memory, she had been told much the same. However, she is a superb genealogy investigator and she has no doubt the the families are related.

I was unaware for instance, that Christopher Leathem was a member of our family..

A few years ago, I met Mervyn Leathem - from the other family. He had also been told that other Leathems in Christchurch were no relations. He, like me, always felt that there was a connection.

I include here a document, the descendants of Joseph (and Esther Watson) Leathem. In includes some of Carols information. Particulars of Christopher Leathem. Read later how he died - being struck by lightning.

I am Lawrence Lancelot Leathem - Born 20 02 1939 - Good vintage that year.

Read later about the death of Lawrence Lionel Leathem - aged about 18 months who died around 1860. A family story - myth about being kidnapped by the gypsies. Recorded fact - drowned in the avon river about 1860. This is coming.

The document I include here - Descendants of Joseph and Esther was assembled by me over the last quite a few years. I am not a fast worker and I have not got very far. Hopefully, someone will pick up from here. Scans from the family bible are included here. They are a bit hard to read but you should be able to see what you want.

This document will answer a lot of questions for most members of the family. It is not complete and my have inaccuracies. If any, they can be sorted out later.

Click here to see everything as a data base. N.B THE DATA BASE HAS HAD A MAJOR UPGRADE IN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND A LOT OF ERRORS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. Here is the Gedcom file to import into your own Genealogy Program to Creat your own data base.

There is a lot of work to be done. Records of the Burgess and Hampton family's need to be recorded here. Carol has done some or all of these but I have not go on to that yet.

It is possible, that Hamptons Road, in the rural area of Christchurch, 10 minutes drive from my home (south) is named after that family,

There are a few other links below, but start at the one above first..

These scans are from the family bible and are the source of these records.

Parents

Children

Marriages

Deaths

All pictures below are connected with our family. The picture on the left is a photo copy of a picture held at Canterbury museum. It is probably my great grandmother.

Elizabeth Leathem

Burgess Girls

Mary Anne Burgess

(maybe Burgess Family

Gedcom file to create data base as shown here - Import into tour Genealogy Program