Today, I received a wonderful, touching note concerning our combined research into the Derry Family, and Goblins Pit in Walsall Wood, from John Derry, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. I know lots of you put a great deal of effort into searching out material relating to this historic hamlet and the Derry clan, particularly readers Andy Dennis and David Evans. Messages like this are, for me, what this work is about. When I started, I had no idea Goblins Pit was even a place, let alone where it was.
Together, we recovered a bit of nearly lost history and carefully glued it back into something useful, whereupon John Derry found it. I’m so glad when this sort of thing happens.
To all who contributed, and to those who may be able to help further, my gratitude and thanks – and to John, my immense gratitude for a wonderful message. It means the world to me.
Hi Bob:
Charles Derry is my great, great, great grandfather. Over the past few years, I’ve worked at getting my family history together. Largely through Charles’s writings for the Latter Day Saints, I’ve been able to piece much of the Derry family tree together. Sue Lote has also been very helpful… and now, you and Andy Dennis!
I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent poring over Google maps of Walsall Wood/Goblin’s Pit wondering where the exact location of Charles’s childhood home was in the area. And know I have very good information. I had mistaken thought that the open fields east of Green Lane was the probable location, but you two appear to have nailed it!
It is on my bucket list to come visit the area some time in the future. I live in Omaha, Nebraska in the central U.S. In fact, I located Charles’s gravesite in Woodbine, Iowa (30 miles away from here) (see attached JPEG).
The grave of Charles Derry, born in Goblins Pit, Walsall Wood, in 1826, and passed away in Woodbine, Iowa 1921. A long life and a fair old age. Picture supplied by John Derry.
I’m writing—obviously to thank you for your research!—but I am also very interested in knowing what exactly is the current status of the house on the property on Green Lane? From Google Maps, it looks like it is subdivided into 2 residences. Has anyone gotten permission to look about to see if there are any remnants of the old structures?
I’ve been to GB several times, but only on business in the London area (I did drive from Dover to London once, but that is the extent of my English countryside experience).
I love to hear any further knowledge that you and Andy have turned up regarding Goblin’s Pit/Derry family. You are my eyes, Bob! I’ve also attached a PDF that shows what a small area my ancestors lived in for 200 years (which I’d guess was very common back then). For Charles, coming to America must have been like going to the moon.
Thanks again for your excellent blog!
Best,
John Derry
The local links to the Derry family as mapped by John Derry. Click for a larger version.