A structured family tree, or line, starts to really become personal with stories and anecdotes – mine has many when both direct and indirect links are explored.
Going back to my great x5 grandfather William Penny (1717 to 1776) – he was great x2 grandfather down another Penny line to Andrew the “Silver King” of 1831 to 1890 who made his fortune mining in Bolivia. He is buried at St Combs.
My great x3 grandfather James 1781 to 1858 was brother to Captain William (snr) of 1775 to 1853 who was father to Captain William (jnr) of 1809 to 1892 who was an Arctic explorer, whaling captain and led the 1850 search for Sir John Franklin when he was looking for the North West Passage. There is much written about William (jnr) with places named after him. A summary about William (1809 – 1892) is at “The Whaler” – my fifth cousin
My great grandfather James 1839 to 1928 was a favourite of my father who visited him in Peterculter and, as far as I know, Nether Kinmundy round the time of WW 1. On my desk I have his ploughing medal which he was given for winning a Longside farmer’s contest for 7 times. His brother Alexander born in 1845 wrote and published a book “Reminiscences” which has not only been an interesting historical read but a source of much material about my Penny family ancestors.
My great grand-uncle Alexander wrote “Reminiscences of 75 Years Of My Life”.
See a timeline and more in the Some Personal Flags PDF. Updated 23 May 2024.
Return to Penny Line
Norman J Penny - Family 