Dear Editor,
I have the privilege of being a direct descendant of Thomas Connelly who lived in Helensburgh from 1852 until his death in 1894 aged 76 years.
Thomas was not an inventor, a dignitary or a celebrity, but a hard working man who was employed as a railway navvy.
He could not find work in his native Ireland and brought his wife and family to Helensburgh, and his employers housed them in The Barracks.
I am gathering information about other families who lived in The Barracks for a book I intend to write which I hope will give a more rounded view of life in Helensburgh at that time.
Could I please ask that readers who have such information forward it to me?
Many thanks also for everything you are achieving for Helensburgh's Heritage. I have lovely memories of my holidays as a child in Helensburgh.
With regards,
Patricia Curran
30 The Crescent
Flore Village
Northamptonshire NN7 4NF
