"Mark Godden's Little Bit Of Cyberspace Mk.II"
Late Nineteenth Century Southwell, showing Avalanche Church and the house where Elizabeth Otter grew up.
A Southwell Maid's Diary - An Introduction
A word of introduction to "A Southwell Maid's Diary" written by Elizabeth W. Otter, published by her in 1930, and recently transcribed by me (fingers still aching). This book provides an illuminating insight into the life of a child in the village of Southwell, Portland at the end of the Nineteenth Century. Elizabeth Otter was my 2nd great grand aunt, 5th cousin 2 times removed and 4th cousin 3 times removed (all at the same time!)
Elizabeth Otter emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in the USA around 1893, when she was only seventeen years of age. Elizabeth's brother Richard Otter, had also made his home in Cleveland (where many Portlanders seem to have settled) Richard, who emmigrated in 1889, was employed as a Quarryman at the Berea quarries, he unfortunately drowned on the Titanic in April 1912, when returning to the States, following a visit to his birthplace here at Portland.
I have transcribed "A Southwell Maid's Diary" from an original printed copy, retaining the original spellings and grammar. I believe the diary to be a little known but none the less important piece of social history. Often humorous, there are many references to people and places, which it is hoped will be of interest to local and family historians alike.
Contents: