g)The writer
These essays on BestQuest are reflections on topics I have been interested in for many years, but here revisited and reassessed. You should distinguish between the facts I report, newly researched from the latest sources most of the time, and the opinions I give. These are usually personal, sometimes eccentric, and contain original conclusions in some cases. I might not be justified in the conclusions I come to. I may exaggerate or generalise. I may be right. The topic I write about may be connected in surprising ways to something you’re interested in. I’m interested in your views and comments.
Writing these pieces on BestQuest is a nostalgic experience because so often I revisit a topic I thought I knew well only to find I knew nothing, and held opinions I can no longer agree with. I get a picture of the me I was then, a snapshot of my past. Sometimes it seems another person entirely. And even over the five years of writing here, I am humbled at how clumsily I can write, when I once prided myself I could write well. A blog is more spontaneous than writing for publication in print usually is. So what you read here is what I feel now, and may change tomorrow. Somehow, I still feel it’s having an opinion is more important, never mind what it might be. These subjects, I feel, are worth discussing.
My background is in journalism. I’ve practised it at various times in my life, yet never derived the satisfaction from it I get writing the essays I’m publishing here. It’s a writing profession, yet its criteria are by no means literary, not sometimes even grammatical! And I think the criteria of reporting is now not as important either; rather, journalism strives to lead and influence opinion. Some time ago I wrote a book, The Far-Famed Blue Mountains of Harry Phillips, which revived the reputation of a famous but forgotten photographer: I enjoyed that process immensely. My careers include a recent professional position as program co-ordinator and publicist for a community college, which increased its community of learners by almost 250% in my period of service. Other professions include those of journalist, magazine editor and desktop publisher/print designer, as well as teaching in some of these areas.
Phillip
2009-2015
I’ve replied by email Talia
Hi Phillip,
I’ve read and reread your articles on the Davis Family histories recently, and being a Davis myself, am quite interested in the topic. This evening I was reading your article on “Identifying Joseph Davis”, particularly the section on Joseph Davis senior. The Joseph Davis senior that you mention is in fact my 4th great grandfather, by way of his youngest son, who you name as Edward Fitzgerald, whom I know as Edward Telfer, a.k.a. my 3rd great grandfather. I was wondering if you had any information on other members of his direct family, particularly his parents or heritage in Dublin/Ireland?
You also mention that he had a previous wife in Ireland named Mary Bassford, but I’m wondering how exactly you came across that information?
I have further information also on the direct family if you would be interested.
A happy, if not a little belated, new year to you! Thank you
Hi there Phillip, I’ve posted another letter to you on the page you’ve written about me, but I’m doing it again trying to make sure you’ll get one of them!
Your reviews are amazing and I’d love to use on the English page of my new website, coming up online this January, previous to the release of my new album “Navegar” in March, 3.
Please let me know if you’re ok with this and how would you like for me to link it to your pages.
There’s my e-mail but also my facebook page you can use to get in touch. https://www.facebook.com/biamusik
Thank you so much, happy new year
Phillip, I have recently located and enjoyed reading your articles on the Davis Family.
My mother Mary Davis’ elderly cousin, Margaret Davis told me that the family were relatives of William Davis of St Patrick’s Church fame… Their grandparents were William Ambrose Davis (Head of Tooheys) and Bridget Ryan. William’s father, also William Davis had a brother, John and sister Mary (Sister Gertrude of the Charities). Their father was John Davis who had a brother James and were apparently Grandnephews of William Davis.
However from your articles I have not been able to establish who are John and James’ parents. Although you do mention a John and James who have a sister Mary (your Great Grandmother?).
My mother Mary died 40 years ago and I have been doing a bit of family research – certainly nothing like yours – and would be grateful for any clarification.
Hi Phillip, I am interested in the story of Annie Gertrude Edwards who was married to Aborn Poulter. Aborn was the brother of my great great grandfather John. I have some details of Aborn’s illness if you’d like them, specifically mental asylum records. Cheers, Julie Poulter
Hello Phillip – I am most interested in the article you have written in which is mentioned Thomas & Bridget Lever/Leaver/Levy and their daughter Ann. Thomas & Bridget were my 4 x great-grandparents & I do have information on them. If you are interested in that info for historical purposes I am happy to share. I await your advices. Regards, Kerry Payne (Mrs)
Hello Kerry, good to hear from you. I am only making a guess in my article that the John Gamell who married Ann Levy in Parramatta was the brother of my ancestor, and another guess that the Ann Levy involved might have been the daughter of Thomas and Bridget.I’m most interested to hear what light you can throw on these two questions from your researches.
Hi Phillip – do you have an email address that you can be contacted at with regards to your book on Harry Phillips? thank you
Kia Ora Phillip! I was looking up some facts on Sir Walter Raleigh and came across your name on a print of him. I watched the movie “Elizabeth” last night starring Kate Blanchett which I enjoyed. Your website is really something and I have enjoyed reading all the very interesting family history section. Love Di