John Broadfoot of Modesto, California
This great photo of my paternal grandfather's brother, John, has been shared with me by my California family. If there was any doubt that granite is in my blood, it has been reinforced by the wonderful photos that they have been sharing with me. I hunger for more....
John was born 15 March 1880 in Scotland and lived there until 23 May 1903 at the age of 23 (with his brother James) when he came to America to join his family that was already here. The person who was already here was "Uncle Tom" Broadfoot who was established in Westerly, RI.
Westerly attracted many granite workers as it had quarries of what is now known as Westerly blue-gray granite. Many Italian monument makers also came to Westerly and the Scots and the Italians worked well together.
I have researched Uncle Tom as far as the lines go down and taken photos of all of their gravestones at River Bend Cemetery in Westerly, RI. They rest on the other side of the cemetery from my parents and grandparents. Uncle Tom's son, Josiah, was killed in World War I and earned the silver star for bravery. He's buried in France. I sent for a photo of his gravestone there.
John lived his life in California and raised a large family there. I'm excited to share my research with them. It is their story too.
4 comments:
I saw this photo posted on a Modesto CA Facebook page. My father purchased this same monument shop after Mr. Broadfoot sold it to my father's predecessor Mr. Ghilotti. I have a photo of it dated then from 1930-1967 that hangs in my monument shop down the street. After 1967 it was torn down to make a new more modern one across the street. And yes, I am still in the monument business today, hopefully handing it down to my nephew who has quite skillfully mastered the trade. I had never in my 51 years saw this photo so it was a great find! Thank you for posting it on the web.
Thanks for telling me the history of the shop. I am still studying this large Scottish family. I'd love to see the photo of it that you have.
Midge Frazel
midgef@c4.net
Hello,
I wonder where in Scotland your Broadfoot ancestors came from?
I have Broadfoot ancestors in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Lynne
Hello,
I wonder where in Scotland your Broadfoot ancestors came from?
I have Broadfoot ancestors in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Lynne
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