A woman is appealing for help in tracing a stash of documents found in a treasure chest years ago linking her family to some of the UK’s most famous historical figures.
Carol Brand recently stumbled upon a Courier news story from 2013 in which Dundee man Richard Brown told of finding a host of amazing documents in the chest, which he said had been “gathering dust” in his attic.
The information in it linked two Dundee families, the Thoms and Jobsons, to hugely influential and powerful figures such as Robert Burns, Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Scott.
At the time of the find, Mr Brown said he had inherited the chest over 30 years ago after his aunt, Jean Bell, passed away.
58-year-old Carol says her mother’s family are related to Jean Bell’s husband, William Bell.
The family have always known about links to famous painter Henry Jobson Bell, who was a principal contributor to the Scottish Society of Artists, Edinburgh, and one-time exhibitor at the Royal Academy, London.
However, Carol said they were not aware about the additional links.
Contained in the chest are genealogical histories, correspondence, and newspaper cuttings.
The information confirms the links to Jobson Bell, and even includes a document from 1826 showing the family’s ties to Sir Richard de Jobson, knight and falconer to Queen Elizabeth I.
The Courier has so far been unable to trace Mr Brown.
Edinburgh-resident Carol said: “I had been reading about the family’s history so I began Googling names.
“This story came up online and I couldn’t believe it. I was amazed when I saw it.
“These documents could tell us a lot more about our links. It’s so exciting.
“I had no idea they existed.
“My mother Rosemary, who is 81, would be so thrilled too if we can find the man with these documents.
“I don’t know what age the man is and whether he is still alive or living in Dundee.”
Carol added that another stash of invaluable documents detailing the family’s roots were lost when her grandmother’s house was sold many years ago.
“She owned pictures of Henry Jobson-Bell that I think have ended up in far-flung places like South Africa,” she said.
“It’s a real shame that the items were lost.
“But if we can track down Mr Brown then it would be such a huge help in understanding more about these incredible roots that we have.”
If you think you can help, contact reporters@thecourier.co.uk.
