DeeDee39

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•  #25

I'm trying to trace the relatives of a large family-bible (well over 100 years old) that was passed onto me by someone who purchased it at a car boot sale in Eastbourne.  There are 2 letters enclosed within the bible, the first one is in very good condition and is dated 1919.  This was written by a Mr Joseph Turner (born 19th December 1881) when he was headmaster at Firs Hill Boys School, Sheffield.  The letter is a 'copy of a testimonial' - basically a work reference that he wrote to recommend his sister Harriet Turner (nee. Cowlishaw) for a promotion.  

The second letter is a touching personal letter from Harriet to her husband which is barely legible and starting to fall to pieces.  The date is July 31st but no year is given (possibly between 1908 - 1924 as she mentions their two young children, William and Ann).  At the top of the letter it says 'Sheffield Manor' which must have been where they lived at the time and she signs off as 'Harriet Cowlishaw'.

Harriet was born 10th Feb 1884 as the birth dates of all the siblings are recorded in the family bible.  Their parents are listed at the front as Thomas Turner, born 28th April 1856 and Mary Jane Cowlishaw, born April 9th 1858. 

It's a long shot but if anyone has any information that could help me trace the relatives of the above I would like to return the bible and letters to them.  Even though the bible was sold at a car boot sale it is possible that no one was aware that the letters where hidden inside.  

Please contact me by email at [email protected] if you have any information that could help me return this small treasure from the past to its rightful owners.   Many thanks in advance.