Re: Percy Aikman, born about 1900, nuclear physicist
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In reply to:
Re: Percy Aikman, born about 1900, nuclear physicist
Nikki Vine 11/08/01
Hi Nikki,
How neat to meet a 3rd cousin like this!Le'ts see if I can help fill in some of the blanks, although I am still trying to get some of the dates from my aunt who has reasearched the family tree in greater depth:
My great-grandfather James Thompson (that's what the "T" stands for) Aikman was born in 1875, as you say, and married Jenny Howard.They actually had four children: William Edward Percival ("Percy" or "Per"), Howard, Mary and Donald.From what my father tells me, Donnie is still alive, and living in Cap Cod.Jenny died on August 1, 1940 (of strep throat) and Jim (James T.) died (probably due to complications with Parkinson's Disease) in 1958.
Howard was in the Royal Canadian Navy, was a teacher, and went on to be Superintendent of Schools for Northen Quebec and Labrador.He married Gwen and they had five children: Rosemary, David & John (the twins), Bruce and Christopher.I know Bruce lives in Nova Scotia (Cape Breton) and raises Highland cattle.We visited his family a few years ago.Chris lives in Vancouver where he is an astonomer.I have lost track of the others, but am now trying to pick up the threads.
Mary Aikman married Ernest Jones and had two daughters: Eldean, Elsa.
Per (born 26 Jan 1911) and Jet Black (born 5 Feb 1911) were married on 13 Oct 1938 in Chicago.They had three children: Robert Howard, James Marshall and Catherine.Percy definitely had the Aikman sailing genes, for he loved boats (first his schooner the "Lady Jet" which he sailed when he lived in Montreal and "Old Ned" his motor launch on which we used to go collect the lobster pots when they lived in Connecticut).He also loved to play the banjo and regularly used to have a "Banjo Bash" where all the friends would come together and play wonderful music for what seemed like days (I was pretty little at the time).
Per was indeed a PhD physicist, although not atomic, and he worked for Allied Chemical for most of his career - it was Allied that took him to Canada and back the the United States.He was 6'4" but sired sons 6'8" and 6'10"(!).I have always been told (I am 6'8" myself) that Aikman men were tall - any record of this in your research?Do you have heights for James, William or Alexander?Maybe the height in my father's generation came from the Black side of the family - Jet was 6'2" which was (and still is) tall for a woman!
I am checking with my Aunt Rose (who was married to Per's son James Marshall) to see if I can't get some more dates and information.I believe she has traced the family back at least as far as John, but I am not sure.I will let you know when I hear.In the meantime, anything more you can provide would be wonderful.
As I am living in Swiitzerland and in London quite often for business, we should find an excuse for a family reunion, in Hexham perhaps!
It is great to be in touch.
Best regards,
David
More Replies:
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Re: Percy Aikman, born about 1900, nuclear physicist
Nikki Vine 1/16/02