Discussions

 
 
Earlier today a new thread was started under Brandon History titled “Thomas L. Rosser - Brandon’s Founder.” I responded by stating that it was learning about Major-General Rosser that made me bring my book to the Westman area rather than south of the border. I also stated “The main thing that remains a mystery to me about him is if/when he was married ... I never found it mentioned in any documents but his grandson did come to Brandon's 125 celebrations. As my story was completed before I learned that a grandchild existed I decided to leave my story as it was, although I mentioned this info in the last chapter.” I had never even thought of searching census records (actually when I wrote most of my novel I did not have home internet access) but “Soul” was kind enough today check that out for me and get back to me.  
 
While writing “New Beginnings” I experienced many coincidences. Sometimes I would be reading a completely unrelated article in a magazine and find something that would fit in, right to the date. One time I wrote “the near full moon” just to be safe and I had to change it to “the full moon” … I was keeping a calendar to make sure everything was accurate and when I was given a copy of one from 1882 the day fell on exactly the right date. I often felt like this book wanted to be written.  
 
I got a shock when “Soul” sent me a copy of the 1880 census concerning the Thomas L. Rosser family. In my story, Sara Winston (maiden name), met then Captain Rosser while she worked as a nurse in the American Civil War. Of course this is all fictional … made up with my wild imagination. Sara was given her maiden name when I wrote about her meeting Thomas Rosser again in 1882 … Winston came out of the blue, I have no idea where from. The coincidence??? Thomas Rosser’s mother-in-law’s name was Sarah Winston. Sarah Winston’s daughter Bettie who married Thomas Rosser was born the same year as my Sara from “New Beginnings.” There is absolutely no chance that this name came from a subconscious remembrance as before today I never found any information that Major General Rosser had ever been married.  
 
What do you think? Is this coincidence, fate or just plain weird???