I am a FitzSimons descended from Irish emmigrants who settled in Australia in 1862 (having left Nobber and Dublin in Ireland).

In the tracing of our family tree we found (to our surprise) that despite a good number of generations of intermarriage with spouses from other families in many countries, some strong family traits remained in place.

These traits are most commonly facial appearance.

We found some male and female resemblances so strong that in many cases their images looked like our own extended family members and siblings at similar ages despite generations of separation.

Indeed we found FitzSimons and Fitzsimmons descendents in USA who were mistaken for images of myself and my sister.

Other traits are life and health issues such as many of the men having a "lazy eye" on the left side

Many of the men are tall and some barrell-chested.

Most of the men retain their hair (that is, while the hairline rises a little at the forehead, they don't become bald) and grey somewhat early.

Other issues with the men seem to be circulation problems in the legs in later life.

Some women in the family can be rather tall and most live to a ripe old age outliving their male siblings.

There seems to be a high number of musicians and designers among the menfolk and artists and graphic artists among the women.

Whilst much of this is circumstantial it moved me to establish a central website where links and genealogical information might be shared.

- Wayne FitzSimons
Daylesford - Australia