My grandfather and grandmother were married in 1910. My grandfather became involved with the church in 1911, but my grandmother refused. They had 4 children all forced to attend against their will until the time that my grandfather had no choice but to accept their refusal.
Old family notes have my great grandparents also involved when the members were called Bible Students.
Being unfamiliar with the practices I have a number of questions that I am hoping someone may be able to answer.
Isn't it unusual to have one spouse following this faith while the other rebels? With my grandfather forcing his children to attend, does this usually mean they were baptized and became members? What would have happened when they left?
My mother in particular would have nothing to do with religion of any sort after leaving, yet maintained ties with her family. Isn't there shunning involved when one has left the "flock"? One daughter returned to the faith and thereafter continuously tried to convert us. I understand once a person has left the faith that further discussions involving the religion are not allowed. According to my father, my grandfather never gave up trying to get my mother involved again.
I have called a number of Kingdom Halls in the city they lived, usually speaking to the janitor (who says he is a member) asking if they have membership records etc. I have been told that no records are kept for any length of time (not like a normal church) and there would be no way of discovering if my mother or great grandparents were members at any time.
Any help or pointers for information sources would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to get a picture of the family dynamics which was greatly influenced by the Jehovah Witness faith but am hitting a brick wall.
Thanks.