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Hi

I just purchased a book printed in 1870, and it has an inscription from Philip Harwood to niece Isabella Harwood Neil, dated 1871. I'd love to know more about Isabella and if possible contact her family to let them know the book exists, so would appreciate any information you can give about her. Here's what I have found so far, if I have the right people that is. 

Isabella was born in Edinburgh 2nd Sept 1847, to David Neil (1811) and Catherine Johnstone (b. Shetland Isles). She had a sister by the name of Euphemia, born 1851, and on the 1861 census they are both scholars at the Merchant Maiden Hospital in Edinburgh. I understand that this may have been a academic institution for the disadvantged daughters of local merchants at the time. In 1871 and 1881 Isabella is a governess, and living at 10 Brighton Street.

Uncle Philip Harwood appears to have been born in Worcester, 1811. In early life he was a Reverend with some strong views I think, before becoming the editor of the Saturday Review newspaper. His daughter was Isabella Neil Harwood, a well known female writer of the era, also writing under the name Ross Neil (her grandparents surnames).

If anyone can tell me more about Isabella and whether she married, what happened to her, any children etc, I'd appreciate it please.  The surname Garriock has come up, but I don't know whether it is relevant.

Mnay thanks
Jan

hi

Can anyone please tell me anything about a Bridget Quinlan, born in Limerick in 1799, and I believe married to John Martindale in Westminster, Nov 1829. There were two children, Cecilia Ellen and James, and I think Bridget died in 1867.

I would really like to know when and how she came to the UK, and any information about her parentage/family in Ireland.

Thanks
marajan

Hi Jim , Dawnsh,

What a surprise to find a new message here after all this time. As Dawnsh says, I haven't been on here for a while, and didn't expect anything.

Jim, thanks so much for the information, albeit somewhat sad. What an awful thing to happen to anyone.
I am at work at the moment and can't access my tree to give more precise dates, but I am related to a descendant of Benjamin and Catherine, another Benjamin Batt, music hall artist, and his daughter with Ellen Martindale, Clementina Mary Ann Batt.
Can't wait to see what else this information might lead me to.

Thanks again both.
marajan

Hi Trish

Many thanks for the suggestion. I did a bit of searching on Matilda and Alexander, and found them on the 1851 census, but Matilda's birthplace was given as Nevis, West Indies. It's unlikely, but not impossible, that Matilda and Bridget were sisters I suppose, but I think you're right about the niece being the clue.

I'll keep it in mind anyway, and keep searching.

Thanks again,
marajan