Hi Graeme, and thank you for your interest. The parents of my Douglas grandmother's first husband Samuel Welsh, were Martin Welsh and Mary McDowell. They were both Irish! They lived in Dalry, Ayshire, at least when Samuel was born. Samuel Welsh was something to do with leather and shoes. When his son Martin came to New Zealand, he later followed in his father's footsteps (pardon the pun), and became a Leather Merchant, developing a successful family business, which still carries on.
The chn born to Martin Welsh and Mary McDowell were sons Samuel, Robert, John, William, Martin, James, David, and girls Jane, Mary and Eliza. All born between 1856 and 1878, I think all b Ayrshire.
It was just such a surprise to see that Raploch address on the passenger list of the ship that brought my Grandparents and children to NZ in 1924. Dad had only ever spoken of living in Glasgow as a child so it was puzzling!
That's why I wondered if perhaps they were making visits to family connected to my Grandma. My Grandpa's family was in England, so wouldn't have been them.
It's just a minor detail really, but these things happen! As I widen my research of my grandmother's siblings families, something may well come to light! In the meantime, thanks to Monica, Sandy and Graeme for your contributions. Much appreciated!
Jeanne 😃