Colin McLachlan - Union Sawmills

[Lucy2]

Hi again

 Just looking further to see if I can find further info in NZ records for Colin McLACHLAN (the husband of Ann Jane MULDREW).

   ~  Lu

[mclachlan]

Thanks so much Lu and Janette, that's very helpful information.  I've never researched in NZ before so this is opening up a whole new side to my family history. 
Much appreciated,
Andrea

[Lucy2]

Hi Andrea

Of the "Colin McLACHLAN" deaths showing on the Death Index at NZ BDM (online), there was the following man who died in 1905 ... the index gives "N/R" (= not recorded) for his age at death.

I think this may be the Colin you seek.

And the FamilySearch site returned the following :
[Searched on "colin mclachlan" + birthplace "scotland" + birthyears "1850-1854" ]

New Zealand, Central Otago Cemetery Gravestone 1861-2009
[Source:  Private Collection of Bert and Pauline MILLER, Alexandra, NZ ]

Colin McLACHLAN
Year :  1905
Died of abcess of the brain
Buried :  29 September 1905
Age:   52    [bc 1853 ]
Born : Glasgow, Scotland
Residence :  Clyde, NZ
Occupation : Miner
Informant (to death)  :  Dr. HYDE
Clyde Cemetery (grave)   -- burial site unknown

    ~  Lu
                                                             

[Lucy2]

New Zealand Cemetery Records   [source:  ancestry.com ]

Clyde Burial Book -- page 41

No.  399 :

Warrant dated - 29 September 1905

Colin McLACHLAN - miner
Died :  29 September 1905 of abcess of the brain.
Informant :   Dr. HYDE
Remarks :   -  Hospital patient

[Lucy2]

.... still working on this ... sorting through the confusion of another Southland McLACHLAN family, who had children with similar names to those of Colin and Ann Jane McLACHLAN.   

[mclachlan]

Thank you so much Lu, that is brilliant!  I really appreciate your help with this.  I too have noticed another family with similar names.  I did see another Colin McLachlan who died 1892. I'm guessing the death certificate for 1905 may give some extra clues but not sure if I want to risk paying for it just yet.  Also been trying to find Colin and/or his father Hugh on any crew or ship lists but no luck so far.
Thanks again for your assistance!
Andrea

[Lucy2]

Good idea not to rush off and purchase the death record, just yet.   
[Incidentally, with NZ BDM records, we recommend the purchase of a "printout" > an image of the registry entry> (rather than a certificate).  It's also a less expensive option.  ]

     ~  Lu

[Lucy2]

Mmm ... had been having no luck in finding marriages/deaths for the two McLACHLAN daughters (Catherine and Mary).

Taking a different tack and following up on Ann Jane MULDREW (whom I'd found earlier arriving in Otago, NZ in 1874), I came across a "tree" (at ancestry) which firstly explained her relationship to the other MULDREW's she'd travelled with, ... PLUS, revealed two additional children apparently born to Ann Jane and Colin McLACHLAN.   
[Ann Jane MULDREW / Colin McLACHLAN said to have married 1875 at the house of J. MULDREW (who was her uncle, James), at Kaikanui, Otago.     No parents names shown for Colin McLACHLAN - his birth though given as "October 1853, Glasgow".]

Supposed Children of Ann Jane and Colin MCLACHLAN :

*  John Muldrew McLACHLAN / McLAUCHLAN - born 23 August 1883

*  Margaret McLACHLAN / McLAUCHLAN - born 28 March 1886

Both these births are said to have taken place at "Brunswick, near Invercargill" !!!
[Births of Catherine, Mary and Hugh McLACHLAN, were registered at Oamaru. ]

However, having checked several sources for NZ Births ... as well as Presbyterian baptisms (Otago/Southland) I haven't (yet) been able to find these additional children.

There is a death recorded for John Muldrew McLACHLAN - died 1951 - aged 66 years.
["Tree" states he died at Seacliff Hospital, Dunedin and is buried at Gore Cemetery.  Edit:  Buried as John Muldrew McLAUCHLAN. ]

Will look further tomorrow.

   ~  Lu

[mclachlan]

Thanks Lu, I just had a look at that tree myself and have emailed the owner to see if there is any connection. Thanks again for all the effort you are going to in order to help me, it's much appreciated.
Andrea

Update from owner of tree:  Colin McLachlan was a Seaman and worked on boats out of Invercargill in Southland, New Zealand. He was at sea when his wife Annie died in childbirth. On his Marriage certificate it has a Colin McLachlan as a witness, this Colin could have been a cousin.

She doesn't know any further info but this might help. Just seems unusual that he would go from a seaman to a miner but I don't know what the work opportunities were like back then in NZ.  Also the other Colin might account for the other family with similar names...maybe?!! And still don't know where the sawmill comes into the picture.....oh, so many questions!