1. Alexander Hay (senior) (father of Alexander who came to Australia) was born around 1809/10 or earlier. We know Alexander Hay (senior) and Marjory Bruce were married on 27/10/1836 and two children were christened in the parish.
As the 1841 census states that he was born in Aberdeenshire, the IGI records of Aberdeen parishes were searched. The below potential ancestors have records available- there may be others that have not been found:
a. Alexander Hay was christened 17/9/1807 at Turriff. Father was Adam Hay (mother not listed). Also born to an Adam was George ch. 26/6/1805 and Adam b. 14/9/1812 (Adam’s mother, Jean Pratt) all at Turriff. Adam and Jean Pratt were married, 4/12/1802 in Turriff. It is assumed that Jean was the mother to all children.
Adam jnr. would have been age 26 for christening of Marjory in Oct 1838 and 28 for 1841 census. Alex would have been 19 if he was the father of George, and 19 is old enough to be married and also a mason.
Of interest, in 1841 census, George, mason journeyman, age 30, with Isabella, age 65 and Margaret age 25, all resident in Turriff. Is George, brother, or related to Alex? Is Isabella his mother, and Margaret his wife or sister? Cannot identify George in 1851 census.
The 1841 census also has William, mason, age 45 (in 1851, age 60, born King Edward). Is William a relative?
The 1841 census only identified the shire you were born in- our Adam was Aberdeenshire. The 1851 stated the parish also. No Alex Hay in the 1851 census (after he died) was born in Turriff, Aberdeenshire-(only Adam (brother?), tailor, age 38).
This family is likely to be ours.
b. Alexander Hay was christened at Old Machar Parish on 17/8/1811. Parents were Adam Hay, (flax draper when married) and Jane/Jean Milne married 25/4/1809 at New Machar and (he from Peterhead). Known siblings (all christened at St. Nicholas) were Charles Stephen (ch. 18/4/1813), Elizabeth (ch. 30/7/1814) and Adam ch. 7/3/1823.
Adam Jnr would have been aged 15 when Marjory was christened, and age 18 for the 1841 census. Adam Snr or Jnr could have been the witness for the christening of Marjory (Jane/Jean).
ORPHAN Adam (ch. 10/6/1816)-he possibly died 9/10/1817, Old Machar, father Adam, vintner.
On balance, this most likely is not our family, because Alex would have only been age 15 (age 16 to be married) if he was father to George in 29/5/1827, and also listed as a mason (normally age 18). However, Adam may have been the witness.
c. Alexander Hay was christened at Fyvie, Aberdeen on 26/3/1807. Father was George Hay. A George Hay was father (mother not listed) to William, 12 /3/1809, Peter, 2/8/1804, James, 24/2/1802 and to Mary, 10/9/1815, (mother Jane Davidson). All at Fyvie. George Hay and Jane Davidson were married 13/4/1800 at Fyvie, so it is reasonable to assume that this is all one family.
1851 census has George age 81 (born Fyvie), retired farmer, and wife Jean, age 78, living in Turriff. Next door is William, age 40, farmer of 140acres, born Fyvie, living Turriff, and wife Margaret age 39 and Jean 11 months.
Next door is James, farmer, 10 acres, age 49 and wife Isabel, age 41. Children born Banff and older at King Edward.
Separately is Peter, farmer, age 47, with wife Mary, age 40 and Mary 13, she born Old Deer, and Margaret 3, Ruthen.
No Alex Hay born Fyvie is in 1851 census, so this may be our family.