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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Perthshire => Topic started by: palaja on Saturday 19 August 06 19:18 BST (UK)
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Alexander Stewart was born in Scotland about 1821 (he died in Colchester in 1895, aged 74). All the English censuses simply have Scotland as birthplace, except for 1861 which has Stirling added for him (and Perth for his wife Elizabeth Rogers). They are shown as married on 2 Oct 1846, in Kilspindie, Perth (according to the IGI) and on 4 Oct 1846 in Copford, Essex (I have the certificate, which shows his father James as a farmer).
My problem is that I cannot seem to get anywhere with finding a Stirling record of his birth. According to the IGI there two possible records for 1821, in Perth and in Redgorton, either of which might be the right course.
Can anyone suggest a good way forward for me from here?
Any comments gratefully received.
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Hi Palaja
Just some thoughts. The two marriage entries in Perth and Essex would refer to the marriage banns being read in each place. Most probably Alexander and Elizabeth were already living in Copford where the actual marriage took place. The marriage banns in Perth would probably refer to Elizabeth if this is where she was from.
In your position I would follow up on:
1. 1841 Census index for a possible family for Alexander. You know the name of his father and that he was a farmer. Have you got access to Ancestry's index for 1841 Scotland. Unfortunately, Stirling has not yet been transcribed by FreeCen (or Perth for that matter). Apart from Ancestry, your only other option would be Scotlands People, which is pay to view. With some luck, you might find Alexander still at home with his family in 1841.
2. The other avenue to follow up is to check whether Alexander and Elizabeth followed Scottish naming patterns. It might confirm Alexander's father's name and give you clues re his mother's name. This might also help with Elizabeth's family, unless you have details of these already. Also, check whether they used any surnames as middle names for their children, can also be a hugh clue.
3. It might be that Alexander's birth/christening details are not to be found. As you know, some OPRs have not survived or maybe his birth wasn't registered. But at least with some indication of the mother's name, you might be able to find some siblings' details recorded on IGI.
4. I don't know how consistent he was with his age on the censuses. It might be worthwhile doing a +/- 3 years on a possible birth year of 1821.
Regards.
Monica
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Hallo Monica
First many thanks for your comments and suggestions. These clearly show that I have to concentrate on the 1841 censuses in order to make some reliable progress.
Having looked at Scotlands People I have found it is an expensive route, but now that Ancestry also have access to the Scottish census I shall go via them.
In the case of Alexander's wife Elizabeth Rogers, I believe I have found her mother Christian Wilson via IGI. This is supported by the fact that A & E's first daughter was named Christina, the first son being James.
Like everyone, I have noted how ages on censuses can vary over a lifetime. You can never be quite sure.
Thanks again.
Regards
Malcolm