RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Banffshire => Topic started by: MoreGubbins on Sunday 16 October 11 14:17 BST (UK)
-
I have put together a database of families and occurrences of the surname Donald throughout Banffshire, Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire. It isn't online, because I want to share information, help people search as best I can, put cousins in contact with each other, and keep people up-to-date with developments if they so wish. If you send me a private message, I can give you access.
To give you some idea of what it contains:
- Nearly 2000 Donalds (limited to those born before 1851).
- 70% of individuals in the 1841 Aberdeenshire census linked to around 82 families.
- 64% of individuals in the 1841 Banffshire census linked to around 23 families.
- 55% of individuals in the 1841 Kincardineshire census linked to around 12 families.
- Half (1529) of the OPR baptisms linked to the 1841 census.
- The average tree goes back to 1767, the earliest to 1624.
- Hundreds of literature Donald records from 1432 onwards, including the 1696 and 1799 tax records.
Please get in touch if you are researching a Donald ancestor born before 1851, or have information you can contribute, such as family trees, OPR transcriptions, death records, MIs, etc.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Iain.
-
I am researching Alexander Donald who married Isabella Forsyth in the early 1800s and lived around Elgin.
-
Hi Warble,
I have had a look through my pre-1841 records. The only record I have of an Alexander Donald in Elgin is an apprentice to Joseph Wilson, square right, in 1780.
I do, however, have an Alexander Donald, born 1791 in Keith, Banffshire, married Isobel Forsyth in Keith 1825. Alexander was the third son of William Donald and Anne Thomson, who were married in 1780 in Keith. I haven't succeeded getting any further back, but I do have this Alexander's brothers and sisters. I also have Alexander and Isobel's children (Isobel, Ann, Margaret, Jessie, Helen, Peter Duncan, John and William). If this sounds like your couple, send me a private message and I can provide you with all the information I have.
Best regards,
Iain.
-
I have two Donald people who married my relatives in Queensland Australia.
I have a Walter Donald born 12/03/1825 in Banffshire and who died 20/10/1896 in Chinchilla Queensland who married my relative Emma Hughes 18/01/1854 in Goomburra Queensland.
I also have a George Donald born 18/05/1832 in Hillbrae,Rothiemay Banffshire and who died 08/08/1881 in
Dalby Queensland.George married my relative Hannah Hughes at Goomburra Queensland on 11/12/1854.
Regards
William Russell Jones.
-
The only Donald I have who fits your criteria is Martha Donald, daughter of John Donald and Elspet Green, who spent her entire life in Botriphnie. She was born in 1788 and baptised on 13 April 1788, and married John Strathdee on 12 September 1811. They lived at Blackmuir in Botriphnie and had ten children. Martha died at Blackmuir on 31 May 1866.
-
Hi Iain, I am researching the Sutherland family, specifically Archibald Sutherland who married a Janet Donald in the 1760's, possibly in Banff as their children, George, Hugh, Isabella, Robert, Elizabeth and Jean were born in Mortlach between 1769 and 1781.
Thanks for your time, cheers, Lance
-
Hi Whenu,
I don't know if I have this particular Janet Donald or not - I've neglected daughters after they were married as the surname wasn't passed on.
There is an isolated pocket of Donalds in Mortlach, in the hamlets of Little Enoch and Tomballie, who were present around the time you would be interested in. I would guess one of these is your family, but which one is difficult to say. You might find some useful information in searching the FreeReg baptisms for Mortlach around this time, and locating the two hamlets I mentioned on 19th Century maps, which you can find here:
http://geo.nls.uk/search/#zoom=12&lat=57.44221&lon=-3.12658&layers=B00000FFTFFFFFT
Ultimately, this pocket of Donalds likely ended up here from somewhere else, probably in fairly recent history. DNA testing might be able to show this, but it's an expensive hobby and compliments (rather than extends) your paper trail. Let me know if you're interested. Best of luck,
Iain.
-
Thanks Iain, will follow those clues up, cheers, Lance
-
Hi Iain,
I would be very interested to hear any info you have on my family.
My Grandpa was :
George Donald B:23/02/1926 Rhynie
his father: George Donald B: 25/05/1905 Cragganmore
his father: James Donald B: 22/01/1872 Boyndie
his father: James Donald B: 15/07/1832 Boyndie
his father: James Donald B: 04/07/1791 Boyndie
his father: Peter Donald B: 22/06/1751 Boyndie
his father: Andrew Donald B: 21/07/1719 Boyndie
his father: Alexander Donald B: unknown
I have some more info on all of the above including wives, siblings and addresses etc a couple where land owners but I would be so interested in hearing what info you have on any or all of the above. A few of the siblings moved to australia also (Ballarat Victoria) and also one was a soldier in the Scots Guard so any info like that would be appreciated
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Derek
-
Hi Derek,
I have your family - I've sent you a private message.
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Iain.
-
Hi Lance,
Hi Iain, I am researching the Sutherland family, specifically Archibald Sutherland who married a Janet Donald in the 1760's, possibly in Banff as their children, George, Hugh, Isabella, Robert, Elizabeth and Jean were born in Mortlach between 1769 and 1781.
Thanks for your time, cheers, Lance
I hope you have had some luck in your search. I've been looking at Mortlach Donalds tonight. Here is a list of the early (pre-1800) baptisms in Mortlach, along with abodes and related witnesses:
ROBERT DONALD - ELSPET MITCHEL
1742 Robert, Enoch
1745 Elisabeth, Enoch
1747 Isobel, Little Enoch
1748 Josep, Enoch
ROBERT DONALD - ISOBEL MILNE
1744 Margaret, Tambally, w. Alex'r Donald there
1746 Janet, Tambally
JOHN DONALD - JEAN STUART
1743 Alexander, Tomballie
1745 Isobel, Tambally
1747 James, Tambally, w. James Donald, Enoch
1752 John, Tambally, w. John Donald, Enoch
1759 Robert, Tambally, w. Robert Donald there
JAMES DONALD - ELSPET THOMSON
1765 James, Enoch, w. James Donald there
1767 Margaret, Little Enoch, w. Rob't Donald jun'r, Tomballie
1769 Elizabeth, Little Enoch
ROBERT DONALD - JEAN MITCHEL
1768 John, Tomballie, w. John Donald, Tomballie
1769 Isobel, Tomballie, w. Jno Donald, Enoch
1772 Elspet, Tomballie, w. John Donald
1774 Alexander, Nether Tomballie, w. Alexander Donald, Laggan
1777 Jean, Tomballie, w. Alexander Donald, Tomballie
1779 Robert, Enoch, w. Alexander Donald Tamballie; John Donald, Enoch
ALEXANDER DONALD - ELISABETH DONALD
1786 Alexander, Little Enach
I notice that Robert Sutherland's 1776 baptism notes Robert Donald of Tomballie as a witness. I have an extensive family tree for him. It's likely that he was your Janet Donald's relation. Your Janet Donald may then be Janet Donald, b. 1746, in Tambally, daughter of Robert Donald and Isobel Milne. It's speculative, but it might give you something to work with.
Best of luck,
Iain.
-
Thanks Iain, been away from the PC for a while, will look into these results, cheers, Lance
-
Hello Iain--
I am researching my family history which includes a number of Donalds from Banffshire. I believe I have traced my great-grandmother, Elizabeth (Lebbie) Donald born illegitimate in 1891 to Elizabeth Donald in Aberdeen and who died shortly thereafter. She would have been unofficially adopted by her aunt, Jean (Jane) Donald, born about 1848, who married George Farquhar in 1867. I believe the elder Elizabeth and her sister Jean were the children of Alexander Donald, b about 1826 in Cullen, Banff, and Elizabeth Grant. Any information you might have on Alexander's family going back before 1826 most appreciated.
Best,
Rebecca Johns
Chicago, IL, USA
-
Hi I am just wondering if you have any information on a Maggie Ann Donald who married a James Duncan. Maggie was born about 1880 and dies 1959
Thanks Teresa
-
Hi Iain,
I am a descendant of Magdalen Donald who was baptised in 1768, Alvah, Banff, Scotland. She was the daughter of James Donald who resided in Berryhillocks. She had three known siblings: Thomas born 1771, William b 1773 and Barbara b 1776.
Magdalen married John MELLIS is 1799 King Edward, Banff, Scotland.
I am wondering if you would have any further information relating to this family that you would be willing to share with me.
Regards,
Susan
-
I am on the hunt for one Captain Alexander Donald of the 41st Regiment of Foot (Invalids), born circa 1725, place and parentage unknown, who died at his home in the Canongate, Edinburgh, on 20 November 1797, and is buried in Canongate kirkyard, “east of Allan’s stone”. He was married (date and place unknown) to Marjory Robertson, who was born circa 1733 (place and parentage unknown); she died 9 May 1819, age 89, at Howard Place, Edinburgh, and is buried in William Robertson's tomb in Greyfriar's.
Aitchison's Edinburgh directory for 1797-98, p. 84, has an entry for an Alexander Donald, living at the head of Somerville’s Close (later renamed Brown’s Close), Canongate. Thomas Aitchison’s A Directory for Edinburgh, Leith, Mussleburgh, and Dalkeith. July 1794-July 179[6]?, page 68 , has a listing for “Donald Capt. Alexander of Invalids, foot of New str. Canon.” And Williamson's Edinburgh Directory, June 1790 to June 1792, p. 29, has an entry for “Donald Captain Alexander, Wier’s close, Canongate.”
I do not know if Alexander and Marjory Donald had any sons, but they had an only daughter, Sarah [or possibly Margaret], born circa 1752, date and place unknown, who died 15 April 1831, age 79, at Edinburgh. She married William Robertson, Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland.
Alexander Donald appears to have served as an officer in the 41st Regiment of Foot (Invalids), the 89th Regiment of Foot (or Gordon’s Highlanders, and the 85th, as well as in "Lieut. Col. Morris’s Battalion. I have no dates for his service for the 41st. In the 89th, an Alexander Donald was variously Ensign, Adjutant and Lieutenant between 1759 and 1764. In 1781, he still gave his rank as Lieutenant (at the baptism of his granddaughter Sarah, in Edinburgh), but he was made "Captain in the army by brevet" in 1783 (London Gazette, May 27) At that time, he was in the 85th.
Perhaps significantly, he was identified in 1760, in a list of officers in Lieutenant Colonel Morris's battalion as "Gent[leman]. Adjutant.” There were several well-kent Banff and Moray names among his fellow officers.
There was also an Alexander Donald was or aspired to be a landholder in Aberdeenshire and/ or Banffshire between 1769 and 1771. Peter May, surveyor, factor and farmer in Linkwood, near Elgin, had dealings in April 1769 with a Captain Alexander Donald who was interested in acquiring a farm called Dykeside, held by Lord Findlater. Donald lost to a competitor for Dykeside (one George Stronach), but he was also looking at a farm in the Muirtown estate. See Ian Adams, ed., Papers on Peter May (1979). However, my Alexander Donald appears not to have become a captain until 1783.
Moray Heritage Centre’s LIBINDX database has an Alexander Donald (NM234795), a soldier and tacksman, living at Manbeen, near Elgin, who in 1771 raised a court action against his servants for desertion from service (ref. ZBEL B32/771/31). In Adams, ed., Papers on Peter May, p. 109, there is a reference to a William Donaldson in Manbeen in 1768. (The surnames Donald, Donaldson and McDonald or M’Donald were sometimes used interchangeably in 18th-century records.)
As a North American, presently held captive by the pandemic, I don't access to any Scottish records not online. I am wondering if anyone with the patience to have read through this account might have this Alexander in their database, of if someone might be able to suggest any other leads I might follow up, either from a distance, or on some (still-anticipated) future visit to Scotland.
-
Hi Wullie2
Connected to William Robertson. Just wanted to add a note for you. In case you do not have this, his will is available on download and is currently free to view due to Covid. See https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D387566
Will of William Robertson, Keeper of the Records of Scotland of Edinburgh , Mid Lothian
Reference: PROB 11/1391/216
Description: Will of William Robertson, Keeper of the Records of Scotland of Edinburgh , Mid Lothian
Date: 27 April 1803
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
Monica
Added: I see that Ancestry also have these digitised...so you may well have this already ;)
-
Hi Monica -- I do have the will (though only recently), but thanks very much for responding. It's a key document for unraveling the family -- and what a fascinating family it is! The link I'm pursuing is an enigmatic mention by a distant ancestor writing in the early 1870's that a man named Donald in (or from) Mortlach, Banffshire had a daughter who married "a Robertson who became head man in the Register Office." I'm not convinced of the Mortlach claim, but I did find a Donald/Robertson link. A later Robertson (George) shows up as executor for the estate of one James Shearer, G.P.O. Surveyor for the North of Scotland (d. 1840 or '47; don't have my notes open). He also had a Donald link in his ancestry.
-
There are references to a George Robertson, also Deputy Keeper of the records of Scotland, who was married to an Elizabeth Brown, daughter of George Brown of Linkwood, Provost of Elgin and his wife Margaret Ross.
See:
Family on the 1841 and 1851 censuses in Edinburgh:
www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5efcac5df4040b83937d8d4d/eliza-kirk-1841-midlothian-edinburgh-1806-?locale=en
www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5903d876e9379091b1fc1f18/george-robertson-1851-midlothian-edinburgh-1791-?locale=en
www.findagrave.com/memorial/200968419/george-robertson
For son George Jnr http://libindx.moray.gov.uk/people/people_report_view.asp?REF_ID=NM153371
Re the reference you have to James Stark, see www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/economicsocialhistory/historymedicine/scottishwayofbirthanddeath/leadingactors/superintendentsofstatistics/
Stark's immediate successor, Dr William Robertson (1818-1882) was a full-time official, and was paid on a salary scale of £450 to £500 a year. His father, George, had been Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland, and Robertson lived with his widowed mother, Eliza, and two sisters in Albany Street, Edinburgh. The family were evidently well off, as Eliza appears in the 1871 census as living on 'Money from Property,' and her two daughters on 'Interest of Money.' Robertson was in his mid-fifties when appointed as Superintendent of Statistics, and had to cope with an expanding amount of work in the office, including the demands of the Vaccination Act. He was in office for a relatively short time before he retired, but during the period of Robertson...
As you can imagine, there are numerous legal documents referenced for this family on Scotlands People in the Legal records - Wills and testaments databases.
Monica
-
George Snr c. 1791 - 1853 son of William and wife Sarah Donald? A good possibility but not seeing his birth or christening to them. I think though there may be missing children for them maybe. So far I can see:
Mary 1773
Marjorie 1775
James 1777
Isabel 1779
Sarah 1781
Monica
-
There was also an Alexander Donald was or aspired to be a landholder in Aberdeenshire and/ or Banffshire between 1769 and 1771. Peter May, surveyor, factor and farmer in Linkwood, near Elgin, had dealings in April 1769 with a Captain Alexander Donald who was interested in acquiring a farm called Dykeside...
There are references to a George Robertson, also Deputy Keeper of the records of Scotland, who was married to an Elizabeth Brown, daughter of George Brown of Linkwood, Provost of Elgin and his wife Margaret Ross.
Just highlighting common reference in terms of area.
Monica
-
Have you had a look here? https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search/results?st=manbeen
I can see a reference to a Mr Donaldson at Manbeen in a number of records. I think it is Mr rather than the similar looking W. I may be wrong though.
Monica
-
Hi Monica -- Thanks for these items: I had not been aware of of the link to info on James Stark, and much appreciate it.
Re. George Robertson Sr., here's a brief summary of what I have:
118. George Robertson
b.c. 1791, St. Andrew’s Parish, Edinburgh; d. 5 March 1853 age 62, at 28 Albany Street [why couldn’t he have waited till 1855 and the initiation of SR record-keeping?]; bu. Warriston cemetery, Edinburgh. William Robertson I’s will named George as his third and youngest son. George’s monument in Edinburgh’s Warrison cemetery reads as follows:“In memory of George Robertson, Esq., one of the Deputy Keepers of the Records of Scotland, who died 5th March 1853, aged 62 years And of his son George Brown Robertson Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland, who died 26th November 1873, aged 54 years, and of his Daughter Sarah Isabella Robertson, who died 18th March 1874, aged 40 years; also of his widow Eliza Brown who died 17th March 1877, aged 80 years, and of his eldest son William Robertson, M.D., F.R.S.E., who died 25th August 1882 aged 64 years. And of his daughter Eliza Robertson who died 3rd October 1901 aged 74 years. [Base] Also of Christina Rose, widow of George Brown Robertson, who died 14th September 1912 aged 68 years Also of William Rose, younger son of George Brown and Christina Rose Robertson and husband of Eleanor Mary Robertson, who died 24th June 1937 aged 64 years.” George was commissioned Joint Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland in 1809, and re-appointed under the Clerk Register on 31 Dec. 1829. He became (sole?) deputy keeper of records in 1835.
The one small discrepancy between my records and yours is that I have Eliza (Brown) Robertson's parents as George Brown and Margaret Clerk, and (down a generation), George B. Robertson's wife as Christina Rose.
I had not checked out ScotlandsPlaces yet, but certainly will do so now; thank you for that tip!
-
The 1788 Carriage Tax roll for Manbeen clearly reads "Mr. Donald," so that is very interesting. The (carriage & riding) Horse Tax names him as Mr. Donaldson. I agree with your reading of "Mr." rather than "W." Interesting that the surname appears as "DonaldSon" -- looks like one word, but with the "S" capitalized.
-
Good afternoon from a warm Australia
I have a Maggie Ann Donald 1883 1959 who married a James Duncan
-
I have a Maggie Ann Donald 1883 1959 who married a James Duncan
Donald and Duncan are both quite common surnames. If you are looking for help, then a little more information would be helpful. What more do you know about them? Birthplaces, parents, date and place of marriage, where did they die, any information about children? Are they connected to the people already discussed in this thread?
-
Hello!
I am ALSO looking at Archibald Sutherland (Born 1745) who married Janet Donald. If you have any information, it would be gratefully received.