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« on: Sunday 31 July 22 08:38 BST (UK) »
This is my epilogue for Henry who has told a few porkies and may not want to be found. Maybe he wants to be a Gordon, naming his son Gordon Hector, and mother Ann Gordon. I have searched many Ann Gordons - found 2 marriages to McKenzie, but no success, then I decided to search Jean Ann McKenzie who he said was his sister at New Street Culsalmond by Huntly. No New Street but a New Road in Huntly so a wild goose chase.
I then looked for a William McKenzie near Huntly and found Wm McKenzie of Cairnie by Huntly born 1837 on 10 May (Henry’s birth date by coincidence) who married Margaret Hay in 1870. They had a Jane (Jean) 1871, Mary 1874, Elizabeth 1881 and no Henry, but suspicious because looking into it I found that his wife is a cousin to Margaret Hay who married William Gordon born 1811 who is brother to Ann Gordon of CIA. The Hay girls fathers James and John going to John Gordon and Jean Bain.
I have been looking for the birth dates of children of Wm Gordon of Drumgrain, Inveravon but cannot find the three Christina m Robertson, John and William in 1851 Census.
What I did find was an Alexander born 1851, but then a strange one Wm Ann McKenzie Gordon born 1853 a daughter. As a long shot maybe she had Henry in 1869. It seemed to be their practice not to register names. Wm lived with his sister Elspet until 1899.
I may get into the army papers one day, but doubt if they will tell me more. I think he lied re birthdate but came back to his real one.
I believe that someone in this family had Henry, but I will never know. Family like to keep in touch, especially the Hay cousins, and I am sure Henry rode his horse visiting these families. It is what I want to believe anyway. He left on his own to start a new life, so many worries and untruths which is sad.
I really appreciate the patience and help along the way, but if no definite certificates it is impossible. Diane