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Antrim / Mary Ann Clarke and John McKay
« on: Wednesday 24 January 24 01:23 GMT (UK) »
I wonder if anyone can please help?
I have Scottish and Irish DNA on my Dad's side. My Great Granddad, John Cowan, was born in Ayr. I have traced his Cowan roots but when researching his Mum's family, I have got stuck.
It's good that on the Scottish birth record of his Mum, Annie McKay, born 1874 in Wilson Street, Renfrew it gives the marriage of her parents, Mary Ann Clarke and John McKay. Married 16th May 1873 in Belfast.
When I looked for the certificate of their marriage, I was really excited! Yay! I've found my Irish roots!
Problem is, even having asked the people at St Anne's in Belfast, I can't get any further back than just names for Mary's parents and this was because they were on her death cert when she died in 1876. Mary Ann's mum is Francis, as was recorded. She has 3 surnames it seems. McKay Clarke and maiden surname was written as Beattie. Mary Ann's Dad is down as being John Clark. On Mary Ann's marriage he was a Clerk. On the death cert, he was a Police Clerk.
John McKay's Dad on the marriage cert is down as John Mackay who's job is written as Blast Furnace.
It is estimated that Mary Ann was born 1854 and John McKay 1850...
On the marriage cert John is an engine fitter. On the death cert, a ship finisher.
I have no idea how to take them back further? I don't know for sure if they are actually Irish or if John and Mary Ann were just living in Belfast because of work? I have searched for Frances in both Scotland and Ireland but its all guess work. I have nothing on any of the others either.
Can someone please give me pointers? How will I know if they are Scottish or Irish? How do I search accurately for Francis if she has 3 names? Where is the best place to search for Irish info if they are Irish?
I would really appreciate some help please?
Thank you.
I have Scottish and Irish DNA on my Dad's side. My Great Granddad, John Cowan, was born in Ayr. I have traced his Cowan roots but when researching his Mum's family, I have got stuck.
It's good that on the Scottish birth record of his Mum, Annie McKay, born 1874 in Wilson Street, Renfrew it gives the marriage of her parents, Mary Ann Clarke and John McKay. Married 16th May 1873 in Belfast.
When I looked for the certificate of their marriage, I was really excited! Yay! I've found my Irish roots!
Problem is, even having asked the people at St Anne's in Belfast, I can't get any further back than just names for Mary's parents and this was because they were on her death cert when she died in 1876. Mary Ann's mum is Francis, as was recorded. She has 3 surnames it seems. McKay Clarke and maiden surname was written as Beattie. Mary Ann's Dad is down as being John Clark. On Mary Ann's marriage he was a Clerk. On the death cert, he was a Police Clerk.
John McKay's Dad on the marriage cert is down as John Mackay who's job is written as Blast Furnace.
It is estimated that Mary Ann was born 1854 and John McKay 1850...
On the marriage cert John is an engine fitter. On the death cert, a ship finisher.
I have no idea how to take them back further? I don't know for sure if they are actually Irish or if John and Mary Ann were just living in Belfast because of work? I have searched for Frances in both Scotland and Ireland but its all guess work. I have nothing on any of the others either.
Can someone please give me pointers? How will I know if they are Scottish or Irish? How do I search accurately for Francis if she has 3 names? Where is the best place to search for Irish info if they are Irish?
I would really appreciate some help please?
Thank you.