Catherine was my g. grandmother, she was born in Kells/New Galloway Kirkcudbrightshire in 1884. All this has come from my Auntie/Dad. She lived in Carronbridge, Thornhill and was buried in Thornhill.
Now this is a bit of a sore point in my family, my Uncle was very close to her and was instructed to burn her birth cert etc when she died, which he did. So I've decided not to ask him as I think it would cause him too much upset, even though frustratingly he knows the answer.
Catherine married George Ireland (widower) in 1904 after working as his housekeeper.
On their marriage certificate it states John Hunter as her presumed father and literally '? Harley, Outdoor worker(deceased)', as her mother.
From census records, she was brought up by her Grandparents, William Harley and Margaret Bryce.
William Harley married Margaret Bryce 27.10.1849. Kells, Kirkcudbrightshire
Their children were:
Catherine McKay Harley 06.06.1852
Anne Harley b.30.08.1854
Mary Harley b. 10.10.1856
William Harley b. 09.07.1859, d. 05.11.1908
Margaret Harley b. 28.04.1862, d.18.02.1886
Richard Harley 12.02.1865
So, I am sure I am looking for a record of illegitimate birth. Can anyone help? Have tried scotlands people and IGI with no luck. I cant prove anything but everyone except Margaret married, plus she died young, so she is the likely candidate to be Catherine's Mum.
Or do I just leave it since I'm 100% sure about her grandparents, and just know nothing about Catherine's birth or parentage.....
Tx
