Hello again
I've spent some time now trying to trace my Grandmother's parents and this is a resume of what little I have found. Much of it has already appeared on this thread but I have tried to tie together all the bits and pieces I have (which is not really very much).
According to her Birth Certificate (September 1876) she was born Dorette Maria Sophia MacDonald on 8th September 1876 in Paddington Workhouse. Her father is listed as John MacDonald (although the cert is not signed by him), occupation Butler.
Her mother is listed as Lucy Leonora MacDonald formerly Feldmann who signs herself LL MacDonald
According to her Marriage Certificate (September 1905) on which she appears and signs as Mary Dorette Sophie Flora McDonald, her father is John McDonald (although signed by him John Macdonald), occupation Butler. In the Wedding report (apparently intended for a local newspaper) the Bride’s parents are listed as John and Mrs McDonald of Scarborough.
In 1901 there is a John Macdonald, aged 45, b. Bedale, Yorkshire, widower, living at 19 Seymour Mews, London (St. Marylebone district), occupation Domestic Butler.
In 1891 there is a John Macdonald, aged 34, b. Catterick, Yorkshire, (quite close to Bedale!), said to be single, living at Cadwell Hall, Lincolnshire, occupation Butler.
In 1881 I can find no candidate.
In 1871 there is a John McDonald, aged 14, b. York (perhaps Yorks?), an errand boy living at the Wheatsheaf Inn, 32 Upper Head Row, Leeds. This is within half a mile of where Lucy Feldmann, aged 20 according to the census – but maybe she overstated her age – from Germany, is living as a housemaid at 5 Fallowfield, Leeds. I realise this is stretching it a bit but I need straws to clutch at.
The factors linking (you may think somewhat weakly) these entries are the occupation of Butler and the county of Yorkshire.
Apart from the Lucy Feldmann living in Leeds in 1871 and the Lucy Leonora MacDonald appearing on the BC, I can find no references identifiable as the Lucy Feldmann/Macdonald/MacDonald/McDonald who was my great-grandmother.
Nor can I find a death record for either of these people.
Can anyone help me confirm or eliminate any of the above listings or suggest other avenues to explore?
Perhaps I should post this on the Yorkshire board as well?
Any advice welcome.
Regards,
Ian
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