Illegitimate children of Hon Duncan Robertson 1805 to 1818

[Jax B]

I am a descendant of the Honourable Duncan Robertson of Gilnock Hall Jamaica. During my research, I have discovered that he had six illegitimate children all born to Ann Henegan described in records as a 'free mulatto' or 'free person of colour'. The children were all baptised,
Caroline Robertson born 1805
Alexander Robertson born 1807
Duncan Suttman Robertson born 1810
...? Graham Robertson born 1813
Isabella Robertson born 1815
Jane Ann Robertson born 1818

He later had five legitimate sons with his wife, Elizabeth Smith who he married in 1834; Duncan Graham, Robert Henry, Peter Dundas, Francis MacDonald and James Alexander.

I have been able to trace these legitimate children, but know nothing more about his earlier family. Can anyone offer any help?

[jim1]

According to the blurb he was a decendant of The Lairds of Struan & born c.1781.
There are too many Duncan Robertsons born around this time to say for definite which one he is if any,that's if he was born Scoland of course.
You need the Robertsons family tree,as Lairds there must be one.

jim

[aghadowey]

I think Jax is trying to find some information on the illegitimate children (born before the marriage) rather than Duncan Robertson's ancestors.

Likely going to be difficult, Jax (welcome to Rootschat by the way)- might depend what records are available in Jamaica.

[Jax B]

Yes, thanks for that - I realise now that my message was not really clear. It is in fact the illegitimate children and their mother that I'm trying to trace. I have quite a lot of information about the Honourable Duncan who was in fact born in Callander, son of the Rev. James Robertson.

I realise that illegitimate children will be much more difficult to trace, but the fact that they were baptised and also given family christian names (ie names that reappear in the legitimate family) imply that he did care for them. I haven't seen his will which I assume to be held in Jamaica, but it would be interesting to know if they are recognised there.

Jax B

[Sharon01]

Hi,

It seems that Duncan & Ann  also had another child.

Elizabeth Robertson
Baptism/Christening Date 20 Aug 1826
Baptism/Christening Place St. Elizabeth, Cornwall, Jamaica
Father's Name Duncan Robertson
Mother's Name Ann Henegan

Sharon

[jim1]

Someone on Who do you think you are a couple of years ago (Ainslie Harriot ?) went to the W.Indies & traced mixed race illegitimate children from the PR's still held by the Parish Church so they generally do exist but you'd have to go there or employ a researcher.

jim

[Jax B]

Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the information. We seem to have missed this one. In fact, we were beginning to wonder whether these children are in fact the children of the Honourable Duncan Robertson of Gilnock Hall or of the Honourable Duncan Robertson (his uncle with confusingly the same name and title!) of Friendship. Duncan of Friendship was a medical doctor and we have managed to make out Dr. on one of the registers. However, your information about a seventh child apparently born in 1826 would seem to contradict this theory as Duncan of Friendship died in 1824.  We have a copy of his will and he makes no reference to nor provision for any illegitimate children.

Could it be that both uncle and nephew fathered children with the same woman?

Two other interesting pieces of information we have come across are that

1. Ann Henegan also gave birth to a son in 1800 to a Mr. David Morrice
2. In 1817 she was in possession of three female slaves. She was obviously not literate as the slave return is signed with a cross and countersigned by Dr. Robertson.
I accept what Jim said in his reply that much of this mystery will only be unravelled by going to or employing a researcher in Jamaica.
Thanks Jax B

[Sweetceez]

Hello Jax,

I believe  (I know) we are family. Distant cousins.

My 2nd or 3rd Great Grand father (I have to check 2nd or 3rd) is 1st cousins with  Honorable Duncan Robertson.

We are The offspring of Felix Robertson, who was Scottish. My Great Grand Father was mixed race and his name was Arthur Robertson.

My Robertson Family are in Jamaica UK & America.

[Sweetceez]

I have just checked my family tree, Honorable Duncan Robertson is the brother of my 4th Great Grandfather.