My husband is descended from these people, (he is their 4 x great grandson) and their daughter Barbara Laurenson, 16 Mar 1802 Bressay and died 1874 Ballarat, Victoria, Australia and who married Laurence Duncan (1795-1837) in Bressay 02 Jan 1827. I am still trying to find how Barbara got from Shetland to Australia. Her daughter Jean/Jane was born 1833 in Gunhall, Bressay and married Donald Johnston (1822-1888) in South Leith 03 April 1854. Donald was born in Inverness, and I know nothing much about his family except that his father's name was John. I haven't managed to find when they all went to Australia, and I don't know what happened to Jean's siblings (who were Laurence b 1827 Bressay, Gilbert b 1829 and also went to Australia, Catherine b 1831, George b Dec 1835) I'd like to confirm that Laurence Duncan died in 1837, and find out where and perhaps how. I am interested in learning anything at all about the family. My information about Gilbert Laurenson and Catherine Oma!
nd might be suspect, and she may not be Catherine Omand, but she is Catherine someone - I have part of the family on the 1841 Census, and Catherine is a widow on the 1851 Census, living wih Nelly Laurenson aged 54 - where does she fit in?And what happened to John Laurenson b abt 1804, Barbara's brother? And were there any other siblings? In 1841 Barbara and her children were living with Gilbert and Catherine. I'd be grateful for any advice, suggestions, and anything else.RegardsJan MoonPottsville NSW Australia