Hi Robin,
I think your query may be a little broad hence the lack of replies but I’m loving that death cert – so much info and so helpful!! How I'd love to have some certs like that.
I was getting to think the SHEARS could be discounted as the only info out of place, but experience has taught me that folks can be a little selective with info so never say never.
Well I now have a possibility where both TAYLOR and SHEARS could work.
If you stick with Greenock, Refren/shire in Scotland and search (LDS) for Ann TAYLOR 1795-1810 with father Samuel TAYLOR, up pops two records,
Ann TAYLOR f: Samuel TAYLOR m: Barbara SELLARS bap: 23 July 1808 b: 10 July 1808
Anne TAYLOR f: Samuel TAYLOR m: Margaret SILLARS b: 11 July 1801 *
(SELLARS/SELLERS/SILLARS a bit interchangeable)
Then searching for SHEARS, same place and dates:
Mary SHEARS f: John SHEARS, m: Barbara SELLARS bap: 21 July 1803
All are listed in West or Old Parish Greenock, and I’m not suggesting they are the same Barbara SELLARS, as she’s goes onto have more children with John SHEARS, but it may perhaps show a family connection and that Ann slipped up in 1826 and said SHEARS when she meant TAYLOR (perhaps Grandmothers maiden name and not her mothers?).
* I agree this is the most likely birth for Ann and so if this was mine I’d have a good look at the Scotland info and see if you can prove the connection there.
I’m not sure if you’re in the UK or Oz, but I’ve tried searching for immigration records and haven’t had any luck (either wrong birth or arrival, even when being a little vague) but wonder if there is more info from the Oz side of things?
Again, not sure I’ve actually helped but it’s been fun and here’s a website you may not have tried but you can search LDS using the batch numbers specifically for Greenock.
http://www.archersoftware.co.uk/igi/fs-rfw.htmGood luck on your quest and let us know how you get on.
Fionaohcanifindanyozrellies