Looking for death of my Grandfather James Benzie Craig

[Trustach]

Hello Rootschatters,
Greetings from bonny Scotland!
 I hope some kind soul can help me solve the riddle of what happened to my paternal Grandfather who emigrated to Portland, Maine, on 25 November 1910, leaving from Glasgow on the Sicilian, Allen Line Steamship Co Ltd, to find work as a Granite Cutter.
Sadly he never returned home and my Grandmother subsequently obtained a divorce on 26 May 1938 at Aberdeen (reason being, address unknown). He left behind a young family including my father who was only a few months old.
I managed to trace him on the 1911 Canada Census, Province Quebec, District Stanstead. He is shown as working as a Granite Cutter in Beebe plain village.   It is interesting that he is shown as single which may be a clerical error, or perhaps he did not intend to return to his family?

I would be eternally grateful if any record could be found of my grandfather marrying, having a family or and record of his death or burial.  I have researched in the Scottish and English records and found nothing.

I must apologise if I have rambled on a bit and I would love to hear from anyone who can help.

Thank you so much

[rosie99]

When and where was he born

[*Sandra*]

U.S., Atlantic Ports Passenger Lists, 1820-1873 and 1893-1959 for James Craig - born 1884 - departing Glasgow 26 November 1910 arriving Portland Maine 6 December 1910 on the Silician - wife Mrs Joan Craig - 32 Gerrard Street Aberdeen.

Sandra

[*Sandra*]

1911 Census for Stanstead Quebec - gives the birth date as May 1884 - aged 27 years - boarder - single and granite cutter as you said -

Doesn't appear to be any attestation papers for a James B Craig

http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/canadian-expeditionary-force.aspx

Sandra

[josey]

Still searching the 1921....

[Trustach]

When and where was he born

Hello Rosie and thank you for replying. My grandfather was born on 27 May 1884 at 6 shore Lane, Aberdeen, Scotland.

[*Sandra*]

Unfortunately there are no Central registries/indexes in Canada for BMDs.  Canada has very strict privacy laws and each province imposes its own even further.  Additionally, some provinces are more research friendly than others so researching in Canada can be challenging. As a guide BMD Records are only available for births more than a 100 years ago, marriages 80 years ago and deaths 70 years ago. Trying to trace modern day families in Canada can depend on newspaper announcements, cemetery records, obituaries, telephone directories etc., So you can see how strict privacy laws are.  Not finding James on the 1921 census so far. Doesn't appear on USA-  SSDI records which were up and running by 1962 ish.  Not picking him up on border crossing to USA but there were many places to cross and not all were recorded.

Sandra

[josey]

I've had a look at the US censuses too, but none coming up with that occupation; of course he may have changed job. Shame he didn't seem to use his middle initial.

[Trustach]

I've had a look at the US censuses too, but none coming up with that occupation; of course he may have changed job. Shame he didn't seem to use his middle initial.

Hello Josey,
 Yes I did wonder about the fact that he may have been in the US, as the border line between Canada and the US ran straight through the middle of the Beebe Plain village where he stayed as per the 1911 Canada census.  I feel that I am looking for a needle in a haystack! It is a pity that he did not use his middle initial as it is a very common name.
Thank you for trying to help.