Cochrane Family, Living in Midlothian, Born Elsewhere?

[Annette7]

Alexander Cochrane is shown at marriage, and on census, to be bc.1868 - I can't find a birth entry for him, ca.1868 or earlier.

However, if you've found that Robert Cochrane died 1864 how could he be the father of Alexander born circa 4 years later??

Annette

[Annette7]

Have now found his birth entry - he was indeed the illegitimate son of Catherine.

He was registered in her maiden name of Walker:

Alexander Cochrane Bonar Walker, born 20th July 1867, High Church, Glasgow, (illegitimate), son of Catherine Cochrane, nee Walker, Hand Loom Weaver (widow).

So, although Alexander grew up as Cochrane, his mothers legal surname, he was not the son of her husband Robert who'd died 3 years before Alexander was born i.e. he had no Cochrane blood at all.

I would suggest with the name 'Bonar' amongst his names at birth that that may well have been the surname of his natural father.

Annette

[CaroleW]

As Robert was not Alexander’s biological father and therefore not related to you - do you still want to pursue the Cochrane line?

[JenkinsFamilyHistory]

Thats incredibly interesting. Could someone share the documents showing Alexander was illegitimate?
Yea i think i might as well pursue his biological father.

[JenkinsFamilyHistory]

So it looks like thats all absolutely correct, Alexander was illegitimate.
If anyone has tips on how to search for his father any and all suggestions would be welcome.
I suppose his last name is Bonar, Alexander may also be his name.... all speculation of course.

Thanks in advance!

[CaroleW]

How do you prove which male Bonar was his father?

Catherine was b approx 1834 and if you look at the 1871 there are around 7 possible male Bonar’s living in Glasgow.  The only Alexander Bonar wasn’t born until about 1850

[JenkinsFamilyHistory]

Yea im not sure.
Doesn't look like she fought any paternity case either.
Im looking at Catherine's family now.
Parents Isabella Gibson and James Walker. James was a tailor or weaver.