Nicholas Bell - b. Kirkmabreck/Anwoth/Barholm, c.1790

[MatthewG]

Wondering if anyone could shed light on the parentage of Nicholas Bell ('Nicholas' as in the old Lowland female name), whose memorial inscription suggests she was born sometime around 1789-91. She married John McLachlan c. 1812, and the family had connections in Anwoth, Kirkmabreck and Barholm. The family used traditional Scottish naming patterns, so the third son, David McLachlan, might be the name of Nicholas's father. The likely candidate seems to be David Bell of Hinton and Anwoth, who had another child, Peggy, christened in Anwoth in early 1789. His mother was called Nicholas, and his siblings all named a child after her. But the many gaps in Kirkcudbrightshire records has made this impossible to prove.
Many thanks,
Matthew

[MonicaL]

Hi Matthew

Were there any family names showing as sponsors to the children's christenings? At least four entries for christenings in the OPRs. Sometimes this can help in identifying family members.

What were the name of husband John McLachlan's parents? He died after 1855 didn't he?

Monica

[MonicaL]

Following your theory on naming pattern, first born daughter called Nicholas (after paternal grandmother/Nicholas herself?), there is then a Jessie followed by an Isabella.

You mentioned a Peggy born to a David Bell. Was the mother's name listed?

There is a Janet Bell born 1786 in Anworth to a David Bell and wife Janet Haining www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XYM6-1RK As you likely know, Janet and Jessie are common variants. Possible death for her:

Janet BELL
Mother's maiden name HAINING
1862
855/ 8
Anwoth

These are all just things to consider. Not seeing anything concrete so far.

Monica

Added: research is never straightforward  A couple of mentions for the death of a Janet Bell/Haining http://www.gatehouse-folk.org.uk/detailpage.asp?d=117&ID=3

 23 March 1862
   
Janet Haining or Bell death 1862  March 23rd - Fleet Street, Anwoth - 75 years, single, pauper - father unknown - mother Janet Haining, domestic servant. Witness William Stark, Inspector of the Poor.

23 March 1862
   
Janet Haining or Bell, Fleet Street, Gatehouse, descendant of Bells of Whiteside, Parish of Anwoth, one of whom fell under the ruthless hand of Claverhouse. Died 23rd ult., aged 75. {D & G S 24th April 1862}

[MonicaL]

See Peggy's entry did not include mother's name www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:C9CT-Q9PZ

Monica

[MatthewG]

Thanks very much indeed for this. The reference to Janet Haining/Bell's forbears suggests her father was the same David Bell who presented Peggy for christening in 1789 (as owner of the small Hinton estate, he was also descended from the Whiteside Bells, or, more precisely their close cousins of Arkland). The absence of a mother suggests that Peggy was also illegitimate, and I have wondered if she and Nicholas were actually the same person, with the diminutive name 'Peggy' replaced by one more appropriate to the family, and the memorial inscription wrong by a year (which is not uncommon). I have a feeling this minor mystery might remain unsolved, though. All the Anwoth baptism records for 1790 seem to be missing, with nothing accessible for the parish from that year on 'Scotland's People'. David Bell of Hinton was executor for his father's will in 1786, but was dead by 1794, accordingly to its later administration. Disappointingly, he left no trace of a will or a churchyard memorial.

Very many thanks again,
Matthew