Elizabeth Mackay - 1867-1931

[MonicaL]

Alexandrina, showing under variant Lexy in 1851. Mother Isabella Gordon looks to have died sometime after her birth? Donald, father, is showing as a widower on FreeCen. Everyone born in Lairg:

Donald Sutherland 50 tenant
Peggy Sutherland 20
Donald Sutherland 12
Mary Sutherland 7
Lexy Sutherland 3
Donald Mcleod 1 grandson

Address: Culmaily, Lairg, Sutherland

Monica

[MonicaL]

And my last for now to let you work through and confirm...

This looks like the Sutherland family from 1851 in the same place for 1841:

Donald Sutherland 40 agr. lab.
Isabella Gordon 35
Elspet Sutherland 14
Gorgersa Sutherland 10...this is Georgina
John Sutherland 7
William Sutherland 5
Donald Sutherland 2

There are OPR births or christenings for some of the children on SP.

Monica

[S13P]

I pulled the marriage certificate and you guys are right. This is the same family.

So maybe this is how she got the last name Sinclair included on some of the birth certificates?

What next steps would you take, I am waiting for a response from SP in reagrds to the rescan. But do you think its safe to assume that Alexandrina is Elizabeths mother?

Or should I stop and wait for the rescan?

[MonicaL]

You do need the confirmation from the rescan that you have the right mother, but I think you very likely have the right family for Elizabeth's mother. I don't know how quickly SP may respond on the rescan, or indeed, whether they can do this at present with the covid closures 

If you I would have things in pencil until you hear back, but would carry on researching this group. Both the Sutherland and McKay families.

Monica

[Forfarian]

A possible entry for her in 1881. Now offers possible connections to the McKay side from her father's side hopefully!
William Mackay 72 Chelsea Pensioner b Farr Sutherland
Mary McKay 56 wife b. Edinburgh
Donald McKay 18 son agr. lab. b. Farr
Betsey McKay 13 niece b. Reay Caithness
Address: Achina, Kirkton Farr, Sutherland

1891 census in Farr (transcription): William Mackay, 85; wife Mary Mackay, 64; niece Betsy Mackay, 23, unmarried. All born in Farr. So either he has two nieces of the same age named Betsy Mackay, one born in Reay and the other in Farr, or this is a different Elizabeth/Lizzie/Betsy Mackay.

[S13P]

Ok so I went and pulled Elizabeth Sutherland birth certificate and it had  illegitimate across it but then there was another correction saying the father as Robert Mackay. Guys I really think you’ve solved my family mystery. I’ve attached the images for your assessment.

I don’t know what words to even say to express my gratitude. I have been stuck on this for months. You are all so amazing. Thank you.

[Forfarian]

Excellent!

Identifying Robert Mackay is the next challenge, then.

[MonicaL]

Perfect! The best type of confirmation of the details 

Monica