Parents of William McDonald

[Scottish007]

My 4th great-grandfather is William McDonald who was born in Blackbill Close, Edinburgh around 1818. I have not been able to find a baptism record for William.

In an 1876 Poor Relief Application, he lists his parents as Hugh McDonald, bookbinder, and Euphemia Tait who are both dead.
He also mentions a sister Euphemia who is in Australia in another poor law entry in 1892, I have not found any trace of her.

On his death certificate in 1899, his parents are listed as Hugh McDonald, cabinetmaker (journeyman), and Euphemia Tait.

I have not found any trace of the family William McDonald mentions and am wondering if there is anything else I could do to find information. The earliest census I have found of William McDonald is in 1861 in Shettleston.

[Unë kthimi i papenduar]

First small point is that I think the birth place should be Black Bull Close (Pleasance).   Perhaps a typo but there was no Blackbill as listed in Stuart Harris's book "The Place Names of Edinburgh".


There was a death 31st January 1856 of a Hugh McDonald (Widower), 68 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, aged 70.   Parents both unknown and advised by William McDonald, son.    Buried at West Church yard.

[Neale1961]

Who did William marry?     When?     WHere?
What was his occupation?

[Neale1961]

Have you looked at either of these?

There is a Hugh MacDOnald who married a Martha Tait in 1818 St Cuthberts Edinburgh

There is a Hugh McDOnald (bookbinder) born abt 1795 - living in Edinburgh in 1841
https://www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5a151adef4040b9d6e26f3de/hugh-mcdonald-1841-midlothian-edinburgh-1796-?locale=en

[Scottish007]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

William married Janet Herries Jeffrey on 15th August 1848 in Glasgow. They had 5 children between 1852 and 1866 in Govan, Shettleston and, High Church. Their names were John, William, Mary, Francis, Isabella.

In 1851 William was a Cotton Weaver
In 1861 he was a Coal Miner
In 1871 he was a Collier
In 1876 he was a Coal Miner
In 1880 he was a Coal Miner
In 1881 he was a General Labourer
In 1891 he was a Coal Porter

I had looked at that 1841 census record but I don't think it's right because of the other family members. I will make another reply with my transcript of his Poor Relief Application

[Scottish007]

Found at Mitchell Library
Application for relief dated 3.35pm 28 Nov 1876
Janet Jeffrey or McDonald
Usual residencu 11 George Street, with mother
Place of birth: Maxwellton, Paisley, aged 54, occupation Twiner, Religion: Protestant

Husband William McDonald, aged 57, born Blackhill Close, Edinburgh, a weaver or coal porter residing at 77 Drygate. Son of Hugh McDonald, a bookbinder, and Euphemia Tait, both dead

Names of Children not dependant:
John aged, 24, born 66 High Street
William, 20 years, Queensly, Near Cumbernauld
Mary, 17 years, Queensley, Near Cumbernauld

Janet Jeffrey, daughter of George Jeffrey, a weaver, and Margaret Wilson, both dead.
Janet married about 1848 in Nicholas Street, by Rev N Edwards

William, 42 years, married + 4 children in Lisbon, Portugal
Mary, 39 years, marr + 2 children to James O'Hara seperated from him for 13 years past
This old woman is not able to work. Resides with her daughter Mrs O'Hara
Husband died in city poor house.
16 Feb 1899 - Sent to Poorhouse

(This is a more detailed entry found over the page from above entry)
12.20pm, 4 Jun 1892 - William McDonald applies per wife from 11 East John Street, back, 1 up. mid. He is a coal porter aged 73, disabled by debility. Wife aged 70, a twinner, earned 2/- during the last fortnight but has no work this week. Family are:

John, 39, a labourer, off work with Rheumatism, married with 5 children in Avenue Street
William, 35, a bleachfield foreman, married + 4 children in Lisbon, Portugal.  Pays rent.
Mary, married 14 years ago to James O'Hara, labourer, he is in America, she is a twiner and has two children in the Saltmarket.

His sister Euphemia in Australia.  Wife's sister Elizabeth, widow Martin + 4 children in Braehead.  Ann married + 0 children to Charles Dryall, a tailor, in John Street, City.

Applicant has wrought none for about 6 months.  House is a single apartment, fairly clean, poorly furnished.  Has not a good bed - no blanket.  Rent 6/- monthly.  No lodgers.  Not a church member.  Neighbours speak favourably of him.  Wife is said to take a drink sometimes.  Granted medical relief 6 June 1892.  Applies for outdoor relief.  Visited 6 June 1892.  Offered poorhouse till committee.

27 May 1897 - Wife admitted to Poorhouse
7 June 1897 - Left poorhouse
5 Jan 1899 - William McDonald died in poorhouse.
8 Feb 1899 - Janet Jeffrey applies for outdoor relief.  Certified unfit.  John, aged 46, married + 2 children residing at 5 John's Place assists a little.
17 Oct 1903 - Janet Jeffrey transferred for Poorhouse to Stobhill Hospital.
21 Jul 1904 - Died in Stobhill Hospital.