Sir Hector Mackenzie - 4th Baronet of Gairloch - new son found.

[Eleanor Rigby]

Hi there.  I am a descendant of Sir Hector Mackenzie, 4th Baronet of Gairloch (his 4 x Great-grandaughter} To my knowledge he only had eight children, three to my 4 x great grandmother Jane Urquhart (his housekeeper, they were not married)  1772 - 1795  Jane (Jean) Christian Mackenzie: born abt. 1787 - 1824, Catherine Mackenzie: born abt 1789 and Kenneth Mackenzie: born abt. 1790.........then to Christian Henderson: Sir Francis Mackenzie 1798 - 1843, William Mackenzie 1799 - 1858, Hector Mackenzie 1801-1838, Sir John Mackenzie MD 1803 - 1866 and Captain Roderick Mackenzie 1809- 1849.  The thing is, is that I have just come across another child to Sir Hector Mackenzie: William Mackenzie: born: 12th January 1787, but no mention of who the mother was.   Is there anyone out there who can help me please.

[mckha489]

Could it be the same William as “ William Mackenzie 1799 - 1858”.
Ie, was the 1799 William actually born earlier than thought?  Although that would mean before the marriage to Christian, and I see he is normally said to be her son.

[Eleanor Rigby]

Hi there
Thank you for your prompt response.  I am pretty sure it is not the same William Mackenzie as the William Mackenzie born in 1799 died in France in 1858.
I have a copy of a letter written by Sir Hector Mackenzie, Conan House, which states William Mackenzie was born on 12 January 1787.  This letter was dated 29th February 1803, obviously as proof of birth to join the Indian Army.  Also another letter re his debts dated 4th July 1807.  So he obviously died prior to that date, which would have made him about 30yrs when he passed away.  It would only let me post any documents as it says they are too large.  If you wish I can email them to you.

[mckha489]

Hmm. that seems good proof doesn't it.
He must be illegitimate then surely?  But not Jane Urquhart's child?

[Eleanor Rigby]

We don't have the exact birth dates of Jane Urquhart and Sir Hector's three children, but we recently came across an article that they might have had five children together.

[Eleanor Rigby]

Yes, illegitimate, but who is the mother???

[mckha489]

When did Jane die?

[mckha489]

The actual divorce papers might tell you more? Where are they?

I suppose his will is no good if William already deceased?  Did he name other children of Jane?

[Eleanor Rigby]

Hi there

Jane Urquhart & Sir Hector were never married. hence no divorce!  If I remember rightly, Sir Hector's will did not mention his illegitimate children.    It is a very long will, but I will look at it again.  Thanks