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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Midlothian => Topic started by: portybelle on Monday 16 May 11 13:25 BST (UK)
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I'm struggling to find info about my great great grandmother's parents. I either ran out of time or couldn't find them last time I was at the GRO.
Helen Ramsay was born c 1847 and from subsequent census returns when married, was born in Leith. She married John Cameron on 22 July 1870 and died on 15 May 1915.
From her marriage record I have her parents as Alexander Ramsay and Elizabeth Ross. I have a possible marriage date of 14 October 1842 for them from IGI.
When searching the census returns, I can find a family which fits in Leith in 1851 but it says Helen in born in Colinton. (Parents indexed as Alexr and Eliz - that took me a while to find!). I have the parents again in 1861 and 1881 still in Leith but no Helen with them. Can't find them in 1871.
Do I have the right family do you think and if I do, where's Helen? If it's not the right family, can anyone help trace them?
Many thanks for any help.
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If her parents moved to Leith by 1851, and lived there for many years, Helen may well have considered Leith as 'home' and quoted Leith as her birth place in later years, Porteybelle.
In 1861, I think this is Helen:
Ellen Ramsay, 15, b. Colinton. She is working as a domestic servant at the Boyd household in 27 Forth St, Edinburgh.
Monica :)
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Thanks Monica - I did wonder that myself. Parents would have said Colinton but as you say, from a very young age Leith was home for her. Her father is listed as a wine and spirits merchant - what did they do with all my inheritance I want to know!!
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Family in 1871:
Alexr Ramsey ....his details must be hard to read on the original image I think
Eliz Ramsay 51
John Ramsay 22
Alex Ramsay 18
Janet Ramsay 15
Jessie M Ramsay 29, boarder, domestic servant b. Edinburgh
Address: 8 E Bowling Grange, Leith
See Alexander Snr quotes potentially Colinton as his birth place in 1861 (transcribed as Collenton). Would fit with your Helen being born there...
Monica
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Her father is listed as a wine and spirits merchant - what did they do with all my inheritance I want to know!!
Might have drunk it away, Portybelle ;D
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Thanks for finding them in 1871 - definitely ties in and I know the address Bowling Green so that fits too.
I see he's moved up from porter, to grain porter - wonder when he started distilling it?? Think you are right - he must have drunk it all away!
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Have now managed to find Elizabeth Ramsay's death in 1883 on SP. Also found Alexander on 1891 census but can't find a death for him. I've searched up to 1911 but no joy. Found one that I thought was him aged 87 in 1902 but not the right person. Think this one will need to wait until I can get back to the records office again.
Thanks for your help.
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Address: 8 E Bowling Grange, Leith
That will be: 8 East Bowling Green Street
The handwriting on the original census form must have been a bit rough. ;D
Gordon
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Fellow Rootschatter Suzilad has found Alexander's death for me now. He died in Galashiels at his daughter's house. I was probably searching Edinburgh - neither wonder I couldn't find him!
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That's great that you have the answers now, Portybelle (with a little bit of help from Suzilad!).
Monica
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Hi monica
Do you know if it's possible to find out if Alexander Ramsay had his own wines and spirits business? I did a basic search and found a reference to a receipt/invoice in his name but that was all. I have seen folk mention trade directories before but not sure where to find them. Thanks.
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You need to check on trade and phone books/directories to see what you can find (like these PO directories included here www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Edinburgh) Perhaps check at a local reference library? The larger Edinburgh libraries will most likely have these going back many years.
Monica
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What a brilliant link and resource Monica - thank you! Added to favourites...
I've found him on that and he is listed as wine and spirits merchant at 37 Coatfield Lane with his house at 38 so it does look like he had his own business.