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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: Chalm on Monday 30 July 18 21:07 BST (UK)

Title: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Monday 30 July 18 21:07 BST (UK)
Hi I am trying to find out information about the children of John Forbes 1810 Leochel  Aberdeenshire Scotland and his wife Catherine Bain 1811. I want to know if he had a son called Alexander and if he had where Alexander was born. Thanks
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: bevj on Monday 30 July 18 21:41 BST (UK)
Hello
FamilySearch has children,
Charles  1836
Isobel  1838
John  1840.
Can't see any more children. nor can I see them in 1841, though there is an Isobel in Leochel  with a Widow Forbes aged 60.

Bev
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Monday 30 July 18 22:28 BST (UK)
Is this them in 1841?  All b Aberdeenshire

John Forbes    30 merchant
Catherine 30
Chas 4
John 1
Isabella Stronach    15
Jessie Stronach    18
Barbra Stronach    10

Old Machar ED 30 Page 22 Line 1010
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Monday 30 July 18 22:31 BST (UK)
In 1851 they are transcribed as Forbis and only John aged 17 is in household with John & Catherine.  Still in Old Machar and all are shown as b Aberdeen Aberdeenshire

Where did you get the info from that they may have had a son called Alexander?
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Monday 30 July 18 22:41 BST (UK)
Someone else’s public tree on ancestry.com has many of the same people. On this particular tree Alexander’s parents are listed as John forbes and Catherine Bain from Scotland though Alexander was born in Londonderry 1843 Northern Ireland. Alexander is my great grandfather. I cannot find any information about his parents. He is in the 1901 and 1911 census listed as living in Belfast. I was hoping the other tree was my missing link but can’t find any proof. Any help appreciated.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Monday 30 July 18 23:10 BST (UK)
Hmm...

Something not adding up?

Son John aged 1 in 1841 but 17 in 1851 rather than 11 or close too?

I also find it odd for a child, namely Alexander born 1843 not to be with his parents in 1851 unless he can be found with relatives/neighbour/friends?

Not too sure what to think for now though  :-\

Annie

Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Monday 30 July 18 23:18 BST (UK)
Someone else’s public tree on ancestry.com has many of the same people.

Please do not be persuaded into believing anything you have no proof of as many people accept 'hints' believing them to be correct!
Ancestry match names/dates but I don't think location is considered ie. up to the individual who accepts the hint to prove there's a link.

What was the occupation of Alexander's father on his marriage/death?
Have you traced the 'supposed' siblings from the census' in Scotland to compare their details on marriages/deaths for the occ. of their father John?

Annie
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Monday 30 July 18 23:21 BST (UK)
Never trust info from somebody else’s tree as it can be  incorrect.  Always do your own research

When and where did Alexander marry?  Who did he marry?  Would his marriage cert have his parents names and mother’s maiden name?
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Tuesday 31 July 18 00:26 BST (UK)
The furthest back on my family tree I’ve got is my great granda Alexander forbes born 1843 in Londonderry. The census in 1901 says he was 56 and born in Londonderry and his wife was Margaret Louisa age 27 born in England. They lived in Galwally Breda Down at this time. In the house also lived Alexander’s brother John age 61 not married, Alexander’s  children David aged 1 and Alexander (My granda) aged 3, and Matilda born in Scotland who is listed as Alexander’s sister in law aged 11. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I knew not to trust the other tree but was curious I case it was correct.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: hallmark on Tuesday 31 July 18 00:33 BST (UK)
46 Scottish born Forbes 1911 census   http://www.rootschat.com/links/01mfu/
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Tuesday 31 July 18 00:52 BST (UK)
The furthest back on my family tree I’ve got is my great granda Alexander forbes born 1843 in Londonderry. The census in 1901 says he was 56 and born in Londonderry and his wife was Margaret Louisa age 27 born in England. They lived in Galwally Breda Down at this time. In the house also lived Alexander’s brother John age 61 not married, Alexander’s  children David aged 1 and Alexander (My granda) aged 3, and Matilda born in Scotland who is listed as Alexander’s sister in law aged 11.

What is Matilda's surname?

Where was 'brother John' born according to the 1901 census?

Annie
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Tuesday 31 July 18 01:09 BST (UK)
Both Alexander & John are shown as b Londonderry.  There is an 11yr old Matilda Forbes shown as sister in law b Scotland. 

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000744532/

There is a matching birth on SP for Matilda Forbes b 1890 St Rollox

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Tuesday 31 July 18 01:15 BST (UK)
1891 for Glasgow - all children after Margaret were b Glasgow

David Forbes    38 b Ireland
Mary  38 b Ireland
Margaret L Forbes    17 b England
Alexander  14
David  12
James  10
William  8
Sarah  5
Mary Forbes    4
Matilda Forbes    1
Glasgow Barony ED 60 Page 5 Line 21

Per freebmd

Births December qtr 1873 
Forbes    Margaret Louisa         Gateshead    10a   833 mothers maiden name Pickering
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Tuesday 31 July 18 01:29 BST (UK)
Marriage March 1897 Belfast

Name    Alexander Forbes
Event Type    Marriage
Event Date    Jan - Mar 1897
Event Place    Belfast, Ireland
Registration Quarter and Year    Jan - Mar 1897
Registration District    Belfast
Volume Number    1

Name    Margaret Forbes
Event Type    Marriage
Event Date    Jan - Mar 1897
Event Place    Belfast, Ireland
Registration Quarter and Year    Jan - Mar 1897
Registration District    Belfast
Volume Number    1
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Tuesday 31 July 18 02:10 BST (UK)
Good work Carole!

I haven't looked into things but I don't think the John (brother of Alexander) is the same John who was born Aberdeen?

It looks very coincidental though but what makes me wonder is the religion of John (b Scotland) being 'Moravian' as well as stating he was born Londonderry  :-\

Annie
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Tuesday 31 July 18 02:22 BST (UK)
I think the fact no daughter is named Catherine after the mother may be a clue to being a different family?

The scots did have a naming pattern although not always used rigidly but for the most part I think a mother's name would be prominent in most cases?

Annie
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Rosinish on Tuesday 31 July 18 02:47 BST (UK)
The furthest back on my family tree I’ve got is my great granda Alexander forbes born 1843 in Londonderry. The census in 1901 says he was 56 and born in Londonderry and his wife was Margaret Louisa age 27 born in England.

Do you have their marriage cert. to confirm at least the name of Alexander's father & his occ.?

I don't think you can be sure of anything if you don't have the marriage cert. as the names of their children don't match with what I'd expect?

Witnesses to the marriage may also hold clues?

Annie
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 09:53 BST (UK)
The census in 1901 says he was 56 and born in Londonderry and his wife was Margaret Louisa age 27 born in England. They lived in Galwally Breda Down at this time. In the house also lived Alexander’s brother John age 61 not married, Alexander’s  children David aged 1 and Alexander (My granda) aged 3, and Matilda born in Scotland who is listed as Alexander’s sister in law aged 11.
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Down/Breda/Galwally__rural_/1238697

Here's the 1897 marriage for Alexander Forbes to Margaret Forbes-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1897/10440/5801844.pdf

Alexander (1898)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1898/02098/1799382.pdf
David (1899)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1899/02022/1775935.pdf
Mary Ellen (1902)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1902/01914/1742028.pdf
Kathleen Primrose (1904)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1904/01830/1715348.pdf
James (1906)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1906/01743/1688452.pdf
Wesley (1907)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1907/01679/1667944.pdf
Florence Louisa Mildred (1908)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1909/01627/1651347.pdf
Elizabeth (1910)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1910/01552/1627790.pdf

Forbes family in 1911-
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Down/Ormeau/Gipsy_Street/212127

continued next post...
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 10:07 BST (UK)
1911 census says 9 children but only 6 living so there's one whose birth I haven't found and Wesley and Florence died young.

Wesley died 1908-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1908/05507/4543206.pdf
Florence died 1910-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1910/05431/4518538.pdf
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: CaroleW on Tuesday 31 July 18 10:10 BST (UK)
So at the time of the 1897 marriage - Margaret’s father David was about 44 and his son in law Alexander was about 52

There must be some connection between the families given that Margaret’s parents were both born in Ireland and the surname on both sides is Forbes
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Tuesday 31 July 18 10:12 BST (UK)
Thank you so much for everyone’s help. We don’t have a marriage certificate for Alexander born  1843 which means we don’t have his fathers occupation. Is there a way I can get a copy of the marriage certificate? Sorry I’m not very experienced in this trying to help my dad make the breakthrough he is looking for to the previous generation.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Tuesday 31 July 18 10:15 BST (UK)
I did wonder too about the families being connected and the age of my great grandfather when he married. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few days trying to sort through info. Husband complaining as housework being neglected😂😂
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Tuesday 31 July 18 11:18 BST (UK)
Aghadowey thank you so much for all the links to births and the marriage. I’ve just been looking up all the documents. Can’t wait to print them out and visit my dad this afternoon to show him. He knew he was named after his great uncle John but now we can see his great granda was called John too.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 11:48 BST (UK)
John Forbes died 1910- brother Alexander was informant-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1910/05422/4515517.pdf

Death notice gives us first clue to where Forbes family lived in County Londonderry  ;D
Belfast Telegraph, 20 Aug.1910: FORBES— August 20, at the residence of his brother, Walmer Street. Ballynafeigh, John Forbes, aged 70, late of Gracefield, Magherafelt.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 11:56 BST (UK)
John Forbes, Ballymaguigan, age 90, died 1891- informant son Alexander-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1891/06084/4735808.pdf

The Will of John Forbes late of Ballymaguigan County Londonderry Farmer who died 8 February 1891 at same place was proved at Londonderry by John Rodgers of Ballyrounan [Ballyronan] said County Farmer one of the Executors. Effects £127. Not probated until 2 Nov.1894. Will dated 7 Aug.1890 mentions wife Eliza, "my two sons John & Alexander," £1 to son George.
https://apps.proni.gov.uk/WillsCalendar_IE/WillsSearch.aspx

Eliza Forbes died 1893 (which probably explains why John's estate wasn't probated until 1894)- son Alexander again was the informant-https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1893/06005/4709019.pdf

In 1831 Census there's a John Forbes in Ballymaguigan townland- 2 males & 2 females in household- religion is under column 'other Protestant Dissenters' (not Church of Ireland or Presbyterian)-
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1831/Londonderry/Loughinshollin/Artrea/Ballymeguigan/101/
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 12:13 BST (UK)
According to this online tree- needs to be checked for accuracy but information from church records-
https://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jerrydoyle&id=I21590

John Forbes married Eliza Miller
Son John born 21 Aug.1839 Gracefield and baptised at Moravian Church there 22 Sept.1839
Son Alexander born 12 May 1842 Gracefield and baptised at Moravian Church there 12 May 1842
More details in tree
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 31 July 18 12:17 BST (UK)
History of Gracefield-
http://www.woodschapel.armagh.anglican.org/en/History-Of-Woodschapel-St-John-s-/History-of-Gracefield
Map showing location of church-
http://www.woodschapel.armagh.anglican.org/en/Gracefield

Recent photo- LINK (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gracefield_Moravian_Church_now_Woodschapel_COI_-_geograph.org.uk_-_94751.jpg)

The burying ground would have been known as God's Acre, men buried on one side and woman on other side. Due to the belief that everyone is equal the old headstone lie flat on the ground. Unusually for Northern Ireland there would have been only one burial per grave.
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: Chalm on Friday 25 January 19 19:59 GMT (UK)
I've been trying unsuccessfully to find out more information about George who was only left £1 in the will. We were trying to think of a reason why poor George didn't get more like his 2 brothers. I haven't yet been successful in moving forward on this with his birth or death certificate. The will was very unfair - poor George!
Title: Re: Forbes Family
Post by: aghadowey on Friday 08 March 19 11:30 GMT (UK)
I've been trying unsuccessfully to find out more information about George who was only left £1 in the will. We were trying to think of a reason why poor George didn't get more like his 2 brothers. I haven't yet been successful in moving forward on this with his birth or death certificate. The will was very unfair - poor George!

How do you know the Will was unfair? perhaps George had already been supplied with funds (education?, apprenticeship?, business?, was foster child raised by Forbes family, etc.) and is was felt he had received his fair share.
Reasons for parental disapproval might include intemperance, religious differences, lifestyle, choice of profession or girlfriend/wife...