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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Topic started by: Eleanor Rigby on Thursday 18 January 24 04:38 GMT (UK)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hmm. that seems good proof doesn't it.
He must be illegitimate then surely? But not Jane Urquhart's child?
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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.
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Yes, illegitimate, but who is the mother???
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When did Jane die?
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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?
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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
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Hi there
Jane died about 24 Sep 1824 [uncertain] at about age 37 in Kinkell Castle, Dingwall, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Jane Urquhart & Sir Hector were never married. hence no divorce!
I took it to mean that Sir Hector and Mrs Cochrane Chalmers were divorced. Could Mrs C C have been the mother of this William b 1787?
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hi there
I doubt it very much. All the information we have found says that she was a socialite and always away in London and they divorced without having any children. I presume Sir Hector wanted children to carry on the line!!!
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Hi there
Jane died about 24 Sep 1824 [uncertain] at about age 37 in Kinkell Castle, Dingwall, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
something not right there. 1824 minus 37 is 1787
that piece you attached earlier says she had died by the time the divorce proceedings were commenced.
I think you need to find the documentation for the divorce.
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Hi there
Sorry, I meant that Jean (Mackenzie) Muirson died in 1824 aged about 37 at Kinkell Castle.
I need to double check the birth & death of Jane Urquhart and see if I can find any divorce papers for Cochrane & Sir Hector. Thanks again for your help.
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Re reply #4: the passage quoted is taken from Leah Leneman, Alienated Affections: The Scottish Experience of Divorce and Separation 1684-1830 (Edinburgh University Press 1998), p.158. The superscript 3 at the end refers to National Records of Scotland cc8/5/23; Complete Baronetage 1665-1707 (Exeter 1904)
National Records of Scotland cc8/5/23 = Register of Consistorial Decreets 23 Jan 1795-22 Dec 1797
Re reply #7: the actual divorce papers are held by the National Records of Scotland cc8/6//975 Process of Divorce: Mrs Cochrane Chalmers v Sir Hector McKenzie 15 and 22 Apr 1796
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Hi there
Thank you for that information. most appreciated.