McGowan - Docherty marriage Co Leitrim

[TaunTon]

I'm trying to trace any information on my great great grandfather John McGowan born c1841 and his wife Catherine Docherty born c1845. They appear on the 1891 census of Scotland, living in Greenock and are listed as being born in Co Leitrim.

I regret that I've not been able to find out any more than the above so it's probably a long shot. Any advice much appreciated.

Many thanks

[aghadowey]

Welsome to Rootschat. Are you sure the marriage took place in Ireland and not Scotland? Did they have any children? and if so, when was the eldest child born (to narrow down possible date of marriage).
What religion were the family? civil registration of Catholic marriages didn't begin until 1864 (from 1845 for other marriages).

IGI search for children of John McGowan and Catherine Doherty lists 3 children born in Scotland: Patrick (1870), Sarah (1872), James (1874). If this is the correct family then any of those birth certificates should list date and place of parents' marriage. With that information you can either order the marriage certificate from Scotland's People website or from GRO in Ireland (if it comes under civil registration as explained above).

[TaunTon]

Thank you so much for your helpful response.

All the children mentioned in the 1891 census were recorded as being born in Port Glasgow. Patrick, James, Mary, John, Joseph and Maggie. The dates of birth for Partick and James match the information you provided. Although I haven't yet been able to find birth certificates for the 2 boys I did manage to find one for Sarah in 1872 registered in Greenock rather than Port Glasgow. Sadly it appears that she died at a young age. The certificate shows that John and Catherine both Catholic, married in Port Glasgow in 1869 but I can find no trace of them on Scotlands People as yet.

Once again very many thanks for your kind assistance and advice

[aghadowey]

Sounds as though they married in Scotland but one or both of the surnames could be spelt differently on the certificate which is why you are having trouble finding a record of the marriage.
Docherty could be Dogherty, Doherty, Dougherty, etc.
McGowan as Magowan, McGoogan, etc.

[TaunTon]

I'll keep plugging away 

Hopefully I'll get back to the Leitrim link before too long.

All the best.