McGoohan's, McGouchan,McOgh,McGowen Uphall,Broxburn Winchburgh

[sasha3]

Oops...............haven't been at this as long as you have so apologies for my error!

[gavinm]

Wow, this is great!

I stumbled upon this site whilst looking for info on my Great-Grandad John McCann of Broxburn and this has some great info so I hope this is still 'live'.

John was one of the sons of Edward McCann and Bridget McGoohan.  My Dad has been researching him as he's an interesting character.  He played a couple of games for Celtic (a reference has been made of this) as well as a number of other clubs including Preston North End although the PNE's club historian suggested that the number of moves may be down to the 'signing on' fee they would receive (football's not changed that much then). Basic details of his Celtic 'career' are here: http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/McCann,+John
 

He was also a JP and was involved in the Catholic Education board.  His obituary indicated he was well respected.  My Dad's trying to follow up a few other interesting stories.   He married a Catherine Gordon and they had 4 sons & 1 daughter.  A lot of the family are teachers.

Interestingly there is a McCann Avenue in Broxburn as well.

My Dad's never got much further than Edward and Bridget as the family told him all records were gone during the civil war (as you've noted) so any info on either of their origins in Ireland would be very welcome.  I'd be more than willing to share info on 'my side' but recognise that you're trying to go back rather than forward.

[lyndyloo6]

Hello Gavn,

Welcome to rootschat.  I have loads of info on the McGoohans .  Bridget was the brother of Patrick McGoohan whowas my husbands grandfather.  I am working at the moment and finish at tennish, so will check my emails then.

Lynda

[gavinm]

Hello Gavn,

Welcome to rootschat.  I have loads of info on the McGoohans .  Bridget was the brother of Patrick McGoohan whowas my husbands grandfather.  I am working at the moment and finish at tennish, so will check my emails then.

Lynda

Hi Lynda,

I'm unable to contact you as I'm new to the site and can't send messages.  Hope it's alright to communicate here?

Anyway, I've spoken to my Dad who's done all the research.  He's got a few bits of information which may or may not help you based on the reports he's found during his research on his Grandfather John McCann (Edward and Bridget's son).  As I said John McCann was involved in a number of things including being a Justice of the Peace and a member of West Lothian County Council.  It's meant there's a fair bit of stuff to find. 

I don't know if this is any use but John was quoted in some of these documents saying his grandfather was a Headmaster.  As Edward McCann was illiterate we assume this must mean Bridget's father.  Do you know anything about this?  The family legend states that Edward and Bridget eloped at 17 from Toome in N Ireland.  As I say this is just passed down and may be wrong.  Edward worked as a plate layer on the railways into his 70s.

Don't know if that's any use.  My Dad's concentrated on his Grandfather which is away from your main line upwards but can maybe help with some clues (and red herrings).

By the way, do you know anything about Bridget being called Freda in the Census 1871?  I'll try and track that down.

Thanks