I haven't tried in here before

[Gene Genius]

I have posted on Scotland's People and Military and Naval Forums on here but maybe here might have a wider audience.

I have found a "possible" on Scotland's People but maybe someone on here has a local directory or whatever who can help me.

FACT: My Grandad was James Patrick MacDonald on his Welsh wedding certificate in 1911 aged 24. Not stated but widely known that he was a Scotsman born circa 1887 near Glasgow or Greenock.

His father at time of marriage was Dominic MacDonald, a sailor (deceased) at time of son's marriage in 1911.

FAMILY FOLKLORE (but never corroborated) Dominic was a ship's master who went down with his ship. (I very much doubt this now). Dominic was a twin and when he died his widow married her husband's brother. Son James (my Grandad) did not like his new step-father (his uncle) so left Scotland to come down to Wales to seek work in the North Wales Coalfield.

FACT: My Grandad died in France in 1918 as a member of the Welch Regiment. He is buried in Rouen.


NOWHERE can I find a birth certificate for a James MacDonald with a father called Dominic born anywhere near 1887 in the required area.

I have looked at other spellings of the surname.

My CONCLUSION is that James was the son of an Irish born Dominick McDonald born in County Mayo, Ireland c 1850. James' mother could have been a Bridget Carden.

Can anyone tell me if I am way off track or not?


Moderator Comment: title edited to remove excess capital letters.
See Topic: >>----- Guidelines for Postings / Netiquette -----<<, Reply #2 for explanation.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,123033.0.html

[daval57]

Have you looked at James Patrick McDonald b1887 to Joseph McD and Sarah ?(I can't quite make out names yet).

I know father aint Dom but you never know?

[Gene Genius]

Thank you so much for this but my Grandad did say during his brief marriage that his father's name was Dominic. I just cannot understand how my grandmother never asked what his mother's name was.

My Dad was only four when his father died in France.

My Dad passed away in 2004 aged 90 so all he knew is that his dad was Scottish and his grandad's name was Dominic.

[daval57]

Just having a look at census records for possible clues.
Any connection to Kidderminster, Worcester?
Sorry if you've looked at these before but I'm just clutching at straws just now - waiting for my butler to ring the dinner gong.

Dave

[Gene Genius]

I have come across this Kidderminster reference too.

It has occurred to me that maybe the whole family moved down from Scotland and that it was just my Grandad who ended up in Wales while the rest of the family settled elsewhere. No-one else in the family has heard anything though about others moving as well.

I sacked my butler and now employ Merry Maids once a week.

[~cariad~]

Hello Gene Genius

When you say you haven't tried "in here" before - I just did a Rootschat Search and you have about eight threads on the same family!

I'm just pointing this out because it might save someone spending credits on information that you already have.

Where does the 1911 census say he was born?

Can you post details of this family please? 

~cariad~

[Gene Genius]

No no, I have posted on Rootschat but not in the Common Room I don't think anyway. I usually post in the Denbighshire room or somtimes Renfrewshire.

[Gene Genius]

I think I said that there was no mention on the 1911 Marriage Certificate of my grandad's birth, only his address at time of marriage which was Wrexham.

He was 24 though in 1911 so I am looking at 1887 as a possible birthdate. I have managed to go quite far back on my grandmother's side, to about 1715 anyways.

[~cariad~]

If he was in Wrexham in 1911, you won't be able to see th census yet - it is due out shortly though and should be checked.

Have you followed up the suggestions of Piglet and Josephine on the previous threads?

Specifically, have you followed up the family found here -

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,361755.msg2384514.html#msg2384514

on the 1901 census to see whether they had a son?

Who were the witnesses on the marriage certificate?  Did they marry in a church (which denomination) or register office - might help to determine which faith, which could be important if you're following an Irish family.

Did the name Dominic pass down the family?  Were any of the siblings names mentioned - did any of those mentioned in the 1901 census from the thread linked above seem familiar from the next generation down?

I hope the answers will enable us to help you 

~cariad~