Sowersby/Murray California marriage

[Chalfont]

Does anyone know the details of the marriage (probably in CA) of Robert Sowersby (1884-1970) and Isabella Murray (1883-1974), both born in Scotland? They lived in San Francisco and later in San Leandro. I have all their birth/immigration/death info but cannot find a wedding certificate in Scotland. They were both single when they arrived in the USA in 1911. (Bob had previously been in CA after a stint in New Zealand.)  I think they must have married in CA.

I believe there are two Robert Sowersby marriages publicly available in CA records but I don't have acces to any sites that can give me datails. Any assistance about my great uncle and -aunt will be gratefully received.

[shellyesq]

It appears that their son William was born in Alameda County on 28 Feb. 1914.  The 1930 Census says that Robert was 44 years old & his age at 1st marriage was 28 and "Bella" was age 43 and her age at 1st marriage was 27.  So, I think that puts their marriage likely somewhere around the time frame of William's birth.  I'm not aware of any online database that covers California marriages for that time.

Also, Robert's WWI Draft Registration Card dated 12 Sep. 1918 lists Bella Sowersby as his wife.

Did Robert have a brother named John?  I found an article in the Oakland, Calif. Tribune from 1919 about the death of a John Sowersby and reference is made to a brother named Robert.

I found an obituary for Robert, in case you need it.

[shellyesq]

I think I just found something good!  There's an article in the Oakland Tribune dated 5 Jun. 1963 that talks about Robert & Bella's 50th wedding anniversary.  It says that they married in 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska.

I also found assorted mentions of their children in newspapers - high school graduation, playing on a volleyball team, work-related items, etc. - if you want them.

[Chalfont]

Thankyou Shelleyesq. Bob did have a younger brother named John (born 1886).  I'd appreciate it if you could send me the details you have found. Would you prefer to send the info to my e-mail address, which I will provide, or post ot to this site?

You are correct that Bob and Bella's children were Bill and Margery. I have the census and war registration papers but did not know about the Omaha connection.

I met Bob and Bella once as a young person, about 1958, when they paid a trip to Scotland to see their old haunts. Bob was from Edinburgh and Bella came from Banffshire.

Thanks for your help. I'd appreciate anything you could send.

[shellyesq]

You can send your e-mail address to me via private message and I'll send you what I've found.

I found an incoming UK passenger list for Robert & Isabella.

R.M.S. Carinthia, from Montreal to Greenock Scotland, arriving 17 May 1957
Sowersby, Robert, born 2 Nov. 1884, married, address in UK - 12 Redbraes Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, retired, USA citizen, country of last and intended future permanent residence - USA, intended stay in the UK - 3 months
Sowersby, Isabella, born 23 Dec. 1883, married, address in UK - 12 Redbraes Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, housewife, USA citizen, country of last and intended future permanent residence - USA, intended stay in the UK - 3 months

[Chalfont]

Thanks shellyesq. I've privately sent you my e-mail address so that you can forward me the info you've located. I greatly appreciate your assistance.

[richarddl]

Robert Sowersby, b. November 02, 1884 Leith, Scotland, d. September 20, 1970 San Leandro, California.  Married Isabella Murray June 04, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska.  She was born December 21, 1883 Scotland, d. January 23, 1974 Castro Valley, California.  They had 2 children William Murry Sowersby & Margery I Sowersby.
Robert's brother John was my grandfather.
Richard

[Chalfont]

Bella (Murray) Sowersby was sister to Elizabeth (Murray) Runcie - my mother's maternal grandmother. I met Bob and Bella in 1956, during their visit to Edinburgh and Banffshire in 1956, following Bob's retirement. In 1962, my parents visited Bob & Bella in California, during a rare (in those days) holiday from the UK to the USA.

One of the things that's interesting about Bob & Bella is that they appear to have first met on an ocean liner on their way to America. (He was returning, she going for the first time.) She was on her way to a domestic position in Omaha, and they must have stayed in touch after his return to California.

Bill and Margery appear to be deceased.

Regards,

Chalfont