John Mckenzie of Newfoundland Canada

[LeedsHipPriest69]

Hi, I have a John McKenzie born circa 1788 in Newfoundland Canada

By 1824 John was in Pontefract England where he married Sarah Holroyd.

I have no idea when John  or maybe his family moved to England or why.

Any information/help would be appreciated.

In later life John was a soldier, being listed as  Chelsea Pensioner by the 1851 Census.

[amazon510]

Hi,

I know it's been awhile since you posted this, but it is possible John McKenzie's family didn't really settle in Newfoundland in the traditional sense.  During the 18th century, much of the population of Newfoundland was fairly transient, coming over to fish for the summer, and returning in the fall.

Alternatively, Seary's "Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland" lists a Dugale Karr McKenzie, soldier of St. John's in 1779 as an early instance of the name.  Maybe John McKenzie's father was stationed in St. John's as part of the garrison or the navy?  Sort of fits, since John went on to become a solidier himself.

You could also try contacting the Maritime History Archive and see if there is a McKenzie file in the Matthews Name Files.

Jennifer.

[HarbourDog]

Hi,

During the 18th century, much of the population of Newfoundland was fairly transient, coming over to fish for the summer, and returning in the fall.

It was at one time illegal for people to winter over in NL, though of course some did. Those who did were called Livyers (live here) and it eventually became a surname.