Donaldson's of Thornhill

[stirling76]

Oh well done Monica and everyone, I've got him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Born John Donaldson JACKSON 30th November 1908 in the poorhouse in Stirling.
mother Isabella Jackson Thornhill, got the birth certificate.
So the family tradition is true.

Now I have to track the poorhouse in Stirling and see what I can find.

[fifer1947]

Try Stirling archives!   

[fifer1947]

Think the records are there as found this reference

http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/166773/details/stirling+union+street+poor+house/

[fifer1947]

Found this
"A Combination poorhouse was erected in 1860 between Bridge Street and Union Street at the north of Stirling."

On the corner next to the clock tower (if you know Stirling well)

Link to map  (remember to zoom in)

http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search_map/scotland.php?kmlurl=L2ttbC9pbmRleC5waHA/YWN0aW9uPXRfYyZ0eXBlPWl0ZW0mY2FjaGVfbmFtZT1SQ0FITVMxNjY3NzM=

[MonicaL]

That's great Stewart - we're really chuffed for you that you found his birth entry  Hopefully with the links from Fifer you might be able to track down his notes (and mother's). It may simply be that she went in there for the use of the hospital facilities for the birth of your father - not uncommon for this to happen.

Monica

[Sherpa1]

Hi Stewart,

Been reading your search.  My grandfathers name was Robert Donaldson from Thornhill.  He had an older brother called John who only had one arm ( lost it in the great war).  He was a drover, and renowned for being able to use his legs to help play the accordion.

Had quite a heavy conversation with my dad on the subject of family today.

Barry Donaldson

[stirling76]

Hi Stewart,

Been reading your search.  My grandfathers name was Robert Donaldson from Thornhill.  He had an older brother called John who only had one arm ( lost it in the great war).  He was a drover, and renowned for being able to use his legs to help play the accordion.

Had quite a heavy conversation with my dad on the subject of family today.

Barry Donaldson

Hi Barry,

great to hear from you, for it seems that we are related.
The John Donaldson with the one arm, his nickname was Wingey, was my Grandfather, your Grandfather's brother.
Which makes your father and my father full cousins, and you and I second cousins, so nice to meet you!
My father loved the accordian but I had never heard the story of auld Jock playing, wait till I tell my sisters.
I spent some time a few years ago, researching the Donaldson's and the family tree and got back quite a fair bit, I'll have to look it out again for you, if your interested.
Once you've posted three times on roots chat, I'll be able to send you a private message with my e-mail.
If your fathers still alive, does he remember any of his relations in Thornhill?

Stewart

[Sherpa1]

Hello again Stewart,

Yes, my father is still alive and well, 81 years old.   His name is Hendry James Donaldson. He does remember many things about the Donaldson's , every conversation brings new information.  He himself had two brothers and a sister, John, Donald, and Annie.  Unfortunately they are decreased.

He says his uncle John, your grandad was an accomplished accordian player before he lost his arm, and entered into competition against some of the best players of their age. He mentioned the renown names of the time.

He remembers his uncles, John, Dan, Hamish, his aunties Flora, Maggie, and Janet, and has a few stories attached to all of them. For example, Auntie Janet married a Canadian soldier at the end of the 1914-18 war and went to live in America. He knows their name and that their family tried to contact us (the Donaldsons) some years ago but the family member in Thornhill at the time knew nothing of the link, and it all came to end.  But he knows more.  It's just a matter of talking more to him.

He is very pleased that we have made contact, and wants to tell more.

Best regards

Barry

[stirling76]

Hi Barry,
very interesting and its filling in a few gaps on the family tree.
Re your father's father and his brothers and sisters, I have the following,
Mary Ann b.1877
Jesse b.1880
Daniel b.1884
Maggie b.1886
John b.1888 (my grandfather)
Robert b.1890 (your grandfather)
Flora b.1892
Janet b.1894
Helen b.1897

I don't have a Hamish, but I'll look that up.
Your G.grandfather (and mine) was called John Donaldson b.1857 and married Flora McMillian B.1858, he had three brothers and one sister, one called Henry (hendry?) one called Robert and the other James, see the family connection! The girl was called Janet.
his Father, our G.G.grandfather was called James and B.abt.1821 and this is where the family legend comes in!
My grandmother Bella in Thornhill, used to tell me stories when I was a very young boy and I stayed with her during the school holidays. Anyway, she always told me we were related to Rob Roy McGregor who came from Balquidder and is buried there. I never took her seriously, but I loved her stories and tales.
So, it turns out that G.G.grandfather James married Janet McGregor from Balquidder in 1846, so there just might be a thread of truth in old Bella's story after all, I'm trying to trace that at the moment.
Does your father ever remember any story like that, being handed down through the family?
My sister used to have a pic of grand-dad, but sadly that seems to have been lost.
Give your dad my best please. My dad's last brother Dougie passed away a few years ago, but his wife Auntie Nora still lives in Thornhill.

Stewart