Dear Sparkle60,
It's a long story but I think I know what happened your George - George Stephen married Barbara Porteous 3 Jun 1874 in Falkirk, Stirling, Scotland, Fathers name was Francis (deceased) and on the 4th June 1874 they departed for New Zealand, the ship was the Canterbury and they arrived Canterbury, New Zealand 1st September 1874. Their fourth child was named Mary Taylor Stephen!
Dear Cheryl,
My Great GT Grandmother was Margaret Stephen, she had one child Emily born 1866 in London and although the birth certificate gives a William Steven as the Father, Emily told my mother he didn't exist? Emily was educated in a private school and money was not a problem. The legend is that Margaret was a servant at Glamis Castle who was sent away.
James and Jane from the Francis and Christian marriage emigrated to America, another, and I have the book somewhere, went to be a "Missionary on a Cannibal Isle".
For the last 140 years the family have kept in touch.
Very interested to know if you have got any more information.
Best regards
Mike