WILLIAM DOWNIE AND JANET SOMERVILLE

[lizzie mackay]

Hi there all, can anyone look up the 1881 Scotland Census for William Downie b. 1949/50 and Janet Downie (nee) Somerville b. either 1853/4 or 1857 please? They had two children John b. 1873 and Ann b. 1874.  I think they lived in Greenock, Renfrewshire at this time.  They also moved about this time, to West Ham in London, where William worked as an engineer in a sugar refinery.  I believe Janet was born in Carnwarth in Lanarkshire.

Thanks a lot and looking forward to hearing from you all!!!

[elaine447]

Hi Lizzie
this looks like the family 1881
Address 1 Ratho Street Greenock
William Downie--------1850--Greenock-------Iron turner
Janet Downie----------1853--Glasgow
John Downie-----------1872--Greenock
Ann Downie------------1874--Greenock
William Downie--------1881--Greenock
Elaine

[lizzie mackay]

Dear Elaine,

Thanks so much for your reply - and so quick!!! Saved me a lot of searching.  The information is correct and I am really pleased you took the time and bother.  I am keen to find out the parents of William senior b 1850 and know he married in 1872.  If you have the ability, could you look up 1861 and 1871 census, to find out his parent's name? If not, don't worry but again, I would be very grateful. Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers, Lizzie

[elaine447]

Lizzie
there was another daughter Janet
she died 1880 aged 3yrs 7 months (inverclyde Intimations)
have you tried obtaining a copy of their marriage cert
this would give the names of both sets of parents
their marriage took place in Greenock 1872
I will see if I can find them on the other censuses
Elaine

[elaine447]

1871
Address 50 East Hamilton Street Greenock
John Downie-----1825--Ireland------Ship Smith Finisher
William------------1849--Greenock---Iron Turner
Jane---------------1852--Greenock---House Keeper
John---------------1855--Cardross Dumbarton-----Hammer Driver
Elizabeth---------1857--     "              "
Robert------------1862--Greenock
Francis------------1864--Greenock

no mother on this census
but looking at childrens births on family search
it looks like the mothers name is Jane Lennox
and that 1855 birth cert for John would give you that little bit more info
than the others

[elaine447]

1861
Address 66 Cappielow  (just around the corner from Ratho Street)
John Downie------1806?--Ireland-------Iron Finisher
Jane----------------1829----Ireland
with them are
William, John, Elizabeth, and Robert
info as above births may vary by about a year
there is also a
James Leitch living with them
no info for him except that he works from home,
Elaine

[lizzie mackay]

Wow!!!! You are truly amazing.  I thought there'd be an Irish connection there somewhere.  Thanks so much.

This is my son's father's family, who are both very excited to know their ancestors were from Scotland, as I am myself, though live in London now.  By 1883, William and family had moved to Silvertown, which is in West Ham, London.  Again, they lived by the docks, working in the sugar factories in that area.  My ex-partner was born in West Ham and is delighted to know his family were east enders for a few generations but were originally from Scotland.

You've made our day!!! Thanks again and if I can help you out with any English queries, let me know.

Cheers, Lizzie

[elaine447]

lizzie
that 1855 birth cert for John
would give them the info of where in Ireland
John and Jane came from
Good luck
Elaine

[lizzie mackay]

Brilliant!  Will follow your sound advice.  Have a nice day/weekend/life etd. Lizzie