Hi Everybody
My GGG Grandfather was David McCullam. (I understand his father was also David). His death certificate mentions he was born in Glasgow about 1820. Research here in Western Australia suggests he joined the 99th Regiment of Foot at 14 years of age. He married Ann (Nancy) Wilson at Elland, Halifax, Yorkshire in 1842. They had several children. It appears the two eldest children may have been born in the UK.
Elizabeth c.1845 born UK?
Martha c.1850 born UK?
Selina 1851 born Bunbury, Western Australia - Confirmed by Western Australia birth cert (David as father is recorded as a "Soldier of the 99th Regiment")
Ellen c.1854 born Yorkshire - recorded on Western Australia death cert (Yorkshire not confirmed by any other source and not able to locate West Aust birth cert.
Jane c.1857 born ?
Walter 1859 born Perth, Western Australia
Arthur 1863 born Perth, Western Australia
Esther 1866 born Perth, Western Australia
It is believed David came to Australia as a guard on a convict transport ship accompanied by his family.
At some time it appears David McCullam transferred from the 99th Regiment of Foot to the 12th Regiment of Foot. The family remained in Western Australia with David recorded as a soldier of the 12th Regiment, later a policeman and died at Albany in 1901.
You can see the research available to me over here suggests the first two children Elizabeth & Martha were born in the UK, the third Selina in Western Australia, the fourth Ellen in Yorkshire, Jane ?, with the remaining three Walter, Arthur & Esther being born in Perth, Western Australia. I am desperately trying to identify where and when Ellen was really born (as she is my line). It seems strange 2 born in the UK, 1 in W. Aust followed by 1 in Yorkshire and the last 3 in W. Aust. I guess there is a chance David & his family returned to the UK with his Regiment and later was posted back to Australia with the British Army.
The three main matters I am trying to ascertain in order of importance are:
Ellen McCullam's correct birth date and place (this is my line)
David McCullam's correct birth date
Ann (Nancy) Wilson's correct birth date
Is any good person out the able to throw any light on the matters for me.
Regards
Badjarning
Western Australia