Cochrane family related to Earl of Dundonald

[Retired researcher]

I am searching for information on how to trace my Cochrane family as it may relate to the Dundonald family (Earl of Dundonald). This has been mentioned in 1903 in a newspaper article about ancestor David Cochrane and mentioned in a book on the history of prominent citizens of Riverside, California, USA printed about 1912.   Also handed down from family members since the 1800's.  I have send a message to a accredited Genealogist (to hire) in Scotland but no response has been forthcoming.

I don't know how to proceed at this point.  I have been able to trace our family back to 1819 in Edinburgh, Scotland but am at an impasse.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[GR2]

I am assuming you have looked to see what Burke and the other books of pedigrees say (not that they are always entirely accurate). You have also possibly searched the on-line catalogue of the National Archives of Scotland to see if your ancestor appears. And have checked to see if there is a will.

It would perhaps help if you were to give more detail about your earliest definite Cochrane ancestor.

[Retired researcher]

Thanks for your reply.  My earliest Cochrane that I have is David Cochrane who was born in
Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland in 1819.  His father was also David Cochrane but I do not have any information on him other than he was a baker as listed on the marriage certificate of David and Jane but was also listed as a merchant in another document..  I have just completed a history on the family of David Cochrane (1819 - 1875).  He was married to Jane Allen in 1843 in Kent, England.  David joined the RoyaL Artillery in 1836 and served for 21 years.  He served in the West Indies for 5 yrs 11 months , Canada for 5 years 3 months and in the Crimean War for 1 year 6 months.  He was a senior non-commissioned officer and was discharged in 1858 due to chronic rheumatism.  David and Jane has 11 children born in England, Canada and Scotland.  The family moved back to Scotland after David left the military and he died in 1875 from cardiac disease. 

I seem to be at a impasse at this point but will check the National Archives of Scotland again. 

[GR2]

A possibility is to look at the burgess and guild brother lists for Canongate and for Edinburgh to see if there is an entry for David senior. These lists can (certainly the earlier ones - I've only ever consulted them for the 15th and 16th centuries) give information about the father and often the wife of the new burgess. You should also check the 1841 census and look for a will.

[ev]

Just to add to GR2's suggestions -
Scotlandspeople website has a Will & Inventory dated 28th June 1875.
David Cochrane residing 18 Saint Andrew Square Edinburgh.
Could that be your David ?

ev

Added - I see from your previous post you already have that Will

[Retired researcher]

I do have the Will and Inventory for David Cochrane as you mentioned.  I had also checked the 1841 census and did find a David Cochrane but realize it was not the correct one as my David had already joined the Royal Artillery. I have searched on the National Archives of Scotland and I am lost as to how to find Burke Peerage or other books of pedigree or the guild brother lists as suggested.  Even though I have been able to put together a 137 page book on the Family of David Cochrane I realize I am very much a novice when it comes to genealogy and I do not in any way expect others to do the work for me.  I do so very much appreciate your help in pointing me in the right direction.

I believe I should make an appointment to visit my local Family History Centre and see if they can help me.  Thank you so much. 

[ev]

Burke's Peerage -

http://www.thepeerage.com/i1081.htm#s14183

ev

[Retired researcher]

Thank  you EV!