Dingwall

[alison300]

My grandmother, Marguerite Macdonald WESTON was born at 3 Albert Place, Dingwall in 1916 – as far as I know she had no connection with the town (or even Scotland).  Her parents were not married.  Her mother's name was May KEYWORTH and her father gave his name as Ernest/Stanley WESTON (which was an alias).

Can anyone check the census or electoral and tell me who's living at this address around this time? 

Marguerite's father was an actor/singer - I'm wondering why May & Ernest were living there at this time? 

[CaroleW]

1911 is the last available online census.  There were no electoral registers for 1916/17 due to WW1

http://www.census-archives.com/record-collections/electoral-register-records.html

 

[IMBER]

A quick look suggests that the Albert Place you refer to is actually in the small village of Maryburgh which is about one mile outside Dingwall.  You say that as far as you know  your grandmother had no connection with Scotland. Do you not think that her second forename just perhaps could indicate otherwise?

Imber

[alison300]

Thank you CaroleW and IMBER. 

I agree its strange that my grandmother has 'Macdonald' as her middle name.  She may have a connection but as yet I can't find one, hence my need to find out why she was in Dingwall.  Her father is a mystery as he used several names throughout his life but I think he came from Kent.  Her mother I think came from Lincolnshire.  Her father performed at Aberdeen's Hippodrome in 1910 and 1918 and at various places in northern England.  I don't know how to find out more - I've tried various theatre websites.  Any ideas much appreciated though.

[weeaza]

The 1915 Valuation Rolls show 1-4 Albert Place are owned by Mrs J Mackenzie, Lybster Public School & Revd Colin S Mackenzie. The tenant of no.3 is John Rhind, Cabinetmaker.

[alison300]

Thank you Weeaza - that's great although those names don't mean anything to me so I guess its back to the drawing board. 

[Linda Boyd]

My great, great uncle, John Rhind, the cabinet maker who resided at no 3 was married to Mary Ann Macdonald. If I remember, both came from Elgin but married in London where John served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. They returned to Scotland, firstly to Nairn but later, they moved up to Dingwall. A descendant of this family whose surname is Weston lives in Kent...this may be coincidental as her married name is Weston and I think the link is through her rather than her husband. Obviously, I don't wish to put her details on this page.
John Rhind, born 1850 died 1931.
Mary Ann Macdonald b 1851, died 1928

[alison300]

Hi Linda,

Wow thanks for your message - this is extremely interesting.  My grand-mother gave all her children the middle name Macdonald so it must have been important to her but I cannot find any connection to Scotland other than she was born there.

On the 1911 census, my 'Weston' ancestor used his acting name and said he was born in Canterbury, Kent in 1875. I have not been able to prove this though.  If this rings any bells do let me know (or send me a personal message if easier).  Thanks so much.

[Linda Boyd]

No idea if this helps but, according to her death certificate, Mary Ann Macdonald's parents were William Macdonald, a clerk, and Isabella Fraser.
I'll look out Weston address and pm it to you. Somewhere I have her explanation of link but nor sure what I've done with it!
Linda