« Reply #24 on: Thursday 25 August 16 18:56 BST (UK) »
Hi FraserRigby and welcome to Rootschat,
"Do you think before the birth of Mary in 1861 James did a runner to Edinburgh? and by changing his name tried to avoid the paternity suit against him by Mary jane Low? its interesting to note after he left Aberdeen he went to Edinburgh(as shown by the birth of his daughter Louisa in 1871) before moving through to Rutherglen."
James Rigby and Mary Duncan appear to have had two children in Aberdeen in the late 1860s before leaving for Edinburgh so I can't see the birth of Mary Jane Low as being the cause but who knows?
"...do you think the John Fraser is related to Anne Fraser, James's mother"
This would be the John Fraser who was married to Mary Falconer...yes I think this John is Anne Fraser's brother for the following reasons.
John Fraser died in 1846 age 36 according to father's death certificate.
I believe the John Fraser with Mary in the 1841 living Fraserburgh is this John.
When John's son Charles is born in 1838 a James and Andrew Fraser sign as witnesses.
John calls his first born son James.
John's youngest son John has the middle name Davidson – John's sister Margaret married Charles Davidson
John's oldest son James is living with his cousin in 1861 – Another James (my 3rd GGF) – son of Andrew (my 4th GGF) who is sister to Anne Fraser
I'm not sure about the 'name' changes - James/John Fraser Rigby - he does not use Fraser as a middle name when he marries but it is on his death certificate. I don't have his childrens birth certificates perhaps they indicate when 'Fraser' was added.
I'm stuck at John Fraser and Isabella Henderson in Arglessie in the 1770s....
Jen
North East Scotland above the Tay...
JOLLY, Johnston,Thom, Rae, Davidson, Fielding, Sherret
FEARN, McKenzie, Stirling [brick wall], Robb, Wilson, Stott
RUSSELL, Fullerton, Christie, Cochrane, Davidson, Coutts, Easton, Scott
FRASER, Henderson, Noble, Mundie, Goodall, Thain, Neish, Moir