searching for my Grandmother's half sister in Belfast

[BBaxter]

Good Morning Everyone,

My Grandmother had a half sister born in Rutherglen, Scotland in about 1918. The record that matches in Scotlands people is Ellen Hannah Burns.

Ellen was later taken to Belfast to live with the father's family. We know she married and lived in Belfast.

Ellen's mother is Annie Wilson Burns but I do not know the father's name. Her mother Annie Wilson was married to Philip Burns who died in WW1 in 1916- Ellen was born after he died.

Any leads or advice would be so appreciated, Thank you, Barbara Baxter

[scotmum]

There was an Ellen Burns marriage in Belfast in 1935, so potentially 'your' Ellen, albeit she would have been only around 17yrs old, based on a 1918 birth. Also one in Craigavon the same year, and one in Larne area in 1937. Remember, though, it is always possible 'your' Ellen took on a different surname if not living with her birth mum.

Another Ellen Burns marriage in Belfast, this time 1941.

For a reasonable cost, you can buy credits and view the marriage details online at GRONI, to see if you can determine if any were indeed 'your' Ellen.

[aghadowey]

Ellen   Burns (groom Wiliam McLean) 17 Aug.1935 Craigavon

Ellen   Burns (groom William Loftus) 19 Sept.1935 Belfast

Ellen   Burns (groom John McGookin) 23 Apr.1937 Larne

Ellen   Burns (groom Thomas Garrett) 3 May 1941 Belfast

[josey]

The record that matches in Scotlands people is Ellen Hannah Burns. Ellen's mother is Annie Wilson Burns but I do not know the father's name.

Have you obtained the birth certificate from SP to see if the father is named? It would cost £12.

[aghadowey]

For reference- http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/202498/BURNS,%20PHILLIP
Phillip Burns (age 27) died 3 July 1916
Husband of Annie Burns, of 31, Cathcart Rd., Rutherglen, Glasgow

[BBaxter]

Thank you very much for all the great leads and information. The birth certificate for Ellen Hannah Burns in on the way from Scotlands People just to make sure she is indeed my grandmother's half sister.

There was also a half brother James Burns or Wilson (mother Annie Wilson) born in 1921 and his birth certificate is attached. As you can see he also went by Wilson so Ellen Burns may have also used the surname Wilson. The birth certificate for James has Philip Burns deceased in 1916 as father. Was that something done back then? He was obviously not the father of James.

This isn't going to be easy, thank you for your help, Barbara Baxter

[aghadowey]

The birth certificate for James has Philip Burns deceased in 1916 as father

That's not what the birth certificate says. Have another look. No father listed and mother 'widow of Philip Burns, coal miner, who died in action in France 30th July 1915[?]'

[BBaxter]

Thank you, I need to slow down and take my time. I will let you know what Ellen's birth certificate says. Should arrive in about 10 days. Thank you again, Barbara

[BBaxter]

Hello,

Ellen Hannah Burns or Wilson, illegitimate daughter of Annie Wilson, widow of Philip Burns. He had died in the war in 1915. The family story is she went to Belfast and married a protestant policeman and had at least 2 children.  Thank you for any advice on how to find Ellen. Thank you very much, Barbara