Identity of Maggie Campbell's Parents

[CForlow]

Dear Rootschat'ers

I've came to this forum in hope of aid in, perhaps, the largest "brickwall" in the my family tree at the moment - mostly concerning the parents of "Margaret Bruce Campbell", commonly referred to as "Maggie". Maggie's two birthdates are listed at abt 1863 and abt 1865, indicating she was probably born in the early-mid 1860's in Glasgow (Meaning a birth certificate for her should exist). Maggie developed a life-lasting relationship w/ William West Robertson, a Glaswegian Steward, whilst her only registered occupation I've found is a Calender Worker; although, there is nil evidence that William & Maggie ever married. Maggie had her first child, William West Robertson (Named after the credited father) c. 1885. His birth certificate marks him as "Illegitimate", although still lists both the parents and their names in full. Maggie had a second child, Thomas, in 1887 - although, Thomas was illegitimate aswell with the identity of his father unknown. Again, this is as William & Maggie weren't married. Thomas was eventually sent to live with William, and assumed the "Robertson" surnamed.

In the 1891 Census, I have William & Thomas living at No. 20 Gladstone St, adjacent to No. 22 Gladstone St (Where William was born). They are lodging alongside their paternal uncle, Charles Robertson. I can't find accurate census records for William Snr or Maggie in 1891. In the 1901 Census, the most accurate census record is for a household at No. 97 Camden St, where William & Thomas reside alongside William Snr & Maggie; who are listed as a married couple. I am not 100% sure this is the right record, but it's the best I can get. Now, the interesting part - I've found the death record for Margaret Bruce Campbell, on 10 Oct 1910 at 16 Sawmillifield St in Milton; she is aged 46 y/o, listed as the husband as William West Robertson (Widower). Her parents are listed as John Campbell, Newspaper Reporter (Deceased) & Margaret Forbes, formerly Campbell, m.s. Bruce (Deceased). Now, the challenging: looking at basic Marriage Entries on Scotland's People, there is no appropriate entries for a John Campbell & Margaret Bruce with any spelling variations. The same issue occurs after searching a [?] Forbes & Margaret Bruce. The only plausible entry for a [?] Forbes & Margaret Campbell is a 1865 Thurso Marriage, which I have inspected, and is incorrect.

So, Rootschat'ers, hopefully you all may be able to give some suggestions or a "helping hand". I am almost certain that William & Maggie weren't married, due to the lack of a marriage record - although this doesn't totally rule out the possibility. I don't understand why they'd live together and go to such lengths instead of simply marrying. Perhaps there is more to the story? Perhaps finding a suitable 1891 Census for them would help with this, and provide information regarding Maggie's parents? Just ideas, but I hope to hear back from others who can concur solutions to this problem. Most online family trees seem to list Maggie's parents as a John Campbell & Margaret Crea b. 1829 & 1825 in Ireland - but the mother's maiden name doesn't line up, and neither of them seems to have remarried to anyone, let alone a Forbes.

Best Wishes,
CForlow.

[CaroleW]

Have you found her on the 1871 or 1881 censuses

[CForlow]

Have you found her on the 1871 or 1881 censuses

Hi CaroleW,

Unfortunately it is difficult to find this particular Maggie, as the forename "Maggie" appears very frequently in numerous household composed of a "John" & "Margaret" as head(s); and of course there is the possibility that John is deceased (Due to Margaret remarrying), which would narrow the search even more. Although, I can try looking through "Forbes" households instead, to see what that'll bring.

[softly softly]

Minor point, Margaret Bruce Roberson died 10.10.1911, have you found her in 1911 census.

SS

[softly softly]

I've run out of credits, but believe you can find William, Margaret and William jnr in 1911 ref

ROBERTSON
WILLIAM
1911
M
17
644/9 47/ 18
Milton
Lanark


ROBERTSON
WILLIAM
1911
M
49
644/9 47/ 18
Milton
Lanark

ROBERTSON
MARGRET
1911
F
50
644/9 47/ 18
Milton
Lanark

Address  could be Sawmillfield Street.

SS

Incorrect as per following post

[CaroleW]

William jnr was b 1885 according to opening post so would be 26 in 1911

[CForlow]

Minor point, Margaret Bruce Roberson died 10.10.1911, have you found her in 1911 census.

SS

Hi SS,

I've checked the "Milton" district in 1911, unfortunately couldn't find anything. I assume they could've relocated to Sawmillfield St mid year? I'll have another check soon, perhaps also including the "Hutchesontown" district may provide accurate answers (As they residing at Camden St in the 1901 Census). The household in 1911 should include William Snr, Maggie & Thomas - should've mentioned it in original post, but William Jnr married Helen Deacon c. 1906, and Thomas married Mary Norah MacKillop c. 1913.

[Lodger]

I had an appointment at the City Archives in the Mitchell Library today. So I had a look through the poor-relief applications but couldn't see anything that fitted for Maggie. There is a "Margaret Campbell Robertson", wife of William Robertson but, they were married in Crieff (Perthshire) in 1883 so it doesn't match, plus the parents don't match either. (They were a dreadful couple, both in and out of prison, she tried to strangle her son and attacked the policeman with a poker and a brush, when he intervened, while calling on someone to fetch her a hatchet!).

I did find what looks to be William senior.
The Archives reference is D/HEW 16/13/625 - 93774. Parish of Glasgow.

WILLIAM WEST ROBERTSON.

Application made by his brother Charles Robertson, with whom he resides.
Date of claim - 23rd May 1924. From 30 Oran Street, 1 up, right door.

Applicant was born 10th June 1861 at 51 Clyde Place, Tradeston (Glasgow)
Age - 63 years.
Condition - Single.

Parents - Charles Robertson, commercial traveller & Janet West. Both dead.

His brother had concern over his mental health and he was subsequently removed to hospital.

Not much information I'm afraid but it may help.

CForlow, have you checked all the information in your original post? Or have you taken it from someone else's work?

Oran Street would have been quite close to Sawmillfield St.

[Lodger]

I don't want to confuse anyone but this is too interesting not to share, just as an example of what hidden gems there are to be found in the Glasgow parishes poor relief applications.

I must stress that, as far as I know, this is NOT the same Margaret Campbell Robertson as the one mentioned in CForlow's original post.