The Douglas Family from Domnaheich of Foss, to New Scone by Perth

Domnaheich of Foss in 1867

The genealogy of John Douglas and Ann Stewart of Domnaheich of Foss, links to the Douglas family in Balnabodach, Findo Gask and Scone, but the earliest record for this branch relates to the marriage of John Douglas and Ann Stewart in 1744, recorded in the Old Parish Records for Dull.

Dull, 12th July 1744
John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Foss in this parish were married. Alexander Stewart, John Stewart - witnesses.

John and Ann had seven children while the family moved from Domnaheich to Frenich, then to Croftenwalter, and finally back to Frenich again.

Dull, 23rd June 1745
Christian, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahigh of Foss was baptised. James Douglass and Donald Douglass, witnesses.

Dull, 3rd November 1746
Alexander, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahigh of Foss was baptised. Donald Douglass and Donald Kennedy, witnesses.

Dull, 30th October 1748
James, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahich of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 21st July 1751
Donald, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Frenich of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 1st August 1754
John, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Croftoicwalter(?) of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 7th March 1757
Isabel, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Croftickvatter(?) of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 23rd July 1761
Helen, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Frenich was baptised.

Nothing more is known for certain about John Douglas but the baptism witnesses, Donald Douglass and James Douglass were probably his brothers. Donald Douglass married Helen Bennet on 10th November 1743 and the couple were also farming at Domnaheich. Both John and Donald had eldest sons by the name of Alexander, suggesting that this was their father's name. The surname Bennet is unusual for this area of Scotland, so the Finlay Bennet of Domnahigh, husband of Elspeth Stewart, whose son John was baptised on 12th June 1748, was probably Helen Bennet's brother.

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(Generation 2) The Family of John Douglas and Janet McDonald

It is believed that John Douglas's son John is the same one who married Janet McDonald on the 22nd January 1791. Janet McDonald is mentioned as the first wife in the Trust Deposition and Settlement of John Douglas of New Scone dated 1845, and he appears to be the only John Douglas born in Dull parish between 1745 and 1774.

Dull, 22nd January 1791
John Douglass and Janet McDonald both in this parish gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

There seem to be no baptismal records for any of their children, but John's 1845 Trust Deposition and Settlement names two of the sons from this marriage: James Douglas, carter, of New Row (Perth), deceased; and Donald Douglas, publican, Pomerian (Perth). Other children from the first marriage were excluded from the Trust, as the document describes them as:

... my other children now existing having previously received their full portion of my estate and effects.

This refers to an earlier settlement which was written at Woodhead of Findo-Gask after his third marriage, and following the birth of his daughter Helen in 1825. This earlier Trust Deposition says:

... for payment to Elizabeth Douglas, my daughter, wife of Robert Stewart in Milntown of Foss, of the sum of twenty pounds stirling which with thirty pounds formerly paid to her is declared to be in full, of all legitive and bairns part of gear she can demand in and through my death my daughter Isabella Douglas who is married to John Dewar now in America having received the like sum of fifty pounds stirling in full, of all portions natural, legitive and bairns part of gear.

It would seem that Janet McDonald died in early 1800 as an entry in the Moulin OPR entry states that "18th October 1800, John Douglass and Elspeth Forbes both in Cammoch of this parish, married", and this second wife is listed in the Minister of Moulin's 1806 census of his parishioners which shows John Douglas living at Torbhuic (Torvuick), which was next to Cammoch. There do not seem to have been any children from the marriage and Elspeth Forbes must have died by 1824.

The Minister of Moulin did not record the ages of his parishioners but the children were listed in order of age, regardless of their gender. It is extremely unusual to have daughters named Elspet and Elizabeth, being equivalent in Gaelic. More likely, the name Elspet was recorded instead of Isabel or Ispel.

Isabel Douglas married John Dewar in Ceannacoille, Foss, and this event is recorded in the Dull OPR, 8th June 1817, and the Moulin OPR, July 1817. Elizabeth Douglas already had married Robertson Stewart in Miltown of Foss, 15th April 1815, thus neither daughter was listed in the Minister of Moulin's 1820 census.

The ages given in this census show that John's son James probably was born 1797-98 and that Donald was born 1799-1800. Thus Isabella and Elizabeth probably were born at some time between 1791 and 1797. It also shows that their father was born around 1764.

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The Children of John Douglas and Janet McDonald in Foss and Torvuick

For details of the children from John Douglas's third marriage to Helen Douglas of Balnabodach in Blair Atholl parish, see - The Douglas Family of Balnabodach, Findo-Gask and Scone.

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(Generation 3) The Family of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth Douglas of Daloist and Croftgarbh

Elizabeth was born around 1794, but the exact date is unknown as there is no record of her baptism. She married Robert Stewart of Milntown of Foss in 1815, and this event is recorded in the OPRs of both Dull and Moulin. Robert was the eldest child of John Stewart and Catharine Douglass of Domnaheich, and was baptised on 21st March 1788. The family were at Donagowan by 1804 when his sister Barbara was born, before moving to Milntown of Foss.

It seemed to be quite a coincidence that Robert's mother was also a Douglass, so a search was made for their marriage banns and two were found: one in Dull parish and one in Perth. The Dull entry merely stated that both parties were living in Foss and had paid the marriage tax, but the Perth entry was much more informative.

Perth, the second day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven years. Contracted, John Stewart flaxdresser in Perth and Catharine Douglass daughter of Daniel Douglass, farmer in Foss in the parish of Dull. Parties both in this parish. Deacon, Peter Ferguson.

The persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the fourth day of June said year, by the Reverend Mr James Scott, Minister of the Gospel in Perth.

Firstly, this suggests that Milntown of Foss was processing flax, and that John Stewart was working there. Secondly, it identifies Catherine as the daughter of Donald Douglass and Helen Bennet of Domnaheich, who was baptised in Dull parish on 3rd April 1763. Thus in 1815 Robert Stewart was marrying his cousin Elizabeth Douglass.

Dull, 30th April 1815
Robert Stewart in this parish and Elspet Douglass in that of Mouline gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

Moulin, 30th April 1815
Robert Stewart in the parish of Dull and Elspeth Douglas in this parish (contracted). Married May 2nd.

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(Generation 3) The Family of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth Douglas of Daloist and Croftgarbh

It is worth noting that Alexander Stewart and Isabel Stewart also were farming Daloist at this time, and it is quite likely that Alexander was Robert's younger brother who had been born at Domnaheich 6th June 1795.

At some time after the birth of Donald, the family moved along the road from Daloist to Balnarn where they appear in the 1841 census.

The whereabouts of Elizabeth's husband Robert is uncertain, but it is probable that he is the Robert Stewart, agricultural labourer, aged 45 years who was working at the Tummel Bridge Inn. This would seem to fit with later census entries describing him as a farmer and inn-keeper.

Another Douglas family are living in one of the other dwellings at Balnarn at this time, and they may be related in some way.

Catherine (Stewart) was the wife of Alexander Douglas, and Isobel (Ispel) was their daughter (bap 6 Jun 1790, Domnaheich). Other children were Janet (bap 20 Mar 1787, Ceannacoille) and Helen (bap 10 Nov 1791, Domnaheich). Alexander probably was the son of Donald Douglass and Helen Stewart of Domnaheich who was born 3rd November 1754. Alternatively, he could have been the son of John Douglas and Ann Stewart of Domnaheich, but this seems unlikely as none of his three daughters were named Ann.

Dull, 16th August 1783
Alexander Douglas and Catherine Stewart both in Foss gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

By 1851 Robert and Elizabeth had moved to Croftgarbh (now called Croftgarrow) in the parish of Fortingall, where Robert was both farmer and inn-keeper.

The 1861 census returns provide the following information.

* Ann Stewart is probably the daughter of Alexander Stewart and Isobel Stewart, born 14th March 1826 in Dull parish. This would make her Robert's neice.

The 1871 census returns are as follows.

Robert died at Croftgarbh 9th April 1875. The informant, his son Joseph, was living at Crianlarich at the time.

The 1881 census shows that Robert Campbell was still living with his Stewart relatives.

The identities of Robert and Helen Campbell are unknown, but they are probably the children of Catherine Stewart. This is still to be investigated.

Robert's wife Elizabeth died at Croftgarbh on 28th October 1882, and both are buried in Foss churchyard, where there is a memorial stone to the family.

Memorial stone to the family of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth Douglass in Foss churchyard

In memory of Robert Stewart, farmer Croftgarbh who died 9th April 1875 aged 87 and Elizabeth Douglas his wife who died 29th October 1882 aged 86. Their daughter Janet died 15th May 1873 aged 56. Their son John died 24th April 1899 aged 80. Their grand-son Robert Stewart died 19th December 1899 aged 32. Their grand daughter Jane Stewart died 4th January 1939 aged 71.

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(Generation 4) The Families of Joseph Stewart of Foss, Crianlarich and Tyndrum

Joseph's first wife was Ann McKerchar whom he married on 24th December 1863, at Benmore Farm, Strathfillan. Joseph was working as the innkeeper at Crianlarich, and this is also given as the profession of his father Robert Stewart. Ann was the daughter of Farquhar McKerchar, farmer, deceased and Ann Cameron. It is likely that Donald McKerchar who witnessed the marriage was Ann's brother.

Ann died at Crianlarich on 21st October 1873 aged 37, and was buried next to other McKerchars in the Kerrowmore Graveyard, just south of Bridge of Balgie, Glenlyon. Her grave is marked by a memorial cross erected by 'Joseph Stewart in Crianlarich'. The death certificate gives her father as Farchar McKirach (with McKerracher or McKinachon as alternatives).

Joseph's second marriage was to Elizabeth (Eliza) Campbell on 15th April 1879 at 21 Dundas Street, Blythwood, Glasgow. Joseph was still managing the Crianlarich Hotel, and his new wife had been working as a barmaid in the Dalmally Hotel in Glenorchy. She was the daughter of Alexander Campbell, gamekeeper, deceased and Elizabeth Gow. It is quite likely that he knew the family from earlier times as Alexander Campbell came from Dalriach in Dull parish and his wife was from Baluaine in Blair Atholl parish.

The 1881 census for the Crianlarich Hotel, Killin parish, shows that Joseph divided his time between the hotel and farming.

Joseph's nephew Robert in the census was the son of his brother Donald Stewart and Jane Menzies - one of their twins born in 1867.

Elizabeth and Joseph had two sons, Robert and Allister, before she died in 1901. She was buried near her birthplace in the graveyard of the new parish church at Blair Atholl. After the death of hs wife, Joseph and his sons moved to Tign an Eas, Tyndrum where he died 14th April 1916. He also was buried back at Blair Atholl, where there is a memorial stone to the couple.

Memorial Cross to Joseph Stewart and Elizabeth Campbell

In affectionate remembrance of Elizabeth Campbell beloved wife of Joseph Stewart who died at Crianlarich 10th February 1901 aged 51 years. The above Joseph Stewart who died at Tyndrum 14th April 1916 aged 93 years. Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also and he praiseth her, Proverbs. XXXI.28. Erected by her husband Joseph Stewart and her two sons Robert and Allister.

The side inscription reads:

In everloving memory of Robert, eldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Campbell Stewart born 8th April 1880, died 26th February 1954. Beloved brother of Allister C. Stewart

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(Generation 4) The Family of Donald Stewart and Jane Menzies of Croftgarbh, Fortingall

Donald Stewart was working as a ploughman for his father when he married Jane Menzies at the Weem Hotel, Weem, on 14th April 1866. The witnesses were Robert Fisher and Alexander Stewart.

The marriage certificate gave his bride as Jane Stewart Menzies of Aberfeldy, aged 23 years, and her parents as J.S. Menzies, landed proprietor, and Jane McDonald. It seemed strange that the daughter of a landed proprietor was marrying a plough-man in 1866. It was even stranger that Jane Stewart Menzies's baptism did not seem to appear in any of the Perthshire OPRs, and that the marriage of her parents could not be found either. As Jane had the middle name of Stewart, it seemed probable that her father was J. Stewart Menzies, and one of the note-worthy landed proprietors in the area was John Stewart Menzies of Chesthill. However, he was not married to a Jane McDonald.

John Stewart became John Stewart Menzies, 12th of Foss and Chesthill when he inherited the title of Foss from his father, Joseph Stewart, 11th of Foss, and inherited the lands of Chesthill from his mother (1st August 1823). Alexander Stewart in his book 'A Highland Parish' gives an interesting description of John Stewart Menzies.

In his younger days he lived a somewhat loose and dissolute life, but in his later years he settled down to more orderly habits and wielded considerable influence in the affairs of the county.

Alexander's daughter, Alexandra Stewart, was much more outspoken in her book 'Daughters of the Glen'.

Stewart Menzies, when he was laird of Chesthill, was a notorious lecher. There is one story about him on the way to Rannoch on horseback when he met a handsome lassie on the hill road. The old rake dismounted and began to flirt.

"And what's your name, my lass?" he inquired.

She told him.

"Your mother is not Mrs So-and-so?"

"Yes sir, she is."

Chesthill was onto his horse and away. The girl was his own illegitimate daughter, one of many.

My father's radicalism was partly the result of a really nasty piece of selfishness by Stewart Menzies, when he threw the whole family out of Woodend and installed his mistress there with child. My grandfather had to take the family to Ardtrasgart, and return every day to his workshop in sight of the stranger installed in what had been the family's home for over a century. The lady called herself 'Mrs Menzies' and did nothing to make herself popular. Some locals said she was as a witch. After about two years the laird got married and threw her out, and the family returned to their home.

These comments are extremely relevant as the IGI database contains the birth of a Jean Stewart, daughter to John Stewart and Jean McDonald in the parish of Fortingall, and the OPR entry is as follows:

Fortingall (baptisms)
John Stewart Menzies, Esquire, of Chesthill had an illegitimate daughter to Jean McDonald in Wood End, Glenlyon, born in Dundee 17th May 1843, baptised named Jean Stewart.

So it would appear that Donald had married the daughter of the 'witch'. The couple were quite remarkable as they produced three sets of twins amongst their children. The first set of twins, Robert and Jane were born 26th April 1867, while they were still living at Croftgarbh.

The couple were living in Killin (Stirling County - not Perthshire) during the 1871 census, but by 1881 they were living in Kenmore.

Their son Robert was living with his uncle, Joseph Stewart, at the Crianlarich Hotel at the time of the 1881 census.

The monument to their grandparents in Foss churchyard shows that Robert Stewart died 19th December 1899 aged 32, and his twin sister Jane Stewart died 4th January 1939 aged 71. Nothing is known about the other children.

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(Generation 3) The Family of John Dewar and Isabella Douglas of Crossroads, PEI

Isabella is said to have been born in Dull parish in 1792, although there is no record of her baptism in the Dull OPR. However it does contain her marriage to John Dewar on 18th June 1817, which also appears in the Moulin OPR. John Dewar was the son of Donald Dewar and Elizabeth (Betty) Irvine, and was born at Ceannacoille, Foss, 24th March 1789.

Dull OPR, 8th June 1817
John Dewar in this parish and Isabel Douglass in the parish of Mouline gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

Moulin OPR, July 1817
John Dewar in the parish of Dull and Isabel Douglas in this parish, married.

Their first child, Donald, was born at Torvuick. In these days it was not unusual for a wife to have her first child at her mother's house in case there were complications. After the first successful birth, subsequent children were delivered in the family home.

Dull OPR, 26th October 1818
Donald, son to John Dewar and Isabel Douglass in Tombuac (Torvuick) was baptised.

Their second son, John, was born 1st February 1820, but his baptism seems to be unrecorded which is probably not surprising as the family were about to emigrate to Prince Edward Island, Canada. They settled at Crossroads where they brought up a large family.

John Dewar and Isabella Douglas are buried at the Crossroads Christian Church Cemetery. Their monument inscription reads:

Deacon John Dewar died July 5th 1851 aged 62. Wife Isabella Douglas died 1st June 1860. (Daughter) Catherine Knox Dewar 1842 - 1933.

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(Generation 3) The Family of James Douglas, carter, and Margaret Ritchie

James Douglas is thought to have been born around 1797. He married Margaret Ritchie on 27th November 1818 in the parish of Moulin. His whole family had moved there from Foss when his father became the tenant at Torvuick.

Moulin OPR, 31st September 1818
James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie, both in this parish, married 27th November.

James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie had two sons, John and James, born in the parish of Moulin.

Moulin OPR, 1820
born August 3rd, baptised August 6th. A son to James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie his wife in Torvuick, named John.

Moulin OPR, 1822
born October 29th, baptised November 3rd. A son to James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie his wife in Torvuick, named James.

Although these entries are in the Moulin OPR, Torvuick was some distance from Moulin village itself. Torvuick was between Netherton of Duntaulich and Cammoch, with Glen Fincastle facing it from the other side of the river Tummel. So the family had really just moved along the south side of Loch Tummel from the western end to the eastern end.

Torvuick on the south side of the river Tummel

By 1824 James and his father John had taken up the tenancy of Woodhead farm in Findo Gask, and this is where James's daughter Janet was born.

Findo-Gask OPR, 1824
James Douglas, Woodhead and Margaret Ritchie his spouse had a child born on the 19th June and baptised on the 4th day of July named Janet.

Finally they moved to Perth where George was born on 18th March 1830 (the IGI database has George's mother as Margaret Kitchie).

Perth OPR, 1830
George Douglas, lawful son to James Douglas labourer in the said parish and Margaret Ritchie his spouse, and baptised on the eighteenth day of March said year by the Reverend Duncan MacFarlain, Minister of the Gaelic Chapel in Perth.

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The Perth Burgh Burial Register records that George Douglas, son of James Douglas, died of measles on 19th June 1831, aged 1 year and 3 month. The infant was buried at Greyfriars, three days later.

James Douglas and the rest of his family (with the exception of John who had recently married Jean Robertson Livingstone) were living at New Row, Perth, in 1841.

The Perth Directory of 1845 shows that James had set himself up as a timber merchant, living at the north end of New Row, but by the time of the 1851 census James was also acting as a carter.

The two grandchildren are the children of James Douglas's daughter and Alexander McLaren, who married in Perth on the 4th December 1846. Christian was baptised 1st November 1847 in Perth. Her mother was given as Jessie Douglas. The baptism of her brother James does not seem to have been recorded.

The Perth Directory shows that in 1856 the family were living at 55 Mill Street, and by 1858 they had moved to 19 Hospital street. Here they were living in the same building as the family of James's brother Donald. The 1861 census for 19 Hospital Street shows that both brothers were working as carters.

James died 21st February 1866 at the Perth Infirmary, aged 68 years. The certificate says that the informant was Donald his brother, who signed it with his mark as he was unable to write his name clearly enough for the registrar.

Margaret Ritchie died at 24 Pomarium, Perth, on 1st January 1871. The death certificate gives her parents as George Ritchie, gardener, and Betsy Stewart (both deceased), and was witnessed by her daughter Janet Douglas who signed with a 'X'. Based on this information and census returns it would seem that Margaret was born 11th October 1795, Blair Atholl parish, the daughter of George Ritchie and Betty Stewart who married 24th March 1781.

Family documents relating to the sale of the property and estate of James's father, John, in 1868 suggests that Janet's brother James had emigrated to Canada and was in New London by 1868.

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(Generation 4) The Family of John Douglas and Jean Robertson Livingstone of Perth, Errol and London, Ontario

Perth OPR, 1841
John Douglas, cabinet maker in the East Church, parish of Perth, and Jean Robertson Livingstone in the said parish, daughter of William Livingstone, letter carrier there - Elder James Reoch - the persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the tenth day of May said year by the Reverend John Milne, Minister of St Leonard's Church, Perth.

William Livingstone was born around 1796, and married Jean Sidey in 1820 (Kinnoul OPR, 3rd September 1820, and Perth OPR, 22nd September 1820). Their daughter Margaret Robertson Livingstone was born 16th May 1829 in Perth.

The Perth Directory for 1845 mentions a John Douglas, bandbox-maker who was living at 4 New Row.

Perth OPR, 1842
Blackfriars, East Church parish, the thirty first of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty two, was born - William Livingstone Douglas, lawful son to John Douglas, cabinet maker in the said parish and Jean Livingstone his spouse, baptised seventh day of August, said year by the Reverend Mr Andrew Gray, Minister of the West Church, parish of Perth.

Perth OPR, 1845
Blackfriars, East Church parish, the ninth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty five, was born - Mary Sidey Douglas, lawful daughter to John Douglas, cabinet maker in the said parish and Jean Livingstone his spouse, was baptised the eighteenth day of May, said year by the Reverend Mr John Milne, Minister of the Free St. Leonard's Church in Perth.

Perth OPR, 1847
North William Street, East Church parish, the twenty eighth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, was born - Margaret Ritchie Douglas, lawful daughter to John Douglas, cabinet maker in the said parish and Jean Livingstone his spouse, and baptised the seventh day of November, said year by the Reverend Thomas Dymock, Minister of the Free Middle Church, Perth.

By 1851 the family had moved to Barossa Street in Perth.

John's four-year old daughter Margaret died in August of the same year and was buried in a plot owned by her grandfather William Livingstone, near the north-east corner of the Greyfriars Burial Ground in Perth. The monument inscription reads:

1852 Erected by William Livingston, letter carrier, in memory of he wife Jean Sidey who died 5th February 1852 aged 66 years. William Livingstone died 30th April 1858 aged 62 years. Son James died 9th November 1823 aged 6 months. Grand-daughter Margaret Douglas died 15th August 1851 aged 4 years. Grandson James King died 3rd November 1861 aged 15 months. Daughter Isabella died 29th July 1903 aged 76 years.

John's son James was born in Errol in 1853, and gives John a completely new occupation.

Errol OPR, 1853
James, son of John Douglas, gamekeeper Megginch Castle, and Jean Livingstone his spouse, was born 25th May and baptised 3rd July 1853.

It is probable that James died in infancy as he is not mentioned in any of the Canadian records. John and his family emigrated to Canada before 1860 and settled in London, Ontario, where they appear in the 1861 census (Middlesex, District 8).

Line 2 of the transcription (Enumeration district 08, Sheet 30) probably has William in error for Jean, John's wife. After Wm it clearly states that the person is female, and the age would be correct for that of Jean Livingstone.

A second daughter, Jane Livingstone Douglas, was probably born in 1863.

On the 18th April 1866 John Douglas wrote to his "Dear Friend" in Scotland, thanking him for attending to the funeral of his father James Douglas, the carter in Perth. The recipient could have been his father's step-brother, John Douglas of Scone.

I received you kind letter about the death of my father, for which I am verry sory but it is the way we must all go sooner or later. I was surprised to hear of him having been cut of by that diseas as I never hard of him complaning of it. I am sory to hear that he had suffered so much and I am verry oblidged to you for your kindness in his behalf and for performing the last rites to his remains.

I am verry glad to hear that his Grand Child is doing well ................. and I have great fear because my sister was brought back to the house after my father's death, when she durst not be there before. I know how things was before I left Scotland and how my father was heartbroke between them, but if they do well it will be the best for themselves.

When I left Scotland my father was verry near coming along with me and he was to get up all his money which I new to be considerable and come along with me, but when the time came he thought he would stay .................

We are all well. At present my son William is in New Jersey and my daughter Mary is at home. I will write to my mother when I hear again from you. I have been often on the eve of coming home on a visit. I may come yet, it depends altogether on circumstances. Perhaps they would not like to see me, however I may see you all yet.

Please to let me know if my Uncle Donald Douglas is still alive, he used to lieve in Pomarium. Be sure and write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends, my kind love to yourself and family. No more at present.

But remaining you aft (affectionate?) friend, John Douglas

Loco Works
London
Canada West

The 1871 census for London City, Ward 5e, seems to indicate that John's wife had died and that he had re-married. His second wife is thought to have been Agnes Anderson.

The 1881 census for London City, Ward 5, Division 2 gives the following information:

John died 19th February 1888 in the City of London Ontario. He was described as a cabinet maker, Presbyterian and born in Scotland. The undertaker was also the informant.

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(Generation 5) The Family of William Rowley and Mary Sidey Douglas of St. Thomas, Ontario

In 1870 Mary Sidey Douglas married William Rowley.

Vol 7 Pg 150-70 (Middlesex), 06 Oct 1870 Strathroy.
William Rowley, 27y, saloon keeper, born London, living in London, son of (Myron?) and Sarah Ann Rowley, married Mary S. Douglas, 25y, born Scotland, living in London, daughter of John and Jane Douglass. Witnesses: Charles and Maggie Humphrey both of Strathroy.

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(Generation 5) The Family of George Hawthorn and Jane Livingstone Douglas of London, Ontario

On 15th October 1884, at St. Thomas, Elgin, Ontarion, Jane Livingstone Douglas married George Hawthorn, the son of William Hawthorn and Eliza ...... Their children were:

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(Generation 4) The Family of Alexander McLaren and Janet Douglas of Perth

Janet Douglas married Alexander McLaren in 1846.

Perth OPR, 1846
Perth the fourteenth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and forty six years - contracted - Alexander MacLaren, labourer in the East Church, parish of Perth, and Janet Douglas in St Paul's Church, parish of Perth, daughter of James Douglas, labourer there - Elder James Douglas - the persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the fourth day of December said year by the Reverend Peter Grant, Minister of Free St Stephen's Church, Perth.

Their daughter Christian was baptised 1st November 1847 in Perth (her mother was given as Jessie Douglas), but the baptism of her brother James does not seem to have been recorded.

Perth OPR, 1847
New Row, East Church parish, Perth, the first day of November, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven years was born Christian MacLaren lawful daughter to Alexander McLaren, labourer in said parish, and Jessie Douglas his spouse, and baptised on the ninth of November said year by the Reverend W. H. Gray, Minister of St Paul's Church parish, Perth.

Both children were living with their grandparents, James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie, at the time of the 1851 census which gives their surname as Douglas rather than McLaren. Janet, likewise, is using the Douglas surname. An explanation for this may come from a birth certificate of 1855 which states that Janet Douglas had been deserted by her husband Alexander McLaren, leaving her with two children by him - a boy and one girl - having been married for twenty years.

The birth certificate relates to Isabella and Margaret Douglas, twins, who were born at 289 High Street Perth, on 21st September 1855. The name of the father is not given, it just states "illegitimate". However, the 1868 bill of sale documents relating to her grandfather's estate names her as Janet Macdonald or Douglas.

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(Generation 3) The Family of Donald Douglas, coal merchant, and Ann MacGregor

John Douglas's second son Donald was born around 1799 and married Ann McGregor in Perth on 12th December 1837. Their daughter Janet was born 25th September 1839.

Perth OPR, November 1837
Donald Douglas, coal merchant in the West Church parish of Perth and Ann MacGregor in the East Church parish of Perth, daughter of Alexander MacGregor, shopkeeper there - Elder James Douglas - The persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the twelfth day of December said year by the Reverend William Lindsay, Minister of the First Relief Congregation in Perth.

Perth OPR, October 1839
Janet Douglas, lawful daughter to Donald Douglas coal merchant in the said parish and Ann MacGregor his spouse, and baptised eleventh day of October said year by the Reverend Andrew Gray, Minister of the West Church parish of Perth.

The Perth Directory lists him as Daniel Douglas, vintner, living at Pomarium, while the 1841 census for Pomarium, west side, describes him as a labourer and spirit dealer.

The identity of William Douglas is unknown, but he is probably a relative. the exact address of the family is unclear, but by the 1851 census they were living at 8 Pomarium. Trade must have been surprisingly poor as Donald stopped being a vintner and became a coal merchant instead.

The Perth Directory lists Donald as a carter in 1854, but he was still working as a coal merchant and living at 15 Pomarium.

Map of Perth in 1848 showing Pomarium and New Row

It is probable that he was working with his brother James as both families were dwelling at 19 Hospital Street by 1858, and by the time of the 1861 census, Janet was working as a cotton weaver.

By 1871 the family had moved along the road to 25 Hospital Street.

Donald died at 25 Hospital Street on the 22nd March 1873, aged 73 years. After his death, Ann McGregor and daughter Janet moved to 20 Hospital Street. After Ann died in 1876, Janet lived on in the house until 1882, working as a French cleaner.

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