Mary Ann(e) Jackson, born Glassary, Argyll c. 1860.

[doddie]

Looking for the birth of Mary Ann(e) Jackson c. 1860 in the Glassary area of Argyll. She was very probably illegitimate. Mother was very likely to have been Margaret Jackson, born Glassary in 1838. Margaret's parents were John Jackson and Flora McNair. In 1861 census there is a Margaret Jackson staying with a James McNair in Kilmartin. There is also a 12 month old baby girl (christian name virtually unreadable) with surname Jackson who is described as "Daur of Margt". James McNair is possibly Margaret's uncle. In 1871 census Mary Ann(e) is living with her grandparents John and Flora Jackson (and other family members). She is described as being the grandaughter of John Jackson. After 1881 Mary Ann(e) married a Peter Grant. The exact year escapes me for just the moment but what is rather strange is that on the marriage certificate her parents are stated as being John and Flora Jackson. I am pretty certain that the same goes for her death certificate of 1911. My theory is that when Margaret Jackson married (which I know she did) her husband may have decided that he didn't want to have any association with Margaret's illegitimate child and so Mary Ann(e) was 'conveniently' left in the care of her grandparents who as years went by became her de facto parents. I know I am being a bit long winded but I would very much like to confirm/rule out Margaret as Mary Ann(e)'s mother just to clarify my records. Any input gratefully received.

Regards

Doddie

[SarahND]

Hello Doddie,
In the Ancestry transcription the daughter's name is "Anonqmons" so I suspect it says "Anonymous," i.e., she hadn't got a name yet. It also says she was born in Kilmartin.

On SP there is one female Jackson child born in 1860 in Kilmartin. Her name is neither Mary nor Ann nor Margaret-- maybe there is no name on the certificate. This child does not come up in the IGI. Worth checking out.

All the best,
Sarah

[doddie]

Hi Sarah, took your advice. Checked out unnamed Jackson. As you suggested no christian name on 1860 Kilmartin certificate but mother was indeed margaret Jackson. Informant was James Jackson, grand uncle. So my original assumption was correct. Followed up some more of the paper work, all just a wee bit sad. Margaret went on to marry a Peter MacCallum in 1867. He was a shepherd for most of his working life so his work took him to various places in Scotland. Margaret and Peter had children (even one who they named Mary) but as far as I can work out there was no more contact with Mary Ann(e). This might just be supposition though because it is hard to know what may have happened in the the 'unknown' years between births marriages and censuses etc. My own personal feeling is that Mary Ann(e) may never have known her real mother and presumed that her grandparents were her parents. Who knows, it may even have been them that chose her name. I'm at least glad that I managed to figure things out. Thanks for your input.

Regards

Doddie

[SarahND]

Hi Doddie,
Glad it turned out to be the right birth. Thanks for getting back and letting us know how it turned out (we get curious about these people too, even though they are not "ours"!)

All the best,
Sarah