Genealogy Chat

Sally, I see others have already looked at the 1881 census and made suggestions for you. I have eventually got mine to work and think I have identified John and his family but under the name McInally which could quite easily change to McKinlay. The family are at 9 Main St, Brick Buildings, Eastwood, Renfreshire in 1881 and consist of William McInally (29) Cloth Singer born in Eaglesham, Renfrew Annie McInally (28) born in Eaglesham, Renfrew Alice McInally (4) born in Busby, Renfrew John McInally (2) born in Thornliebank, Renfrew Annie McInally (10m) born in Thornliebank, Renfrew This is the only John McKinlay or McInally on my version of the census to state he was born in Thornliebank and therefore has to be good contender for your ancestor. If you have Johns English marriage cert it should name his father which would be a help towards positive identification. Les Harris

Wow, two possibilities! Thanks so much. How would I go about working out which is most likely?

nudging for Sally

Hi Sally How about........ 1881 census 44 Main Street Eastwood Renfrewshire Scotland Alexander McKinlay Head Age 33 Printfield Worker born Glasgow Lanark Martha McKinlay Wife Age 29 Housekeeper born Thornliebank Renfrew Donald McKinlay Son Age 8 Scholar born Thornliebank Renfrew John D McKinlay Son Age 3 Scholar born Pollokshaws Renfrew Janie McKinlay Daur Age 5m born Pollokshaws Renfrew I've no doubt there are other John McKinlays in the area but this is the only result searching on John McKinlay in Renfrewshire with the precise birth year of 1878. Anne

Hi Sally, i found this family on the 1881 census John Mckinlay 41 born Ireland Janet Mckinlay 37 born England children---- Janet 12 born Glasgow Mary 10 born Glasgow David 8 born Glasgow Maggie 6 born Glasgow John 3 born Glasgow Susanna Mcd, mckinlay 1 born Glasgow Kate

Sally, Sorry, I can't get my census cd to work. I'm sure there are numerous others out there with a copy who can step into the breach. Les

Ah, that sounds possible, family anecdotes have a Glasgow connection. His name was John Mckinlay (Mckinley possible spelling) b 1878

Sally, I suspect the birthplace is Thonliebank in Glasgow. I have a copy of the 1881 census which I can search for you which might show your gt grandfather provided his name is unusual enough to sift him out and the family is still in the same place. Les Harris

mmmm never heard of it,any other clues? what are the names of the people you looking for. Marion

Just did a websearch on Thornahonk- apparently there is no such place. Hmmmm

He was born in 1878 in Thornahonk, but thats all I know at the moment

Waht dates and what area are you after? Sotlandspeople is great, you can copy the image of the cert's works out about £1 if you get the right one. Marion

It does cost to use Scotlands people website but it is more than worth it. £6 for 30 credits... it costs 1 credit per page of search results you view and 5 credits to view each cert. Best thing is you can save them to your computer! It really is the only way to really start on your scottish ancestors.

Through the kind help of some people on the 'Records Office' board I have a likely Scottish birthplace for my great grandfather. Where do I look next for clues without having to spend any money? Don't mind shelling out for certificates eventually, but this is my first week of doing family tree searches, and I really need to exhaust the freely available material first! Any advice on where to look next would be great. thanks :)