Malcolm McNeil Houston - can anyone help please

Sharon A · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Belfast, N.Ireland

I'm new to the forum, hi to everybody and thanks to Andy for eventually letting me on!

I am trying to trace my great-grandfather's family and have been told that they originally came from Gigha. His name was Malcolm McNeil Houston, born in Larne, Co. Antrim. He was 53 at the time of the 1911 census. According to Malcolm's marriage certificate his father was called James Houston, occupation sailor.

I'm not sure when James was born or if it was in Scotland or in Larne but I'm trying to find out what his wife was called as I think the link to Gigha is probably through the female line (or maybe I need to go back a bit further!).

I've tried looking for James on 1911 census of Ireland and also Scotland's People websites but James Houston with no date of birth isn't much to go on. I know it's probably a long shot but I'd be very grateful for any information you may have to share or if you could even point me in the right direction.

Thank you for reading my post.

Sharon A · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Belfast, N.Ireland

I've just discovered that James Houston was born in co. Antrim and was married to Margaret Evans. His father was William Houston also born in co.Antrim and married to Agnes. Margaret Evans father was Francis born 1811 married to Kathleen. So the Gigha connection goes back further than I first thought. Any ideas, anyone?

Scott · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: update

Sharon your key is "Malcolm McNeill" and the origin of his middle name.

Grandparents or GreatGP would be a logical source. So see if Kathleen or Agnes were a McNeill ?

I would look at the international records of the Mormons.

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp

"Malcolm McNeill" is buried at Kilchatten, Gigha.
died, 1495. (I and many descend from him.)

Good luck,
Scott

Sharon A · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Belfast, N.Ireland

Hi Scott. I've tried the Mormon site (and a lot more besides!) but I think I'm about to give up. My problem is the lack of Irish records available - and that's probably how it will remain due to the fire in the records office in Dublin.
I'm not sure now that Agnes was James's mother as I don't know if I've found the right William. It's all very confusing and frustrating for a mere amateur!
I may get back to it sometime in the future but in the meantime thank you for taking the time to reply.