McColl of Kilmacolm.....

[Sobil]

Hi,

I'm looking for McColls from Kilmacolm... I think. We have only oral history that a James McColl (born around 1830's I guess) had a son John Robert (born around 1854) came from Kilmacolm. John Robert's marriage to Elizabeth Bryant on 25/9/1882 was at Wick but for this and his death certificate no birth details are given. He supposedly had a falling out with James and came south to avonmouth/bristol area which is where we can track him. Both he and his father were shipwrights. Edward James McColl (b. 18/10/1888 in Shirehampton), son of John RObert also had a falling out and disappeared off to New Zealand. I've tried all Bryant McColl options that I can find but nothing really matches. Now I'm looking at Australian passenger lists to get McColl crew names for that era (I think there is a family history of sailing around Australasia). Maybe there was some hanky panky which is making the search difficult. I believe Greenock is not far so maybe I have a connection to G Love's quest. Any help pinning down dates much appreciated.

[DavidWW]

Hi Sobil

Welcome to TalkingScot!

I'm not saying that it's impossible by any means, but Kilmacolm to Wick is a big move! Certainly, however, by 1882 it was only a matter of a train journey.

As your next step I'd suggest that you need to have a look at, or ask someone to have a look at the 1861 census for Kilmcolm and surrounds.
If he and his family are not to be found there (you have his parents' names from the 1882 marriage).

I was going to have a look at the 1881 census with the addresses given in the 1882 marriage register entry, but I can't find it ?! .....

David

[Jack]

Hi Sobil,

Have you found John Robert McCOLL on the 1881 census? If not, then what was his occupation?
Do you know his mother's name?, any siblings?

Sorry for all the questions! just trying to narrow things down.

Jack

[Sobil]

Thanks for the interest

We only think his name is John Robert because that is what everyone called him, no one has any official paper except that which was written on his marriage certificate and death certificate "John Robert, father James, Scotland". My mother popped in to Bristol records office and came back saying "Kilmacolm" which narrows it down! There were several McColls sailing around at that time so maybe that is how he got to Wick, then onto Bristol.

We have to assume James is his father's only name. The McColl's of Kilmacolm and Greenock seem to have bred like rabbits. I've discounted one RObert McColl, son of James born Greenock but even the records on FamilySearch contradict. Maybe he was from somewhere else and was running a couple of wives!

I'll try and track down some census info but it's a long walk from where I am!

[Sobil]

I forgot to say. The crew lists I have include Greenock and Glasgow crew listings on ships in Australian Waters (New Zealand are more stingy with their info) We know John Robert sailed and that according to him both he and his father were wrights/carpenters, but you know kids..... they don't ask questions until after you have died!

[sporran]

Hello Sobil,


I am a little bit puzzled by this, since I can find no marriage in Scotland. I worked in the Bristol area, so I know that there is a Wick to the east of Bristol. Did they get married there?

What are the details on the marriage and death certificates, and can you expand on why your mother returned from the Records Ofiice and said "Kilmacolm"?


Regards,

John

[Sobil]

Hi John,

My mother is getting a little scatty in her wrinklie-hood! I have emailed her to double check the marriage details and am waiting for a response. These are the bits she has given me:

John Robert born circa 1854 married Elizabeth Bryant on 25/9/1882 at Wick, Glam(organshire?).

Elizabeth was born in 1861 to Uriah Bryant and Charlotte of Cardiff. Uriah was born in Dauncey, Wilts.

John Robert and Elizabeth begat the following in Shirehampton and Avonmouth!

William John b. 26/1/1885
Elaine (Ellen?) Charlotte b. 11/3/1856
Charles Uriah b. 2/7/1887
Edward James b. 18/10/1888
Elizabeth Maud b. 14/1/1891
Thomas Bernard b. 1/5/1892
Alfred Henry Andrew (twin) b. 15/4/1893
Ivor Robert Andrew (twin) b. 15/4/1893
Dorothy Jane b. 2/7/1896
Frank Wallace b. 8/12/1898

Elizabeth died in 1937 in Weston-Super-Mare and John Robert died of gangrene (I will post details later today)

My mother and a cousin have been trying for years so I will ask them to send me copies of what they have.

Sobil

[Sobil]

I found John McColl listed on the 1901 census in Shirehampton but I have limited access so I cannot get the occupations.

1901 Census

Source information RG13/2404
Registration District Barton Regis
Sub Registration District Westbury on Trym
Ed, Institution or Vessel 11
Folio 53
Page 11

Civil Parish Shirehampton
Ecclesiastical Parish Shirehampton St. Mary

John McColl age 46 born Scotland Living with wife Elizabeth born south wales, kids Alfred, Charles, Dorothy, Edward, Elizabeth, Frank, Ivor and William. All kids listed as born Avonmouth (my mother thinks some were born shirehampton). Plus two boarders Richard Nicholas born Penzance and Thomas Willis born Bristol.

Elizabeth Bryant's mother Charlotte (Nee John) lived in Potato Street in Bridgend in 1841 and in Wick in 1851 but it's the McColl's we want to track back!

[IanS]

Hi Sobil,

1901- Gives John as a Shipwright (under the heading 'worker') at 21 Richmond Ter. b. Scotland

Elizabeth b. S. Wales

Children-
William 16
Charles 13
Edward 12
Elizabeth 10
Alfred 7
Ivor 7
Dorothy 4
Frank 2

all born Avonmouth.



1891- I found the family under COLL and when looking at the original image, I can understand why. The Mc has been transcribed as a W.

2 Napier Sq. Avonmouth

John W. Coll Ships Carpenter * 36 Scotland
Elizabeth 31 Glamorgan Wales Wick
William J 6 Glos Avonmouth
Charles U 4 ''
Edward J 2 ''
Elizabeth U 2 mths ''

* beside ships carpenter, written in a lighter hand looks like the word 'seas'

[Sobil]

Thanks Ian, you are an Angel !

The "seas" probably refers to the fact that he did go on trips as well as get involved with the expansion of Avonmouth Docks although I cannot find any records. I tracked down his wedding to Cardiff through some free BDM but it doesn't have a scan of the document. Also I cannot find any 1881 census info that relates to him just prior to his marriage. The information my mother has given me is all second hand and memories that can be a bit wobbly! I feel very guilty asking other people to work but it is very much appreciated

I need to find out where he came from. Kilmacolm/Greenock has Johns and James but I cannot find a mention of shipwrights.

I've just signed up to ScotlandsPeople to see what they have .

Sobil