Living research

[Andrew Ernest Douglas]

 I have been researching my family history. only got as far as my father, born 31st March1904 in Aston Manor/ Birmingham UK/ he was born illegitimate to a Robina McEwen, He died in 1958

He was baptised in the RC parish church Brierley Hill in 1905. Fathers name given Andrew Douglas, no mother is mentioned. My father is named as Ernest George Douglas

I beleve the father could be a Andrew Richmond Douglas. I have traced  the blood line of Andrew Richmond Douglas to living persons in Bristol. Having made contact with them via postal letters they decided they did not wish to be part of any research due to any trouble it may cause and ill health. By the tone of their letter I feel I am on the right track

I am now trying to locate a younger member of the family in the hope that they will be willing to agree to a DNA test to prove one way or the other if I am correct in thinking Andrew Richmond Douglas is my Grandfather. This would allow me to continue to research my family history. 

Andrew Richmond Douglas was trained as a doctor, he had a practise in Cambridge, married Beatrice Anne Boulton and moved with his two step children to Stoke on Trent in a new practice.He work as a ships doctor for a short while and later became a surgeon.

Became a member of the Free Mason at the Elloe Lodge Spalding, in 10th March 1904. He took the name Ahbedin, which I think means worshiper. 

I would like to try and find a Jemme louise Douglas born  1979 

Father Charles Neil Douglas.   Mother maiden name Johnston.Family line   Andrew Richmond Douglas...Andrew Leslie Sinclair Douglas...Charles Neil Douglas...Andrew Neil Douglas....Jemma Louise Douglas

I fully realise that this is not that far back in regards to family history. But until I have resolved this issue I will be unable to proceed. I would welcome any information or advice provided

Kind regards,  Andrew Douglas

[William Douglas]

Searching for ancestors, even parents, when they were born out of wedlock is notoriously difficult.

People are naturally suspicious of the motives of those seeking information or simply are afraid of what may be revealed.

My suggestion is that you write back giving all the details that you know, and ask that they be placed where they will be found after their death so that their successors can choose whether or not to make contact.

Emphasise in a friendly way that you respect their privacy and ask gently for their help when the time comes.

William

[Andrew Ernest Douglas]

That you for your reply But I am 74, they are a bit older than me. There is six of them, by the time they are all dead , it is most likely l will be to.  Not only did I send letters but spoke with two of then face to face. They simply do not wish to disuss the issue. 

Robina McEwens living relatives have been most helpful, but know nothing about the boys father. 

I shall need to try and find Jemma Douglas myself

Kind regards

Andrew Douglas

[Ronald Drysdale]

Hi Andrew,

I'm sure you have researched this out very thoroughly, but on a lateral path, the family search website has census source data for an Ernest George Douglas, born 1904, Aston, Birmingham, with father Harry Campbell Douglas (steelworker in steel mill) and mother reported as Louisa Douglas (1911 census data). On the same website there is a Robina Mcewen in Aston Manor, who is a driller in an Iron/steel works (1901 census) with a father who is foreman in Iron/steel works.

I have attached Family search page prints for your info.

Good luck with your research!

Ernest%20George%20Douglas%20%281904%E2%80%93Deceased%29%20%E2%80%A2...

Robina%20Mcewen%20in%20household%20of%20Andrew%20Mcewen%2C%20_Engla...

[Andrew Ernest Douglas]

Good day Ronald,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Thank you for your message, and as you mentioned I have thoroughly researched the situation.  Copies of the 1911 census searched by name, shows that Robina Mcewen had a son, One living member of the family knew Robina, and it was also mentioned that the family had known of a boy born to Robina. They were told he had died in the war, but no one really believed this. 

31st March 1904 George Ernest Mcewen was born.  Birth certificate shows the following.

Mother Robina McEwen. Father Not named

Address 259 Park Road Aston Manor

A copy of the list of baptisms carried out in the parish of Brierley Hill Birmingham in 1905 shows on the 9th February 1905 a boy named  Ernest George Douglas was baptised.

Father named as Andrew Douglas.

Note! a crude attempt had been made to cover the first name of the father with an ink blot, the name Andrew can clearly be seen.

The 1911 census shows that a Harry and Louise Douglas lived together with a boy aged 7 Ernest Georgw Douglas.

There is no birth certificate for Harry and Louise ever having a child.

A search of the 1911 census in the name of Ernest George Douglas gave him living with Harry and Louise Douglas at 71 Wallows Street Round Oak Brierley Hill Stourbridge. The place of birth for the boy as being Park Road Aston Birmingham. This is the same address as Robina McEwen.

I believe that the child Robina had was "fostered out" to Harry and Louise Douglas. I would think that the father, Andrew Douglas, helped with expenses.

There is no doubt that Robina McEwen was my Grand Mother, but I need a living descendant of Andrew Richmond Douglas to agree to a DNA test.  The living descendants I have found do not wish to be of help. The tone of their reply letter would indicate to me that I am on the right track.

In 1947 my father applied for a passport in the name of George Ernest Douglas. This is a switch of his fore names.  He also gave his date of birth as 31st March 1910. I noted that 1910 is the year that Andrew Richmond Douglas got married to Beatrice Annie Harrison.

I am know trying to find a living descendant that would be prepared to have a simple DNA test to clarify the situation one way or another. Until this problem has been resolved I am unable to move forward in my research.

Kind regards

Andrew

[Ronald Drysdale]

Hi Andrew,

The adoption/fostering scenario would make some sense out of the conflicting records.

I have enclosed the birth & baptism record for one Ernest George Douglas from the Freereg website, at least it gives both dates on one piece of paper, together with the father's name as Andrew, a labourer, of Brierly Hill, but no mother. 

Good luck with your search!

Ernest%20George%20Douglas%20birth%2031-3-1904%20baptism%209-2-1905%...