Malcolm McIsaac's birth

[Shona]

Malcolm McIsaac was born in Killean parish, Argyll, Scotland, in c1866, the illegitimate son of Duncan McIsaac, a farm labourer, and farmer's daughter, Janet (Jennie/Jeannie) Sheddon.

Duncan was summoned to court for 'filiation and aliment' for an illegitimate child with Janet (Jennie) Sheddon. The child isn't named, but Malcolm named both Duncan and Janet as his parents when he married Mary McCoag in 1890.

I've never been able to find a birth record for Malcolm. A fresh pair of eyes may find something that I've over-looked.

I'm also curious about the 1871 census record:

Paisley, Killean parish

Mary McCaffer, head, 64, retired farmer, b Killean
Neil McCaffer, son, 26, ag lab, b Killean
Margaret McCaffer, dau, 22, seamster, b Killean
Catherine McCuaig, grand daughter 12, scholar, b Killean
Mary McIsaac, 63, sister, shepherd's wife, b Killean
Malcolm McIsaac, cousin, 5, farm labourer's son, b Killean

Mary McIsaac is Malcolm's grandmother, who was by then a widow. Her maiden name was McKinlay. I'm trying to find out the name of Mary McCaffer's husband and how grand daughter Catherine fits in.

Technically. Malcolm is Mary McCaffer's grand nephew, but I've assumed that the catch-all 'cousin' has been used in preference.

[kiterunner]

The only birth I can find on Scotland's People is in North Knapdale district in 1865, but that doesn't look to be anywhere near Killean. :(

[kiterunner]

Ancestry have this family transcribed in Killean in 1851:
Angus Mc Caffera 52
Margaret Mc Caffera 45
Donald Mc Caffera 12
Neil Mc Caffera 9
Margaret Mc Caffera 5

I was wondering whether Margaret could be Mary mistranscribed, but she is Margaret (Mcaffrey) in 1841 too, and in 1861 Margaret McCaffer. Oh, but guess what - in 1861 Margaret has with her a daughter Janet McQuaige 30, and granddaughters Catharine McQuaige 2 and Margaret McQuaige 1. So do you think Margaret could be Mary?

[Shona]

No - Knapdale isn't near Killean. I suppose it's possible that Janet's well-to-do farmer father shipped her off somewhere else for the birth.

EDIT - Just seen your most recent post. Will feed OH and take a look in a wee while.

[kiterunner]

I just realised it would make a lot more sense for Mary McCaffer to really be a Margaret, because otherwise there are two sisters called Mary.

[kiterunner]

FamilySearch has a marriage 16 Jun 1830 Killean & Kilchenzie, Angus Mccaffara / Peggy Mckinlay.

[Shona]

Brilliant!!!

Looking at my list of McKinlay siblings, I have the following:

Catherine, b 1795
Donald, b 1797
John, b 1799
Janet, b 1801
Margaret, b 1803
Mary, b 1805
Annie, b 1808
Archibald, b 1812

A wee bit out is that year of birth, but not too far out.

Thank you - another piece of the jigsaw is now in place.

*curses self for being numpy-brained and not searching for Peggy*