Like others over the past week, I was inspired by Diana Henry's posting on 6 Oct 2010 to hunt around for James McLean, Normanton Queensland. (Wigtown Free Press dated 29th April 1886: Near Normanton, North Queensland, on March 2nd, James, eldest son of James M'Lean, late of Duchra, aged 41 years.) As Wigslisters, Jan Royal and Betty Telford did, I also searched for Duchra and also for McLean's death notice in old Australian newspapers. The National Library of Australia (NLA) has been digitising our old newspapers, the earliest 1803. Those already digitised are freely available and fully searchable on http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Sometimes OCR misreads words in newspapers that are in poor condition, but volunteers are visually correcting the OCR images for the NLA. On the whole, this website is fantastic. Australian genealogists and historians now have a very powerful new tool to use for research. It occurred to me while searching for McLean's death notice that the website might be useful to British, New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, American genealogists, as well as Australian. Because Australia had such a small population in the 19th Century, the locals often got their names in the press, even if it was only to advertise their business. So if you wanted to find out what ever happened to someone from Wigtownshire, for example, who immigrated to Australia, you could try looking for him or her on http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ by searching for his or her first name+surname. You could also search for his or her name/s + Wigtownshire or name/s+Wigtonshire (without the middle 'w' as both spellings were used). Some reports give the town or Parish from which the person came, eg Stranraer, but not the County. So it would also be worthwhile trying the person's name/s+ town or name/s+parish as keywords. Using a + (plus) between some of the words you write into the Search field helps find these words in close proximity to each other in the text. Furthermore, Australian newspapers published international news they gleaned from the overseas papers that arrived here by ship. It was not only the major stories that got into our newspapers, but also minor international stories, gossip, and even letters of interest that colonials received from Britain and elsewhere and handed over to journalists for publication. New or returning colonials also brought personal news and opinions with them from the "Old Country" or the States, and the journalists published those as well. The news was months out of date of course by the time it had travelled to Australia, but that did not matter to the colonials who were desperate for any news of "Home". So if you are looking for a particular British or American newspaper story or you want some background information about life in Britain or the US at a certain time, but you are finding it hard to access old newspapers in your own country, you might be able to find these details in the Australian newspapers. However, just remember to allow for Australian publication a few months to even 6 months after the date of the actual event! Back to Diana's email about McLean / M'Lean's death notice in the Wigtown Free Press dated 29th April 1886: Near Normanton, North Queensland, on March 2nd, James, eldest son of James M'Lean, late of Duchra, aged 41 years. Putting the keywords James+McLean in the Search box in the NLA website brought up many James McLeans. Luckily the website lets you search by decade, then year and then month which narrowed the 'hits' down to accounts of a James McLean who died near Normanton in March 1886. There does not appear to be a death notice. However there are a number of reports about his death, mainly focussing on one of the men who died with him, the Hon. Frank Stubley, an MP. Their deaths got nationwide coverage, no doubt because of Stubley and also due to the unusual circumstances. The Mercury (Hobart), Wed 3 March 1886, p3: Queensland. Deaths from Intense Heat. Brisbane, Tuesday. Mr Frank Stubley, late member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for the Kennedy district, a well known mining speculator, Messrs John Thomas, James McLean and Thomas Covey, died at Creve Creek, on the road from Normanton to the Crozden goldfield. Six others are not expected to live, the heat at Normanton being terrible. The Hon. McDonald Paterson, Postmaster General received a telegram from Mr Shanklyn, auctioneer of Normanton, that Mr Stubley reached Normanton by the [ship] City of Melbourne on February 20, and stayed at the O'Shanghanassy Hotel. He left with two others on horseback on Thursday for the Crozlon field and they reached a shanty 65 miles from Normanton on the 27th February, when Mr Stubley complained of being feverish. He rested for six hours and then rose and mounted his horse then got off again and died within a few minutes without pain, at 5 in the evening. Excerpts from another newspaper give slightly different details: Queanbeyan Age (NSW) Sat 6 March 1886, p2S: ... Mr F Stubley, formerly MP, and once a wealthy miner, left Normanton for the Croydon goldfield with a party of ten..James McLean.. Other deaths occurred on the same day, on the same road...A further telegram from Normanton to the colonial secretary reports four deaths, including Stubley's, and that six other persons were found on the road and are not expected to live. The place where they died is near Green Creek. The date of death in the newspapers matches the date in the WFP death notice exactly so this definitely was the James who was lately of Duchra. So, for those who might have been wondering how James died,we all now know that he sadly died of heatstroke at Creve (or Green) Creek trying to reach Crozden, Crozlon or Croydon goldfield. Presumably the creek, whatever its name, was dry. (The postal clerk who sent the telegram to the newspapers or the journalists who wrote the articles must have had trouble deciphering the place names.) I just received Diana's email saying that Duchra was in Wigtownshire. That explains why I could not find any reference to Duchra in the newspapers. However between 1857 and 1871 a Mr ANGUS McLean was overseer of the Rothbury Estate, now a major Australian winery in the Hunter Valley NSW. Rothbury shared a boundary with a property called Dochra! Regards

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Diana Henry <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, October 14, 2010 7:39:22 PM Subject: LYNCH >From Wigtown Free Press 1st December 1887 "At Canon City, Colerado, U.S.A. on the 4th ult., John eldest son of Philip Lynch, gamekeeper, Newton-Stewart, aged 22 years - deeply regretted."

I may have posted this before. >From Wigtown Free Press 28th March 1889 Deaths. "At Trare, N.S. America, on the 28th ult., George Fraser (of Wigtown, Scotland) ex-Mayor of the city of Halifax, N.S. in his 65th year."

>From Wigtown Free Press 8th August, 1889 Deaths. "At Richmond Farm, South Moline, Illinois, U.S.A. on the 7th ult., A.W. Jamieson, Esq., M.D. late of Drummore, Kirkmaiden, aged 50 years."

Dear List, a fascinating story from Ailsa re Jame McLean late of Duchra.  I wonder how many more stories lie hidden in the fisches of the WFP? Here is one I have found. WFP 14th April 1859  Deaths. "At Bombay, on the 7th ult, by a fall from the ?? of the ship Fitz-James, William N. Murray (eldest) son of Mr Walter Murray, produce agent, Stranraer.  (He) was a  young man of great promise, and is deeply re(gretted)" Diana Henry

While I was searching (just out of curiosity) on the internet I found so many versions in so many places:  Dockray, Dochray (Castle) Duchra (Marsh), in Scotland, Ireland, Australia  (wherever people emigrated),  frequent surname variations, including Docwra.  I was surprised how many seagoing vessels through the years had the name, including a modern American ship. We FH researchers are often reminded to watch for differentiation, particularly in earlier times when many of the population could not read or write and much was passed down by word of mouth.  Betty

My ancestors were Duchars spelt that way or Deuchar or Ducker- they were from Perthshire- would that name have derived from Duchra? Donna ----- Original Message ----- From: BETTY TELFORD <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, October 14, 2010 3:06 am Subject: [WIG LIST] Duchra variants To: [email protected] > While I was searching (just out of curiosity) on the internet I > found so many > versions in so many places:  Dockray, Dochray (Castle) Duchra > (Marsh), in > Scotland, Ireland, Australia  (wherever people emigrated), >  frequent surname > variations, including Docwra.  I was surprised how many seagoing > vessels through > the years had the name, including a modern American ship. We FH > researchers are > often reminded to watch for differentiation, particularly in > earlier times when > many of the population could not read or write and much was > passed down by word > of mouth.  > Betty > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to SCT- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: joyceallen1 Surnames: Finlay and Hamilton Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/1989.3.1.1.2.2.2.1.1.2.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hello Jane, 1941 census. John Finlay age 2. born Ireland Richard Findlay age 6 mths. born Wigtownshire.Sct Patrick Finlay age 20 born Ireland (Father) Ag Labour Mary Finlay age 25 born Ireland.(Mother) Plus Jane Fleming 70yrs John fleming 12yrs Mary Smith 65yrs No other info. ( Finlay family so young, bits of kids really.) What is the connection with you? My Grandmother gave me the address years ago in the 1970. Mrs F McSheey.Kirk Bank. 53 Main Str. Auchen Cairn. Castle Douglas.D.G.Tiqu.. Sct. Not sure whether it was for a Finlay person or a Hamilton, Finlay and Hamilton married. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

Hi Diana, That strange looking name reappears in a few places, for example, as Dockra, Duchray and Docraw in Ayrshire. Sir Herbert Maxwell says that it comes from the Gaelic "Dubh reidh" which means black flat meadow. Crawford.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: janiedoll Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/1989.3.1.1.2.2.2.1.1.2.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Joyce Sorry I've not been in touch for so long! Would it be possible for you to give me the info you have from the 1841 Census on Patrick Finley and Mary please? Did Mrs McSheey stay at Castle Douglas? Jane Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

here's a link to Australian Newspapers via the NLA - have found so much with patient searching- http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ Jan, Melbourne > Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:09:22 +0100 > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Subject: [WIG LIST] Fw: Australian research > > > > > > ----- Forwarded Message ---- > From: BETTY TELFORD To: [email protected] > Sent: Tuesday, 12 October, 2010 1:33:49 > Subject: Australian research > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hcastle/ > > I found some gems amongst the links on here including Kathy Pearson's listing of > Greville's 1872 Directory entries which is amazingly comprehensive (it also > reassured me that my memory is at least partially intact, as I found > several entries for emigrants living in Dochra near Singleton, NSW, one a > squatter recorded in a cemetery burial) . Plenty of lists of surnames and places > where they lived. > Amongst fascinating bits of reading that came up were some old Australian > Newspapers and reports of the fine barque "Dochra" arriving from Liverpool in > the 1880s. Nothing helpful found re Duchra as I came in late to pick up the > thread but something above may help someone. > Betty > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I found a "John Cathcart of Genoch in Great Britain and William Cathcart of Bertie Co" receiving property in Bertie Co, NC on 13 Feb 1739 for about 21 pounds from John Wynn (Witnessed by David Coltrane....probably of Wigtown). In Colonial Bertie Vol IV Deed Book F, 1739-1744, abstracted by Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie, Box 343, Windsor, NC. Can anyone give me more information about John Cathcart of Genoch. (Apparently this place is about 11 miles east of Wigtown.) Thanks.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: theta100 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/2084.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi, How will you identify the correct James Graham if you search possible marriage certificates? Do you know his parents names and are you certain that he married in Scotland? A Draper is a seller of Textile Fabrics which often overlaps with Haberdashery which are sewing aids such as threads, ribbons, buttons etc.As many people made their own clothes and drapes in those days it was an important occupation In rural areas a Draper may travel around from place to place. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

Dear all, sorry about the confusion re Duchra.  It is a farm in Lochans village, Wigtownshire, the parishes have changed over the years, some say parts of Lochans village was in 3 parishes at one time, Portpatrick, Inch and Stoneykirk. This was not one of the words I was having trouble reading. Having said that where on earth did that word come from, the distant past I am sure. I don't suppose we have any members in Chile but just watching the trapped miners coming up is truly a miracle. Congratulations. Diana Henry

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: BETTY TELFORD To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, 12 October, 2010 1:33:49 Subject: Australian research http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hcastle/ I found some gems amongst the links on here including Kathy Pearson's listing of Greville's 1872 Directory entries which is amazingly comprehensive (it also reassured me that my memory is at least partially intact, as I found several entries for emigrants living in Dochra near Singleton, NSW, one a squatter recorded in a cemetery burial) . Plenty of lists of surnames and places where they lived. Amongst fascinating bits of reading that came up were some old Australian Newspapers and reports of the fine barque "Dochra" arriving from Liverpool in the 1880s. Nothing helpful found re Duchra as I came in late to pick up the thread but something above may help someone. Betty

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: zednotzee Surnames: Graham Classification: marriage Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/2084.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I did a search for james graham born in 1883, Ireland. He is in 1891 census - Wigtownshire, Scotland apprenticing with his uncle James Anderson, master draper. I found a James Graham in 1901 census working as a draper, traveller etc.single. What type of occupation is a draper ?? - curtains drapes etc.?? Other James Graham's born abt 1873 were 1. boarder wAnnie born in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Tradeston, age working as a ironworks puddler,2. Gen carter with wife Annie Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: theta100 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/2084.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Scotlands People (SP)has all marriages online from 1855 -2009, images are available up to 1959 for £1. I see your James Graham on the 1891 census in Stranraer a draper living with James Anderson, his brother. A quick look at the SP index shows a James Graham marrying a Martha Hardie 1896 Stranraer and another to Elizabeth Johnston 1893 in nearby Leswalt.Do you know where James was in 1901 as this may help to find his wife's first name! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: zednotzee Surnames: Graham Classification: marriage Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/2084/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Is there a searchable registry for marriages in the late 1890's? Would like to know where I might be able to find a marriage of James Graham, born 1873 in Ireland and working as an apprentice draper in Stranraer. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

In this notice "Near Normanton, North Queensland, on March 2nd, James, eldest son of James M'Lean, late of Duchra, aged 41 years."     I believe the Duchra is referring to where the father, James McLean, resided prior to his death.  ----- Jo-Ann ----- Original Message ---- > From: BETTY TELFORD <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Sent: Sun, October 10, 2010 8:29:25 AM > Subject: Re: [WIG LIST] FW: M'GAUL/M'LEAN/BAIRD-GRIERSON > > I've just oicked up on this (lost my internet connection for a time) so may be > on the wrong trail but I used to live in Australia between Canberra/Sydney and > Brisbane and I seem to recall a Dochra in New South Wales. > > Betty

I've just oicked up on this (lost my internet connection for a time) so may be on the wrong trail but I used to live in Australia between Canberra/Sydney and Brisbane and I seem to recall a Dochra in New South Wales. Betty ________________________________ From: J Blain <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, 10 October, 2010 10:39:41 Subject: Re: [WIG LIST] FW: M'GAUL/M'LEAN/BAIRD-GRIERSON Hi, Dochra was a farm in Inch parish - of course there may have been others of that name elsewhere too. Jenny At 10:59 +1000 9/10/10, <[email protected]> wrote: >Diana > >I can assist with: "Near Normanton, North Queensland, on March 2nd, >James, eldest son of James >M'Lean, late of Duchra, aged 41 years." >... > >I am not sure on the word 'Duchra' as it is not a North Queensland >word/place that I could locate. I am assuming Duchra, or variations >of that name, comes from where he was born/lived before travelling >to Australia. > >Regards >Paul Lynch ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message