The Stories of the Livingston(e)'s

Some background: Scottish Records GRO (General Records Office, Edinburgh) show the following information                              Return

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Livingston, James    20/2/1818    Record no 685 3/19       Cannongate      Edinburgh

/ Elizabeth Lees / FR621 / CH2 / V38

Wright of :

37 Main Street

Cannongate

Parish of Gladmuir

Certified by James Denvar,   Glasblower

Whitehorse,   Cannongate and

James Smith,   Mason there.

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James Livingston and Elizabeth ?

    James and Elizabeth, left the Port of Leith, Scotland (Edinburgh) on 9 September, 1834 must have had some compelling reason for traveling at that time as Elizabeth was approx 7 months pregnant - Francis Palmer Livingston was born along the way, at sea, before arriving in Hobart on board The "Palmer" (skippered by Captain Francis) on 27 January 1835. They were accompanied by their 7 Children:

1.    William

2.    John Lees

3.    James Liddell

4.    Andrew

5.    Archibald

6.    Gilbert

7.    Francis

But who were they? Tasmanian history tell us that they arrived in Tasmania aboard the "Palmer" skippered by Captain Palmer with their family of 7 (above), but before that it is largely unknown. 

Family Tree ,   and  GEDCOM  (right click and "Save Target As ...")

Some fact have been uncovered. Amongst them are:

The Registration in the GRO Edinburgh show a marriage of a James Livingston to an Elizabeth Lees. (see above)

The Birth date of James is not proven. Records of his death do not indicate the birth date.

In Hobart records the is a record of payment to James Livingston listed as J. S. Livingston for work as a write (copy writer, see above.).

    Elizabeth ?

    Who was she? 

Tasmanian records refer to Elizabeth as Elizabeth Robertson and Elizabeth Unknown

But I cannot find either:

a:    A Death Certificate for Elizabeth Lees

b:    A Marriage Certificate for Elizabeth Robertson

However, I did find there was a little street that ran into the rear of the block of land where James's registered address was and guess what the it's name was? : "Robertson Street"

Answer - I have had some recent correspondence (September 2004) that indicates  that Elizabeth Lees  was the sister of  the wife of  Gilbert Robertson  and not as first thought - Elizabeth Robertson. 

Please check the correspondence here

 

According to an map of old Cannongate found in the Police Museum located in the now Royal Mile, the property next door to James's address is now called Whiteford House, then was called Whitehorse Inn.

About 200 meters up the street where James lived towards the Edinburgh Castle I also found the Church where they were married.

Also the GRO showed records of the first 6 children William, John, James, Andrew, Archibald, Gilbert as born to Elizabeth Lees.

Where did James come from?

The story handed down from many widely separated family members ( some in South Africa whom we have not seen or heard from in about 50-100 Years) would indicate that James was the product of a union of John Livingstone and Mary Lawson. There is no documented proof of this. However, I did find a reference to this union from the other side of the world in the Mull Family Name records  and when I asked the submitter of the authenticity of this entry I was told "How did that get there?".

There are 2 school of thought on this. They are:

What do you believe? Please forward your thoughts, beliefs to livingsk@bigpond.net.au

If you feel strongly enough about your origin there is a DNA test (see Home Page) that can be undertaken that may indicate which branch of the family you belong to.

Other Livingston(e)'s information

The name Livingston(e) goes back a long way in history. Dr David Livingston(e) being the most recognizable in history.

But did you know that:

 

 

 

 

 

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