Cormack/Mowat info sought from NZ!
Hi everyone - I am descended from John Cormack (b Wick 1837-1907) who emigrated to New Zealand in the 1860s. His parents were James Cormack (1805-1845) and Janet Mowat 1811-1883. James was descended from John Cormack (1779-1841) and he from Matthew Cormack (no dates). Janet's parents were John Mowat (1780-1846) and Margaret Sinclair (1782-1850). John was son of Donald Mowat (1747-1792) and Elizabeth Sutherland (1750-1792).
The information I have of these people prior to the NZ emigration is very slim, and if anyone can provide any further information or suggestions as where to look, I would be most grateful. Also any flavour beyond a few dry dates!
As well as this, I have just discovered that my best friend of many years also has a great grandfather named Mowat. She is descended from Alexander Mowat (b 1813 in Wick/married Marjory McRae in New Zealand) . Naturally I am wondering if Alexander Mowat was related to my great grandmother Janet Mowat. However they have no names for Alexander's parents, just his birth (Ive seen no birth certificate) and the fact that he was a sea captain. Ive just been told Alexander's father was Bailiff to Duke of Sutherland.
Any grains of enlightenment from anyone would be very welcome! Thank you.
Donald Mowat m. Elizabeth Sutherland on 22 November 1769 in Wick, Caithness
Hi Nz/jen
I saw your email making enquiries about your husband's family in Caithness and I noticed that your John Mowat was the son of Donald Mowat and Elizabeth Sutherland. I have a Donald Mowat and Elizabeth Sutherland in my maternal tree (Mowats) who came from Brabster, near Canisbay. They had nine of a family and John Mowat was the 5th child of that family. Donald Mowat and Elizabeth Sutherland would have been my gggg grandparents (would have to check on that) but when I saw your relatives with the same names I wondered if they were the same people. I am descended from their eldest son, William. If you would like to give me your email address I could send you a copy of what I have of that family if you are interested.
Also regarding Alexander Mowat born 1813 it is possible that your friend could be related. They had big families in those days and there would be lots of Mowat cousins at that time.
Regarding gravestones you could make inquiries (via email) to the Wick Council who would manage the Wick Cemetery but there are other cemeteries on line in Canisbay, Corsback and others which I can't remember at this moment. If you just fed in 'Canisbay Cemetery or Gravestones' on line I am sure that would suffice.
I see you are in NZ too.
Good luck.
Elise Linney