Deans and Stout

Preface

Researching family history feels like creating a piece of sculpture. You are trying to capture the form of something and hope that what you have is an accurate resemblance. Every new certificate or document adds a new contour or shape.

Just like a sculpture, the end result is only at best a facsimile, it does not represent who the people were, what they were like, or what they went through.

In some ways, it is like looking at a fossil, you are able to see some of the detail but not as it was only the impression that is left.

For reference purposes

When referring to the Stout family: Margaret Henrietta Williamson Stout (Rita Deans) is used for a reference point. When referring to the Deans family: John Moran Deans (John Deans) is used for a reference point.

Names that appear in bold refer to direct ancestors.

Katherine Rankin

Katherine’s research was meticulous and refined, you can see from her notes how she distilled information and factchecked everything to make sure the data she had was as rich and accurate as possible. She applied this diligence at all levels of her work from individuals to family groups, their relatives, lives and locations.

The genealogy in this book contains at its core the research by Katherine Rankin.

The most difficult aspect to genealogy is getting started, Kathy made it possible to not only have a solid foundation but all the ingredients necessary to create this family tree.

Stouts, the Fair Isle and boats to Orkney, Aberdeen, Leith and Canada

The Fair Isle has approx 65 permanent residents (census data 2020). Back in the mid-1800s, the 1,900-acre Island was home to around 400 people. This would be the largest population recorded in the island’s history with the exception of 6 weeks in 1588 when 300 sailors from the El Gran Grifón, flagship of the Spanish Armada were shipwrecked and lived with the islanders.

The oldest Stout (Stott)

The oldest Relative with a record of Birth is Rita Deans’s 7th Great Grandfather James Stout (born 1640) on some records he is referred to as Stout and on others as Stott. Little is known about James Stout only that he is born in 1640 and married a woman of French descent named Elizabeth Truax. His father David is mentioned in the parish record but he has no records of his own that can be found.

The main concentration of Stouts at this time is in northern England, Orkney and the Shetland Isles.

For some context on that time. In the 1640s King Charles, I is on the throne. Witch-hunting is a widespread practice, in Edinburgh Mary Kings is abandoned and The Great Plague is rife in Scotland.

James has a son also named James Stout born in 1670, he marries Elizabeth Cromartie. They have 4 children

Elspeth Stout

Jesabella Stout

Margaret Stout

Thomas Stout

Stout

Reference map

Fair Isle sites and Crofts

TOILETS FIBO Airstrip Hall

The first Stout on Fair Isle

Various meanings have been attached to the name Stout most commonly “brave, bold, firm, determined also obstinate, and uncompromising. Physically or materially strong, sturdy, vigorous, staunch and enduring.”

It would be not a stretch to say that these qualities are required to live and survive on Fair Isle.

Thomas Stout

Born in 1700 birthplace: unknown. Thomas was a teacher, his occupation is why he comes to Fair Isle. After he moved to the island he was living on the Shivra Croft. It is unclear if Thomas had an existing connection to the island. Although Thomas is the first recorded Stout on Fair Isle, Stout’s were living on Orkney and Shetland.

Thomas marries Elizabeth Cradlie born on Shirva. He lives through the Jacobite Uprising and the last of the Stuart dynasty on the English throne.

Some family trees have his death year as 1779 in Lancashire, England. Certainly, the record exists but has no tangible connection passed the name. In all likelihood, Thomas Stout died on Fair Isle.

Thomas and Elizabeth had 2 children

1717 - Thomas Stout

1720 - Magnus Stout

3 independent records have Magnus Stouts Birth in 1720 Leogh Croft, Fair isle and Death in 1825. If true this makes Magnus the eldest person in the family tree. He marries Mary Brown and they have 6 children. Surveys of the island by various lairds and land owners recorded that the island had inhabitants over 100 years old.

“The 32 families present in 1791 comprised 106 males and 114 females and included two individuals who were reputedly more than 100 years old.”

Valerie M Thom (Fair Isle an Island Saga) Published 1984

In 2018 ‘North Isles Family History’ removed Magnus Stout’s death date and replaced it with ‘Unknown’. A Magnus was born in 1771 and 1787. Records could have been confused and the 1825 date could apply to one of these men.

Thomas and Magnus will seed the main population of Stouts on Fair Isle. Thomas Stout will follow in his father’s steps and become the Islands Schoolmaster.

Thomas Stout Married Margaret Dunnet in 1736. They had 5 children

1735 - James Stout

1739 - Elizabeth Stout

1741 - Marion Stout

1744 - Elspet Stout

1756 - Thomas Stout

Magnus and Mary had 4 children

1756 - George Stout

1760 - Laurence Stout

1770 - Marion Stout

1780 - Jean Stout

Laurence Stout has conflicting records. Some documents state he is born in 1760 and others in 1770. Given the age of his parents, 1760 is the most likely. Records state he is born in Westray, Orkney. It is more likely that the records for Fair Isle were held by the land owner in Orkney.

It wasn’t uncommon for islanders to move between Orkney and Shetland, for women to travel at this time it would typically be for a family relocation.

By 1770

Laurence’s

sister Marion’s birth is registered on Fair Isle. Laurance marries Marjory Williamson in 1785, His elder brother William also marries a member of the Williamson family.

Laurence and Marjory have 8 children.

1787 - Magnus Stout

1789 - George Stout

1790 - Thomas Stout

1791 - James Stout

1793 - Jean Stout

1795 - Mary Stout

1806 - James Stout

1806 - Agnes Stout

George Stout born on Busta married Jocobina Wilson in 1815 and had 5 children.

1816 - Mary Stout

1820 - Esther Stout

1822 - George Stout

1824 - James Stout

1829 - Diane Stout

George Stout married Janet (Jessie) Williamson in 1850 and had 11 children. The birth of all 11 children and the death of George is registered on the Busta Croft. Busta, Shivra and Springfield will be one of the main residences for the Stout family until they leave the island.

Around this time (1860) the Island will see its first mass emigration to Canada. The emigration to New Brunswick is well documented.

“A transport from Fair Isle to Kirkwall, From there the steamer took the party of 65 adults and 70 children south to Leith, Edinburgh, where they were put on the train to Glasgow.”

“Five weeks later they landed safely in St Johns, New Brunswick. According to contemporary reports they arrived ‘all in good health and spirits’, but for people who had seldom, if ever, been off the isle before, and had never visited a big city or seen a train, it must have been a traumatic journey.”

Valerie M Thom (Fair Isle an Island Saga) Published 1984

George and Jessie’s 7th child William Stout is the grandfather of Rita Deans. Born in 1866 William will live through one of the hardest recorded times on the island.

“The 1890’s became another decade of misfortune, of poor crops, low fish prices and disasters at sea.”

“Early in 1899, the islanders lost two of their yoals, which were smashed to pieces when trying to come ashore in storm conditions. The crews just managed to escape. A third boat was severely damaged. As a result of these accidents, the poor conditions and the meagre rewards, life on the Isle was becoming intolerable.”

Emigration from Fair Isle by Jerry Eunson edited by George Stout

There is no firm date of when William leaves Fair Isle. The following timeline can be inferred.

1891 Marriage - William marries Alice Eunson in the Methodist Chapel Fair Isle

1891 Census - Living in Busta Fair Isle with his wife’s Family (Head Stewart Eunson)

1895 Birth - Alexander (Sandy) Stout born on the Fair Isle

1897 News - The Fair Isle Disaster

1901 Census - Living in Leith Edinburgh (Gordon Street) Occupation Dock Labourer

1902 Birth - Robert William Stout born in South Leith, Edinburgh

1903 Birth - William Stout born in South Leith, Edinburgh

1911 Census - Living in Leith Edinburgh (Gordon Street) Occupation Dock Labourer

1916 Death - Alice Eunson Death registered in Leith Edinburgh cause of death Heart Disease

This leaves a 6-year period when their relocation could have taken place. The following information fits with the timeline above and is corroborated by family stories.

Copyright © voussoirs.blogspot.com - Methodist Chapel Fair Isle

Copyright © voussoirs.blogspot.com Methodist Chapel Fair Isle

Copyright

© fairislebirdobs.co.uk - Busta (rebuilt in 1978,

The Fair Isle Disaster 1897

“On the morning of the 2nd September four yoals set out to barter goods with passing vessels seen coming over the horizon. Ships returning from whaling were eager to exchange salt beef, spirits and tobacco for fresh vegetables and chickens. During the day the weather worsened considerably and, by nightfall, with the boats still not back, it was blowing a gale.

Two of the yoals eventually returned that night. Another boat was sighted next morning and was brought to the shore by a rescue party. All five of the crew, including a fifteen year old, Alex Eunson, at the tiller, were dead. The other boat with its crew of four was never recovered. The men had left twenty six dependents.

John Eunson whose brother William and nephew Alex had been lost, together with his brother in law George Stout. Altogether, eight fishermen lost their lives, four of them under 23 years of age, in what became known as the Fair Isle Disaster of 1897. It was a blow from which the island never really recovered.”

Emigration

from

Fair Isle by Jerry Eunson edited by George Stout

The loss of the 8 men combined with the poor crop yield compounded an already terrible situation. It’s almost certain that the lack of able hands would have affected the viability of the crops creating a vicious cycle. “The land and sea turned sour”Rita Deans.

The island had passed between various owners non of whom had ever managed to monetise their investment. Croft owners had to pay rents to the land owners and many of the fishermen were forced to sell their produce to the owners at a fixed rate.

Copyright © Tommy’s “Wild Life” adventures. fair-isle.blogspot.com

Form left to right Jerry Wilson—Brews—Killed in the 1914-1918 War. James Wilson—Haa—remained on Fair Isle. William Eunson—Stackhoull—settled in Kitchener, Ontario. Alexander Eunson—Stackhoull—died of exposure, age 14, in the Fair Isle Disaster of 1897.

THE FAIR ISLE DISASTER.

Banffshire Advertiser - Thursday 16 September 1897

A correspondent sends to the Dundee Advertiser the following particulars regarding the state of matters in Fair Isle and gives full details of the disaster. The correspondent says :

“There were four boats’ in all, and two returned in safety, and one was picked up with four of its crew dead. The other has entirely disappeared, and its safety is beyond the pale of hope. This boat contained James Irvine, who leaves a widow, three children, and an aged mother. The children’s ages range from six years to a few months, and one is, unfortunately, imbecile. William Eunson leaves a widow and 10 children, the youngest one a few months old. George Stout leaves a widow and six children, the eldest being almost nine years and the youngest a few months; he also leaves an aged mother. John Wilson (20) is unmarried, and the support of a family. The other boat contained seven men, of whom four succumbed to the violence of the elements, and three survived. Those lost are Andrew Wilson, who leaves a widow and five children, the youngest aged about five years; John Slie ( l2), unmarried, and bread-winner to a family; James Wilson (2l), unmarried, who helped to support his father’s family; Alexander Eunson (13), a schoolboy. It was the first time that Leslie had been out bartering, and he and James Wilson had only taken to fishing during the present season. In a community so small, a death list like this represents what was the flower of its labouring strength. “The survivors of the second boat are George Stout., Thomas Wilson, and Jerome Eunson, and none of them have yet recovered their full strength either of mind or body had an interview with Stout. He looked and nerveless, end one could easily see he had come through a terrible experience. His story was profoundly impressive. He and his companions had boarded a French ship bound for Dunkirk about 9 to 10 miles to the south-west of the Fair Isle.

When they left her the weather was bad-looking, and the unpleasant signs began to increase. Their boat was one of the ordinary island boats, 17 feet keel, 6 feet

beam, and 22 inches deep. They sailed almost an hour and a half with a two-reefed sail; then, as the wind began to blow harder, they took in another reef. They pulled hard on their oars till they had reached within half a mile of the lighthouse, where they were obstructed by a ‘ string,’ the line formed by the waves where opposing wind and tide meet. At this juncture they were carried back by the tide, and, pull as they might, they were at every stroke carried away farther and farther from their goal. The falling night was dark, and the gale furious. The men had been for the whole day without food, save for a few bites of ship biscuit. Here they became saturated with salt, water, and their sparsely clad bodies were soaked with merciless rain and the driving sea. They became exhausted, benumbed, and then one was compelled to give up the struggle. Andrew Wilson threw up his heels and sank to the bottom of the boat. The rest pulled grimly on, till Alexander Ennson and James Wilson in turn succumbed. Still, their comrades strove at the oars, catching cheer from the hope that when their companions in the boat’s bottom had rested they would relieve them a bit in the struggle. Bat they seemed long in wakening.

They paid no heed to cries, nor to shaking, nor to the offer of a little gin to put life and warmth into their bodies. So the tempestuous night passed and morning dawned and brought with it the horrifying revelation that their resting companions were resting in the long sleep of death. The situation was pitiful. The survivors had spent the utmost of their strength, their spirits were depressed with the fatal knowledge the dawn had brought, the sea still ran high, and they were still 10 miles from home, when a rescuing boat was spied speeding towards them. The sight proved too much for poor John Leslie, who, while he saw the approach of succour, also sank down and died. “Let me tell one short story of a boy’s heroism that recalls the fate of Casablanca. Little Alick Eunson was placed in the stern to hold the tiller. Things were then at a bad pass, but the boy smilingly stuck to it through the vicissitudes of storm. The cold chilled his little body and benumbed his

fingers so much that he could not, replace his cap when it had fallen from his head. Still, smiling encouragement to the others, he renewed his grasp of the tiller till his head dropped, and he gave up his young life without a cry or a murmur while still clinging to his poet of duty. “ It was to relieve in some measure the distress caused by this sad calamity that I came here. On my arrival at Kirkwall, about midnight, 1 had by wire from Mr Nl’Lean the cheering intelligence that the sea was calm around the Isle, and that he would be meeting me about six in the morning. The St Tinian had drawn up under the lee of the south shore, Captain Nicholson, himself a splendid specimen of a Shetland sailor, getting up to those on the bridge and seeing to my safe debarkation. Boats came dancing over the sunlight sea, and, with my goods and chattels, I was quickly on board. “ Soon after, in the company of Mr McLean. I visited one or two of the bereaved households. The houses, I may here add parenthetically, are very substantial stone and lime buildings with slated roofs. But, oh, the misery exposed within I have seen many exhibitions of grief, I have read of the wailing of the mothers of Israel, but in the existence of such grief as I saw I could not have believed. Women moaning in the agony of despair, their bodies bent, their faces haggard, their eyes red and swollen with a flood of tears flowing from a stream that seemed inexhaustible. They rocked themselves in their chairs, they seemed insensible to every external things but even in accents anguish came from their pale lips the name of the deal. The children huddled around, looked and listened with grief-stricken faces, frightened at the signs of misery besetting them on every side.

They gazed beseechingly into the stranger’s eye, as if seeking from him some consolation which was beyond his power to bestow. It is this intense grief which makes the tragedy so terrible. It has paralysed the people, rendering them almost physically helpless. Time may if some of them do not succumb to their present suffering, but meantime national help is urgently needed.’

One of the most chilling descriptions of the events of the Fair Isle disaster comes from the Banffshire Advertiser. It covers in detail the sequence of disaster and lists the men, their families and the aftermath of the deaths on the island.

The following is testimony from the Tribunal of Tom Wilson

“We have to sell the fish to Mr John Bruce. Jnr. and to him only, Six families left Fair Isle and came to Kirkwall. We all left because the meal was so dear and wages so low.”

News of the disaster was reported in the Edinburgh Evening News

“For some time past the population of the island has been somewhat straitened. Circumstances, owing to the failure of the fishing, and the greater number of the inhabitants were contemplating leaving the island and seeking a livelihood elsewhere.”

Extract from Edinburgh Evening News Saturday 04 September 1897

The disater made national and international news. On the back of the media attention Queen Victoria donated £20 (around £1900 in 2022) to aid with cost of emigration.

1899

“In early summer 1899, it was decided to prepare another mini-emigration to Orkney, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Forty-four people left Fair Isle including, Eunsons, Wilsons, Stouts and Williamsons and, by the autumn, several were working in the fish trade in Kirkwall and Aberdeen. Of those who found their way to Edinburgh, some found employment with Robert McVitie of the well-known biscuit manufacturers.”

Emigration from Fair Isle by Jerry Eunson edited by George Stout

It is likely that William and family are among the 44 mentioned. The dates co-inside with the information on the Birth, Death, Marriage and Census.

William and Alice’s children are:

1890 - Stewart Stout

1891 - Mary Ann Stout

1893 - Jessie Ann Stout

1895 - Alexander Stout (known as Sandy) a favourite uncle of Rita Deans

1902 - Robert William Stout

1903 - William Stout

1905 - Georgina Stout (Known as Ina)

Stewart Stout

Stewart Stout is the first relative that is within living memory along with his wife Margaret Brunton Williamson. He was born in 1890 on the Busta Croft, Fair Isle.

Stewart appears on the 1891 census age of 3 months. Living in one of the houses on the Busta croft. The head of the household is his maternal grandfather Stewart Eunson. His father William is listed as (Son in Law) and mother Alice (listed as daughter).

Stewart’s paternal grandfather and grandmother are living in the other house on Busta.

Based on the timeline available (see information on William Stout B.1866) he is around 10 when his family leave the Fair Isle.

The 1901 census shows the Stout family living at 9 Gordon Street, Leith.

He gets married on 31/12/1915 in Leith, Edinburgh. 9 months and 2 weeks after they are married Stewart and Margaret’s first child William Stout is born. The birth certificate for William states that Stewart is a ‘Biscuit Cutting Machineman’ but is serving as a Private in the 2/4th Royal Scots - Service Number: 303123 in 1917.

Stewart and Margarets’ children were

1917 - William Stout

1922 - Harry Williamson Stout

1924 - Stewart William Stout

1926 - Elizabeth Reid Williamson Stout

1930 - Margaret Henrietta Williamson Stout

1932 - Thomas Morton Stout. - Stewart Stout was not his biological father.

Stewart is described as a gentle and kind man by his grandchildren. Stewart appears on the census and electoral role living in Gordon Street and Waddell Place.

Stewart dies on 30 March 1964 in Leith Edinburgh.

1901 - Census Stout

Stouts occupation

The occupation of the Stouts when on the Fair Isle is almost exclusivley Fisherman or Crofter amongst men and Knitter or Housewife amongst women. When living in Leith the main occupation moves to Dock worker or Factory worker.

Gordon street Leith

Gordon street Leith

1911 - Census Stout

Georgina (Ina) Stout

Georgina is born in 1905 she is the youngest child of William Stout and Alice Eunson. She is 11 when her mother dies in 1916. She marries Alexander Smith in Leith on 11 December 1925.

Georgina and Alexander’s daughter Elisabeth Maureen Smith is born in 1933.

Georgina appears on an outward passenger list on 4th Jun 1938. Ship name “Dumana”. The ship is owned by the British India Steam Navigation Company (BISN). Destination Calcutta, India.

A story often told by Rita Deans about her brother William Stout and their Aunt Ina. William (Bill) was stationed in Burma during the Second World War. He will be part of what will come to be known as ‘The Forgotten Army’.

William would travel 800 miles from modern-day Myanmar to Dum Dum India where Ina and Alexander lived. Alexander was a Tea Plantation Manager. Ina helped her nephew William recover from his injuries and illnesses including Malaria before he would return home to Leith Edinburgh.

Georgina shows up in the various shipping records travelling between the UK and India. Her correspondence address for the UK is 3 Windmill Street Edinburgh. This is the address of her husband Alexander’s parents and is also listed on their marriage certificate.

Georgina and Alexander will also travel live in Nyasaland now called Malawi in Africa and Cape Town South Africa. In 1947 they will list their UK correspondence address to a bungalow in Monkton Ayrshire.

No death certificate could be found for Georgina. It could be that she died abroad.

Margaret Henrietta Williamson Stout

Margaret middle names could be from her maternal grandfather or uncle, both named Henry Williamson. There is not much in the way of documentation on her early life as they will not be available until the records pass 100 years old.

In 1948 Margaret Stout marries John Moran Deans in North Leith Parish Church. She was 18, and her husband John was 26.

The Deans Family

The Deans name and lineage are alive and well in 2020s, John Deans and his wife Margaret Stout have 3 male children John, Gordon and James who in turn have 3 male children Kevin, John and Joseph. As of 2022 Conal and Johnny are the youngest male members of the Deans family.

The Deans family are predominantly from East Lothian, specifically Whitkirk, Humbie, Dunbar and Dirleton. Compared with the information available on the Stout family the Deans data is sparse. The land owners of Fair Isle kept meticulous records. With Fair Isle’s size and low population, it was possible to track the entire population of the island.

Kathreen’s research and documentation get as far back as 1856. Often the name Deans was recorded as Dean or Deanis on Birth, Death, Marriage and Census records.

The oldest Deans found with any supporting documentation is David Deans born in Dunbar in 1674.

David marries Christian Maltman in 1698. Their Marriage certificate states that Davids’s father was James Deans and his Mother was Margaret Laurie. His occupation is ‘Agricultural Labourer’. The only other record related to David Deans is the birth of his son Robert Deans.

All that is known about Robert is taken from his son William Deans’ birth certificate. Robert was married to Margaret Denaval. He was born in 1703 in Inneerwick his wife Margaret was born in 1712.

William Deans were born in 1728 in Dunbar. He married Mary Foord in 1757 in Dunbar.

Their son Robert Deans is born in 1760. William died in 1786 in Dunbar, he worked as an agricultural labourer his whole life.

Robert Deans is the first found that has more than one child. No marriage certificate could be found but the mother of all 6 of thor children was Janet Hope born in 1757.

Their children are

1785 – William Deans

1787 – John Deans

1789 - Alison Deans

1792 – Janet Deans

1799 – Robert Deans

1801 - Mary Deans

No death record was found for Robert, his wife Janet died in 1837.

John Deans was born 1787 in Dunbar, he married Alison Yorkstone in 1805 and they had 6 children.

1807 - Alison Deans

1807 – Robert Deans

1814 – Jennet Deans

1815 - Thomas Deans

1817 – Anne Deans

1825 - Charles Deans

1829 - Hugh Deans

John Deans dies in 1841

Charles Deans is born in 1825 in Whitekirk East Lothian. Charles married Jessie Allan in 1849. They have 7 children.

1849 – Peter Deans

1850 – John Deans

1852 – Margaret Deans

1856 - James Allan Deans

1859 – Alice Deans

1864 – Charles Deans

1865 - Jessie Deans

Charles and his family are the first of the Deans family to appear on a national census.

1851 living at 3 Carnegie Street, Edinburgh. Working as a shop porter.

1861 living at 270 North Side Cowgate, Edinburgh. Working as a shop porter.

1871 living at 60 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh. Working as an upholsterer.

1881 living at 352 Castle Hill Boswells Close, Edinburgh. Working as an upholsterer.

1901 living at 17a Fettes Row, Edinburgh. Occupation - retired.

Charles dies in St Bernards Place Leith in 1903.

1871 Scotland Census extract

Deans

James Allan Deans JAD56

James Allan Deans is born in 1856 the son of Charles Deans and Jessie Allan. He appears along with his mother, father and siblings on the 1861, 1871 and 1881 censuses.

By 1871 at age 16 his profession is “Tinsmith” sometimes referred to as tinner, tinker or tinman.

The next time James Allan Deans appears on an official record is on a Military deserters list.

Date: 02 September 1879

Height: 5ft 4⅜

Name: James Deans Hair: Dark Brown

Place of desertion: Weedon Eyes: Grey

Regiment: Royal Artillery Marks and Remarks: None

Clothing: Regimental

Age: 23

From: Edinburgh

By 1881 he is living with his parents at 352 Castle Hill Boswells Close, Edinburgh working as a Tinsmith.

1885 The Scotsman - Thursday 10 December

Theft - At the Edinburgh Police Court yesterday James Allan Deans , a young man plead guilty of the theft of two smoke dispensers from a cellar of a tinsmith’s in the Cannongate. Judge Balie Anderson sentenced him to 15 days imprisonment.

Robertha Cormack (Bertha Deans) RC65

Robertha Cormack is born in Caithness 1865, she is the illegitimate child of Robert Cormack and Caroline Bonney CB40. She is raised by her grandmother Ann Mcleod in Cromarty.

Her mother marries William Fraser and has two more daughters Caroline and Isabella Fraser. Despite living between Aberdeen, Dingwall and Cromarty its is unclear if Robertha has any contact with her mother.

Robertha has 3 known children

1890 - Jessie Allan Deans

1895 - James Marshall Deans

1897 - Henry John Deans

Jessie Allan Deans Cormack

Born is 1890 at 198 Causeway Side, Edinburgh. Her birth certificate states ‘illegitimate’, Mother: Robertha Cormack (Domestic servant)

Father: Blank

This may be an admin error that the father is omitted on the birth certificate. Certainly, the name Jessie Allan being the mother of James Allan Deans would suggest a family connection.

Jessie marries Peter Trainer in 1911. The Deans and Trainer families will live in close proximity in and around India Place, Stockbridge. On her marriage certificate, it lists her father as James Allan Deans - Deceased.

Jessie and Peter will have 4 children in total

1912 - Peter James Trainer

1914 - Joseph Millar Trainer

1915 - John Walter Deans Trainer

1919 - Roberta Cormack Trainer

1915 Jessie appears on a military pension record for her husband Peter. Address 35 India Place.

Her husband Peter dies in 1956 and Jessie dies in 1969.

James Marshall Cooper Cormack or Deans

Born 1895 107 High Street, Edinburgh. His birth certificate carries the following statement.

“Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892” Signed Robertha Deans.

The next record on James Deans is the birth of his Daughter Josephine Deans in 1915 in Edinburgh Maternity Hospital.

Her birth certificate states “Illegitimate”, Father: James Deans serving member in the 1st Batalian Gordon Highlanders. Mother: Margaret Smith living at 8 Haugh Street, Edinburgh.

One month later 15/03/1915 James Deans marries Margaret Smith. Their address - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh. This property is rented by Bertha Deans (record from the valuation roll)

James Marshall Deans is killed 26/09/1917 Ypres, Belgium a casualty of WWI. His pension records lists his beneficiary as his daughter Josephine. The military record uses the middle name of his father Allan rather than Marshall.

His wife Margaret will re-marry in 1920 to William Steell. Their first and only child William will be given the middle name James. Margaret dies in 1955 in the Western General Hospital.

Copyright © Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Henry John Cooper Cormack or Deans

(known as John Deans)

Born 1897 Bailie Fyfe’s Close, North High Street, Edinburgh

The statement on John Deans birth certificate is identical to his brother James Deans.

“Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”

1915 The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) enlistment.

Addressed to 35 India Place with his next of kin listed as Bertha Deans.

Date: 11th October 1917 | Location: Beaumont-Hamel | Battle: Unknown

Beaumont-Hamel is a village in northern France. During WWI it was close to the front line. Major engagements would be fought here along with Battles at Somme (about 40 mins drive). 1916 seen the most engagements at Beaumont-Hamel and by 1918 the town was completely destroyed. The 51st Highland division were still involved in engagements until March of 1918. Some battalions had suffered up to 91% casualties. The 51st Highland division reported approximately 2,200 casualties.

John Deans had three military postings during WWI under Regiment Rank Service No

Copyright © Canada History.

Incident: War Office Daily List No.5387

Further detail: Entitled to wear a “Wound Stripe” as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being named on this list.

Unit: Highland Light Infantry

Next of Kin: Leith

The type of injury is not listed.

In 1920 John Deans is awarded a Military pension, class ‘disability’. The record shows various checkups and assessments. It mentions Gunshot wound (GSW) lower left arm. Military discharge date 23 May 1918.

The length of time between the incident and discharge can be assumed to be recovery time.

The same year John Deans was injured his brother James Deans is killed serving in the 1st Batallion Gordon Highlanders in Ypres, Belgium. His widow Margaret and daughter Josephine are living with John and James’s mother Bertha Deans at 5 Saunders Street. This is the street parallel to India place.

A Year previous John’s sister Jessie gave birth to Joeseph Millar Trainer at 5 Saunders Street.

A year later Joeseph dies in Edinburgh City Hospital, Colington. His father Peter Trainer ‘Van driver’ and serving private in the 17th Royal Scots register the death. His correspondence address 35 India Place.

35 India Place is also the correspondence address for John Deans and his occupation in the valuation role ‘Van driver” is the same as his brother-in-law Peter Trainer. For context, a van driver in 1915 would have likely been horse-powered and not a mechanical vehicle.

This shows that Bertha Deans was a present influence in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. There is no further connection found between James Allan Deans and Robertha or her three children.

1920 - Marriage to Charlotte Moran. John Deans living at 1 Albany Street, Leith. Charlotte Moran living at Pilrig Lodge, Bonnington Road, Leith. John notes his Father ‘James Allan Deans’ Deceased.

Charolotte Moran was living with her parents John and Ellen Moran nee Fallon at number 26 India Place. With John Deans living at number 35 this could be how they met.

This was the Moran Fallon household in 1901

1

John and Charlotte have 3 children

1922 - John Moran Deans

1926 - Charlotte Moran Deans

1929 - Robert Cormack Deans

1941 - Son John Moran Deans voluntary enlists for service in WWII even though he has a reserved trade.

Despite a disability, John Henry Deans is conscripted into the army during WWII. Declared not fit for duty and discharged from active service.

In 1945 his son John Moran Deans is given special dispensation to return home and visit his mother Charlotte Deans who is terminally ill.

Robertha Cormack Deans, wife of James Allen Deans. - Deceased

Cause of death “epithelium pharynx lymphoma”

Signed John Deans (son) Address Waddell Place, Edinburgh. For John Moran Deans, could this be the first time he is aware that James Allen Deans was not his biological grandfather?

Every relative from John Deans ownwards could have had the last Name Cooper or Cormack based on “Henry John Cooper Deans or Cormack” birth certificate.

As of 2022 no trace of a John Cooper in connection with Robertha Cormack.

Still to find

Who was Jean Henderson

Known as step or half-sister to John Henry Deans and married to James Henderson. No records to link the families. Could she be another child of Robertha Cormack or James Allan Deans?

The Bonney / Boni connection

The Bonneys described in family lore as tinkers and being of possible Italian decent. The eldest Bonney is Henry Logan Bonney HLB01 married to Ann Mcleod. Henry is a master butcher and works around the UK taking his wife and 4 children with him

1839 - Elizabeth Bonney (Labourers wife)

1840 - Caroline Bonney (Knitter & Housekeeper) CB40

1841 - Henry Bonney (Ploughman)

1844 - John Bonney (Fisherman)

The Bonney family found so far have either jobs in the trades or traditional industries.

Caroline Bonney’s daughter Robertha Cormack marries James Allan Deans (Tinsmith). Perhaps this is the ‘tinkerer’ connection and not the Bonney family.

DNA test results for Paul Victor Finch

Location data in the DNA goes back around 1000 years.

Shows no Italian DNA from maternal side

Picks up on French DNA from the Stout Family. Norwegian and Danish DNA, not suprising with the Fair Isle connection.

Picks up on a strong Irish connection on the maternal side from the Moran and Fallon families.

Stouts and the English connection

Looking at the DNA from Paul Victor Finch and by virtue Margaret Deans there is 0% English DNA. This would point to the likelihood that Thomas Stout 1700 was native to Scotland. In the mapping analytics it did pickup on the French connection in the DNA.

Deans connection to East Lothian

Low genetic trace to East Lothian and high to Scottish Highlands and Islands. Further evidence that there is no genetic link to James Allan Deans.

Family names

Cormack

Unkown - Robert Cormack

Aside from Robertha Cormack’s birth certificate, there is little information to be found on Robert Cormack. It’s likely the records have been lost or have not been digitised.

1865 - Robertha (Bertha) Cormack RC65

The grandmother of John Moran Deans, her parents were Robert Cormack and Caroline Bonney (Bonny).

Robertha is raised by her Grandmother Ann Mcleod sometimes documented as Ann Fraiser Widow of Henry Logan Bonney.

Before moving to Edinburgh Robertha is documented as living in Cromarty and Wick.

In 1865 there was a Robertina Cormack born in Wick who also moved to Edinburgh. Kathy’s early research has her as the wife of James Allan Deans.

Robertina Cormack married William Foole and moved to England.

Timeline of addresses and events

1865 Birth - Caithness

No address is listed only the town of birth

1871 Census - 16 Braehead Cromarty

Living with her grandmother Ann Bonney nee Mcleod and uncle John Bonney

1881 Census - 16 Braehead Cromarty

Agricultural labourer - living with living with her grandmother Ann Bonney nee Mcleod

1890 Birth - 198 Causwayside Edinburgh

Birth of Jessie Allan Deans Cormack, no father listed on the Birth certificate.

1891 Census - 29 Manor Place, Edinburgh

Housemaid / Domestic servant

1891 Marriage

No address given James Allan Deans registered at 198 Causwayside Edinburgh

1892 Separation

Stated separation of Robertha Cormack and James Allan Deans (August 1892)

1895 Birth - 107 High Street, Edinburgh

James Marshall Cooper Deans or Cormack

Known as James Deans

Statement on certificate “Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”.

1897 Birth - Bailie Fyfe’s Close, North High Street, Edinburgh

Henry John Cooper Deans or Cormack

Known as John Deans

Statement on certificate “Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”.

1905 Valuation Roll - 2 Browns Close, 14 Grassmarket, Edinburgh

1911 Marraige

Jessie Allan Deans married Peter Trainer. Mother listed as Robertha Deans nee Cormack deceased. This is more than likely an error as documents on future dates list her as alive. It could be that Jessie did not know if her mother was alive or dead. In 1919 Jessie will name her 4th child Robertha Cormack Trainer.

1915 Military - 26 South Richmond Street

John Henry Deans Enlistment possible address for Robertha or could be the address for John Henry Deans Only.

1915 Military - 35 India Place

Short Service Record 17th Royal Scot’s possible address for Robertha or could be the address for John Henry Deans Only.

With two addresses in 1915, it is likely one was for John Henry Deans and the other for Robertha Cormack.

1914 Birth - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh

Birth of Joseph Millar Trainer at 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh

1915 Marriage - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh

Marriage of James Marshall Deans and Margaret Smith. James is listed as a serving member of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Mother Bertha Deans nee Fraser. The last name although not correct is the last name of James Marshall Deans’s grandmother Caroline Fraser nee Bonney. Caroline Frasier lives until 1923, it is unknown if she had any contact with Robertha or her grandchildren.

1920 Marriage

Marriage of John Henry Deans and Charlotte Moran, Robertha Deans nee Cormack listed as living.

1920 Valuation Roll - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh Listed a maid

1930 Valuation Roll - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh no occupation listed

1925 - 1935 Electoral Roll - 5 Saunders Street, Edinburgh no occupation listed

Bonney or Bonny

1840 - 1923 Caroline Bonney CB40

There is no record of her ever marrying the father of Robertha Cormack. On The wedding certificate of Robertha Cromack and James Allan Deans, her mother is listed as Caroline Cormack nee Bonney. Caroline married William Frasier in 1870 and they have 2 children, the family moves around and Robertha is left in the care of her grandmother Ann Bonney nee Mcleod.

Timeline of addresses and events

1840 Birth - Nigg

No address is listed only the town of birth. 1841 - 1901 census list Nigg as place of birth.

Caroline Bonnie mother of Robertha Cormack is born in Nigg across the firth from Cromarty.

1841 Census - Dudley England

Her father Henry Logan Bonney is a master butcher and is working in Dudley.

1849 Death - Cromarty

Death of her father Henry Logan Bonney

1851 Cencus - 16 Braehead Cromarty

Living with her widowed mother Ann Bonney nee Mcleod and brother John Bonney

1865 Birth - Caithness

Birth of daughter Robertha Cormack. No address is listed only the town of birth

1870 Marriage - Aberdeen

Caroline Bonney marries William Fraser in Saint Nicholas, Aberdeen.

1871 Census - 1 Prospect Terrace Aberdeen

Working as a General Domestic Servant

1872 Birth - 26 Commerce Street, Aberdeen

Birth of daughter Caroline Fraser

1873 Birth - 26 Commerce Street, Aberdeen

Birth of daughter Isabella Fraser

1877 Death - Duke Street Cromarty

Death of huspand William Fraser, died suddenly of a heart attack.

1881 Census - 19 Church Street, Cromarty

Living with her 2 children, Caroline is recorded as being a ‘Stocking knitter”.

1888 Death - 19 Church Street, Cromarty

Caroline’s mother Ann dies at this address

1901 Census - 5 Denoon Place, Cromarty

Working as a Lodging House Keeper, no other members of her family registered as living at this address.

1923 Death - 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow

Registered by her daughter Isabella also living in Glasgow

1801 - 1849 Henry Logan Bonney

A master butcher born in Perth (1801), Henry appears in several places around the UK working as a butcher.

Henry and Ann have 4 children in total

1839 - Elizabeth Bonney

1840 - Caroline Bonney

1841 - Henry Bonney

1844 - John Bonney

Henry dies in 1849 his wife Ann Bonney nee Mcleod will raise their children in Cromarty along with her grandaughter Robertha Cormack who is the daughter of Caoline Fraser nee Bonney.

Deans James Allan Deans JAD56

1856 Birth - Edinburgh St Cuthbert

James Allan Deans was born in 1856 in Edinburgh St Cuthbert, Midlothian, to Jessie Allan, age 33, and Charles Deans, age 31.

1861 Census - 270 North Side Cowgate

1871 Census - 60 Buccleuch St

Age 16 living with his parents and working as a tinsmith or tinkerer

1879 Military

Recorded as a military deserter from the Royal Altilary in Weedon

Name: James Deans

From: Edinburgh

Regiment: Royal Artilary

Occupation: Tinsmith

Age: 23

Height: 5ft 4⅜

Hair: Dark Brown

Eyes: Grey

Clothing Regiimental

Date: 02/09/1879

Place of desertion: Weedon

Marks and remarks: None

1881 Census - 352 Castle Hill Boswells Close

Age 26 living with his parents and working as a tinsmith or tinkerer

1885 The Scotsman - Thursday 10 December

Theft - At the Edinburgh Police Court yesterday James Allan Deans , a young man plead guilty of the theft of two smoke dispensers from a cellar of a tinsmiths in the Cannongate. Judge Balie Anderson sentenced him to 15 days imprisonment.

1890 Birth - 198 Causwayside Edinburgh

Birth of Jessie Allan Deans Cormack, no father listed on the Birth certificate. However, Jessie is given James’s Middle and Last name.

1891 Marriage - 198 Causwayside Edinburgh

Marriage to Robertha Cormack who will use the name Bertha Deans

1892 Separation

Stated separation of Robertha Cormack and James Allan Deans (August 1892)

1920

Stated deceased on John Henry Deans marriage certificate

No further records