ALEXANDER (SANDY) RIDDELL | MARY FINLAY

Alexander Riddell (or Riddle)  married Mary Finlay (sometimes 'Findlay') on 2nd July, 1867, at 21 Abbotsford Place, Glasgow. The witnesses were Robert Shanks and Jane Finlay.

Alexander's parents were Robert Riddell, Handloom Weaver, and Isabella Lyle. Mary's parents (both deceased) were given as James Finlay, Ploughman, and Elizabeth Thorat [sic]. The evidence I have supports the contention that Mary Finlay's mother was Elizabeth Mitchelson, and that her grandmother's maiden name of Thorat was given in error. Here is some of that evidence:

Elizabeth Mitchelson was christened at Dumfries, Dumfries on 14th July, 1822. Her parents were John Mitchelson and Mary Thorat.

The IGI shows the marriage of James Finlay and Elizabeth Mitchell on 11th December 1842 at Dumfries, Dumfries, and the christenings of their three children - John (1843) and Mary (1845), both at Dumfries, and Janet (1847) at Lochrutton. In the case of their first child, the Scottish Church Records show the child's name as "John Mitchelson Finlay" and the parents as James Finlay and Elizabeth Mitchelson.

The 1851 Census shows widowed Elizabeth FINDLAY, age 30 and born at Dumfries, Dumfries, enumerated at Craigmorran, New Abbey, along with her children, John Findlay, age 7, and Mary Findlay, age 5, both born Dumfries, and Janet Findlay, age 1, born Lochrutton, Kirkcudbrightshire.

When you add the above facts to the knowledge that Mary Finlay was the niece of Jacob and Mary Mitchell, and that she had a brother John Findlay who is mentioned in family correspondence, there is little doubt that John, Mary and Janet Finlay were Elizabeth Mitchelson's children.

At the time of their marriage in 1867, Alexander Riddell was living at 41 Nelson Street, Tradeston, and Mary Finlay at 62 Commerce Street, Tradeston. Their son Robert Riddle was born on 12th January 1868 at Govan, County of Lanark. Mary (Finlay) Riddell died on 22nd March, 1871, at 9 Cavendish Street, Glasgow.

Below is the text of the telegram notifying the Mitchell family of Mary Finlay's funeral and a subsequent letter to Jacob and Mary Mitchell by Alexander Riddell.

To: Mr. Jacob Mitchell, Ardington, Douglas, By Lanark. Sir: The favour of your Company here on Saturday the 25th Current, at 12 o'clock noon to attend the funeral of Mary Finlay my Wife to the place of Interment in East Kilbride will oblige. Sir, Your most obedt. Servant, Alex Riddell, 9 Cavendish Street, Glasgow, 23 March 1871.

Glasgow, May 1st, 1871
Dear Uncle and Aunt: I take the pleasure of writing a few lines to let you know that I am in good health at present and my son Robert is doing well also. And I had the pocks since my wife died. I am better now.

I had a letter from John Thorrat and he said George was badly but he is getting better. I was very sore disappointed at Charles not coming to the funeral. But I will not forget him for it.

I will not be up to Glasgow Fair. When I am going to Dumfries, I intend to get Jacob's wife over. I am always in the same place yet but I do not be long.

No more at present but remain yours to death. Alexander Riddell. My address is Alexander Riddell, Care of Robert Pollock, No. 41 Nielson Street, Tradston.

Alexander Riddell re-married and was enumerated in the 1881 Census as shown below:

Dwelling: 7 Risk St
Census Place: Barony, Lanark, Scotland
Source: FHL Film 0203643 GRO Ref Volume 644-4 EnumDist 38 Page 1
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Alexander RIDDELL M 35 M East Kilbride, Lanark, Scotland
Rel: Head
Occ: Carter
Jessie RIDDELL M 40 F East Kilbride, Lanark, Scotland
Rel: Wife
Robt. RIDDELL 13 M Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland
Rel: Son
Occ: Message Boy
Isabella RIDDELL 6 F Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland
Rel: Daur

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Last Update: 2002-11-17