My earliest known ancestor in my paternal line is now known to be Robert Elder (1629-1694) Mid Calder, Midlothian, Scotland m. Margaret Bennett Lived in Fife, Scotland
Recent results from DNA testing and subsequent follow-up through Ancestry.com have extended our tree from my Great-Great-Great-Grandfather David Elder of Linlithgow who was my previous earliest known ancestor in the Elder line.
The earliest confirmed date we have for him was his marriage to Hannah Jamieson on 12 October 1788 in Linlithgow, Scotland. From this we estimated a birthdate around 1771. There were eight children in their family of whom my Great-Great-Grandfather – also named David Elder – was the third.
- Alexander Elder b. 9 Jun 1789 d. 3 May 1790
- William Elder b. 22 May 1791 d. 30 Jul 1840 m. Ann Glen
- David Elder b. 26 Nov 1794 d. 12 Jul 1862 m. Janet Robertson
- Mary Elder b. 6 Nov 1796 m. William Batholemew
- Christian Elder b. 11 Sep 1798 d. 21 Aug 1866 m. John Boag
- Hannah Elder b. 22 Dec 1800
- Alexander Elder b. 28 Jan 1803
- Elizabeth Elder b. 29 Nov 1804 d. 22 Oct 1880 m. William Wood
The newly-discovered information gives the following Elder line as I have it at present – everything previous to David Elder of Linlithgow has been discovered as a result of DNA matching through Ancestry which resulted in connections with other family researchers.
Beginning with my Grandfather and working backwards, here’s a quick summary:
David Elder (1881-1963) Chatton New Zealand – Farmer
George Robertson Elder (1837-1918) Orkney, Scotland – Accountant and Farmer
David Elder (1794-1862) Linlithgow, Scotland – Fisheries Officer
David Elder (1767-1845) Craill, Fifeshire, Scotland – Master Cooper
m Hannah Jameson Lived in Linlithgow
William Elder (1741-1819) Craill, Fifeshire, Scotland
m Christian Burns [We were looking for an Alexander-Christian marriage]
William Elder (b1710) Craill, Fifeshire, Scotland
m Margaret Spence
James Elder (b. 1650 ) St Andrews, Fifeshire, Scotland
m. Eupham Kae
Robert Elder (1629-1694) Mid Calder, Midlothian, Scotland
m. Margaret Bennett Lived in Fife, Scotland
I have not yet explored all of the Ancestry ‘hints’ that have resulted from this expansion backwards. So I’m not clear on what the movements of the family were that brought them to Linlithgow. Much more to be discovered !!
I would be very interested to hear from anyone who thinks they may have information that would help us in this quest.
Likewise I’d be glad to hear from others who share this family connection.
