John And Sarah Greig (nee McArthur)

[greigz]

I am looking for information on John Greig, and his wife Sarah McArthur . John was born about 1821 in Lanarckshire Scotland, and presumably with his wife and their with his son David Ferguson Greig, emigrated to Australia, probably about 1851, although I am far from certain of this date. They appear to have settled in Victoria, near Bendigo. I can find no record of John or Sarah's deaths in Australia, which is rather puzzling. Their son, David, is my great grandfather, and he died in Victoria, at the age of 79. His death certificate stated he was in Victoria for 76 years, and was born in Saltcoats, so clearly he could not have come out to Australia at age three by himself. Nor can I find any evidence of David in passenger lists, nor in fact of John or Sarah.

Any information much appreciated - you can also respond to my email at gzadow@gmail.com if you would prefer

Thanks,

Greig

[Hughie]

Hi Greig, Welcome and thanks for your query. I hope we can help.

His death certificate stated he was in Victoria for 76 years, and was born in Saltcoats,

I've had a quick look at our (soon to be published) searchable Pre 1841 Censuses and can find no Greigs listed in the three towns.

In Australia it sounds like it was a family member who registered his death and to have known those details - you might be able to follow up on that. Hope in someway this helps.

[Guest]

Hi Hughie,

Thanks so much. The information about John was provided by his son David on various certificates, but I have not been able to trace any other of David's siblings (two girls, born in Australia) or their living descendants.
Could I ask that you check for any information about David Greig (John and Sarah's son), who was born in Ardrossan/Saltcoats in about 1847 (give or take) according to two marriage certificates and his death certificate. He left the UK presumably with his parents, in about 1851, I think.

Again, many thanks,

Kind regards,

Greig

[Penny Tray]

Just in case it's of interest and you don't already have the information, the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Birth, Death, Marriage database has five early intimations from Australia, obviously for the information of relatives and friends living locally -

The 14/1/1877 edition intimates the birth of a son in Melbourne - father, James Greig;

the 19/10/1888 edition intimates the birth of a son in Melbourne - father James Greig;

the 19/10/1888 edition also intimates the marriage of a Thomas Greig to Agnes Low in Sydney;

the 30/08/1889 edition intimates the death of Alan Stuart Greig, third son of James P Greig, at Segton Cottage, Kew, Melbourne; and

the 19/11/1897 edition intimates the death of Thomas Wilson Greig, youngest son of Robert Greig, Kilwinning, at Carlton, New South Wales.