Alexander Barclay
Hello -
My name is Rich Selden. I am researching my Barclay ancestors, who came to New Brunswick from Scotland via Nova Scotia. The person I am specifically interested in is my ggg grandfather Alexander Barclay. He was born 1820-1825 in Nova Scotia and by 1851 was in New Brunswick, settling in Perth, Victoria County. He married Eliza (possibly Margaret Eliza) Larlee, born 1824 in/near Woodstock, Carleton County. He died after 1881 but before 1891 (Census records). I have a handwritten letter from an ancestor stating he was buried in the Lower Perth cemetery, which I believe is now called the Larlee Creek cemetery. The same handwritten letter states Alexander was born on a boat in Halifax NS harbor as his parents were waiting to disembark. Unfortunately the letter does not state the name of his parents. I have not found anything that verifies the birth or death of Alexander, but census records document his wife and children. The death certificate of my gg grandfather verifies the maiden name of Alexander’s wife as being Larlee. I have learned some fascinating information about the Larlee family but I would really like to find Alexander’s parents. There are trees out there giving his parents as James Barclay and Christy McLeod, who emigrated from Scotland to Nova Scotia but I have not found anything verifying that they really are his parents. Does anyone have suggestions on how to proceed? Thank you!
Comments
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Have you looked for baptismal records? That early, that may be the only record that mentions Alexander with his parents.
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It’s a great idea, but I’m not sure where to look. James came off the ship in Halifax and migrated to Pictou. He is buried in the New Lairg pioneer cemetery. I’m not sure what church Alexander would have been baptized in. I’ve done some looking on the McCullough center web site and the Nova Scotia archives but have so far not seen anything helpful. Any ideas where I can look? Thanks for any help you can provide!
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Do you know in what religion he married or baptized his own children? If you do, that could be a clue as to finding his baptism. And the baptisms of his children may list relatives (siblings or cousins) as godparents/sponsors, giving you a clue to finding his family.
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The earlier census records list him as Presbyterian/Church of Scotland. Later he became a Freewill Baptist (Lerwick Freewill Baptist Church). His son was a lay leader in the church. I’ve tried reaching out the church, unsuccessfully so far. They don’t seem to have a regular pastor at the moment. Do you know where I might look for Presbyterian/Church of Scotland baptismal records in Nova Scotia around 1825 (plus or minus)? Thanks.
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