Who were the parents in Scotland of Elizabeth Swan c1822-1901

Question

Elizabeth SWAN emigrated from UK to Christchurch, New Zealand, as a Spinster in 1855. She was a Witness to the 1859 marriage in Christchurch of Ann Grant Green HENDERSON, born 1838 (Midlothian, Scotland) to George DELL. [Ann emigrated in 1859.] Elizabeth signed as 'Elizabeth Lawrence Swan', but this is the only record with her middle name. Elizabeth was the Informant for the birth of Ann's 3rd child, and three of Ann's children were beneficiaries to Elizabeth's estate. Ann's parents were William HENDERSON and Margaret Johnstone SWAN. In New Zealand documents in 1901, Elizabeth was described as a spinster, but also as 'Mrs' - but I think the latter title is a mistake. How was Elizabeth related?

Comments

Maybe an older brother ? He named a daughter Elizabeth.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154382188

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Hi Neville I'm not sure if this helps I found a Margaret Johnson Swan born 1816 Crail, Fife. Her father was David swan, his brother was Lawrence Swan born 1790 but cannot find any information on Lawrence after his birth but I wondered whether there was a name connection.

Answer 1

Scotlandspeople have 9 baptism records for Elizabeth Swan between 1815 and 1825. Two of them are in Midlothian. You can view the list for free, but would need to buy credits to view the images of the records.

Answer 2

Marriage record for Margaret Johnstone Swan and William Henderson in 1837 in Inveresk & Musselburgh. This would suggest that perhaps you should be looking for Elizabeth in that parish too. Worth buying the image and then taking a closer look at Margaret’s closer relatives to see if they will lead you to the relationship with Elizabeth. 

Answer 3

I have added profiles for Margaret Johnstone Swan's family based on census records. Margaret's daughter Ann Henderson is living with her grandfather David Swan in the 1851 census. David's birth location is given as Fife. Tracing his history might be your best bet in finding how Elizabeth connects. He is likely her daughter or niece. David's wife Margaret was possibly born in England based on the 1841 census where they were living with two of their sons. Hopefully the extra information will help. Transcriptions of the Scottish census records are available on findmypast or you can purchase them at https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.