Saturday, March 12, 2011

Looking for Scottish Murray roots

I've been researching my maternal grandmother's roots in Scotland, but have run out of leads and connections.  I happened across a Murray family blog by Alexanderina Murray in Australia that got me energized for more searching.  My maternal grandmother was Helen "Nell" (Murray) Hodson, formerly Helen "Nell" Murray Spiers of Galaschiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland.  She was born on June 20, 1887, in Galaschiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland, according to family records. She and two sisters (Mary Ann "Annie" (Murray) Smail & Agnes "Aggie" (Murray) Arnott) emigrated to Eden/Farson, Wyoming, United States, around 1910-1913.  Their father was William Murray (b.1848) and Elizabeth Stoddard (b.1851) both of the same area of Scotland. Sister Elizabeth "Bet" Murray, brother William Murray, and other siblings James, Andrew, Thomas, and maybe a Maggie stayed in
Scotland.

William Murray, my great grandfather, was apparently the son of James Murray (b,1818) and Margaret Williamson (b.1822).  James Murray's parents were, perhaps, Andrew Murray (b.1796) and Agnes ?? (b.1801).  Margaret's parents were, we think, William Williamson (b.Abt 1786) and Margaret ?? (b.Abt 1781).  At this point in our research, we come to a halt.

Elizabeth Stoddard, my great grandmother, was the daughter of James Stoddard (b.1814) and Elizabeth Thompson (b.1813).  We have been able to trace James back 4-5 generations (we think), but not Elizabeth.  Her parents were apparently William Thompson (b.1780-91) and Agnes Pringle (b.1780-81). Hers ends there.

Anyway... I'm stumped and looking for help.  Anyone out there with some input for me?