McKenzie and Elvy Marriage Certificate

MattFow

MattFow

Well-Known Member
Greetings all,

I have been given a copy of the marriage certificate for my great grandfather James Arthur McKenzie. Who by the way changed his name by deed poll to McKenzie from Strachan after he left his previous wife and son, he was a bad person from what I understand.

I can make out most of it, except for the parents details. If someone could have a look that would be appreciated. When I read it, it seems to say something different to my family history notes.

Thank you.
 

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Hi Matt, it’s quite blurry, could you redo it as I can’t make out the details. Thanks Matt.
It does look like he states his father is John ? McKenzie and a ship?
Mother is Rose?
Is it Launceston Tasmania? States he is 29 year old widower.
 
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Some half truths there. On your marriage certificate he has his father as John Lyall McKenzie, shipbuilder? and his mother as Rose Hendra and that he was born in Launceston Tasmania, I think, its a bit blurry. In reality and I haven't confirmed it yet his real father was John Mitchell Strachan and his mother was Lucretia Rosina Martha Yelland Hendra but he has brother John Lyall. (Family Search Tree)
Decree nisi in 1910, Violet Rosamund Strachan.
Gee whiz, he was a nasty piece wasn't he?
Have a look on Trove, lots and lots about the messy divorce. I haven't looked further as to what else he was up to. YET!
 
Mum has told me a little bit of what she knows and I've had a little look myself and yep, quite a not very nice bloke indeed.

I thought read McKenzie on the certificate, which threw me out as I know he changed his name, didn't realise he had changed his parents name as well :eek:
 
I think he was disowned by his father. There is an obituary for his father John Mitchell Strachan in the Kyneton Observer 13/12/1888 which says he died of a chest illness of some kind at age 57 of the Coffee Palace Kyneton, previously of the Malmsbury Hotel and a native of Montrose Scotland. It also says he was the father of 8 children, 5 sons and two daughters, but that only adds up to seven. So I think he didn't have anything to do with one of the sons. Guessing who?
A couple of misdemeanors for John in the paper but nothing serious. Selling liquor after hours and playing cards.
 
Looking again on the marriage certificate, I think he says his father was born in Victoria at a place starting with 'L'. Lauriston?
 
Which could mean a half truth as you said, I have his father born in Scotland according to Mum. Although I did just find a Lauriston in Victoria
 
I have James born in Kyneton, Victoria, just found it in notes. Nothing to confirm that though
 
I've been trying to find that information and can't work out where to look.

Edit: Just found on Trove an article that says he was a constable in East Melbourne, although no date of discharge.
 
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MattFow said:
I've been trying to find that information and can't work out where to look.

Edit: Just found on Trove an article that says he was a constable in East Melbourne, although no date of discharge.
Click to expand...
Cant help you there. Sorry. Government Gazette I guess. Other than that????? Or Vic State Records perhaps.
Is that where he found a body in 1910?
 
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