Robertha Cormack

She was born Robina Bony on 15th December 1864 in Cromarty, Scotland her mother Caroline Bonney [Domestic Servant] and Grandmother Ann Bonney (nee Mcleod) registered her birth. The certificate has the name ‘Cormack’ but it has been scored out, it also states ‘illegitimate’ in the first column.

Her father is presumed to be Robert Cormack (1840-1892) however there are no official supporting documents to prove that.

“In Scotland, an illegitimate child’s birth was usually indexed under the mother’s maiden surname. The child may not have been known by that name in later life.

If the parents weren’t married when the child was born, the father’s name could be entered in the register provided he admitted paternity, went with the mother to register the birth and they signed the register together.”

© Crown copyright, Scotlands People Statutory register of births (1855-1918)

Events in 1864

For some context, events happening in 1864 were:

• The last public execution in Edinburgh – George Bryce, ‘the Ratho murderer’
• American Civil War is about to enter its penultimate year.
• The first fish and chips shop perhaps opens in London.
• Queen Victoria is on the throne 

Cromarty (Scottish Gaelic: Cromba)

A busy port for trade and fishing on the tip of the Black Isle, it had been a Royal Burgh between 1264 – 1685. Cromarty Castle was the seat of the Urquharts, who were the hereditary sheriffs.

Cromarty along with Nigg forms part of the royal pilgrimage, which traces the route of James IV of Scotland and his journey to Tain in 1513.

The Highland Clearances had come to an end in 1860 having started in 1750. This period had radically reshaped the area and the people who lived in the region.

Robertha Cormack & Caroline Bonney 1870 – 1877

Marriage

In 1870 Caroline Bonney married William Fraser in Aberdeen. Their professions are [Domestic Servant] and [Merchant Fisherman]

1871 Census

Caroline Fraser

Caroline Fraser (nee Bonney) is living at 1 Prospect Terrace Aberdeen [Gen Dom Servant]. Her husband William Fraser is not on the census, this is probably due to his job as a fisherman.

Robertha Cormack 

Robertha Cormack appears on the census at age 6 [Scholar], living with her Grandmother Ann Bonney (nee Mcleod) [Laundrette] and her uncle John Bonney [Fisherman] their address is listed as 16 Braehead, Cromarty

This would suggest that Robertha is permanently under the care of her Grandmother while her mother Caroline has married and living in Aberdeen.

Births

In 1872 and 1873 Caroline Fraser gave birth to Robertha’s half-sisters Caroline and Isabella Fraser in Aberdeen.

Deaths

William Fraser died on 19 November 1877 on Duke Street, Cromarty in the presence of his brother. The death certificate states ‘Seamen [merchant service] married to Caroline Bonney’. The cause of death is ‘Disease of the heart’ with the accompanying note ‘dropped down suddenly’. 

1871 Census

Robertha Cormack appears on the census at age 6 [Scholar], living with her Grandmother Ann Bonney (nee Mcleod) [Laundrette] and her uncle John Bonney [Fisherman] their address is listed as 16 Braehead, Cromarty

1881 Census

Robertha Cormack 

Living at Gowanhead House Braehead Cromarty, with her Grandmother Ann Bonney (nee Mcleod) her occupation is listed as [Ag, lab] agricultural labourer while her grandmother age 70 is working as an [attendant].

The building is no longer standing, many buildings on Braehead are still in use today.

Caroline Bonney

Robertha’s mother Caroline Bonney [Stocking Knitter] is living on Church Street (around a 15-minute walk) with her two half-sisters.

The Death of Ann Bonney 

15 March 1888 Church Street Cromarty, the death certificate suggests that she had been ‘incapacitated for 2 years’ and died of ‘Heart disease’ at age 78.
The death is registered by her son John Bonney and the place of death is the home of her daughter Caroline Fraser (nee Bonney).

It is not known where Robertha Cormack is living at this time and if she had contact with her mother. It can be assumed since she was raised by her grandmother and they live within close proximity that there would have been some form of contact.

Jessie Allan Deans Cormack

Known as Jessie Allan Deans

03 October 1890 Robertha Cormack’s first child, Jessie Allan Deans Cormack was born. Similar to Robertha’s Birth certificate there is no father listed. The only hint of her possible father is the names Jessie, Allan and Deans.

• Jessie (name of James Allan Deans , mother)
• Allan (James Allan Deans mother’s maiden name)
• Deans 

Although there is no father on the certificate the names would suggest that James Allan Deans was the father but did not attend the registration of the birth.

The birth certificate gives the mother’s name as ‘Bertha Cormack’ [Domestic Servant]. The address is listed as 198 Causewayside.

Edinburgh 1890

In the early 1890s, many of Edinburgh’s landmarks would have been in existence or under construction. Edinburgh’s Central Libray opened in 1890 followed closely by the National Portrait Gallery and Jenners Department store was under construction and nearing completion.

View of city of Edinburgh, from Edinburgh Castle. 1 photomechanical print From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

Facts about James Allan Deans

James Allan Deans has few official documents, he appears on the 1861, 1871 and 1881 censuses whilst living with his parents. No Birth certificate can be found.

Other documents include

• 1879 – Military Deserters list (Weedon)
• 1885 – Imprisoned for theft from a Tinsmith’s office, jailed for 2 weeks. Published in the Scotsman Newspaer

James Charles Deans

17 June 1892 the birth of Robertha’s first son James Charles Deans is registered. James Allan Deans [Tinsmith] is registered as the father and Robertha Deans nee Cormack the mother.

Thomas Marshall Cooper Cormack or Deans

Known as Thomas Marshall Cooper

Born 19 June 1894 the statement on his birth certificate reads:
“Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”.

The address is given as ‘107 High Street, Edinburgh’ to be more precise Bailie Fyfe’s Close.

Death of Thomas Marshall Cooper

Died 23 April 1895 from Bronchitis, some facts from the certificate:

• Registered by father James Cooper [Coatch Builder]
• Mother Robina Cooper nee Fraser
• The address is given as ‘Bailie Fyfe’s Close 107 High Street, Edinburgh’

There are several things to unpack from this certificate.

1. James Cooper, giving a clue to the name Cooper in the birth Certificate for Thomas Marshall Cooper Cormack or Deans.
2. The certificate would suggest that the child was known as Thomas Marshall Cooper.
3. The intimation that James Cooper and Robertha (referred to as Robina are Married). Given that she is still married to James Allan Deans and is signing her children’s birth certificates as ‘Bertha Deans‘ it is almost certain the two were not married.
4. This is the first reference that gets Robertha’s mother’s surname correct i.e. ‘Fraser‘.

James Marshall Cooper Cormack or Deans

Known as James Marshall Cooper

Born 16 June 1895 the statement on his birth certificate reads:
“Robertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”.

The address is given as ‘107 High Street, Edinburgh’ to be more precise Bailie Fyfe’s Close.

Based on the name it can be assumed that James Cooper is the biological father, especially since Thomas Marshall Cooper died 2 months previous and the death was registered by father John Cooper [Coatch Builder]

Note that the document is signed ‘Bertha Deans‘ and not Cooper.

Henry John Cooper Cormack or Deans

Known as John Henry Deans

Born 11 October 1897, his birth certificate has a similar statement to his brothers:
“Robertha Cormack married to James Allan Deans Tinsmith. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to be together in August 1892”.

The address is given as ‘ 7 Bailie Fyfe’s Close High Street, Edinburgh’

The names on the birth certificate and the statement that James Allan Deans is not the father would suggest that James Cooper was the biological father.

1901 Census and the Poorhouse

Robertha does not appear on the 1901 census under any of her known names i.e. Cormack, Boney Bonney, Deans or Cooper.

At this point, she has 4 living children

• Jessie Allan Deans
• James Charles Deans
• James Marshall Cooper
• John Henry Deans

Note that these are their known names rather than names given at birth.

Jessie, James and James (using his middle name Charles) appear on the 1901 census as ‘inmates’ of the Craigleith Poorhouse.

“Craigleith poorhouse and hospital was founded by St Cuthbert’s parish in 1868 to replace the original St Cuthbert’s poorhouse located just west of Lothian Road. The previous building was demolished to make way for Princes Street Railway Station. Craigleith was split up into different sections for the ‘Very Decent’, ‘Decent’, ‘Bastardy’, and ‘Depraved’. The 1881 register records that the poorhouse housed 650 inmates.” 

Edinburgh evening news Published 5th Dec 2016, 19:44 GMT

At this point, the assumption is John Henry Deans is with his mother Bertha Cormack as he was the youngest of the children.

Jane Cormack or Deans

Known as Jean Deans Knight

Born 19 March 1904, her birth certificate has a similar statement to her three brothers:
“Bertha Cormack wife of James Allan Deans Tinsmith. Who she declares is not the father of the child and further that she has had no formal communication with him since they ceased to live together in 1892”.

The address is given as ‘14 Grassmarket, Edinburgh’ to be more precise Browns Close.

Given there is no reference to Cooper on her birth certificate it can be assumed that James Cooper is not a possible father.

The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket was radically different to its modern-day incarnation, Until 1911 there was still a weekly Horse and Cattle market along with various other trades taking place on the West Bow (bottom of modern-day Victoria Street).

The area was home to many Irish and Italian immigrants along with several guest houses designed to house people who could not afford monthly rent.

“In 1888 the City Public Health Department recorded seven lodging houses holding a total of an incredible 414 persons. Crombies Land at the foot of West Port held 70 people in 27 bedrooms, with no toilet provision.”
Capital Collections. Edinburgh Libraries Museums and Galleries. Retrieved 8 May 2017

Death of James Allan Deans

5th July 1908 Poorhouse, Craiglockart, registered by son James Deans.

James Charles Deans is the only documented child of James Allan Deans with Bertha Cormack.

James Charles Deans would have been 16 at the time he registered the death.

The fact that his son registered the death would suggest they maintained some form of contact. The birth certificates from all his siblings born after him state that Robertha had ‘no formal contact/communications with him since they ceased living together in 1892’.

1911 Census

Bertha Deans seemed to have eluded the 1911 census, the only document she appeared on after the birth of Jane Cormack or Deans was the 1905 valuation Roll. This showed she was still living at 2 Browns Close, 14 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.

The only other fact to note was a man named John Knight who appears on the valuation roll living at the same address.

While searching for Jean Henderson there was little information to go on. The known facts were:

• She was the half-sister of John Henry Deans
• She lived at India Place
• She lived on Restalrig Road (outwith electoral roll records)
• She Married a James (Jimmy) Henderson

Given the popularity of the name James and Henderson, there were no marriages between a Henderson and a Deans or a Henderson and a Cormack that fit.

With an estimated birth year of 1897-1910 every marriage of a James Henderson within the Edinburgh District was looked at.

One record stood out, James C Henderson married Jean Knight.

Revisiting the 1911 census looking under Bertha Knight

2 Browns Close, 14 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.

• John Knight – Head [Furniture packer]
• Bertha Kight – wife
• Jane Knight – Daughter [Scholar]
• James Deans – Stepson [Grocer]
• John Deans – Stepson [Scholar]

In the column indicating the duration of the marriage, it is marked as 3 years meaning that they married in 1908?

Robertha Cormack having been known as Bertha Cormack and subsequently, Bertha Deans is now using the name Bertha Knight, and her daughter is now Jane Knight.

The Trainers

The next reference to Bertha is also in 1911 when her eldest child Jessie Allan Deans married Peter Trainer.

She records her father as ‘James Allan Deans [Tinsmith] Deceased’ and her mother as Bertha Deans nee Cormack, strangely also marked a ‘Deceased’.
The witness is John Deans brother of Jessie Allan Deans

Jessie Allan Deans’s occupation is recorded as ‘Laundrymaid’ and addresses is Saunders Street, Edinburgh.

Despite the record stating deceased, there is also no reference to the surname Bertha is currently using on the 1911 census ‘Knight’.

1912 and 1914 will see the birth of her first grandchildren Peter James Trainer (born 6 Heriot Bridge Edinburgh) and Joeseph Miller Trainer (born 5a Saunders Street, Edinburgh).

1915 Births Deaths Marriages and War

Joesphine Deans

On the 2nd of February 1915 Josephine Deans was born in the Edinburgh Maternity Hospital, the first child of James Charles Deans and Margaret Smith is born.
Father is recorded as James Deans [1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders].

Margaret Smith

James Charles Deans and Margaret Smith married on 15th March 1915 he records his profession as [1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders]. Margaret Smith [Laundry Maid] lists her address as 5a Saunders Street, this is the same address and occupation given by Jessie Allan Deans on her marriage certificate.

James records his father as James Deans [Tinsmith Deseased] along with Mother Bertha Deans nee Fraser. This may hint to some relationship with his grandmother Caroline Frasier nee Bonney, the correct maiden name should be Cormack.

Death of James Cooper

Some extracts from the certificate

• Father Thomas Cooper
• Mother Elizabeth Marshall
• Widower of Janet Nicol 
• Occupation Carriage Maker

The naming decisions of his children with Robertha can be traced to his parent’s names i.e his father’s first name Thomas and his mother’s maiden name Marshall.

His usual address is recorded as 55 West Port, Edinburgh

John Walter Deans Trainer

Born on the 14th July 1915 

Enlistment John Henry Deans

27th July 1915 a military enlistment report for John Deans records Bertha Deans as his next of kin living at 26 South Richmond Street, Edinburgh.

Joesph Miller Trainer

Joesph Miller Trainer died 1 month after his first birthday at the Edinburgh City Hospital on the 20th of August 1915.
“Cause of death – Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a breathing disorder where an infant’s lungs become irritated and do not develop normally and measles.”

The address given is 35 India Place, Edinburgh

John Knight Death

The appearance of John Knight on the 1911 census is the first connection to Bertha Deans. Without any further information, it is difficult to link any particular John Knight.
Browsing through the death certificate there was a death recorded on 17th January 1917 in the Poorhouse, Craiglockhart.

The record states John Knight age 64 ( putting him in the right age bracket based on the 1911 census information) widower of Jane Wilson.
The ‘When and Where Died’ states Poorhouse but also records his ‘Usual address’ as 26 South Richmond Street, Edinburgh. This is the correspondence address John Deans gives for his next of kin on his military conscription papers.

A search of that address on the valuation Roll gives two entries for John Knight in 1915.

• 2 Browns Close, 14 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.
• 26 South Richmond Street

Given the coloration of the address, this is the same John Knight from the 1911 census.

His death certificate would imply that like with James Cooper, Bertha and John Knight were never married otherwise it would have stated her as the widow. The death in the Poorhouse at first glance could suggest he was destitute, however, the Poorhouse was also a hospital and pre-NHS would have been the only option for people with little money to seek medical care.

It would seem that Bertha and John are both widows and had been living together as a couple with Bertha’s daughter Jane taking John Knights’s surname.

Service return.

James Charles Deans 

For whatever reason the documents have the name James Allan Deans (the name of his father( rather than James Charles Deans. It is clearly the right person due to the match in address, wife’s name and daughter’s name. Some extracts from the certificate are:

• 26th September 1917
• Ypres, The Flanders Fields
• ‘Died in the field’
• 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders
• Service Number 719

James Deans’s military pension record specifies his wife Margaret and daughter Josephine as the beneficiaries of his pension with the benefit expiring in February of 1931.
The form states ‘Date of notification of death: 20/11/17’
James Deans appears on the War Memorial located within Edinburgh Castle.

John Deans and his brother-in-law Peter Trainer are both serving with 17th Royal Scots. Both their ‘Short Service (for the duration of the war)’ Army forms record their profession as ‘Van driver’. Both give their address as 35 India Place, Edinburgh.

By the end of 1917, Bertha has lost her partner John Knight, her son James Charles Deans and her son John Henry Deans has been injured.

James Marshall Cooper

James Marshall Copper is the only surviving child who is known by the surname Cooper in adulthood. 

He appeared on a military discharge record in 1919.

The Address on 1 Ponton Street, Edinburgh means he was a resident of the ‘Edinburgh Industrial Brigade’ later renamed ‘The Edinburgh Home for Working Lads’.

Unlike the Poorhouse the Industrial Brigade focused on training young men (age 14 and up) in a particular trade. The census data shows that many of the residents had apprenticeships in Joinery, Plumbing, French Polishing and Engineering. 

The home was looked upon as forward-thinking for its day and even had a visit from the then Prince of Wales. The idea was to use the concept of the home as a template to help alleviate homelessness in young men on the streets of London. 

Records for the home which include biographies from some of the residents show that some of the boys have been sent to the home because their parents could no longer afford to feed or house them.

It would appear that James Marshall Cooper has spent his life in the care system. There are no records to suggest he ever lived with his mother after 1901, strangely he shared a first name with his brother James Charles Deans although he was registered under his middle name Charles in the Craigleith Poorhouse in 1901.

After WWI

Roberta Cormack Trainer

7th March 1919 Roberta Cormack Trainer is born at 4 Brandfield St, Edinburgh
This may give some indication of her standing in the family.

John Henry Deans marries Charlotte Moran

On the 29th of October 1920 John Henry Deans married Charlotte Moran. He lists his father as James Allan Deans [Tinsmith] deceased and his mother as Bertha Deans nee Cormack.

John Henry Deans records his address as 1 Albany Street, Edinburgh and his occupation as [Vanman]
Charlotte Moran is recorded at Pilrig Lodge, Bonnington Road, Leith ans her occupation is [Laundry Maid].

1921 Census

Bertha Deans Knight and Jean Deans Knight appear on the 1921 census living at 5a Saunders Street.

Bertha’s occupation is [Charwomen] and her marital status is W (widowed)
“A charwoman (also chargirl, charlady or char) is an occupational term, referring to a paid part-time worker who comes into a house or other building to clean it for a few hours of a day or week, as opposed to a maid, who usually lives as part of the household within the structure of domestic service. A charwoman might work independently, often for cash in hand.”

Jean is a [Kitchenmaid]

5a Saunders Street

Saunders Street ran along the route of the Water of Leith as it passed through Stockbridge. The building was demolished in 1974 in the latter period of the ‘Slum Clearances’. It was in close proximity to India place which was also demolished in the mid-1960s.

After the Death of John Knight, Bertha appears on the valuation roll and electoral roll as the tenant at 5a Saunder Street.

The Edinburgh Electoral Role from 1921 also records Bertha at 5a Saunders Street but under the name Bertha Deans.

John Moran Deans

12th April 1922 John Moran Deans is born at 1 Albany Street, Edinburgh, the first child of John Henry Deans and Charoltte Deans nee Moran. John’s occupation is Vanman.

James Marshal Cooper Marriage

In July of 1922, James Marshall Cooper marries Laura Mabel Harvey in Winchcombe Gloucestershire.

Death of Caroline Fraser nee Bonney

21st April 1923 Caroline Fraser nee Bonney dies in Glasgow, some extracts from the certificate:

• Widow of William Fraser [Seaman]
• Father – Henry Bonney [Inn Keeper] Deceased
• Mother – Ann Bonney nee Mcleod Deceased

The death was registered by her daughter Isabella Farquhar nee Fraser

Births

Charlotte Moran Deans

Bertha’s grandaughter Charlotte Moran Deans is born in 1926 the second child of John Henry Deans and Charlotte Moran.

Robert Cormack Deans

On 6th December 1929 another namesake of Bertha is born, Robert Cormack Deans the 3rd child of John Henry Deans and Charlotte Moran.

Jean D K Henderson

6th June 1935 June Cormack or Deans known as Jean Deans Knight marries James Cook Henderson at 4 Chambers, street, Edinburgh.
She states her mother as Bertha Knight [Housekeeper] father is left blank.

Her usual address is 51 Granton Crescent
The witnesses on the certificate are John and Charlotte Deans of 1 Albany Street.

As of 1935, Bertha Appears in the electoral and valuation role at 51 Granton Terrace under Bertha Knight. Her daughter now Jean Dean Knight Henderson (Jean D K Henderson in the electoral role) and her husband James Cook Henderson are living with her until they move to 50 India Place.

Death of Bertha Knight

29th January 1942 Bertha Knight dies of a cardiac failure at 51 Granton Terrace, the certificates states:

• ‘Widow of John Knight Cabinet Maker
• Father Thomas Boni [Butcher] – Deceased]
• Mother Caroline Boni nee Cormack – Deceased.

There are a few mistakes in the recording of her parents.
Firstly the spelling of the name Bonney is Boni. There are various spelling across birth, death and census records. Bertha’s birth certificate for example spells the name Bony. However, Boni would suggest a Spanish or Italian origin.

Her mother Caroline carries the name Bonney, the confusion may have come from her maternal grandfather Henry Logan Bonney who was recorded as ‘occupation: Butcher’ on the 1841 census. He died in 1849 prior to Bertha’s birth, perhaps being raised by his wife Ann Bonney nee Mcleod is where the confusion comes from.

Her mother technically should be Caroline Fraser nee Bonney rather than Caroline Boni nee Cormack. Given that there are grandchildren carrying the name Cormack there is room for confusion.

The death was registered by Jean Henderson, daughter.

Post death records

John Henry Deans Death

Died 12th February 1953 at 50 India Place (home of his sister Jean Henderson)

His death certificate state

• John Henry Deans
• Formally Henry John Cooper Deans Cormack
• Widower of Charlotte Moran

There is no father listed on the death certificate, the mother is recorded as Robertha Cormack Deans, wife of James Allan Deans [Tinsmith] Deceased

Death registered by John Deans (Son) of 1 Waddell Place Edinburgh

James Marshall Cooper Cormack or Deans

Died 21st February 1966

His father is recorded as James Cooper [coach builder]

His mother Robertha Cooper nee Cormack.

The Death is registered by his widow Laura Mabel Cooper nee Harvey. Despite growing up in care, James Marshall Cooper’s wife knew enough about his past to record accurate information on his death certificate.

His Usual address 11 Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh has been his address since 1925 according to the valuation and electoral roll.

Jessie Allan Trainer nee Deans

Died 12th August 1969 at Rutherford, House, Hospital for Mental Illness Dumfries.

There is no father listed on the death, the mother is recorded as Bertha Cormack [Domestic Servant] Deceased.

Death registered by Peter Trainer – no address given

Jean or June Henderson nee Deans or Knight

Died 30th September 1974 in the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

There is no father listed on the death, the mother is recorded as Bertha Knight – Deceased.
The usual address 179 Restalrig Road, Edinburgh

Death registered by Robert Cormack Deans, Nephew 21 Rossie Place, Edinburgh