Discovery of shared ancestry with J.M. Barrie

Angus Archives were able to work on a fascinating family history enquiry last week, as visitors from Canada discovered shared ancestry with JM Barrie.

Mary Doig and Peter Redder, who were visiting from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, made a significant breakthrough in their research when they visited Angus Archives. Trying to find out more about the history of Catherine Barrie Doig, they discovered that she is not only Mary’s great-great-grandmother, but also the aunt of famous Kirriemarian author, J. M. Barrie.

During their visit, Karen Clarke, Archives and Local History Research Advisor with ANGUSalive, was able to help Mary and Peter discover that Catherine Doig had been a previously unknown member of the Barrie family tree. Catherine Barrie Doig (1817-1903) was the daughter of Alexander Barrie and Marjorie Mitchell Barrie – J. M. Barrie’s grandparents! Catherine Doig and her husband, David Doig (1816-1897), are buried in Kirriemuir Cemetery.

If you’re looking for assistance with your family or local history research, email us on angusarchives@angusalive.scot, or visit the search room Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.