CALUM, Isobel ^{1 2}

   Other names for Isobel were COLISON, Isabel,^{3 4} COLISON, Isobel,^{3 5} COLLISON, Isabel,^{3 4} COLLISON, Isobel ^{3 5} and COLLY, Isabel.^{3 4}

   User ID: X716.

  Research Notes:

DIFFERENT SURNAMES

Isobel's surname 'Calum' may not at first glance appear to be the same as 'Collinson'.

The first part of the name varies because 'Calum' is the more Gaelic version of it. If you move through Calum or Callam to Colum or Colm, the substitute an 'n' for an 'm' you can see how the anglicised name develops.

Sometime her name has a 'son' ending and sometimes not. In the Aberdeen records this happens with some surnames: 'Ronald' can become 'Ronalds' or 'Ronaldson' for example. The Scottish Highland tradition is noted for its use of patronymic name forms. The Gaelic-to-English movement is operating: MacDonald becomes Donaldson, McKendrick becomes Henderson. The writer of Isobel's name may have confused Malcom, or Malcolm, and McCallum, or may just have preferred a more English sounding name form.

A marriage has been found for Isabel to William Strachan under the surname of Calum in Strathdon. No marriage has been found for her under Collie or Colinson in any parish. The registered baptisms of their children have been found under all the variations.

Calum, Callum and Callam seem to be commonly used in Strathdon and Glenbucket, with Collie, Colinson and Collinson, more common in Aberdeen, in Old Machar Parish.

DATES

There is some doubt about the year of this marriage. It is indexed as 1702, it may another year. The condition of the records is poor.

In addition, all the baptisms, except that of Elizabeth, were recorded in Old Machar parish, whereas the marriage took place in Strathdon, presumably the bride's parish. However, one of the baptisms in Old Machar parish was recorded before the date attributed to the marriage in Strathdon parish records. Yet this record (6 April 1701) refers to the child's mother as the spouse of William Strachan. No marriage record has been found for William Strachan and Isobel Colison, except the Strathdon one in the name of Isobel Calum. ^{2 4}

Isobel married William STRACHAN Merchant in Old Aberdeen, son of William STRACHAN Soldier, then in Glenkindie and Margaret THOM, 10 February1702 (?) in Strathdon parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.^{1 2} (William STRACHAN Merchant in Old Aberdeen was baptised on 31 January 1676 in Canongate parish, Edinburgh, Scotland ^{3 6}.)

  Marriage Notes:

"CALUM
ISOBEL
WM. STRACHAN/FR184 (FR184)
10/02/1702
240/ 10 337
Strathdon and Corgarff"

from Index of Marriages


Old Parish Register
Strathdon Parish
Marriages 1702

"25 Jany - Wm Strachan a young man in the fermtun of glenkindy son to the deceast Wm Strachan who lived in broomhill was booked with Isobel Calum a widow in the fermtoun & after proclamations married 10 February"

^{1 2}