I am creating this post to gather genealogy on my late Uncle Doug, for my cousins. Doug was such a kind and caring father to my cousins, and his Scottish heritage was important to him. I have fond memories of our families going to the Scottish games festival in Liverpool NY many years ago. So I’m hoping Uncle Doug will enthusiastically point me in the right direction in my search for his Scottish roots!
Doug’s Parents
Doug’s father Donald M McNabb (b. 18 Sep 1908, d. 3 Dec 2003 in Joliet IL) and mother Jessie E Greenshields (b. 16 Apr 1910 in Troy Grove IL, d. 2 Feb 2003 in Joliet) were married 8 Jul 1933 in Jolie and raised their family there, apart from several years in Davenport IA in the early 1940’s.
Jessie Greenshields
Doug’s mother Jessie E. Greenshields was born 16 Apr 1910, Troy Grove IL to John Barr Greenshields and Nora Aitken, the same day as the 1910 Census was recorded, thus she was not included in the count. The document states John Greenshields was born in Scotland to Scottish parents, immigrated in 1890, and worked as a house painter, an occupation he continued through the 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950 Census years. “Odd jobs” was also listed on the 1940 Census. Nora Aitken was born in Illinois to a British-born father and Illinois-born mother. They had been married for 4 years in 1910, so were married about 1906. Jessie’s older brother Robert Greenshields was was 2 years old at the time. The family also lived with John’s mother Elizabeth, age 57.
John Barr Greenshields and Nora Aitken
John Barr Greenshields and Nora Aitken were married about 1906 had two children:
- Robert John Greenshields, born 7 Jul 1907 in Troy Grove IL, married Ruth Green Everman 4 Mar 1934 in Centerville IA, died 26 Mar 1971, buried in Woodland Hill Cemetery in Wood River IL
- Jessie E Greenshields, born 16 Apr 1910 in Troy Grove IL, married Donald M McNabb 8 Jul 1933 in Joliet IL, died 2 Feb 2003 Joliet IL, buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet IL.
John Barr Greenshields Birth
John Barr Greenshields was born 15 September 1878, according to his WWI and WWII draft cards, and his social security death index. His WWI draft card lists the city of Glasgow as his place of birth:
Greenshields Family in Iowa, 1900
The 1900 US Census shows John, age 21, living with his parents William Baird Greenshields and Elizabeth Peterson in Nokomis IA , where William was a clergyman. The family had been in the US for 11 years, according to the document.
Greenshields Immigration
William Baird Greenshields (WBG) and Elizabeth Paterson immigrated from Glasgow with 10-year-old John Barr Greenshields in 1889, landing in New York City on 26 March. The customs papers/passenger manifest list WBG as a missionary.
According to the book documenting The Presbyterian Church in Iowa 1837-1900 History, WBG was a Presbyterian Minister and served in Duluth (?-1894), Burt (1895-1898), and Alta (1899-1900) IA. He served at West Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church in Belleville PA from April 1903 until his death a year later, 26 April 1904, and is buried in Machpelah Presbyterian Cemetery in Belleville.
Returning to Scotland for a Visit
In the summer of 1898, the Greenshields family returned to Scotland for a visit. They landed 11 June 1898 in Liverpool, England, on their way to Glasgow on the ship Gallia. Then they returned to the US via Canada, arriving 7 September 1898 in Quebec aboard the Pomeranian. The customs paperwork says they were returning to their home in Burt, Iowa and they had $200 on them, the equivalent of more than $7,000 today.
William Baird Greenshields birth
I have not been able to find a birth record for William Baird Greenshields. We know from the 1900 US Census he was born in January 1849.
- The 1851 Scotland Census, recorded when he was 2 years old living at 47 Closs, Calder Iron Works, Old Monkland, Lanarkshire, says he was born in Old Monkland, Lanarkshire.
- The 1861 Scotland Census, recorded when he was 12 years old living at 2 Front Row in Dalry, Ayrshire, says he was born in Stewarton, Ayrshire.
- The 1871 Scotland Census, recorded when he was 22 years old living at Allan Place/Mclean Street in the Govan Church registration district, says he was born in Eaglesham, Ayrshire.
- The 1881 Scotland Census, recorded when he was 32 years old living in Govan Church, says he was born in Eaglesham, Ayrshire.
William Baird Greenshields and Elizabeth Peterson Marriage
17 years before they immigrated to America, the couple was married on 31 December 1872 in Irvine, Ayrshire, a town on the coast of the Firth of Clyde about 30 miles southwest of Glasgow. WBG was working as an iron moulder, living in Govan, a borough of Glasgow. His father William Mills Greenshields (WMG) was employed as a laborer. On his sister Mary Gillies Greenshields’ marriage record in 1874, WMG’s occupation was specified as agricultural laborer.
WBG’s mother was Ann Baird. Elizabeth Peterson lived in Irvine, daughter of Daniel Peterson, a fisherman, and Mary Kerr. The wedding was witnessed by Allan Greenshields (I believe WBG’s younger brother) and Martha Peterson.
William Mills Greenshields
WBG’s father William Mills Greensbields (WMG) died 23 July 1897 at the age of 72 of pneumonia and old age, so he was born about 1825. His death record tells us WMG was a gatekeeper for The Clyde Trust company. The Clyde Trust was responsible for maintaining and improving the navigability of the River Clyde. Gatekeepers might have been stationed at specific points, like docks, locks, or bridges, to monitor and control river traffic, ensuring smooth and safe passage for vessels. This might have included operating gates and locks, collecting tolls, enforcing regulations, assisting vessels, etc.
Upon his death, WMG lived at 3 McLean Street in the Plantation district, Govan, Glasgow. This would have likely been a working-class residential street lined with densely populated tenement buildings. It was close to the shipbuilding yards and associated industries, bringing noise, pollution, and heavy traffic to the area. Residents formed close-knit communities, sharing resources and experiencing the impacts of rapid industrialization and urban development. Tenement life often meant dealing with poor sanitation, inadequate ventilation, and limited access to green spaces.
The death record also provides WMG’s parents’ names and occupation. His father was Michael Greenshields, a spirit merchant, and his mother was Mary Gillies. The death was certified by Hugh G McCale, son-in-law to WMG.
Greenfield to Greenshields
I believe I found the marriage record for WMG and Ann Baird, from 13 November 1849. The surname is spelled “Greenfield” here, which it also seems to be on the 1851 and 1861 Scotland Census documents. It appears that over the span of a couple generations, the name was changed from Greenfield to Greenshields. In the Scotland’s People database, birth records for all of his siblings all use the spelling Greenfield.
William Mills Greenfield Birth
I have not been able to find a birth record for WMG. Census documents state he was born in Monkton, Ayrshire about 1824-1825.
- The 1851 Scotland Census, recorded when WMG was 26 years old, working as a furnace keeper and living at 47 Closs, Calder Iron Works, Old Monkland, Lanarkshire, says he was born in Monkton, Ayrshire about 1825.
- Note: Old Monkland and Monkton were not the same place. The Old Monkland parish in the county of Lanarkshire was developed primarily during the Industrial Revolution due to its proximity to coal mines and the Monkland Canal. It was known for its mining communities and heavy industries. Old Monkland was later incorporated into the town of Coatbridge. Monkton is a much older settlement, predating the 19th century. It is located near Prestwick in Ayrshire and known for its agricultural activities.
- The 1861 Scotland Census, recorded when WMG was 36 years old, working as a Furnaceman in the iron industry and living at 2 Front Row in Dalry, Ayrshire, also says he was born in Monkton about 1825.
- The 1871 Scotland Census, recorded when WMG was 46 years old, working as a laborer and living at Allan Place/Mclean Street in the Govan Church registration district, also says he was born in Monkton about 1825.
- The 1881 Scotland Census, recorded when he was 57 years old, working as a stableman and living at 3 McLean Street in Govan Church, says he was born in Monkton about 1824.
Michael Greenfield & Mary Gillies
WMG’s parents Michael Greenfield and Mary Gillies were married 13 October 1811 in St Quivox, Ayrshire.
Records state that Michael Greenfield was born in Ireland, son of Arthur Steele and Elizabeth Greenfield. I thought it peculiar he took his mother’s surname, and I found this entry on Roots Web that states:
John Steele Jr. Journal, 1877.
Elizabeth Steele Letter #2.
Arthur married his cousin Elizabeth Greenfield.
Steeles came from Colade or Glenavy near Ballinderry.
Arthur Steele came into the County Down and took to wife Miss Elizabeth Greenfield who lived at Craigavad about 3 miles from Holywood. Craigavad means ‘Dog Rock’ in the Irish language.
After separation from second wife Jenney Higgans he lived with his son John Steele at Holywood, Down, Ireland until his death.
Also baptized 2 Apr 1934 and endowed 19 Apr 1934 in LA temple by Kenneth Jensen, 17557 Raymer Street, Northridge, California. Also sealed to wife 6 Sep 1957 LA.
DEATH:
Age 88Arthur married Elizabeth GREENFIELD-[18859] [MRIN:9586], daughter of GREENFIELD-[18853] and Steele/ SHANNON/STEELE-[18858]. (Elizabeth GREENFIELD-[18859] was born about 1746 of Craigavad, Down, Ireland and died in 1810.)
Arthur also married Jenny HIGGANS-[18956] [MRIN:9592]. (Jenny HIGGANS-[18956] was born about 1736 of Holywood, Down, Ireland.)
John Steele Born: Abt 1733-1742, nr Glenavy, Antrim, Ireland, Died: 1822, Holywood, Down, Ireland
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family group records collection; archives section 1942-1969, (Salt Lake City : Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1977, 1993, 1998 microfilm reels ; 16 mm.
I have no idea if this is the right person or if it’s legitimate.
Nora Aitken
Jessie Greenshields’ mother Nora Aitken was born in January 1884 in Illinois, most likely in Dimmick where her family lived. Her father John Malcolm Aitken was a farmer. According to the 1900 US Census, he was born in England to Scottish parents (although the 1920 Census says his mother was born in England). Nora’s mother Jessie Cathbertson (or Cutherbertson, not sure yet) was born in Illinois to Scottish parents. John Malcolm Aitken’s father Nicholas also lived with teh family in 1884. He as 84 years old, born in September 1884 in Scotland, according to the census, occupation glass blower. He immigrated in 1871, a year before John Malcolm in 1872,
In addition to farming, John Malcolm Aitken was a schoolmaster of a one-room schoolhouse named after him. The Aitken School was built in 1865 and John was its director from 1885-1905. In 1990, the building was moved from it’s original location, two miles south of Troy Grove to its current location next to the LaSalle County Historical Museum in Utica IL.
Nora Aitken’s Siblings
John Malcolm Aitken and Jessie Cuthbertson had four children:
- Arthur Garfield Aitken, farmer, born 12 June 1880 in Dimmick, died 11 Feb 1969 of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Married to Olive E. Fahler with a daughter and 3 sons, Margarite, John, Paul, and Harold.
- Daisy Bell Aitken, born 26 March 1882 in Dimmick, died 4 February 1950 in DeKalb IL. Married Calvin Orange McDowell and had one son, Craig A McDowell.
- Nora Aitken, born January1884 in Dimmick, died in 1946. Married John Barr Greenshields and had two children, Robert John and Jessie E.
- Walter Scott Aitken, born 8 November 1894 in Illinois. No other information at this time.
John Malcolm Aitken Immigration
According to Census documents, John Malcolm Aitken immigrated from England in 1872, aged about 20. I cannot find a record of his journey, but found him on the 1871 England Census, living in Southwick, Sunderland with his parents and siblings. His Father Nicholas Aitken was manager of a glassworks business, eldest brother William (age 23) was a chemist, next eldest brother Nicholas (19) was a shoemaker, younger brother Thomas (16) worked at the glass business, and John Malcolm (18) was as a clerk.
Aitken Men
I found this wonderful photo of Nicholas Aitken and his sons, after they immigrated to the US. I believe John Malcolm is in the center, above his father. Clockwise from there, my best guess is Thomas, William, Nicholas Sr, Nicholas Jr, and George.
