Hello Kath,

I am very pleased to hear from you! Yes, this definitely gives me more to go on. As I said previously, Robert is a bit of a mystery. I haven't been able to get beyond him in his branch of my family tree, as all my family who might have known anything have since passed away.

If my Robert was, indeed, a son of your great, great grandfather, William Garbutt, by his first wife, Sarah, then perhaps it was assumed Robert died at sea, when in actuality he had left ship along route. He would have been young (likely about 18), and no doubt a bit impetuous and adventurous. Chatham, New Brunswick, was a small but busy lumber exporting port in Robert's day. Some shipbuilding was carried on there, as well.

Whatever the reason, Robert decided to make the general area his home. He married Amelia Davidson in 1845 and settled a few miles south of Chatham. Robert ("Bob") and Amelia had several children, all girls but one, my great grandfather, William. One of Robert's daughters was named Sarah, which may have merely been a coincidence.

I don't have any photos of Robert, but I have a photo of William, likely taken around the turn of the last century. If you're interested in seeing it in case there may be some resemblance to your family, let me know. I remember my mother saying that William was tall (over 6 feet) and well built.

Thanks again, Kath! It would be great if I finally found Robert's family. Of course, I'll have to do more research. I know that the surname was changed in Canada, likely from Garbutt.

Regards,


Joyce