Main image showing James Cowan (Paul’s Grandad), John Cowan, Agnes Monteith and Elizabeth Dougan (New Abbey and Mouswald).

We met up with the lovely Paul and Barbara Mahoney and Paul’s recently found cousin (equally lovely!) Barbara, and had a cuppa and a fascinating chat at WWT Caerlaverock yesterday morning!

Photo of cousin Barbara, Barbara and Paul

Paul and Barbara had travelled up from Shropshire and his cousin Barbara, had come down from Inverness to visit the area of their fore-fathers (the Cowans) and to share the wealth of research they have collated both separately, and between them over the years. Paul explained that his biological father’s surname was Cowan.

Paul and Barbara only found eachother in November following independent research with Ancestry.com and then through DNA testing – both were given the tests as surprise gifts!

They told us about the uncanny coincidences in their lives e.g. finding out that they both had memories of an uncle with a distinctive car – which they had both travelled in, but at separate times! They weren’t aware of eachother’s existence, until 2017! 

Both had brought files of documents and information and were brimming with stories to tell us!

Cousin Barbara brought out her folder of photographs…

 

James Cowan (Draper)

Elizabeth Dougan (Died in 1941)

James and Elizabeth moved from Caerlaverock to Manchester.

Cousin Barbara’s nana’s mother and father were James Cowan and Elizabeth Dougan.

From left to right:

Robina Dougan        Margaret Shennan        John Dougan (Paul’s Grandfather)       Margaret Dougan

Photo taken at Meadowbank Farm, Mouswald. Barbara has fond memories of Robina Dougan. 

Do you know who any of these children are?

We only know that the young man with the moustache is Alex, and the girl at the left of the front row is cousin Barbara’s mum…

Paul and Barbara had a particularly interesting story to tell involving the Cowans in Caerlaverock – a murder! Look out for it, coming soon…

Paul, Barbara and Barbara loved Caerlaverock, and were going to visit the church yard after our coffee. They said that they will definitely be back in the near future. We will extend a warm welcome!

In the meantime, if you have any information about the Cowan’s that we can share with Paul and Barbara, please do get in touch: caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com