David and Nellie Brand - British Home Children

Quarriers is the Scottish charity that oversees the records of these child migrants. Josie Bell sent us the transciptions of the registry for the Brand children. There are many wonderful resources documenting the lives of the British Home Children.

Helen Brand was born to John Brand and Mary Wilson on September 7, 1873. At the time, the couple was unmarried but they would marry later and legitimize Helen's birth.

This document shows that John Brand and Mary Wilson wed and made Helen's birth legitimate. 

John Brand died in 1880 and the children's mother had a very difficult time caring for them on her own. She did not inherit anything from her husband. In a case such as this, the parish would be responsible for the care of the widow and the children. The records from the City Orphan Home on James Street state that, because Capt. Brand had two homes, the two parishes were at variance as to whom should support Mrs. Brand and her children. She was given "spirits" in the hospital and had taken up drink, too. This did not bode well for her ability to care for her children and she was forced to bring them to the orphan home

When David was admitted, he was "very big for his age and not at all smart." He was sent to live at the Quarriers Home called Cessnock.

David was sent to Canada in 1882. Mrs. Bentley from Cherry Valley wrote to Glasgow of his progress that he learned to read quickly. In the 1891 census, he is listed as David Bentley. 

David would relocate to Dexter NY and in 1902 he married Florence Creed, another British Home Child. The couple moved to Dexter and had two children, Frederick and Rose. 

In the 1918 draft registration, David works as a Marine Fireman for the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. in Cleveland. On this draft card, his other residence is in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, home of the famous locks connecting Lake Superior with Lake Huron.. While he was six when his father died, David would follow him into the steamship industry.

Tin Stackers: History of the Pittsburgh Steamship Company

Helen 

Helen was sent to Canada on 13th June 1885. Dear Nellie was 11 years old and is one of these faces http://content.iriss.org.uk/goldenbridge/photoalbum/zoom_cr10.html

https://www.quarrierscanadianfamily.com/qvillage/co11.html