hi John, I am a fledgling family researcher, my grandfather (cockburn) was born in saltcoats, came out with siblings and his Mum (Janet Gibb Cockburn) in the early 1900's some time after his father died in a train crash. his mother eventually returned to ayshire and I am interested in any info - dont know if your 'Gibb' is connected with mine however.

regards sue werner

Hi John

have been in correspondence with a cousin, who tells me that Janet Gibb was born and reared in London. According to verbal family history her father was Laird William Gibb, he apparently sold his land - whatever he may have had, to the English, but by the time Janet married John Cockburn there was no money left. John Cockburn died in a train crash in 1913, Janet was left with I think 9 children, the youngest under a year old. She, and the children, travelled at different times backwards and forwards between Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. She lived in auckland for a time, but, according to family heresay, had trouble coping with our 'classless' system here, i.e. she was a bit of a 'lady'. I am still waiting on further information from another cousin in Australia. these are people in their 80's and 90's so I am running out of time!!

regards

sue