Birth registered as James Martin (Illegitimate) 1880-02-15 at Lambhill, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. Family records give 1880-02-16 as birth date. Name appears as James B Martin in 1881 census of Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. Surname appears as “Brewster” and as stepson of John Paterson in 1891 census. Name appears as James Brewster in 1901 census and living in same household as Margaret Stronach. Surname first appears as “Paterson” at marriage registration in 1903.

In 1881 was living at House on Wells Rothie, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. Name given as James B. Martin (”B” probably for “Brewster). No father listed. Mother named as Margaret Martin born Clatt, Aberdeenshiire and unmarried, occupation General Domestic Servant. Age listsed as 32, but probably should be 22. Also in household was another son of Margaret: George Stephen, age 4, born Insch, Aberdeenshire. House has two rooms with windows.

In 1891 was living at South Balmoor Cottage, Inverkeithny, Banffshire. Name given as James Brewster age 11 and born at Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. He is listed as Stepson of John Paterson age 27 who was born at Auchterless, Aberdeenshire. Wife of John Paterson is Maggie Paterson age 32 born at Clatt, Aberdeenshire.

In 1901 was living at Gordon Lane, Bellie, Fochabers, Moray. Name given as James Brewster. Listed as Masons Apprentice. Was named as a “Boarder” in household of Ann Cowie, age 48 born Boharm, Banffshire. She is head of house and since no husband is listed, may be a widowm. Also in household is listed Margaret Stronach, age 19, born Keith, Banffshire and identified as niece of Ann Cowie. This is probably where James Brewster/Paterson met his future wife Margaret Stronach.

Marriage by Banns.

Came to Canada on the SS Corinthian, departing Glasgow and arrived at Montreal 1908 April 30. Final destination listed on the passenger list was Ottawa.

In 1914, 1916 Ottawa city Directories, James Paterson, stonemason, is listed at 33 Fulton. Not listed in the 1909 or 1923 Ottawa Directories.

Unable to locate family in 1911 Ottawa census. Have searched only the indexed part, and index may be in error. Sometimes addresses were missed in the census.

Buried Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa.

In 1901 was Cook in the home of aunt Ann Cowie at Gordon Lane, Bellie, Fochabers, Morayshire. Ann was apparently a widow. Checking the 1881 census, I find her husband was John Cowie. Checking marriages, it appears Ann’s maiden name was Murray.
Came to Canada in 1909 with children, on the SS Cassandra, departing Glasgow and arriving at Quebec 1909 July 10. Travelled in “Steerage.” Final destination was listed as Ottawa on the ship passenger list. Husband came to Canada earlier.

A roomer in 1901 in the same household as Margaret Stronach was James Brewster, age 21, born Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, and is the father of Margaret’s first child Alexander Paterson.

Buried Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa.