Are you stuck, can’t find that particular person you are looking for? Well, send us your Birth Marriage or Burial queries. If we can’t help someone else may be able to.
Are you stuck, can’t find that particular person you are looking for? Well, send us your Birth Marriage or Burial queries. If we can’t help someone else may be able to.
Hello There,
My aunt who I never met, was born Adeline Louisa Bartholomeusz on 17/07/1925. For some unknown reason she died prior to 1949, ( sorry I cannot narrow it down any more than that ) and was buried there under the name Adeline Louisa Bartholmz. I was in Sri Lanka last week and was unsuccessful in finding out this information. Her father was Fredrick Roland Bartholomeusz which is my name as well as his grandson. Appreciate any help here. Thank you.
Regards
Fred Bartholomeusz
Perth Australia.
Fred, was her mother Harriet Atwell?? I have an Adeline Bartgolomeusz, born Jul 11 1925 at Colombo, married to Frederick Roland Bartholomeusz ikn 1916 at Saint Paul’s Church in Colombo. Rhere is no further informarion in the genealogy records that I have seen
Hi,
I’m wondering if you might help.
I’m researching the family of a friend of a friend. Her father was born in India but it seems her family moved between India and Ceylon as well as Toungoo in Burma. My searches are suggesting they may have a long history in Ceylon, and with the Burma forestry service and Indian railways.
I’m looking for an Alfred Granville Maurice O’Hara, born in India in 1920, his father Bertram Michael O’Hara (also known as Bertrude Barney or Barnez) and his father Charles O’Hara. Bertram married a Beryl Maddox on January 6 1915. Beryl seems to be from Ceylon. She later marries a man called Taylor. Alfred is also known as Rick. He has siblings, Rex, Ivy, Bernard, and Mildred. Beryl dies in Colombo in the 1950s or 1960s.
There is a Charles O’Hara who marries a Cecilia Barber in 1880 at the Dutch Church in Colombo.
Alfred’s sister marries a Todd.
Are any of these names familiar to anyone? I’ve found some of the siblings but nothing for Alfred’s birth in India. I’ve also nothing on Beryl’s death in Colombo. I’d like to check the local newspaper archives in Sri Lanka but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any ideas?
Hi there,
I am trying to find information on my grandmother who was born in Colombo, western Sri Lanka in 1881, I have details of her mother having the same name as her,but no name of her fathers name. Her name was Catherine Cecillia Lamont. She married a police Sargent in 1904, by the name of William Henry John Tyack from Cornwall, England and two of there children were born one in Kandy, and one in Colombo and left there to return to England to continue there family. They then moved to Brisbane, Australia to only pass away here.
I amongst my other members of my family reside throughout Australia, and seeking some information.
If there is anyway of getting some information on the lamont family and there nationality.
Hi Kay
There was a Catherine Cecila LAMONT born in Colombo on 24-Aug-1881, with her parents recorded as George William LAMONT & Alice Anne LAMONT (nee ROSS? – hard to read). George is recorded as a Guard on the Ceylon Government Railway and his residence is Dematagoda.
Darren
Hi Kay, My name is Karen & I am Researching My Husband’s Family Tree, his name is Warren. Catherine Cecilia Tyack (Lamont) is his Great Grandmother, her Daughter Constance is his Grandmother. I have just started researching & I don’t have alot of information so far however was wanting to connect with You. Looking foward to connecting. ThankYou, Karen
Hi Karen I have an aunt that has some Tyacks and Lamonts that match with her DNA would you be open to having a chat with her partner. It was by chance I stumbled across this post as there hasn’t been much luck finding information on how the dots connect.
Look forward to your reply.
Bianca
Hi Kay I have an aunt that has some Tyacks and Lamonts that match with her DNA would you be open to having a chat with her partner. It was by chance I stumbled across this post as there hasn’t been much luck finding information on how the dots connect.
Look forward to your reply.
We also reside in Australia and our family descend from Ceylon.
Bianca
My gggggrand father was Abraham Joseph who married Anna Catharina Riphagen in DRC Church Woolvendaal,Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1802, I cannot find the death dates for either of them or information about their parents. Can anyone help. Thanks
Charles Joseph
Charles,
Abraham Yusef Joseph was born in Lichding, in the Alsace region of Germany and died in 1817, but have no idea where,… Anna Cargarina Rophagen was born in 1778 in a snall town named Epe in the Netherlands She died in 1850 again presumably in Ceylon
I am trying to trace my ancestry. My great great grandfather the Rev Abraham Gunasekara, married my great great grandmother Johanna Charlotte Van Royen in the DRC Wolvendaal Pettah, by Rev Joseph Bailey. They gave birth to a son, Henry (29/12/1840) and Henry was baptized at the DRC on the 24/01/1841 by Rev Henry Powell.
I am trying to gain as much information on Abraham Gunasekara, Johanna Charlotte Van Royen and Henry Gunasekara, that I am able to, I would like to visit Holland to see where Johanna was born and how she ended up in Ceylon.
Hi Gehan. I’m sat here with your cousin Brian and we came across this post as we were discussing Rev Abraham. Wishing you all the best. Andrew Gunn
My grandmother, Engeltine Matilda Gunasekera is reported as the daughter of Mr. Paul Gunasekera, a son of Rev. Abraham Gunasekera and brother of Rev. Henry Gunasekera. Paul Gunasekera was a school master and a catechist. He was married to Corenellia Elizabath Gunawardena. Please confirm whether this information is correct. I am trying to find out who the other children of Paul Gunasekera were and also where they lived in Galle. I am told that they had a huge house in Kaluwella, Galle which was named as ‘Mound’. This house had been taken over by the governmnet and the present Galle Technical College is situated in the same place where Mound was. Appreciate more information
Deen Salleyman
I am trying to find out about my dads family and what his real last name was as he ran away from sri lanka when he was 14 lied about his age and changed his last name to Salleyman so he could go to sea. he travelled the world then settled in U K .He never told my mum his real last name ,i think it was Ismail .He was born 3rd mile post Ampitya Kandy .His full name was Nawda mirikar Ibrahim Salleyman the last part he changed he had 2 brothers and 2 sisters called Sithy,Shahabdeen,Nizar and Arifa .He was born in 1912 i would love to find out if he had a birth certificate and to find out who is mum and dad were ,i think i am somehow related to Haji mohomed ismail but i don`t know how any help would be greatly appreciated thanks DEEN
I am trying to track a birth record for my mother –
She was born 23/8 /1927 (or that is what she told us) The problem is she was adopted by Mr and Mrs Gauder from the Salvation Army around 1930. We have no idea who her birth parents were or which district she was born. We presume it was Colombo because that was where she was adopted from.
As she has now passed it is virtually impossible trying to get this information.
Would you have any information in your records of births/adoptions around this time?
Her adopted name was Gladys Alicia Gauder – maybe her birth name was the same??? She was brought up in the Anglican Faith.
Thanks
Marina de Zylva
Is it possible to find the birth record of Richard David Marley born Hatton 23 /June /1940.
If possible a printable record is required
Hello
A second cousin of mine has recently married, and his wife has English relatives who were born and lived for some time in Ceylon. I’m helping them find her roots :~)
I’m looking for info on the SELVESTER family:
Thomas b:1837 in Manchester England. He was a tailor
His wife Matgaretta b: 1845 Devon England
Children :
John Thomas b: 1864 Devon England. He was in the 73rd Regiment-visiting England in 1881
Mary Jane b: 1866 Ireland
Alfred Henry b: 1871 Ceylon
William James B : 1873 Ceylon
Charles Frederick b : 1876 Ceylon
Albert Edwrad b: 1879 East India
Walter George b : 1881 East India
Any info would be greatly appreciated, Jeny Cockshull
My GGG grandfather served in 83rd Lightfoot 2nd battalion, and reading through his service record he was overseas for 11 years. he was born 1798. He would have been in Ceylon when he married in 1822 but I cannot find the marriage. He married Catherine Daly/or Delaney who was born in cape of good hope in 1809/1810 but can’t find this either. Appreciate any help.
Thomas Flinter does not appear in our database. Have you tried Ceylon Database, they might be able to help.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
I checked through church records in sri Lanka but got nothing on either name. On reading the memoirs of the 83rd Lightfoot I found a detachment was sent to Calcutta!! Maybe I need to look there?? Thank you.
Hi. Just went through the kabristan archives again looking for marriage of Thomas flinter and Catherine Daly/Delaney. Didn’t find it but found the birth/baptism of their first daughter Eliza under the name Flinton. !! This was my g g grandmother. Happy days. Now to search for the marriage again.
I’m looking for any information about my grandmother Gladys Perera who was British Ceylon, married Jack Duncan Campbell (Eurasian) and lived in Singapore from about 1900. Thank you.
I have approved your comment. Do you have any further details? Have you searched our index on http://www.kabristan.org.uk? Just enter the surname and watch for results.
Eileen Hewson FRGS
The Kabristan Archives
Hello I am trying to find out anything about my fathers family by the name of Croning ..I do know his father was Frank Mansel Croning and I believe he was born maybe in Badulla . I would appreciate any help you can give me .. I found a S. Croning B. 1864 at Lavellphitza and that name seems a bit unusual ..
Thanks Jeanne Furlong
Your query has been approved. The name does not appear on our database.
Someone else may be able to help you.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
I am looking for the birth of Mary Helen Hebenton born about 1863 in Matale with father Alexander Hebenton, also for Susan Hebenton who may have been Mary’s sister born 1864 in Ceylon. Mary married Frank Bourne in Willesden in England in 1890. I believe they came from Forfarshire in Scotland. On Mary’s marriage certificate, her father was a coffee planter.
Hi Patricia
The two births pre-date civil registration (1867) in Ceylon, so your best bet is probably going to be a baptism record. There are a couple of Hebenton’s in the indexes of the Kabristan Archives – https://www.kabristan.org.uk/kabristan-indexes/sri-lanka-indexes
The Ferguson Directories have the following entries for Alexander Hebenton:-
1871-72 > Planter at Graham’s Land, Badulla
1883-84 > Planter at Balagalla, Badulla
1885-86 > Planter at Balagalla, Badulla
There may be additional information on him in the publications of the Planters Association – https://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/planter-association-publications/
Darren
Hello,
I am looking for any information on my great-grandfather Frederick John Bealing. He was born 29 Mar 1896 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England to Margaret Mangan and Frederick John and later married Mary Ann Otterski.
He moved to Wales where he worked as an engine driver transporting coal to the docks in and around Llanelli in South Wales. He did not take part in the First World War as I understand his job as an engine driver was a restricted occupation. He married and had three children; Frederick, Elsie and Kathleen.
At some point after 1918, he was engaged to work for the Ceylon Government Railway and was transferred to Ceylon. He first visited Ceylon in 1928, arriving in Columbo, then he arrived in Ceylon with his family in 1929. There was at least one trip to the UK as they returned to Ceylon in 1934 (possibly to escape a malaria oubreak). In April 1939, my grandfather, aged 43, returned to Ceylon, arriving at Columbo, and I am told that because of the war, it was impossible for him to return to the UK, and his family lost all contact with him.
The family history holds that he died suddenly of a heart attack on the platform at Nawalapitiya railway station after returning on his own to Ceylon. I would expect that this happened before 1945, as there was no contact between him and his family after the war ended. I am looking for proof of his death to gain closure on the topic for his last living daughter.
Dear Christopher,
Unfortunately I do not have this record. I expect he was buried in the cemetery attached to St Andrew’s Church Nawalapitiya. Unfortunately when I visited the burial ground it was all overgrown and I was unable to look at the stones. The church had no burial records available for this period. They had disappeared.
Hopefully someone else maybe able to help you.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me. Do you happen to know if the church was Protestant or Catholic? Do you have any ideas as to where I could enquire next?
Many thanks and kind regards,
Christopher
The church is Protestant and Anglican.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
I am trying to track the obituary of Evelyn Frederick Smith a manager of Glentaffe Tea Estate died in mus to late 1930s
Your record is not on our data base. So I have approved your query hopefully someone else may be able to help.
Have you looked at the History of Tea by Dilmah tea, there is a lot of info on there.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
My mother was born in Colombo 1936 (Lorna Chapman) her Grandfather Hubert Schokman and Great Grandfather was John Charles Schokman on her mothers side Beryl Hilda Schokman , can anyone help please Regards Alex Smith
There are several Schokmans in our data base to find them go into Kabristan Archives and use the SEARCH facility.
I have approved your mail. Others may be able to help as well.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
I have built an extensive family tree tracing my wife’s ascendants but have nothing to speak of for my family. I have recently obtained a new connection that has provided some great info on my mother’s family but am still stuck on my father’s side. He was born in Kandy (or so I he told me when he was still alive) and had a birth date of 7th December 1926. His birth surname was Manuthunga and his first name (or some other part of his full name) was Siri or perhaps Sri? I have no other information at all. Are you able to help shed some light for me? I hope to be able to map more of his family if I can get the right info to start it off.
Many Thanks
Mark
Hello, I am looking for the birth record/certificate for Nena Beatrics Ievers, born somewhere between 1893 and 1896 in Ceylon. Are you able to help find her record for me?
She does not appear on our data base. Hopefully someone else will be able to help.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
Hi Emma
In the Ferguson Directories, a Robert Wilson (R.W.) IEVERS is recorded as the Government Agent for the North Central Province (at Anuradhapura 1893) and then the Northern Province (at Jaffna 1898/99). There do not appear to be any other IEVERS listed in the directories, so R.W. would presumably be the father of Nena Beatrics IEVERS?
Let me have a look around and see what else I can find and I’ll get back to you.
Darren
Hi Emma
No luck I’m afraid. No obvious IEVERS births in the Jaffna Town district during the 1893-1896 period. There are some missing records in 1893/94 however. There would appear to be a missing/damaged volume for Anuradhapura Town at that time to (big gap between 1882 and 1897).
Have a look through the Ferguson Directories on the History of Ceylon Tea website (https://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/fergusons-directory/) as there are numerous entries for R.W. IEVERS that may provide more information.
Darren
According to family memory my great-grandmother Florence May Gibson was born in Ceylon of Irish extraction around 1880, being one of five sisters. I cannot find any documentary evidence to confirm this, or to find out the names of her siblings and parents. Would welcome any suggestions.
We have approved you comment. Your relative does no appear in our data base hopefully someone else may be able to help.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
Hi Andrew
Quite a few GIBSONs in Ceylon around that time – I have a few distant ones on my own tree. Any idea who Florence’s father was? Alternatively, any of her sisters names might also help.
Darren
I AM A RELATION OF JAMES GIBSON FATHER OF MARY FANNY BELL GIBSON (BORN 1889) ANY RELATION OF YOURS?
Best
Celia
I am looking for any records that involve the Kern or Christenez families. My Great Great Grandfather Cecil Theodore Kern was married to Charlotte Harriet Kern (born Christenez) they had three son’s that I know of Cecil George who was my Great Grandfather, Stanley and Kingsley. Any births deaths or marriage records would be greatly appreciated.
Rae
Although Kerns appear in our data base the names you seek are not there. I have approved your query hopefully someone else may be able to help.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
Hi Rae,
Have you been successful at all in this? Being on the same Family Tree I’m very interested also
I have found records on St Stephens Trincomlee burial index & would like to see or know if there is additional info on the record & how to purchase it.
I have purchased info in the past & but am now having trouble locating records that I previously found such as baptism for Sarah natural daughter of Martin Davidson & Kiri Manika at Budulla 1848. The indexes dont seem to be as good as in the past & cant find out how to purchase records.. I believe Sarah died in Kandy abt 1850-1860 but cannot find a burial under Sarah Davidson or Sarah Manika.
I am currently researching burial records for Corporal John Davidson 78th regt St Stephens Trincomlee does the record have any additional info eg place of birth & date, parents etc.
Also trying to find Davidson BDM records for St Peters Fort Galle etc, in particular anything relating to Sgt James & Corp John Davidson, Isabella Somerville wife of James; Jane Somerville w/o Corp John Davidson also Mary wife of Corp John.
Also looking for marriage details for John William Davidson & Kizale Fernando any births for John William brn 1827 as father after abt 1850 same applies to any info for James Davidson born Kandy 1829 & died Badulla 1876 who spent many years in India until 1870ish.
Please supply me with an estimate of costs.
I am finding that the current site is not as good as it used to be.
Hoping you can help
Regards Jill Jelbart Brisbane Australia.
Nothing in our marriage records for St Peter’s Fort Colombo. We do not have the burials or baptisms. For India check http://www.fibis.org they are the best for India. No Davidsons have been found in our records for Badulla. Records from Trinco have been sent also 2 from Kandy. Refund for one not found will come under separate cover. I have approved you query, others may be able to help. Also have you tried Ceylon Database several military on this site.
Regards
Eileen Of The Kabristan Archives
Hi Jill,
Are you in anyway connected a Jacob Robert Davidson? Born about 1840 in Colombo, Ceylon?
He’s my 3rd great-grandfather. I was wondering if any of the Davidson’s above are related to him in some way as I too am looking for details regarding the Davidsons.
Regards,
Trevis Pietersz
Dear Eileen,
My grandfather Rupert Ingleby MacKenzie was a planter supervising Polatagama Tea Plantation, near We Oya on the Kelani River. He died on 13 June 1915 at the General Hospital, Colombo. The death certificate was issued by Western Province, No 3 Maradana Division, Colombo District.
In the Tea Planters Association records he is listed as R I Mackenzie, or just R Mackenzie.
I am coming to Sri Lanka in March to try to find his bungalow at Polatagama (now SMS Plantations, Polatagama) and would like to visit his grave if we can find it.
I have a photo of his grave but no record of where it is. Would you be able to shed any light on where it may be? Many thanks.
Hi Rory
If it’s not recorded on the death certificate, then the most likely burial location would be the General Cemetery. There is a R.J. MacKENZIE recorded in the 1909-19 burials – https://www.kabristan.org.uk/kabristan-indexes/sri-lanka-indexes/74-sri-lanka-ceylon-burial-records-graveyards-indexes/ceylon-graveyards-sri-lanka-colombo-02/1293-colombo-general-cemetery-m
Darren
Dear Darren,
With apologies for the delay in coming back to you, many thanks for this. I suppose there could have been a typo with the initial “J” being recorded instead of “I” so it’s a possibility. Given I’ve nothing else to go on I’ll try to visit the General Cemetery. Do you know if that is the one at Borella, southern Columbo?
Best wishes, Rory
Hi Rory
Given the time period, I would assume that it is the same person. You’re talking about copies of copies of …. the original registers, so numerous typo errors can crop in. As far as I know the General Cemetery is the Borella one, also known as Kanatte.
Regards
Darren
Hi Darren,
Again, many thanks. You have been very helpful. We’ll go grave hunting!
Best wishes,
Rory
Hi, My great great grandfather Dr Joseph Armitag, from Burnie Tasmania Australia, is buried in one of the Colombo cemeteries . He died onboard a French steam ship called Armand Behic, close to October 23 1897 – unsure if this is the burial date or the death date. I would love to try and find the gravesite if possible as we are coming to Colombo in July . Are you able to help please? Thank you very much for your time.
We have no data for Dr Joseph Armitag however he is probably buried in the Anglican portion of Colombo General Cemetery, also try the National Archives you might find some information in the old newspaper section.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
I’m looking for a Mr Hampton who married Josephine Marion Gleig-Scott, born 1881 in Richmond, Victoria, Australia, daughter of Robert Scott and Susannah Anne Calvert.
According to the death announcement of her brother in 1940, Josephine was by then Mrs Hampton, living in England.
The 1939 register lists at Bognor Regis, Sussex, England Norman A Hampton, born 18 June 1871, retired government surveyor, Ceylon, and his wife Josephine M Hampton, born 18 April 1884. Note. the discrepancy of three years between the birth record of Josephine Marion Gleig-Scott and Josephine M Hampton.
The death of Norman A Hampton, aged 83, was registered in Chichester in 1953, and that of Josephine Marion Hampton, born 18 April 1884, was registered in Chichester in 1969. Her probate was granted on 3 May 1971, but I have not found Norman’s probate.
So my question is, have I got the right Josephine Marion Hampton, and if so when and where was she married? I have drawn a blank in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, most of Australia (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA), NZ, and in various newspaper collections (Trove, British Newspaper Archive, The Times, The Times of India, Singapore Newspapers) and in the FIBIS database and FamilySearch and FindMyPast.
And how do I find her husband’s birth/baptism record?
We do not have Norman Hampton on our data base so we have approved your query someone else may have some ideas.
Regards
Eileen of The Kabristan Archives
Hi Anne
Norman Albert Hampton died 1954 in the Chichester Registration District (Jul-Aug-Sep quarter, volume 05H, page 437, 83 years old). As you mention, he appears on the 1939 Register in Bognor Regis with Josephine (note- for whatever reason, there do appear to be numerous discrepencies with dates of birth on the 1939 Register)
Norman is also on the 1891 Census in Croydon, which records him as being born c1871 in Ceylon. His father, Joseph Lewis Hampton (born c1836 Ceylon) is also present.
Let me have a look around later and I’ll see what I can find for the Hampton’s in Ceylon. They should have been there for a decent period of time if both were born there.
Regards
Darren
Hi Anne
Have a look through the Ferguson Directories and Planters Association Publications on the History of Ceylon Tea website – https://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/
There are references in the directories for J.L. Hampton being a Planter/Resident Manager. There are also earlier references in the 1855 and 1856 Ceylon Almanac.
Hard to know where Norman was born, but in the 1871-72 directory, J.L. is recorded as a Planter at Penrhos in Nawalapitiya, so that might be a place to start.
Darren
Sorry, the Joseph Lewis Hampton (Ceylon Government Surveyor) on the 1891 Census would appear to be a brother of Norman’s and not his father. The transcription says he is 55, but it looks more like 35, although hard to tell with an enumerator mark through it. He is single however.
Not a problem as the 1878 Ferguson Directory records J.L. Hampton Jr. as working in the Survey Department at Batticaloa. There is a birth recorded in the 1856 Ceylon Almanac for a son of J.L. Hampton being born on 07-May-1855 at Colombo, which would make him 35 at the 1891 Cenus and is presumably Jr.
Do you have any information on Mortimer Thomas Kirby, an Englishman who was a Buddhist priest? I am trying to confirm if this statement is true: “[Kirby] wrote a letter dated August 29, 1929 from the Island Hermitage in Ceylon….he died ignominiously in a Salvation Army camp…”
Sorry we have no information on Mortimer Thomas Kirby. Maybe someone else can help.
Eileen Hewson FRGS
Hello, I am looking for my great great grandfather James John George Matthews, born Newent, UK in July 1847. He was a master mariner and died in Ceylon, I believe on 10th November 1908. I have been told he is buried in Colombo.
many thanks
Zoe Lawrence
My apologies in delay answering your mail but I have just found it in the spam folder. I have checked our data base but cannot find the person. However someone may be able to help so I am posting this on our site.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
I am looking for information about a memorial plaque in the Wolvendaal Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka . It reads “To the Glory of God and in grateful remembrance of generous hospitality bestowed on the Netherlands sailors, soldiers and airmen during their stay in the United Kingdom annis domini 1940-1947, this tablet was presented by the Protestant Churches of the Netherlands.” I believe the plaque was made by the Tichelaar factory in The Netherlands. I can send a photo, if you wish. I recently visited the church and am hoping to write an article for our publication “Glazed Expressions” and would like to know anything about who ordered the plaque. Thank you.
I will search my data base and come back to you.
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
I am looking for any of my husband’s relatives in Sri Lanka, his father’s name was Thomas Daniels born in Colombo in 1902,his parents names were Abraham and Elizabeth Daniels.He immigrated first to England and then to the US I can’t find any information on Ancestry.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hello and pre Thank you for anything you can find!
Henry Byrne was an Irishman that was in Her Majesty’s Service as a Civil Engineer.
He married his wife- Charlotte Henrietta Maria Allen at Dutch Wolvendaal Church Colombo Ceylon around the late 1840’s , early 50’s.
They had Children born in Ceylon- Edward Raven Byrne 1850
& Jaffna- Charles Claudius Raven Byrne in 1856
I am looking for any birth certs or baptism info on the children. I have already found and ordered the parents’ marriage certificate.
Edward is my great great grandfather.
Thank you
Hi, my name is Matthew Malani. I’m looking for someone by the name of Malani Pesmatsantra. Variations of the last name may be Padmadchandra, Pasmatsandra, or something close to that. All I know is that she was born in Sri Lanka on July 7, 1953 and traveled to Athens, Greece in 1977.
Sorry the name does not appear on our database. I will leave you query on post hopefully someone else may know the answer.
Eileen Hewson fRGS The Kabristan Archives
Hi Eileen
I use Family Search from time to time. I have used Ceylon Database before and obtained my ‘Bloodline’ Report but I might try them again in case there have been updates to their records
My wife and I also have memberships with MyHeritage and Ancestry.com
I’ve used the Search facility on the Kabristan Home page but haven’t been able to find any links to the names I’m looking for.
If there are any other databases you’re aware of, I’d love to be able to find out. In the meantime, any help your readers can provide would be wonderful.
Many thanks
Stewart vanLangenberg
0408 328 441 / (03) 5962 1238
Hopefully someone will be able to help.
Eileen
Hi
I am trying to locate an ancestor of mine who came from Scotland and lived in Ceylon.
He was Doctor J.W Davidson was born around the 1850’s, the son of Elizabeth and sinclair. He had one son and one daughter with Katherine M (DAVIDSON) between. Katherine Died in 1926 in Hatton and Dr. J W Davidson died before 1926.
Children :
– Son : Edward Ernest Davidson, assistant director of education in Ceylon.
Was born in 1878 in Sri Lanka.
– Daughter : Euphemia ‘Effie’ Mizpah DAVIDSON was born on 27 September 1874 in Scotland, She married Herbert John CHARSLEY in 1912 in Australia and at the age of 84, and was buried in Australia.
I would love to her from you if you have any information on the Dr. J W Davidson or any other Davidson family members. Or if you can point me in the right direction to get more information.
Thanking you in advance
Rozana
Hi Rozana,
I’m very interested in this information as I have a link to Effie Mizpah Davidson- the same as in your post. I’m having trouble locating information on John Davidson’s parents; I’m related down the Effie-line (through Effie Davidson marrying Herbert Charsley). I have found something on Ancestry but I just wanted to confirm it’s correct.
Simone
Hi Rozana,
I have a friend of mine who is married to Edwad Ernest Davidson’s daughter Cymphia Navomi Davidson. She is too searching for any Davidson family member since a long time. One of her brother is Harry Davidson by the name, he is a Baristor and currently deceased in England,
One of her step brother is Roland Davidson who had been serving in the British Army, Freddy Davidson another brother who is a vet.
Would be keen if you could contact Mr. Pemaratne on the provided phone number below to get in touch with Cymphia Davidson.
0716123926 – Mr. C. Pemaratne (husband of Cymphia Davidson)
I am doing my family tree and unfortunately have cannot work out who my great-great –great grandmother is as I have been given information from two sources.
I know that my great-great –great grandfather was Charles Nallathamby McIntyre ( 1830-1891 ) also known as ( Velayuther Sinnacutty Nallathamby ).
His first wife Achicuddy Namasivayagam passed away when she had her second child. He then married a Burgher . One source says that he married Anna Maria Foreman who had a brother Henry Thambipillai Forman. The second source says that he worked at Palai Hospital in 1884 maintained by the Europen planters and there he married an Anna Hickok
Both sources say that the progeny from this second marriage are Jane Achicutty ( born 1866) and Dr Edward Thambiah Macintyre ( born 1868)
I am a descendant of Jane Achicutty who married Rev .Samuel Thamboo Abraham in 1886 in Ceylon and went on to settle in Malaysia . Any information on whether Anna Hickok or Anna Maria Forman was the second wife would be appreciated. I am looking for any marriage certificates which I can order
I am doing my family tree and unfortunately have cannot work out who my great-great –great grandmother is as I have been given information from two sources.
I know that my great-great –great grandfather was Charles Nallathamby McIntyre ( 1830-1891 ) also known as ( Velayuther Sinnacutty Nallathamby ).
His first wife Achicuddy Namasivayagam passed away when she had her second child. He then married a Burgher . One source says that he married Anna Maria Foreman who had a brother Henry Thambipillai Forman. The second source says that he worked at Palai Hospital in 1884 maintained by the Europen planters and there he married an Anna Hickok
Both sources say that the progeny from this second marriage are Jane Achicutty ( born 1866) and Dr Edward Thambiah Macintyre ( born 1868) Any information
I am a descendant of Jane Achicutty who married Rev .Samuel Thamboo Abraham in 1886 in Ceylon and went on to settle in Malaysia . Any information on whether Anna Hickok or Anna Maria Forman was the second wife would be appreciated. I am looking for any marriage certificates which I can order
My Uncle was in the British Merchant navy and he passed away after a long and painful illness on 10.AUGUST 1937 • General Hospital Colombo Sri Lanka, India
His name was Edward Horace Caney he was born 2nd of November 1913
I know the spelling of his name might be a bit different. I was hoping that there might be a picture of his grave. It would mean the world to me and his family to see a photo of his grave.
Thank you so much
Janet Tilson
I am trying to find the name of my Great Great Grandmother who married James Gibson (originally from Scotland) in late 1800’S Ceylon possibly in the Columbo area). They had 2 children in Ceylon
Mary Fanny Bell Gibson born in 1889
and Stephen Gibson
In 1908 Mary Gibson married Major Sydney George Everitt in Wimbledon, England but neither of her parents attended the wedding.
Hi,
I’m trying to do my family tree and am struggling to find anything for my great grandfathers parents/brothers/sisters etc.
His name is Murugappa Caduravellu Sivalinham Pillai, he was born on the 11th March 1894 in Ceylon, possibly Columbo area.
He moved to England and settled in London and died Jan 1954.
Many thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light on this for me.
Kind regards, Lisa
Hi everyone,
I am looking for the death record for Kondagamage Alice
Fernando. She was born 12th June 1887 and died 13 January 1926. Family rumours has it that she was crazy and committed suicide, but I feel there is more to the story. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Amali
Melbourne, Australia
Hi everyone,
I am looking for the death record for Kondagamage Alice Fernando. She was born 12th June 1887 and died 13 January 1926. Family rumours has it that she was crazy and committed suicide, but I feel there is more to the story. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Amali
Melbourne, Australia
Hi everyone,
Am looking for my half brother.
I believe his birth name was Udaya ,
born to Miss Chandra Perera,( born 19/10/30) in Colombo on 18 july 1957.
He was taken as a baby to a Salvation Army hostel and may have gone to be adopted by the Catholic church.
Appreciate any assistance
Thanks
Hi there I am looking for information on the Kelamby family name. I am born and raised In the UK and this is my surname and little is known about it except that my grandfather from my dads side is from Galle in Srilanka and lost contact with his family after getting married and my father doesn’t really remember much apart from his grandfather being called thomas. I would like to acccess death records and see where this surname come from and what other family I have as this surname is very unique.
Hi,
I am trying to find the marriage certificate of Samuel Hanna and Harriet Maffey. Married in Colombo in 1896 I believe. As they were Salvation Army missionaries, it was the custom to take a local name and so they became the Sadanand family.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Hello.
I’m trying to find any information for the following:
Spouse of JOHANNES VAN GRAMBERG – he had a son called BELCHIO born 1830 and whom was married to SEBASTINA PEREIRA in 1870
The mother and father of JUSTINA FERDINANDUS who was married to JOHN PATRIC PEREIRA (SEBASTINA KS THIER DAUGHTER)
DOROTHEA MARIA TRIP/TREP who was married to Jan Burchard/Burghard Van Gramberg on 2nd Dec 1787 wolvendaasche Kerk
Hi I am looking for my mother who gave birth to me 1955 31 Chundukuli Road Jaffna, her last name is Weerasinghe, my name at birth was given as Mikka Chandrseevan Weerasinghe, I was placed in John Wilson Orphanage Puttur, If anyone knows any bits of information about my mother or about the John Wilson Orphanage in Puttur around the 1950s on wards, please get in touch. Apparently records got destroyed so not able to check the archives.
Plus there was a person called Timothy who was in the same orphanage, any news or information will be greatly appreciated. So once again if anyone has any information please let me know.
Hullo,
I am trying to find information about Carel Leonhard PAULUSZ, his wife, and son, Johannes Jacobus PAULUSZ. I would like to know:
Where were these three persons born?
What was the place of origin in Europe of Carel Leonhard PAULUSZ,
place of origin in Europe of Carel Leonhard PAULUSZ’s wife?
and
place of origin of Carel Leonhard PAULUSZ’s son?
All I know is that Carel was an Ensign in the VOC, and arrived in Ceylon on 13th November, 1778, with his wife and son, Johannes Jacobus PAULUSZ.
It is possible that Carel, his wife and son were born in Batavia.
I am unable to obtain any information about these individuals, as I cannot find any Shipping records, VOC Employment records, or death records for Carel Leonhard PAULUSZ, or for his son, Johannes Jacobus PAULUSZ.
Could someone please help?
Thank you,
Yvette Paulusz.
I am seeking information about my ancestors.
My father was born in Ceylon in 1958.
I’m looking for any records for;
Eugene St John b.1958
Gregory St John b.1932, (Eurasian)
Nalini (Nonno) De Lanka Pelige b.1932, (Sinhalese)
Lily Isabel Robertson b.1903, (Eurasian)
Charles Lionel St John b.1889?, (Eurasian)
Any help would be greatly appreciated please
I am looking for confirmation of a marriage alleged to have taken place somewhere in in Ceylon on the 11th July 1914 between Harold Francis Humby, a government surveyor, and Hilda Jessie Ponton.
The information comes from some notes left by their daughter who also states that her older sister Dora Joan Humby was born in Ceylon on the 8th June 1915 two years before the family returned to the UK.
Can anyone help?
Many Thanks
I am looking for a marriage certificate of Noel William BENTLEY-BUCKLE married Mary Josephine RANKIN on 7 November 1916 at St. Mary’s Church, Catholic Church, Kaluagalla, Sri Lanka.
Where can i find it and can you help?
Await your reply.
Many thanks
Hi,
I recently stated to write our family tree & looking for any family of grandfather. His name Andiris piladuwa paranahewa. He was a lighthouse keeper at dondra galle lighthouse. married twice have 5 children Had a brother named Carolis. Know his family. He’s to have 2 or more siblings. Looking for any information about them or anyother relatives.
Hi,
I am trying to find the exact location of my twin brother’s grave. I know he is buried in Kanatte / Catholic Section. His name is Dillerne Corey Gervase Loos. Passed away 8 Aug 1971, so may have been buried a few days or a week later. My parents are elderly and struggle to remember the exact location. Is there any way I can obtain a copy of his death Certificate? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I will be there during Sept 2024.
Thanks for your help.
Hi I’m looking for information on my grandfather and any family history. His name was Sam Peter Rasiah. I know he passed away in 1942. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hi I am seeking information on my grandmother born in Sri Lanka in 1899 4th February apparently to George Beauclerk Maule Ffinch and Lilian Jessie Van Duran. I cannot work out if she was their child or if she was adopted. Im looking for a birth certificate. She had a number of syblings,
Gladys Hope Ffinch (born 1899)
John Maule Ffinch (1901–1982)
Esmee Louise Ffinch (born 1902)
Arthur George Ffinch (1902–1919)
Robert Maule Ffinch (1903–1975)
Theresa Isabel Ffinch (1904–1994)
Hi I am seeking information on my grandmother born in Sri Lanka in 1899 4th February apparently to George Beauclerk Maule Ffinch and Lilian Jessie Van Duran. I cannot work out if she was their child or if she was adopted. Im looking for a birth certificate. She had a number of syblings,
Hello, I am seeking the marriage record of my grandparents Ronald Mann and Elinor Wright (Mann). They were married in the mid to late 1930s in Colombo. Thank you!
nishani de silva
Hi looking for a Lekamwasam Liyanage Thejawathie gunatunga, was married to tantulage jerad lionel fernando. Looking to see if her parents names were mentioned anywhere. She was from Ambalangoda. might have been the daughter of a well to do merchant and an aristrocrat mother. Thejawathie died around 1950.
Thank you
Dear Ms. Hewson,
I hope you are doing well.
I am conducting genealogical research into my family history and am seeking information relating to the Jansz Gunasekara family of Galle during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
My second great-grandfather was Rev. Cornelius Oberis Jansz Gunasekara, who was born on 2 October 1834 and later became a Methodist minister in Sri Lanka. I am particularly interested in identifying his parents, grandparents, and other family members.
I would be grateful if you could advise whether your records contain any information relating to:
• Rev. Cornelius Oberis Jansz Gunasekara (born 2 October 1834)
• Don Louis Jansz Gunasekara of Galle, his father
• Any Jansz Gunasekara family members living in Galle during the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century
• Birth, baptism, marriage, death, probate, land, or church records relating to the Jansz Gunasekara family
• Any records relating to associated Dutch Burgher families connected to the Jansz Gunasekara family
I am also researching my Dutch Burgher ancestry and would be interested in any records relating to the Thuring family of Ceylon, particularly if there are connections to the Jansz Gunasekara family.
If relevant records are available, I would be grateful for details regarding research fees, copies, or record extracts.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.