The Davidson Connection?

In 1972, Dr. W. MacKay of Newcastle (?Chatham), New Brunswick showed me a paper containing the account of a brooch which had been passed from the eldest daughter to the eldest daughter - the first recorded daughter being 'Margaret Davidson'. The account read as follows:

"This brooch is an heirloom which passes from eldest daughter to eldest daughter. It may have originated with the Davidson family. The wife of Alexandeer MacKay was Margaret Davidson who was said to have been the daughter of the Sheriff of Dornoch and the initials K.D. may refer to an earlier holder of the brooch, perhaps a Katherine Davidson."

The known holders of it have been as shown:

Margaret Davidson (1771-1855);
born in Scotland, wife of Alexander MacKay (1762 - 1847)

Marion MacKay (1818 - 1880);
born in Bratten, Scotland, wife of John MacIntosh (1810 - 1887)

Annabel MacIntosh (1849 - 1940);
born in North Earltown, N.S., wife of Murdoch MacLean (1858 -1929)

Mary M. MacLean (1884 - );
born in Wallace Grant, N.S., wife of Talbert MacNutt

One queries this account. Margaret Davidson, born 1771, would be 47 years old if and when she gave birth to Marion. Has a generation been missed? The other wives appear to be older when giving birth to their first daughter.

The known ages of the children of Alexander and Margaret MacKay of Bratan Grudy (later of Mount Dalhousie, Pictou County, NS) range from Janet, born in 1791, to Angus, born in 1812. The Parish records of Rogart give Margaret's maiden name as MacKay, not Davidson.

This may indeed be two married couples, with similar names. Due ot the rigours of the Scottish Naming System, it happens frequently.

One may question whether Marion is the eldest daughter of the eldest daughter of Alexander and Margaret MacKay, and perhaps her parents were living at Bratten at the time of her birth.