Urquhart history
Helen Zander was born in Clackforbie, New Blyth in Scotland but spent her childhood in New Deer.
It was Helen Zander's (nee Urquhart) understanding that she was born and raised an Urquhart. However, in 1969 when Helen was applying for a pension she discovered that her birth certificate showed her maiden name as Helen Chalmers. It's thought that the Chalmers may have been from her father (unknown). She subsequently had her name changed to Urquhart.
Helen was raised by her uncle, Alexander Urquhart and his wife who she called mother and father. Alexander's sister Jessie had given birth to Helen Georgiana Urquhart who we believe was Helen Zander's mother. Helen Georgiana emigrated to America and married James Sinclair. There are photos in Helen Zander's photo album of her American family.
Alexander's wife had died of dropsey when Helen was ten years old (Helen refers to her mother having asthma, this was her foster mother) Alexander's first wife). He later married Mary Mcleod who had a daughter Flora.
Helen had a close friendship with her neighbour, Mary Milne whom she communicated with throughout her life in New Zealand.
Read the article about Helen written by Kerry Bethall written in Stuff News.
High st, New Deer in the 1960s and New Deer school which Helen attended.
Above image: Mary Mcleod Urquhart, Flora McLeod and Alexander Urquhart. Image right: Helen with her first boyfriend Alick Kelman
Image above: Maggie Jane Sinclair, Helen Georgina Chalmers Urquhart Sinclair and George Sinclair passport photo.
Image left: Ruth and Mary Milne, Helen's neighbours and good friend