Born:

31 Oct 1836, seventh child and sixth son of James Charters Currie and Rosanna Clement. Christened at St Vincent Street Scotch Church, Stepney on 4 Dec 1836.

Life:

In 1855, age 18, went to the Crimea. In September 1858, age 21, to Calcutta for 4 years - recommended to the Telegraph Office. In 1861, age 24, he would appear to be in Australia as James has paid him a visit.

Around 1867, age 31, married Banff-born Grace. Worked as a soldier in Dover, Chatham and Aldershot and had 5 children born in different army bases, 4 boys - Harry, Archibald, Gordon and Wallace and then a girl, Gertrude.

Moved to Peckham, Camberwell, living in 1881 at 49 Parkstone Road, and in 1891 at 64 St Mary's Road. McDowall worked first as a steward in the Fire Office in 1881 and then as an insurance clerk in 1891. In 1881 they looked after Archibald Crowe, 18 and born in Madras India, a nephew on Grace's side. By 1891 they could afford a servant as Archibald, Gordon and Wallace were all working. We do not hear about Harry after 1881.

About 1893, McDowall and Grace's son Archibald married family friend Robina J Duncan, a nurse born in Scotland. They had 2 boys by 1901, Harry and Archibald and lived in 2 Douglas Villas, Foresthill, Lewisham.

Died:

? Still alive in 1901 as is wife Grace.

Sources:

James Charters Currie's Diary on the death of his wife and daughter 1850
Letters to and between James Charters Currie and Rosanna Currie (née Clement)and their children
Letters to and between Alexander Currie and Jessie Currie (née Johnston) and their children
British birth, baptism and marriage records
1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 British Census records

Many thanks to Dorothy Holden of the RAOGK site for her research help.