Hello Michele,

May as well answer a few questions while waiting.
It seems like the name of Donaldson may have been a misspelling.
I have looked at the Will of David Alexander Donaldson just recently-- and his estate was to go to Charles McCreanney, but because he
did not write out the will properly( it was on a scap of paper ) the court would not allow it to be processed. So the residue--after all costs ,was divided amongst his 4 nephews,
William, Hughbert, Charles and David Alexander McCreanney. All the Donaldson burials were on the Onchan /Braddan burials. Donna Douglas and John Ball kindly sent them to me and all tie up with what I have, to date on the family.
I think 2 or 3 of the sons were living in Liverpool at the time the will came through for D.A. Donaldson in 1917.

Our connection will take you back to Ann Donaldson's parents who were James and Sarah( Donaldson) Campbell who were living on IOM in the 1840's-- at KIRKK German.
James and Sarah had two children,I know of- and that was Ann and her brother WILLiam --who in 1839 came to Australia . He had married Ann Jane Quirk --from Lambfell Moar,who lived next door to the Campbells on Lambfell Beg. William also worked for the Quirks.

Don't be confused with the name of Donaldson again-- she and DAVID, the son-in- law may be related but have yet to prove it.
Certainly the Campbells were from N. IRELAND.

In my quest to try and find out "our Roots" I have searched for the family on the IOM and am now trying to come forward to find a living relative.
It looks like we may have a Hit ! which is great. I live in Australia and am in the processs of hiring films through the LDS. IT all takes time.
When you get back home I will send you what I have so far to peruse and to see if you agree.
At some stage Margaret Ann changed religion( I know she converted in 1880 ).This was from Marie. She died in 1884 .

On the marriage of John McCreanney and Margaret Ann( I have just viewed it today)-- NB that the spelling is the way the children signed when they received the money from the will . There seems to be many ways of spelling the name. It certainly keeps us on our toes, doesn't it ? I am about to send the will back--but if you would like me to copy the papers please let me know-- I shall copy them next week . I will need to hear from you pronto on this as I will have to ring and ask the ladies to hold the film., for me.
I wonder If the cottage on the hill was because the DONALDSONS>DOLLARSON had something to do with ships.? There is a will of a gentleman which I must check on also. I think his name is JOHN Donaldson who died 3 August 1861--formerly Captain and ship owner of Liverpool Buried Onchan --stone on his grave also. He may be related.
Lastly was William McCreanney in Warrington?
I have found a birth and death of a son Also a daughter Gladys. This was on the FREE BDM .
ONe more thing I forgot to mention was the John McCreanney's father was William

I shall let you digest this

Cheers
Erla