Revised Oct 2024
Our Stewart and Muir families came from Ayrshire; a part of Scotland south of Glasgow, and joined the family tree when GGM Janet Stewart married GGF Richard Vasey Brown on the other side of the world in Melbourne. At the end of this chapter is a diagram showing how
members of the Stewart and Muir families fit into our extended family tree.'The Telegraph' (UK) carried a report about members of the extended Stewart Clan on 18 Sep 2016, "A ground breaking DNA study has found that half of all the men who carry the surnames Stewart, or Stuart, are descended from Scotland’s royal dynasty. The same investigation has also traced, for the first time, the rise of a male DNA lineage to a single individual in the 13th century who founded a branch of the Royal Stewart line".
Alistair Moffat,
co-founder of Scotland's DNA, added: “In the year of the 700th anniversary of
Bannockburn, thousands of Scottish men can claim to be directly descended from
the Stewarts who fought alongside Bruce, and they can directly identify with
generations of famous figures who shaped Scotland and Britain.” If GGGP James Stewart (1809-1855) carried the link, then it would have
been passed down to his descendants too.
190.0 GGM Janet Stewart (1845-1917)
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| Dalry baptism registration for Janet Stewart on 22 Dec 1863 |
According to the few records available and information on other family trees, both parents died young; GGGF James Stewart died 1855, aged 46, and GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir died in 1860 aged 48. In the 1861 census, brother John 17, was listed as 'head of the family'.
190.1 GGM Janet Stewart was Orphaned
Both of Janet's parents
died young; GGGF James Stewart died in 1855, aged 46, and GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir,
died in 1860 aged 48. Janet's older sister, Margaret, died in 1858. In 1860 GGGP James and Margaret's
surviving children were John Stewart 16, Janet Stewart 14 and Mary Stewart 12. After the death of their parents, life would have been very hard and the children would have had to
earn their keep. Initially they were living next to their mother's siblings in
North St, Dalry, but to survive they had to find work. Janet and Elizabeth moved into
nearby premises in Sharon and New Streets respectively, where they worked as
servants, John was working in the mines and twelve year old Mary was working in
a factory.
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| 1861 Census Dalry. Janet's age rounded down |
The fact that the children were orphaned, was probably the
main reason GGM Janet Stewart considered moving overseas. In the 1860's, free
passage was offered to young single women to try and even up the gender
imbalance in the various colonies of Australia. Even though the trip was free,
it was still a huge decision to leave behind siblings, everything that was
familiar, and travel to the other side of the world to an unknown future. In
addition, the trip was reasonably dangerous, as ship sinkings and deaths at sea
were not rare.
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| Details of the 'Royal Standards' departure on 27 Sep 1866, with passengers under contract to the Victorian Government |
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| Passenger details for Janet Stewart: She signed a contract to undertake an assisted passage on 30 Apr 1866 |
Janet almost certainly made this trip as a young woman in
the mid 1860's, but as there were several 'Janet Stewarts' arriving in Victoria
during this period it is not possible to say an exact year with certainty. The four records
that best fit Janet's circumstances are:-
a) Janet Stewart 20 left Liverpool on 27 Sep 1866 on the ship 'Royal Standard' and arrived in Melbourne in Dec 1866. This record seems the best fit, especially with age. Janet would have been 21 in Feb 1866. The Leader
newspaper (15 Dec 1866) reported that "female servants are in good request” and
that 300 government immigrants had arrived on the Royal Standard this week.
b) Janet Stewart 18 spinster from Scotland sailed from
Liverpool and arrived in Melbourne on the ship 'Vanguard' on 15
Mar 1865. Probably too young.
c) Janet Stewart 18 general servant, left Portsmouth in early 1864 and arrived at Hobsons Bay in May 1864 on
the ship 'Tudor'. She was contracted to work at Heathcote for Mrs Treen?? No other records indicate Janet lived in a country area, so this record is unlikely to be our Janet. Also Janet was unlikely to have embarked from the very south of England which was over 400 miles from her home town.
d) Janet Stewart 27 cook and laundress sailed from
Southampton on the ship 'Boanerges'. She arrived in Melbourne on 9 Jul
1862. She was contracted to work for R.S. Anderson, Emerald Hill. This last record fits well, apart from Janet's age. However, if Janet was baptised in Dec 1863, this record can be excluded.
190.2 GGM Janet
Stewart (1845-1917) & GGF Richard Vasey Brown (1828-1913)
According to her marriage registration Janet Stewart was born in Ayrshire and was living in Emerald Hill (South
Melbourne) in 1870 at the age of 24 and working as a servant, when she met her future and much older
husband who was living at St. Kilda and working as a labourer at the time.
 |
| Janet Stewart married Richard Vasey Brown on 11 May 1870 |
On
11 May 1870 GGM Janet Stewart 24 married the much older GGF Richard Vasey Brown 39 (b.1828 Grantham, UK), in The Manse,
Presbyterian Church, Emerald Hill (South Melbourne). Janet's parents were listed as James Stewart, contractor ("of pits" see 1851 census), and Margaret Muir. One of the witnesses to the wedding was Richard's step nephew, Walter Perry (See 27.5a). GGF Richard Vasey Brown
was a 'bachelor', so this was his first marriage. For more details about GGP Janet Stewart and Richard Vasey Brown's married
life. (See 24.2)
After her husband died at Taripta in 1913, GGM Janet Brown nee Stewart 70
stayed on at Kyabram. The 'Kyabram Free Press' reported on 8 Dec 1914 that she
had purchased a property consisting of "a
house and 28 acres, Kyabram, to Mrs Janet Brown". Sadly she only had a few years to enjoy her
purchase. The 1914 AER listed Janet as living in Kyabram with daughter
Janet Stewart Brown not far from her other daughter Katie Muir Thoms nee Brown and her husband
Harry, who were living at Taripta.
World War One started in 1914 and a wave of Australia's
young men joined the AIF. Amongst those that signed up were two of Janet's
boys. The war brought personal tragedy to the family in 1817. 'The Age' 24 Feb
1917 reported, "Killed in action on
the 26th January Herbert Duncan [Brown], husband of Dora, late of Ripponlea,
fourth son of Janet Brown of Kyabram, brother of Richard Vasey [b1871], Henry
Stewart, Mrs. Bruce, Mrs. Smith, Edwin Douglas, Mrs Thoms and James Allan (on
active service), aged 32 years. Duty nobly done."
It may have been the grief of losing one of her sons or
another cause, but later that year GGM
Janet Brown nee Stewart died at the age of 74. There was no death
notice, but an advert in the Kyabram Free Press 30 Oct 1917 announced, "Re Janet Brown, deceased, all Persons
having claims or accounts against the estate of the above named deceased are
requested to forward detailed particulars". This was followed by
another notice in the same paper on 13 November 1917, "Re Janet Brown, deceased. notice is hereby given that Probate of
the Last Will and Codicil of Janet Brown late of Kyabram widow deceased may be
granted to Janet Stewart Bruce of Ormond the wife of Alexander Wilson Bruce of
the same place Grocer and Harry Leslie Thoms (in the said will called in error
Henry Leslie Thoms) of Kyabram aforesaid Plumber the Executrix and Executor named
in and appointed by the said Will." Janet Stewart Bruce nee Stewart was Janet's eldest daughter.
191.0 GGGP James
Stewart (1809-1855) & Margaret Muir (1809-1860)
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| Scotlands People Website: James Stewart was born in Stair on 28 May 1809. His father was John Stewart |
GGGF James Stewart
was born on 28 May 1809 in Stair. His parents were John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson. (See 193.1 for the life of James' parents.) The 1851 census record below confirms his place of birth.
There was another James Stewart born a few miles away at Old Cumnock on 4 May 1809 to David Stewart and Mary Wilson. It is possible that one or both of these parents were related to GGGGP John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson (The parents of James Stewart b1809).
At some stage James visited Dalry, about 23 miles away, and met his future wife Margaret Muir. Margaret had been born in Dalry and up to the time of her marriage had probably spent her whole life there . (See 199.0 for details of her early life and ancestors)
GGGP James Stewart, 26 contractor and Margaret Muir 24 were married in Dalry on 27 Apr 1835. They possibly had their first child Jane Stewart before they were married. According to the 1841 census, daughter Jane was 7 in 1841, which suggests she was born in early 1834. However it is more likely that she was born in 1836 and either the wrong age was recorded, or it was misread by the transcriber (both very common). Their second daughter, Elizabeth Stewart was born in Dalry in 1839.
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| 1851 census confirms that James Stewart was born in Stair & later married Margaret Muir |
At some stage James visited Dalry, about 23 miles away, and met his future wife Margaret Muir. Margaret had been born in Dalry and up to the time of her marriage had probably spent her whole life there . (See 199.0 for details of her early life and ancestors)
 |
| Stewart Tartan |
GGGP James Stewart, 26 contractor and Margaret Muir 24 were married in Dalry on 27 Apr 1835. They possibly had their first child Jane Stewart before they were married. According to the 1841 census, daughter Jane was 7 in 1841, which suggests she was born in early 1834. However it is more likely that she was born in 1836 and either the wrong age was recorded, or it was misread by the transcriber (both very common). Their second daughter, Elizabeth Stewart was born in Dalry in 1839.
 |
| 1841 Census Dalry. |
 |
| 1841 census |
 |
| Sorn, Ayrshire |
 |
| 1851 Census Sorn, Ayrshire |
NOTE: Glenlogan Mines (Iron Works) was located in Sorn, Ayrshire. "In Sorn, as in other
places, the gardens are principally behind the houses. Most of the houses are
good, of one or two stories in height, and are above the average of village houses,
especially of a village so remote from a railway. There are about 300
inhabitants, and besides the usual tradesmen, the population consists chiefly
of miners."
191.1 Stewart Children
are Orphaned
According to the few records available and information on other family trees, both parents died young; GGGF James Stewart was the first to pass. He died in 1855, aged 46. The death record above could be his, but incorrectly lists his age as 48. The death place given is Auchinleck, which is only 3 miles from Sorn. However this record lists his mother's maiden name as 'Campbell', which does not align with other records. Sadly James and Margaret's third daughter Margaret Stewart b1842, died in 1858 aged 16.
The fact that the children
were orphaned was probably the main reason GGM Janet Stewart considered moving
overseas. The free passages to Australia offered to single women in the 1860's,
painted a 'land of opportunities', and GGM
Janet Stewart took the very brave step of signing up for one of these (See 190.0).
192.0 Six Children of GGGP
James Stewart (1809-1855) & Margaret Muir (1809-1860)
Three of the six children and both of their parents seem to have died young; before they were fifty. This may have been the result of living most of their lives in mining areas, where dust pollution in the air and on work clothes was significant. GGM Janet Stewart moved to Australia as a young adult and this may have helped her reach the age of 71, when she passed away. Her younger sister Mary who migrated to USA also avoided death at a young age.
Birth/baptism records have not been found for most of the children born to James and Margaret Stewart nee Muir. This may be because those children were baptised in the Muir family local church; The United Presbyterian Church, Courthill St, Dalry, (aka Dalry Burgher Church). Often records from the 'free' churches are not as readily available as those from the 'Scottish Church'. Birth dates and place of birth cited below are taken from various census documents.
192.1 Jane Stewart (c1836-c1744)
Three of the six children and both of their parents seem to have died young; before they were fifty. This may have been the result of living most of their lives in mining areas, where dust pollution in the air and on work clothes was significant. GGM Janet Stewart moved to Australia as a young adult and this may have helped her reach the age of 71, when she passed away. Her younger sister Mary who migrated to USA also avoided death at a young age.
Birth/baptism records have not been found for most of the children born to James and Margaret Stewart nee Muir. This may be because those children were baptised in the Muir family local church; The United Presbyterian Church, Courthill St, Dalry, (aka Dalry Burgher Church). Often records from the 'free' churches are not as readily available as those from the 'Scottish Church'. Birth dates and place of birth cited below are taken from various census documents.
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| Most of James and Margaret Stewart nee Muir's children were born in the North St. home, in Dalry |
 |
| 1841 Census: Jane Stewart was born c1835? and living in North St Dalry |
 |
| 1841 census resident details |
Jane lived with her parents in her grandparent's home for
the next few years and whilst there, her mother GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir had a
second daughter Elizabeth Stewart in 1839. The Apr 1841 census reveals that Jane 7, her mother, and sister Elizabeth 1 were living in the North St home, but father GGGF James
Stewart was not listed. He was possibly working and living a few miles away at
Kilwinning in miner's dormitories. The whole family moved there to be with him in the early 1840's.
As no further records listing Jane Stewart can be found, she
may have died young; before the 1851 census. She probably died
before sister Jane was born in 1845 (and given a very similar name).
192.2 Elizabeth
Stewart (1839-1927)
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| The 1871 census: Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart was born in Dalry c1839. |
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| 1851 census Dalry: Elizabeth Stewart living with grandparents |
By 1860 both of Elizabeth's parents had died. In addition, Elizabeth's younger sister, Margaret Stewart b1842 died in 1858 aged 16. Life would have been very hard for Elizabeth and her siblings as they not only had to come to terms with the loss of their parents, but they had to earn their keep as well. With her two older sisters deceased, Elizabeth was now the oldest of the children. She would have born much of the responsibility for her younger siblings.
In 1861 an unmarried Elizabeth Stewart 21
was living with and working as a servant for the Wylie family who were 'spirit
merchants' in New St, Dalry. She did not remain there long, because by 1864 she was living about 45 miles away at the mining town of Dykehead Shotts. The move was probably for romantic reasons, because this is where Elizabeth met her future husband. Although born in Ireland, James Caldwell's family had moved to Scotland when he was 2 months old. It appears that his father, James Caldwell senior, pitheadman, had died in a mining accident at Shott Iron Works on 5 Jul 1859. He had "fallen down with an empty hutch when the cage was at the bottom" of the pit.
On 2 Feb 1864, Elizabeth Stewart, 23 year old servant, married Irishman James Caldwell 22, engine keeper. The marriage registration listed her parents as James Stewart, deceased coalminer and Margaret Stewart, maiden name Muir (deceased). At the time, both Elizabeth and James were living at Shotts, Dykehead. The wedding took place at Shotts Iron Works and was witnessed by John and William Caldwell. Two years later a son named James Currie Caldwell was born but sadly
died soon after.
Elizabeth's husband James Caldwell (Justice of the Peace) b1841 of 'The Bungalow', Pumpherston, Midcalder died 23 Aug 1921. Probate (effects valued at £5366) was granted to sons James Stewart Caldwell, mining manager, Linlithgow, William Caldwell, mining agent West Calder, John Stewart Caldwell medical practitioner Leith, and Matthew Caldwell, mining manager, Pumpherston. Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart 87 widow died at her son's home at Woodside, Linlithgow on 17 Sep 1927 of heart disease. Son James S Caldwell was the informant. James and Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart were buried together at Kirk of Calder.
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| 1861 census Dalry |
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| Calderhead marriages 1864:After Banns according to the Forms of the Free Church |
NOTE: The 'Undiscovered
Scotland' website explains, "In
1802 a moorland area two miles south of Kirk o' Shotts became the location of a
major iron works, built to exploit the large reserves of ironstone found in the
area. As the location lay in the parish of Shotts, that was the name given to
the settlement that grew to service the iron works and the coal mines which
rapidly followed. By the later 1800s the works at Shotts had grown to the
extent it was using the slogan "Shotts lights the world", as gas lamp
standards [poles] made here were exported throughout the British Empire and beyond. By
the beginning of the 1900s a steelworks had also been established in the town."
By
1871 the young couple were living at 3 McGhei Land, (which may have been in
nearby Ballieston). The family was listed as James Caldwell 30 engine keeper,
Elizabeth Caldwell 31, Mary Caldwell 6, Margaret Caldwell 3, Jane Caldwell 1
and Charles McGilray 21 boarder.
In
1881 the family was living at No 150 Messrs Row, Addie & Sons Houses,
Dykehead. The family consisted of James Caldwell 40 (who was now a manager in
the ironworks), Elizabeth Caldwell 41, Margaret Caldwell 13, Jane Caldwell 11,
James Caldwell 9, William Caldwell 7, John Caldwell 5 and Matthew Caldwell 1.
At the age of 44 in 1884, Elizabeth had her last baby named Janet, but sadly
the baby died at the age of 4 in 1888. Her details were engraved on her
parent's gravestone.
In
1891 the family moved to 2 The Cottages, Midcalder, about 15 miles from Shotts.
Living there were James Caldwell 50 mining manager, Elizabeth Caldwell 51, Jane
Caldwell 21, James S Caldwell 19 mechanical draughtsman, William Caldwell 17
apprentice mining engineer, John S Caldwell 15 clerk, Matthew Caldwell 11 and
Elizabeth Caldwell 9.
The family were still living in Midcalder in
In 1911 (census above) they had the same address, but we learn more about the house and the family. It had eight rooms and four residents; being James Caldwell 70 mining manager (shale), Elizabeth Caldwell 71, unmarried daughter Elizabeth Stewart Caldwell 29 and Nellie Clarkson, servant. We also learn that up until 1911 their marriage had lasted 47 years (married 1864) and Elizabeth had had ten children of whom eight were still living. James and Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart's eight surviving children were; Mary Caldwell 1864-?, Margaret Muir Caldwell 1867-1914, Jane Caldwell 1870-?, James Stewart Caldwell 1871-1937, William Caldwell 1874-?, John Caldwell 1876-?, Matthew Caldwell 1880-1958 and Elizabeth Caldwell 1882-? The two deceased children were Janet and James Currie Caldwell.
 |
| Image from www.gravestonephotos.com See inscription below. |
The
Inscription on their gravestone above reads: "In Memory Of Janet Stewart
Caldwell daughter of James Caldwell Who died 16th July 1888 Aged 4 years &
10 months [b1884 Mid Calder]
Also
the above James Caldwell of Pumpherston , who died 23rd Aug 1921 in his 81st
year.
Also
Elizabeth Stewart beloved wife of James Caldwell died 17th Sep 1927 in her 87th
year"
192.2a James Stewart Caldwell (1781-1937) Son of James Caldwell & Elizabeth Stewart
Elizabeth Stewart's son, James Stewart Caldwell (1871-1937), was the second son given the name James. The first son died at the age of ten months at Dykehead Schotts. Both his parents were named on the death certificate.
James Stewart Caldwell married Mary Jane Martin and had three known children. His eldest son also named James was killed in Iraq in WW1 and was awarded the Distinguished Military Medal. The gravestone in Midcalder Cemetery lists James b1871, his son James Caldwell (KIA in WW1) and other members of his family.
192.3 Margaret Stewart (1842-1858)
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| 1851 census: Margaret Stewart was born in Kilwinning c1842 |
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| Death registration 'Scottish people Website' |
192.4 John Stewart
(1844-c1880)
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| 1851 census at Sorn: John Stewart was listed as being born c1844 in Dalry |
 |
| 1861 Census Dalry: John listed as being born in Kilwinning |
On 1 Jan 1866 John 22 (surname incorrectly spelt) married Euphemia Fotheringham (b1845 Dumfermline) at Kilbirnie, Ayrshire (4 miles from Dalry). Euphemia's family had moved to Kilbirnie before 1861. After their wedding, the couple were living at Kilbirnie at first, but later moved to John's North St. home in Dalry and started a family. Lilly (Lillias) was born on 7 Dec 1866 at Kilbirnie, Janet was born on 16 Oct 1868 in Dalry and Maggie (Margaret) was born in Dalry on 1 Oct 1870.
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| 1871 Census. The family were living at North St, Dalry |
 |
| John Stewart died 1880 at Eastwood; about 18 miles from Kilbirnie |
John Stewart died at
the age of 36 in 1880 at Eastwood, possibly in a work accident This was about 18 miles from Kilbirnie. By 1881 the
family had moved to Newton St, Kilbirnie and were living in the same street as
Euphemia's elderly parents William and Lillias Fotheringham. From this point
on, Euphemia was listed as head of the family. Maggie was conceived in 1877, so
her father died after that year. 'The Gazetteer of
Scotland 1882', notes that "Sandstone, limestone, ironstone, and coal are
worked" in Eastfield, and it was in one of these mines that John probably
met his fate.
In 1891 the family were living in Montgomerieston Street, Kilbirrnie and consisted of Euphemia Stewart 46, James Stewart 18 stationary engine keeper, Jane Stewart 16 cotton net worker, Maggie Stewart 14 and Sam McClement 20 boarder.
As
Euphemia and none of her children appear on later censuses or other documents,
the whole family probably migrated to the USA, as did Euphemia's sister-in-law
Mary Stewart in 1905 (See 192.6 below). There are records of a number of 'Stewarts' in passenger lists including an
'Euphemia Stewart', but there is not enough evidence available yet to make a
definite link. Also daughter Lillias Stewart b1867 married William Macdowal
(McDowall) and returned from a trip to the U.S. in 1934. Her second daughter
was named Euphemia Fotheringham McDowal b1892 Kilbirnie.
192.5 GGM Janet
Stewart (1845-1917)
192.6 Mary Stewart
(1848–?)
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| 1851 Census. Mary Stewart was born in 1849 in Dalry |
Mary Stewart 21 married John Faichney 23 (b1847 Dunblane), who was a colliery joiner by trade, on 18 Nov 1870 at Dalry and the couple had their first child later that year. They named their baby Fergus Faichney. The 1871 census listed Mary 22 as living in North St, Dalry with her uncle John Muir 59 and aunt Jane Muir 67, along with husband John Faichney 22 and baby Fergus Faichney 4 months. Mary's uncle was a wool weaver and at this time Mary was listed as a knitter.
For the next thirty years the couple lived in the Glasgow
area. Their next eight children were born in various parts of Glasgow; Margaret
Faichney on 8 Oct 1872 at High Church, Glasgow, John Faichney 23 Jan 1875,
Fergus Faichney 1877 (the first Fergus died), Mary Faichney 1879, Jane Faichney
1 Jan 1881, Mary Faichney 1883 (the first Mary must have died), Elizabeth
Faichney 22 Oct 1886 and William McKirdy Faichney 4 Nov 1894.
According to the census and the place of birth of their
children, the family lived at New Monkland Landward, Lanarkshire in the 1880's,
Glasgow, Dennistoun, Lanarkshire in the 1890's and Camlachie, Glasgow in the 1900's.
In 1905 the family decided to move to the USA. They arrived at Ellis Island New York on 12 Sep 1905 aboard the ship 'Furnissia'. Several family trees record that Mary died on 23 Aug 1911 at Kearny, Hudson, New Jersey, USA. No more is known about them.
193.0 Ancestors of GGGF James Stewart (1809-1855)
See 191.0 for details GGGF James Stewart's life. His parents were GGGGP John Stewart (b1767) and Elizabeth Wilson (b1770). His mother was 37 when he was born.
NOTE: The ancestral line below is based on much fewer primary documents and because of this there may be errors.
See 191.0 for details GGGF James Stewart's life. His parents were GGGGP John Stewart (b1767) and Elizabeth Wilson (b1770). His mother was 37 when he was born.
NOTE: The ancestral line below is based on much fewer primary documents and because of this there may be errors.
193.1 GGGGP John Stewart (1766-?) & Elizabeth Wilson (1767-1836)
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| Baptism registration Symington: John Stewart, son to Robert Stewart & Jean Smith 22 Oct 1766 |
John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson settled in Kilmarnock and started their family of seven children. The last child was born when Elizabeth was 42 years old. The children were; Robert Stewart 1792-1855, Jean Stewart 1794-?, Margaret Stewart 1797-?, Elizabeth Stewart 1799-c1800, Elizabeth Stewart 1801-c1802, John Stewart 1806-1871 and GGGF James Stewart 1809-1864. The children were all named after their parents or grandparents; Robert and Jean were named after John's parents, Margaret after John's grandmother, Elizabeth after her mother, John after his father and James after Elizabeth's father. This pattern of naming children was very common.
The family lived in Kilmarnock at least until after the birth of their of their fourth child in 1799. In 1801 they were living eight miles further south in Monkton, but by 1806 they had moved seven miles east to Stair. The dates of death for John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson are not known with certainty.
194.0 Seven Children of GGGGP John Stewart (1766-?) & Elizabeth Wilson (1767-?)
NOTE 1: 'Stewart' is sometimes spelled 'Stuart' or even 'Steurt' in some records.
All three sons followed their father into the mining industry and at least one of their daughters married a miner.
194.1 Robert Stewart (1792-1860)
 |
| 1841 census |
 |
| 1851 census |
According to his
death certificate, Robert Stewart, widowed coal miner, died on 26 May 1860 in George
St, Kilmarnock. He was 68 years old and his deceased parents were listed as
John and Elizabeth Stewart nee Wilson. Wife Mary Stewart nee Murdoch’s date of
death is unknown. Son William Stewart's death certificate confirms that they
were both deceased before 1875
Son William Stewart 53, coal miner, died of chronic bronchitis at Kilwinning in 1875, and his death certificate listed his deceased parents as Robert Stewart (coal miner) and Mary Murdoch. William Stewart's widow was listed as Elizabeth McCallum. The 1881 census listed daughter Jane (Jean) Stewart 62, living with
Robert's grand-daughter Mary Stewart b1839 and her family in Kilmarnock.
194.1a Elizabeth Stewart (1815-1883) 1st daughter of Robert & Mary Stewart nee Murdoch
194.2 Jean Stewart (1794-?)
Jean Stewart was baptised on 2 Nov 1794 in Kilmarnock. She was listed in the Parish Register as the second child of John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson.
194.3 Margaret Stewart (1797-?)
Margaret Stewart was baptised on 3 Mar 1797 in Kilmarnock. She was listed in the Parish Register as the third child of John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson.
194.4 Elizabeth Stewart (1799-c1800)
Elizabeth Stewart was baptised on 20 Aug 1799 in Kilmarnock. She was listed in the Parish Register as the fourth child of John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson. Elizabeth must have died as an infant because another daughter of that name was born in 1801.
194.5 Elizabeth Stewart (1801-?)
Elizabeth Stewart was baptised on 14 Jun 1801 in Monkton and Prestwick by parents John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson.
194.6 John Stewart (1806-1871)
John Stewart was baptised at Stair on 25 Aug 1806, with his father listed as John Stewart. Although his mother, Elizabeth Wilson, was not mentioned on the baptism record, he did acknowledge her later by giving her surname (Wilson) to two of his own children.
John 30 married the much younger Mary
Wylie 17 (1819-1902) on 28 Aug 1936 at Kilwinning in 'The Church of Scotland'. They went on to have eleven children.
By 1841 children had started arriving, and the family moved to Perceton Bridge, Dreghorn, not far from older brother Robert and his family. Living there were John
Stewart 35 coal miner, Mary Wyllie 20, Robert Stewart 4, Margaret Stewart 2, Margaret
Wilson 61 (probably the sister of John's mother Elizabeth Stewart nee Wilson) and Elizabeth Stewart 5 days old.
In 1861
John Stewart 54 coal pit contractor, Mary Stewart 41 and their nine children; Margaret Stewart 22 dressmaker, Elizabeth
Stewart 19 housemaid, Agnes Stewart 17 house maid, James Stewart 14 a very young pupil teacher, Hugh Stewart 12, Jane Stewart 9,
David Stewart 7, Barbara Stewart 4 and Mary Stewart 1 were living in
By 1871 the family were living in Redburn House, Kilwinning. There were John Stewart 54 coal pit contractor, Mary Stewart 41, Hugh Stewart 22 pit contractor, Jane Stewart 20, David Stewart 17 factory clerk, Barbara Stewart 14 and Mary Stewart 12 and Annie Stewart 8. John Stewart b1806 died on 4 Sep 1871 at Kilwinning aged 65 (See grave memorial below).
Mary Stewart nee Wylie was a widow in 1881 , but still living at Longford Cottage, Kilwinning with some of her children; Mary Stewart 61, David Stewart 27 clerk in Lands Office, Barbara Stewart 24 school mistress in public school, Mary Stewart 21 grocery store cashier and Annie Stewart 18 pupil teacher.
In 1891 Mary 70 was at the same address living with daughters Jane Stewart 38, Mary W Stewart 30 grocer's assistant and grandson John P Stewart 8 (son of Mary b1859). Ten years later in 1901 Mary 81 was still living at Longford with daughter Jean Wilson Stewart 48. Mary "Wylie" Stewart died the following year at Kilwinning aged 83. (SBDM)
John and Mary Stewart nee Wylie's eleven children were; Robert Stewart 1837-1894, Margaret Stewart 1839-1919, Elizabeth Stewart 1841-1923, Agnes Stewart 1843-1871, James Stewart 1847-1905, Hugh "Hew" Wylie Stewart 1849-1910, Jean Wilson Stewart 1851-1904, David Wilson Stewart 1853-?, Barbara Wylie Stewart 1857-1936, Mary Wylie Stewart 1859-1900 and Ann Weir Stewart 1862-1910. Mary Stewart nee Wylie was 43 when she had her last child.
194.7 GGGF James Stewart (1809-1855)
James Stewart was born to parents John Stewart and Elizabeth Wilson in Stair on 28 May 1809, and married Margaret Muir in 1835. James and Margaret had six children and several were named after family members: first daughter was named after Margaret's mother, second daughter named after John's mother, third daughter after Margaret herself and first son after both grandfathers. No doubt the plan was to name a second son after James, but that birth did not eventuate. Margaret was 39 when she had her last child in 1848.
See 191.0 for more information about the married life of James Stewart and Margaret Muir and see 199.6 for information about Margaret Muir's early life.
195.0 GGGGGP Robert Stewart (1737-?) & Jean Smith (1743-?)
Robert Stewart was born on 19 Oct 1737 at Kilwinning (baptism details confirmed by Scotlands People website). His parents were John Stewart and Mary Kerr. (See below)
Jean Smith was baptised on 11 Sep 1743 in Kilwinning by parents Archibald Smith and Margaret Cochrane. At some stage Robert met Jean Smith who had been born in the same town six years after him.
The only known child born to the couple was GGGGF John Stewart born on 22 Oct 1766 at Knockendale in the Parish of Symington (8 miles south of Kilwinning). The Scotlands People Website lists the location as 'Dundonald'.
195.1 GGGGGGP John Stewart (1707-?) & Mary Kerr (1713-?)
John Stewart was born in 1707 and baptised at Kilwinning on 14 Sep 1707. He met and courted his future wife in nearby Beith (8 miles)
John Stewart 30 married Mary Kerr 24 on 21 Feb 1737 at Kilwinning. Their only known child was Robert Stewart baptised in Kilwinning on 27 Oct 1737.
195.2 John Stewart (c1675-?) & Janet Miller (c1679-?)
John Stewart was probably born in Kilmarnock (10 miles from Kilwinning) on 1 Aug 1675. Janet (baptised as Jean) Miller was probably born in Kilwinning on 28 Sep 1679.
John Stewart 26? married Janet Miller 22? on 25 Dec 1701 in Kilwinning. They had four known children; Margaret Stewart b1702, GGGGGGGF John Stewart b1707, Andrew Stewart b1710, Mary Stewart b1715. All children were baptised in Kilwinning.
195.4 Archibald Smith (c1714-?) & Margaret Cochran (1711-?)
Archibald Smith was baptised in Irvine in Apr 1714. His future wife was born 4 miles away at Kilwinning.
Margaret Cochran was baptised in Kilwinning on 4 Mar 1711 by parents James Cochran and Margaret Gemmill.
Archibald Smith and Margaret Cochran were married on 4 Dec 1729. Over the next twenty years they had nine known children: Mary Smith 1731-c1739, Margaret Smith 1733, Janet Smith 1735-c1736, Janet Smith 1738, Mary Smith 1741, GGGGGM Jean Smith 1743, Archibald Smith 1746, Robert Smith 1749 and Grissel Smith 1749. The latter two appear to be twins. All children apart from Janet b1738 were baptised in Kilwinning. Janet b1738 was baptised in Irvine; the town of her father's birth. Margaret was 39 when she had her last child.
196.1 Ancestors of GGGGGM Mary Bankhead (1728-?)
GGGGM Elizabeth Wilson was born in Kilmarnock and was the ninth child born to GGGGGP James Wilson and Mary Bankhead on 21 Sep 1767. Although no more is known about James Wilson's ancestors, the family tree can be traced back further on the Bankhead side.
196.2 GGGGGGP Peter Bankhead (1681-?) & Jean Hutchison (?-?)
Peter Bankhead was baptised in Kilmardock on 3 Apr 1681 by parents Hugh Bankhead and Helen Stinson. The ancestors and birth date of Jean Hutchison are unknown. Peter moved to Kilmaurs with his family in the late 1690's.
Peter Bankhead 37 married Jean Hutchison in Kilmaurs on 5 Apr 1718. They had at least four children named Janet Bankhead b1719, Helen Bankhead b1720, John Bankhead b1725 and GGGGGM Mary Bankhead b1728. All children were baptised in Kilmaurs.
197.0 The Muir Family
According to the census and other records, the extended Muir family lived in Dalry, Ayrshire for generations. They were part of a booming home based 'weaving cottage industry', which was carried on by the family until the market collapsed in the late 1800's. Members of the family lived in North St, Sharon St, Vennel St and Kirk Close, which intersect in the centre of the town, and are in close proximity to each other. A diagram showing how the Stewart and Muir families fit into the family tree can be found at the end of Part 7 below.
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| Death Certificate for son William Stewart; coal miner who died at Kilwinning in 1875 |
194.1a Elizabeth Stewart (1815-1883) 1st daughter of Robert & Mary Stewart nee Murdoch
Born on the 4th June 1815 in Stair, Elizabeth and the rest of her family moved to Tarbolton in the 1820's. She married Charles Caldwell on 28 Jun 1833 in Tarbolton, Ayrshire (3 miles north of Stair). They had nine children and were living at the following locations at each census.
1841 Living at Perectow Cottages, Dreghorn (12 miles south of Stair)
1851 Living in Collier's House no 4 Dreghorn
1861 Living the The Manse, Dreghorn
1871 Living at 5 Caston Tce, Govan Church.
1881 Widow living at Govan Church. She had at least eight children during her lifetime. Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart (mother’s maiden name Murdoch) died in 1883 at the age of 67.
1841 Living at Perectow Cottages, Dreghorn (12 miles south of Stair)
1851 Living in Collier's House no 4 Dreghorn
1861 Living the The Manse, Dreghorn
1871 Living at 5 Caston Tce, Govan Church.
1881 Widow living at Govan Church. She had at least eight children during her lifetime. Elizabeth Caldwell nee Stewart (mother’s maiden name Murdoch) died in 1883 at the age of 67.
194.2 Jean Stewart (1794-?)
194.3 Margaret Stewart (1797-?)
194.4 Elizabeth Stewart (1799-c1800)
194.5 Elizabeth Stewart (1801-?)
194.6 John Stewart (1806-1871)
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| 1841 census Dreghorn |
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| 1861 census Irvine, Ayrshire |
By 1871 the family were living in Redburn House, Kilwinning. There were John Stewart 54 coal pit contractor, Mary Stewart 41, Hugh Stewart 22 pit contractor, Jane Stewart 20, David Stewart 17 factory clerk, Barbara Stewart 14 and Mary Stewart 12 and Annie Stewart 8. John Stewart b1806 died on 4 Sep 1871 at Kilwinning aged 65 (See grave memorial below).
Mary Stewart nee Wylie was a widow in 1881 , but still living at Longford Cottage, Kilwinning with some of her children; Mary Stewart 61, David Stewart 27 clerk in Lands Office, Barbara Stewart 24 school mistress in public school, Mary Stewart 21 grocery store cashier and Annie Stewart 18 pupil teacher.
In 1891 Mary 70 was at the same address living with daughters Jane Stewart 38, Mary W Stewart 30 grocer's assistant and grandson John P Stewart 8 (son of Mary b1859). Ten years later in 1901 Mary 81 was still living at Longford with daughter Jean Wilson Stewart 48. Mary "Wylie" Stewart died the following year at Kilwinning aged 83. (SBDM)
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| Wording on the above memorial for John and Mary Stewart nee Wylie's family |
194.7 GGGF James Stewart (1809-1855)
See 191.0 for more information about the married life of James Stewart and Margaret Muir and see 199.6 for information about Margaret Muir's early life.
195.0 GGGGGP Robert Stewart (1737-?) & Jean Smith (1743-?)
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| Kilwinning 1737: Robert son to John Stewart & Mary Kerr in (from) Rumbeth? born on Oct 19th & bapt Oct 27th |
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| 1764 Marriage Registrations Irvine, Ayrshire: Dec 16th Robert Stewart & Jean Smith
Robert Stewart 27 married Jean Smith at nearby Irvine (4 miles) on 16 Dec 1764. |
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| Baptism registratn : John, son to Robert Stewart & Jean Smith spouse in Knockendale Parish of Symington 22 Oct 1766 |
195.1 GGGGGGP John Stewart (1707-?) & Mary Kerr (1713-?)
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| Baptisms Kilwinning 1707: John Stewart son to John Stewart & Janet Miller in (from) Hillnook baptised Sep 14 |
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| Baptisms Beith, Ayrshire 1713: Mary daughter to Hugh Kerr of Galend? Born March 13, baptised (Mar) 22nd
Mary Kerr was baptised in Beith on 13 Mar 1713 by her parents Hugh Kerr and his unknown wife. |
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| Marriages Kilwinning 1737: John Stewart of Kilwinning & Mary Kerr of Dalry .... married on 21 Feb 1737 |
195.2 John Stewart (c1675-?) & Janet Miller (c1679-?)
John Stewart was probably born in Kilmarnock (10 miles from Kilwinning) on 1 Aug 1675. Janet (baptised as Jean) Miller was probably born in Kilwinning on 28 Sep 1679.
John Stewart 26? married Janet Miller 22? on 25 Dec 1701 in Kilwinning. They had four known children; Margaret Stewart b1702, GGGGGGGF John Stewart b1707, Andrew Stewart b1710, Mary Stewart b1715. All children were baptised in Kilwinning.
195.3 Ancestors of GGGGGM Jean Smith (1743-?)
Jean Smith was born to Archibald Smith and Margaret Cochrane on 11 Sep 1743 at Kilwinning.
Jean Smith married Robert Stewart 27 at nearby Irvine (4 miles) on 16 Dec 1764. (See above for more about her married life.)195.4 Archibald Smith (c1714-?) & Margaret Cochran (1711-?)
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| Kilwinning: Archibald Smith and Margaret Cochran ... gave their names Nov 14... & were married on Dec 4th 1729 |
196.0 GGGGGP James Wilson (?-?) & Mary Bankhead (1728-?)
The ancestry of James Wilson is hard to trace because of the number of men of that name living in Ayrshire at that time. He was probably born in the vicinity of Kilmarnock in the 1720's.
GGGGGM Mary Bankhead was baptised in Kilmaurs on 13 Oct 1728 by her parents GGGGGGP Peter Bankhead b1681 and Jean Hutchison
Mary Bankhead 25 married James Wilson on 25 Dec 1753 in Kilmarnock, which was two miles from her birthplace. They settled in Kilmarnock to have their family. Her nine children were Peter Wilson 1754-c1765, James Wilson b1756, John Wilson b1758, Jean Wilson b1759, Mary Wilson b1761, Janet Wilson b1763, Helen Wilson b1765, GGGGM Elizabeth Wilson b1767 and Peter Wilson b1769. All children were baptised in Kilmarnock.
Mary Bankhead 25 married James Wilson on 25 Dec 1753 in Kilmarnock, which was two miles from her birthplace. They settled in Kilmarnock to have their family. Her nine children were Peter Wilson 1754-c1765, James Wilson b1756, John Wilson b1758, Jean Wilson b1759, Mary Wilson b1761, Janet Wilson b1763, Helen Wilson b1765, GGGGM Elizabeth Wilson b1767 and Peter Wilson b1769. All children were baptised in Kilmarnock.
GGGGM Elizabeth Wilson was born in Kilmarnock and was the ninth child born to GGGGGP James Wilson and Mary Bankhead on 21 Sep 1767. Although no more is known about James Wilson's ancestors, the family tree can be traced back further on the Bankhead side.
THE MUIR FAMILY
197.0 The Muir Family
According to the census and other records, the extended Muir family lived in Dalry, Ayrshire for generations. They were part of a booming home based 'weaving cottage industry', which was carried on by the family until the market collapsed in the late 1800's. Members of the family lived in North St, Sharon St, Vennel St and Kirk Close, which intersect in the centre of the town, and are in close proximity to each other. A diagram showing how the Stewart and Muir families fit into the family tree can be found at the end of Part 7 below.
197.1 Dalry, Ayrshire
197.2 United Presbyterian Church, Courthill St, Dalry aka The Dalry Burgher Church
"The
Town of Dalry is beautifully situated on a rising ground on the right bank of
the Garnock, immediately below the confluence of the Rye with that river. It
commands an extensive view to the south and the northeast; and, owing to the
peculiar nature of its site, and the liability to inundation of the mountain
streams by which its environs on three sides are washed, it has sometimes the
appearance of lifting its head from a lake, and being seated on an island. It
is 16 miles from Paisley, 14 from Kilmarnock, 5 from Beith and 9 from
Saltcoats. Of no higher origin than the beginning of the 17th century, and long
existing as a mere hamlet, it has eventually attained considerable prosperity.
There are five streets, three of which converge and form a sort of square or
open area near the centre of the town. There are many well-built houses and
some excellent shops. The principal manufacture is weaving, which employs about
500 individuals. But there are also a woollen carding and spinning-mill and a
considerable variety of artificers' work. Population in 1836, about 2000; in
1851, 2706. Houses, 240." (From ‘Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland, 1852’)
197.2 United Presbyterian Church, Courthill St, Dalry aka The Dalry Burgher Church
All seven of the Muir siblings were baptised in the United Presbyterian Church, Courthill St, Dalry, (aka Dalry Burgher Church) on 20 Mar 1803. This church was probably the Muir family's local parish church where they were baptised, married and buried, as it was only a short distance away in Courthill St. The Courthill Church had begun as a Secession Church in its first building further up Courthill Street. When those premises became too small, the present Church building (known as Trinity Church) was built on the corner of Courthill St and North Rd. The new church opened for worship on 8th August, 1857.
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| Janet Muir was baptised in the United Presbyterian Church (aka Dalry Burgher Church) |
197.3 The Weaving Industry
By the middle of the 1700's, silk weaving had boomed due to an affinity with Paisley and the parish had almost 2000 inhabitants. Later, cotton weaving replaced silk weaving and there were 60 weaving looms in the Kirk Close (including David Muir). Travel was by 4-horse stagecoach with two daily runs to Glasgow.
However this cottage industry gradually gave way to the mining of coal and ironstone, which took off on a large scale and an ironworks was opened nearby in Sorn. After the mines were worked out or ceased to be viable, they were abandoned (leaving a scarred landscape) and textile mills formed the main source of employment until they subsequently closed too.
According to census records, GGGGF John Muir was born in the mid 1860's in Dalry, Ayrshire.
A baptism record that fits the known facts, is the one above, which lists John being born on 16 Mar 1766, with his father listed as David Muir. GGGGF John named one of his offspring after his father.
Jean Aitken was baptised on 15 Nov 1772 in Dalry (Scotlands People). She would have known her future husband for most of her life, and was married a few months before she turned 21 (the age of consent). Jean's siblings were John Aitken 3 Dec 1775 and William Aitken 28 Oct 1781. All children were born in Dalry and baptised there by their father James Aitken b1750.
GGGGF John Muir 27 married GGGGM Jane Aitken 20 on 3 May 1793 at Dalry. GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee Aitken had at least seven children who were all born in their home town and baptised in the United Presbyterian Courthill (or Burgher) Church, Dalry. Their children were James Muir b7 May 1794, Archibald Muir 10 Jun 1798, Ann Muir 27 Apr 1800, Janet Muir b20 Mar 1803, David Muir 6 Apr 1806, GGGM Margaret Muir 8 Oct 1809 and John Muir 9 Feb 1812-1873. The children were named after other family members; James after Jean's father, Archibald after John's brother (and possibly after a grandfather), Ann after Jean's mother, Janet possibly after John's mother, David after John's father, Margaret after John's sister and John after his father John b1766.
The census records over the next 40 years suggest that the Muir family had a home based 'cottage industry' as weavers, which was carried on by their sons after their deaths.
Apart from daughter Margaret, the other children do not seem to have married. GGGM Margaret Muir married James Stewart, mining contractor in Dalry on 27 Apr 1835. Daughter Margaret and her newly wedded husband (according to the 1841 census) lived in her parent's home for the next six years and whilst there, Margaret had her first two children; Jane and Elizabeth Stewart. (See 192.0)
In 1841 living in the Muir family home in North St were GGGGF John Muir 70 cotton hand loom weaver, mother GGGGM Jane Muir nee Aitken 65 (really 69) handloom weaver and adult unmarried children James Muir 45 (really 47) handloom weaver, Janet Muir 35 (really 38) and John Muir 25 (really 29) cotton hand loom weaver, as well as GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir 30 and her daughters Jane Stewart 7 and Elizabeth Stewart 1. (Ages of adults were rounded down at this census.) At some time during the 1840's the Muir weaving business seemed to change focus from cotton weaving to wool weaving, although son John Muir was still using silk fibre. GGGM Jane (Jean) Muir nee Aitken died before the census in 1851 aged in her seventies.
The 1841 census listed GGGGF John Muir as head of the family in Dalry with age of 84 (really 81)
By 1851 daughter GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir and most of her children had moved out of the family home in North St leaving her now widowed father GGGGF John Muir 84 woollen weaver and her adult unmarried siblings; James Muir 58 (b1793) woollen weaver, Janet Muir 48 (1803) housekeeper and John Muir 37 (b1812) silk hand loom weaver. Also staying with them at the time was grand-daughter Elizabeth Stewart (spelled Stuart) 12 (daughter of GGGP James and Margaret Stewart nee Muir).
GGGGF John Muir probably died in the 1850's. The record above lists a John Muir dying in Dalry in 1858. It lists him as being 92 years old, which indicates a birth year of around 1866. It also lists his mother's maiden name as Baillie so it may be a different man.
In 1861 three of John's unmarried children were still living and carrying on the family business in the North St home. They were James Muir 65 woollen weaver, Janet Muir 56 dressmaker and John Muir 48 woollen weaver. Their marital status was not listed (but there were no partners recorded) and there is no record of any of them having children.
The following is an extract from The Statistical Account of Scotland 1791-1799. "Some years ago, when the silk
manufacture flourished, there were above 100 silk weavers in the village and these were generally
employed by the silk manufacturers in Paisley and Glasgow. But now the number
of such weavers is greatly reduced, and cotton weaving has become the chief
trade of the place. I have been at some pains to find out the numbers now
employed in the different branches of silk and cotton working ; and they are as
follows: Silk weavers, 36; women to prepare the silk yarn for the loom, 8;
cotton weavers, 107; women and children to prepare the yarn for the loom, 127."
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| A Silk Weaver at work |
198.0 Ancestors of GGGM Margaret Muir (1809-1860)
GGGM Margaret Muir was born and baptised in Dalry, Ayrshire in 1809. Her parents were GGGGP John Muir 1766-1855 and Jane (Jean) Aitken (1771-1851). See 199.6 for more detail about her younger life and 78.0 for her married life.
198.1 GGGGP John Muir (1766-1858) & Jane/Jean Aitken (1772-c1845)
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| Aitken St., Dalry (Perhaps named after the Aitken family?) |
The census records over the next 40 years suggest that the Muir family had a home based 'cottage industry' as weavers, which was carried on by their sons after their deaths.
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| 1841 Dalry Census: John Muir was a Cotton Hand Loom Weaver living in North St, Dalry |
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| 1841 Dalry Census: The extended Muir Family |
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| 1851 Dalry Census: GGGGF John Muir details |
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| 1851 census Dalry: Family Details |
In 1861 three of John's unmarried children were still living and carrying on the family business in the North St home. They were James Muir 65 woollen weaver, Janet Muir 56 dressmaker and John Muir 48 woollen weaver. Their marital status was not listed (but there were no partners recorded) and there is no record of any of them having children.
The 1871 census listed only son John Muir 59 woollen weaver and sister Janet Muir 67, so older brother James was most likely deceased. Living with them in their North St house were niece Mary Faichney nee Stewart 22 knitter, along with her husband John Faichney 22 joiner and baby Fergus Faichney 4 months (See 192.6).
In 1881 daughter Janet Muir 78 was living alone in the North St house and working as a housekeeper. As there are no further records for her brother John, he possibly died during the previous decade.
199.0 Seven Children of GGGGP John Muir (1766-1858) & Jane (Jean) Aitken (1771-c1845)
GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee Aitken were married on 3 May 1793. They had at least seven children who were all born in their home town and baptised in the United Presbyterian Courthill (or Burgher) Church, Dalry. Of the seven children, Archibald Muir, GGGM Margaret Muir (1810-1860) and David Muir are the only ones known to have had children.
199.1
James Muir (1794-1862)
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| 1851 Dalry census: Details for James Muir |
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| 1861 census: Details for James Muir |
199.2 Archibald Muir (1798-1867)
Archibald Muir was born on 10 Jun 1798 at Burgher Church, Dalry to parents GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee Aitken.
Archibald Muir probably married Margaret Spier in the Burgher Church at Dalry. They made their vows in Dalry on 23 Jun 1823 and the ceremony occurred three days later in the United Presbyterian Church at Kilmaurs. Archibald and Margaret settled in Dalry and at least three children were born; John Muir 1824, Hugh Muir 1826 and Ann Muir 1834. All three were baptised in the Burgher Church.
Archibald Muir may have died at the reputed age of 67 (really 69) at Dreghorn (9 miles south of Dalry) in 1867.
199.3 Ann Muir (1800-1893)
Ann Muir was born on 27 Apr 1800 and baptised at the Burgher Church, Dalry to parents GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee Aitken.
On 22 Sep 1837 Ann Muir 37 married widower John Marshall (b1806 Dalry) in Dalry. On her marriage, Ann became a stepmother to John's daughter from his first marriage.
At the time of the 1841 census John, Ann and stepdaughter Janet were living in Sharon St, Dalry. John was a silk hand loom weaver by trade. The census confirmed Ann's age and place of birth.
199.3 Ann Muir (1800-1893)
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| 1841 census Dalry: Marshall family members |
Things were much the same in 1851, but John's father, Robert Marshall, 70 year old retired silk weaver, had moved into the family home at Sharon St. From 1861 to 1871 John and Ann were living alone in the same house and John had become a 'silk manufacturer's agent'. As John was not listed at the 1881 census, he probably died during the 1870's. Ann was listed as an 81 year old housekeeper still living in Sharon St. In 1991 Ann was 91 and living in Sharon St with her niece Jean Muir 61 (daughter of her brother David) and grandniece Margaret Muir 38. Ann Marshall nee Muir died in Dalry in 1893 aged 93 (Scotlands People 587/66)
199.4 Janet Muir (1804-1881)
The
1841 census shows that Janet Muir 35 was living (and working) with her father
GGGGF John Muir 70, cotton hand loom weaver, mother GGGGM Jane Muir nee Aitken
65 handloom weaver and siblings James
Muir 45 handloom weaver and John Muir 25 cotton hand loom weaver. (Ages were
rounded off in this census). GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir 30 and her daughters
Jane Stewart 7 and Elizabeth Stewart 1 were also living in her parents's home
at that time. Jane's mother GGGM Jane (Jean) Aitken died before the census in
1851 aged 80.
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| 1851 Dalry Census: Details of Janet Muir |
Janet's father GGGGF John Muir died in 1855 (around 90 years old).
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| 1861 Dalry Census: Details for Janet Muir |
The 1871 census listed only John Muir 59 woollen weaver and sister Janet Muir 67, so older brother James was most likely deceased. Living with them in their North St house were niece Mary Faichney nee Stewart 22 knitter, along with her husband John Faichney 22 joiner and baby Fergus Faichney 4 months (See 192.6).
199.5 David Muir (1806-1891)
David Muir was born on 6 Apr 1806 and baptised at
the Burgher Church, Dalry by parents GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee Aitken. His future wife was also born in Dalry and beloged to another weaving family.
Margaret Marshall was baptised on 13 Nov 1814 in Dalry. She was the daughter of Robert Marshall and most likely a younger sister to John Marshall who married David's sister Ann (see 199.3 above) in 1837.
At the age of 22 on 29 Jun 1828, David Muir married Margaret Marshall at Dalry. Their first child Robert Muir was born the following year. David and Margaret had the following seven children; Robert Muir 26 Oct 1828, Jean Muir 1830, John Muir 1837, Ann Muir 1840, Archibald Muir 1847, James Muir 1850, Margaret Muir 1853. There are Dalry Burgher Church baptism records for the first four children, but none have been found for the latter three. Their birth details are derived from the census records below. Son James seems to have died as an infant, because there are no other records for him after 1851.
In 1841 David and his family were living in Kirk Close, Dalry and like his parents and siblings he was a Cotton Hand Loom Weaver.
Margaret Muir nee Marshall died in 1881 at Dalry aged 74. David Muir died in 1891 at Dalry aged 84.
199.6 GGGM Margaret Muir (1809-1860)
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| 1841 census Details about David's family |
In 1841 the family were living in Kirk Close and consisted of David Muir 30 (really 34), wife Margaret Muir 30 and children Robert Muir 12 apprentice weaver, Jean Muir 10, John Muir 4 and Ann Muir 1. In 1851 the family were living in Courthill St and David was a hand silk weaver. The family consisted of David Muir 44, Margaret Muir 42, Jane (Jean) Muir 20 silk weaver, Ann Muir 10, Archibald Muir 4 and James Muir 10 months.
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| 1861 Dalry Census |
By 1861 the family were living in Vennel St and all working as silk weavers except Archibald who was a telegraph clerk and daughter Margaret 8, who was attending school. By 1881 the weaving industry had collapsed and Dvid and Margaret were living in Sharon St. The family consisted of David Muir 74 now a grocer, Margaret Muir 73, Jean Muir 30 unemployed silk weaver and grand-daughter Margaret Muir 27 'grocer's shop girl'.
199.6 GGGM Margaret Muir (1809-1860)
199.7 John Muir (1812-1873)
John Muir was born on 9 Feb 1812 and baptised at the Burgher
Church, Dalry. He was the final child of parents GGGGP John and Jean Muir nee
Aitken (born when Jean was 42). The census records over the next 40 years suggest that the Muir family
had a home based 'cottage industry' as weavers, which was carried on by John
and his siblings after the death of his parents.
The
1841 census shows that John Muir 25, cotton hand loom weaver, was living (and
working) with his father GGGGF John Muir 70, cotton hand loom weaver, mother
GGGGM Jane Muir nee Aitken 65 handloom weaver and siblings James Muir 45
handloom weaver and Janet Muir 35 (ages were rounded off in this census). His
sister GGGM Margaret Stewart nee Muir 30 and her daughters Jane Stewart 7 and
Elizabeth Stewart 1 were also living in his parents's home at that time. John's
mother GGGM Jane (Jean) Aitken died before the census in 1851 aged 80.
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| 1851 Dalry Census: Details for John Muir. |
John's father GGGGF John Muir died in 1855 (around 90 years old).
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| 1861 Dalry Census: Details for John Muir |
The 1871 census listed only John Muir 59 woollen weaver and sister Janet Muir 67, so older brother James was most likely deceased. Living with them in their North St house were niece Mary Faichney nee Stewart 22 knitter, along with her husband John Faichney 22 joiner and baby Fergus Faichney 4 months (See 192.6).
200.0 GGGGGP David Muir (1724-?) & Jean Stirrat (1733-?)
Going by the birth dates of their children, David Muir and his wife were born in the 1720's or early 1730's and married in the Dalry area around 1750. The above baptism record for David Muir being born in Dalry in 1724 fits the known facts .
If Jean was in her forties when she had her last child in 1779, she was
most likely born around the mid 1730’s. Jean Stirrat
was baptised in Dalry on 20 Dec 1733 by James Stirrat and his unknown wife. As David and Jean grew up in the same village, Jean Stirrat would have known her future husband for most of her life.
NOTE: The surname Stirrat was common in Dalry at this time with around thirty births between 1725 and 1735.
David
Muir 28 married Jean Stirrat 18 on 29 Jan 1752 at Dalry. They had the following
children baptised in Dalry: Grissell Muir 1753, David Muir 1754, Peter Muir
1757, James Muir 1758, Margaret Muir 1760, Archibald Muir 1761, GGGGF John Muir
1766, Robert Muir 1772 and Jean Muir 1779.
Jean Muir nee Stirrat was 45 when
her last child, also named Jean, was baptised on 15 Mar 1779.
200.1 GGGGGP James Aitken (1750-?) & Anne Cunningham (c1755-?)
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