Early Migration from the three towns and surrounds

Queries sent to me over the years and relate mainly to migration prior to WW1 from the three towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston and surrounds. To make contact with a submitter (if their email address is still current) contact me at hugh.mccallum@gmail.com 

Migration to Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and South Africa       

My great grand father Charles Irwin SINCLAIR was born in Belfast, County Antrim Ireland on 12/8/1852. His father was Charles SINCLAIRE and his mother was Mary Jane DALE. Charles SINCLAIRE was born in Ireland and so was Mary Jane Dale. Charles Irwin Sinclair married Mary Jane COLLINS (b in Liverpool 13/3/1855), on 11/1/1873 in Walton on the Hill, St Paul’s Lancaster England. They came to Australia on 10 or 16/1//1875 on the Great Britain, and were passengers No. 1446 in steerage cabin 6, docking at Melbourne near Spencer St after 60 days at sea. The ages given on the passenger list were Charles 25 and Mary Jane 19. They had nine children; the eldest Charles was born on 7/1/1874 at 11.40am at Abbey, Gate Street Kilwinning in Ayrshire Scotland, registration district 599, entry 28, while the remaining eight were born in Victoria. They lived in Echuca, Bendigo and Melbourne (including Port Melbourne). Kenneth C Sinclair - Melbourne

My grandfather William MacNeil b. Saltcoats 16 Dec 1900.  Father was John Duncan McNeil, mother Mary Murray (b S'coats 16 Dec 1876).  They migrated to Australia 1912.  John Duncan's father John married twice, 2nd wife Amelia Lewis (b S'coats 1857), 4 kids (Wilson, James, Fred, & Amelia McNeil). Fred moved to NZ 1924.  Mary Murray's sister Agnes marr. Alex Shedden 1898 and still living S'coats in late 1950s.  Richard MacNeil

Two women who migrated to Australia before WW1. These were Grace McCallum and Jenny McCallum the daughters of Andrew McCallum of Saltcoats who was later a coal merchant and contractor. Their brother John McCallum used to write to them in later life, and Jenny married a Heywood who was a cooper.  They lived in Upper Fern Tree Gully.  Both went to Australia. June Andrews, nee McCallum

John Johnston born c1840, of Ardrossan according to his Death certificate but no record of him or his family found in census and parish records I have searched. His death certificate does not name his parents. According to his obituary (1904) arrived in New Zealand in one of H M vessels in 1862 after serving in the China War-Rank-Captain. Married in New Zealand and has many descendants who would love to find out more about this ancestor. Carol Spragg

Alexander Cunningham Hogarth, son of James Hogarth and Catherine Higgins, b 24/10/1840 Saltcoats, married Mar Ann McDonald in Bowen, Queensland 28/8/1866, and suicided 6/4/1900 on Bridgewater Station (cattle property) near Cloncurry, North Queensland. Peter Jones

Robert Speir McLauchlan of Caddell Farm, Ardrossan migrated first to Essex, England and then to Australia in 1909. Wife Winifred May Billings. J & R Styles

Allan McLauchlan, brother of Robert Speir McLauchlan went firstly to Essex and then to Australia. Moved quite quickly on to New Zealand and settled there.  Wife Marian Maud Duck. J & R Styles

My Gr,Gr,Gr Grandfather Robert CRAIG migrated from Dalry in 1855-56 to Australia. Robert was born to Robert Craig and Margaret WATSON in 1832.   Robert and Barbara Doherty

ARCHIBALD --- My GGrandfather John A arrived in Australia in 1864 . Fourth son of John A and Margaret Anderson who Lived at Thirdpart Park Dalry ' John was son of John A and Margaret Kirkwood  they farmer High Bardland Dalry Have walked on that' holy soil' in 1996 ,I'll remember it always.  Ann Lee nee Archibald.  Australia

My great grandmother, ANN FERGUSON born in Kilwinning in 1837. Family moved to New Street in Stevenston by 1851. Ann came to New Zealand in 1861 and married Charles Hay Paterson from Haddington. Ann's parents were Robert and Marion (nee Rodger) Ferguson. Known siblings Helen, William, James, Robert and John. Charles and Ann lived in Dunedin, NZ, they had five sons, John Alexandra, William James, Charles Hay, Henry and Louis Albert. Ann died in Dunedin on the 10th November, 1924, aged 87. - Dawn and Bill Paterson, NZ

My grandfather William ANDERSON born23 aug 1870 in Ardrossan,his wife,Jessie GRAHAM MILLER and their 3 children ,William bor apr 1896, John born1901,and my Mother Jeanie Graham Anderson born24 may 1909 came to Victoria ,Australia in 1912.William sen.died 4 Jan1916,william jnr.was killed in action 1917 in Belgium.Jessie died26 jan 1973 at Kew ,Victoria,John died at Melbourne 1980.My Mother died16 Apr 1996 at Essendon, Victoria. Keith & Margaret Fellowes  Australia

My great grandfather Robert BOWES (born in Stevenston abt 1844) arrived in Australia 1863. He was the seventh son of Robert BOWES of "Stinston" (according to a local newspaper report of his marriage in 1880) I believe Robert BOWES (senior) was born in Stevenston in 1802, the son of CUNNINGHAME Bows and Rachel KENNEDY. However I have no information other than that, and would be grateful if anyone else can fill in some gaps. Info to Neil Bowes Australia would be greatly appreciated.

My father, John HYNDMAN, was born in Bartonholm, near Kilwinning, on 12th September, 1900. His mother was Sarah Hyndman, his grandparents were John and Elizabeth Hyndman (nee LEITCH) and his great grandparents, Adam and Mary Hyndman (nee YOUNG). My father migrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1934, married here, and died on 8th July, 1975  Ian Hyndman  Beechworth, Victoria.

Robert CONN (1828-1873), married Jane HOWIE (1828-1900), both born in Stevenston, in 1849 in that town. 2 children, John (1850-1908) and Grace STEVENS (1853-1932) born in Stevenston before family migrated to Victoria, in 1854. Son Robert (1855-1927) born here.  Family farmed at Walmer near Castlemaine.  Jane's parents, Robert and Grace, sisters and their husbands, Janet and Samuel MACKIE, Ellen and Hugh ORMOND also in the Walmer area initially.  Robert Stevens Victoria Australia

Hugh RODGER born Ardrossan 1844. Parents were Robert a storekeeper and his wife Margaret nee BARBER. Robert sailed to Adelaide on the  Great Britain arriving 1870. He married Charlotte Freeman  at Echuca  Victoria in 1872. Any information re this family's history in Ardrossan would be appreciated.  Thank you this opportunity. Judith Robins  Mildura  Victoria.

Hugh GILMOUR b.18 Sep 1824 Stevenston. Eldest son of Robert H. Gilmour (Auctioneer) Married, Mary McGOWAN 26 Feb 1846 in Stevenston. Arrived in Sydney Australia aboard the 'Agenoria' with one year old daughter Mary in 1849. Hugh died 20 Oct 1913 Newcastle Australia, age 89.  Irene Stirling  Melbourne. Vic.

Agnes WILSON b. Jul 31 1831 in Stevenston was the daughter of Adam Wilson and Margaret Love. She married John GRAY b. ca 1822 on Jun24 1851 in Stevenston. They had 12 children, one of whom was David Gillies GRAY b. ca. 1876 and who died 1915 in Sydney, NSW.  Bill Love

David HOWIE: Born Kilwinning 1885. Parents Bryce HOWIE and Mary Ann WALLACE. David HOWIE married Lucinda BRIAN, born TYRONE, IRELAND 1855. Marriage in Wollongong NSW. Three son were born, David Wallace HOWIE, William HOWIE, and Robert John HOWIE. Robert John HOWIE later became the Moderator of the Victorian Assembly and died in May 1949. More information is available from Bob Calvert. 122 Cascade St Raceview QLD. 4305.

The HOWIE name: William-bn Kilwinning 1852 married Jane Stevenson 1871 Children: Elizabeth-Mary Ann- Richard Stevenson- David Howie- William Howie- died young- Catherine born in NSW. William arrived in Sydney 1885. Family lived in Wollongong-Cessnock- West Wallsend - Newcastle Contact- Bob Calvert 122 Cascade St Raceview 4305 Qld..

Dalry to New Zealand George BOYCE and Eleanor (ROY) arrived !873 in Picton with child Henry. John Boyce and Jane (MURRAY) with children Margaret, James, John, Mary, Jane; and Henry Boyce and Annie (McBRIDE) with children James, Annie and George arrived in 1879. All 3 brothers settled in Blenheim, South Island. Later the youngest of 15 children, Robert arrived in Blenheim. .I have more details of the family and would appreciate contact with "cousins".  David Boyce  NZ.

Hugh ORMOND born 1830, Stevenston, Ayrshire, son of local School Teacher Hugh ORMOND and Mary KIRKWOOD. Hugh and Ellen ORMOND (nee HOWIE), with their two children Hugh and Grace came to Melbourne on the 'Persia' in 1854. Grace died from measles on the voyage. Six more children were born in Victoria. Many family members from the HOWIE family also came out from Scotland and settled in Victoria. Hugh ORMOND followed his occupation as a carpenter and eventually became an inspector of mines in the Castlemaine area. Hugh farmed at Walmer, before taking up land at Narioka in 1875. Nathalia Cemetery is the final resting place for Hugh & Ellen ORMOND along with many generations of their family. Further detail available: Judy Ormond , Victoria

BRODIE Headstone in Ardrossan Cemetery
In loving memory of Alexander Brodie, Pilot who died 13th March 1882 aged 66 years. And his spouse Jane Barbour - Brodie who died 27th Aug, 1898 aged 75 years. Also their son James who died at sea, 1st Aug 1872, aged 21 years. Their Grandson Robert, 5th son of Alexander Brodie,Ship Carpenter, died at Moree, Australia, 20th December 1929 in his 42nd year. Nicholes Lusk, Widow of Alexander Brodie, Ship Carpenter, died 25th March 1932 aged 84 years. Gordon Innes  Scotland

BRODIE Headstone in Ardrossan Cemetery
In loving memory of Jane Barbour - Brodie, who died 31st July 1873, aged 1 year and 4 months. Robert Heron Brodie, died 8th April 1882 aged 1 year. Fleming Lusk Brodie, died 26th November 1890 aged 20 years + 4 months. William Gardiner Brodie died 11th Dec 1893 aged 5 months. James Brodie, died 9th April 1895 aged 8 months. John Brodie, died at Gotteslow, Western Australia, 23rd June 1917 aged 28 years. Mrs Lusk died 17th April 1909 in her 89th year. Alexander Brodie, Ship Carpenter, died 11th May 1922 in his 79th year. Alexander died 8th October 1920 aged 45, 2nd son of the late Alexander Brodie.  Gordon Innes  Scotland.

Duncan & Jane McCALLUM's family Headstone Ardrossan Cemetery
Their son Duncan died at Geelong Hospital Australia 22nd September 1921 age 40.

David LOVE born abt 1805 married Janet JOHNSTONE in Beith 27/12/1830. Andrew Love was born to David & Janet Love in Dalry 24/1/1833. Andrew Love married Jane BRADSHAW in Beith on 3/11/1849. Margaret Love was born to Andrew & Jane Love in Beith abt 1852. All the above people came to Australia abt 1863 with the possible exception of Janet Johnstone ( I have not found her place of death to date). Further details available. Russell Strickland

James HUNTER and his wife Martha HANLEY, both born Dalry and married in Dalry 13.2.1874, arrived in Port Chalmers, New Zealand on the "Nelson" on 26.12.1875 from Glasgow. They moved around the lower part of the South Island and finally settled on the West Coast of the South Island c.1890. James and Martha are buried at Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch, NZ.
Francis HANLEY, born Dalry 1890, came to NZ with his wife Annie MAGEE c.1925. He was mine deputy in Huntly and was buried there August 1954 at Kimihia Cemetery. Dominique Young New Zealand.

"Seeking contact with any descendants of Ladymuir (Renfrewshire) Blairs (James BLAIR c1597) whose genealogy connects to the Blairs of Dalry, near Ardrossan, Ayrshire. In later centuries descendants migrated to Australia, New Zealand and USA". Jack Blair Sydney, Australia.

William MACKIE m.1819 at Dalry to Elizabeth CRAWFORD. They had 4 children: (1) James MACKIE died 1882 at Donald, Victoria. (2) William MACKIE married 1845 at Dalry to Margaret DALY of Kilwinning. They arrived in Sydney on the 'Thetis' 1848. Both died in Victoria after leaving many descendants. (3) Elizabeth MACKIE unmarried died 1877 in Victoria. (4) John MACKIE married 1857 Dalry to Margaret MELVILLE. All settled in the Central Victorian Goldfields, mainly at Castlemaine. Contact Thelma Birrell  For Heather at Maroochydore.

John MACKIE born 1814 married at Stevenston Ayr to Agnes HOWIE born 1787. A son SAMUEL was born 1820 at Stevenston and he married at Stevenston to Janet HOWIE born 1824 at Newmilns, Parish of Loudon. Samuel and janet's first child Grizel was born at Stevenston, Ayrshire. The family came to Australia in 1849. Contact Cliff Mackie, 7 foveaux Cres., Melford, East Maitland, N.S.W. 2323.

William COOK born 24 May 1810 Kilwinning son of Dugald COOK & Helen CLARK, marr 7 Jan 1831 Kilwinning to Esther WYLIE, they came to Sydney 2nd Oct 1838 on the "Coromandel" with 3 children, Francis, Mary & David Wylie. Francis married John GOLD 17 Sep 1846 Bathurst and had 14 children. Further details available. Margaret Kenning

Sarah Boag Mackinlay, nee HOOKS was born in Ardrossan in 1876. Her parents, Walter HOOKS and Margaret McCANDLISH were both born in Saltcoats, where they married. Sarah HOOKS and her husband, John MACKINLAY, emigrated first to
South Africa in 1903, then to Western Australia, to farm in 1915. Beverley Mackinlay Perth, West Australia.

These Kilwinning natives are buried in the Melbourne suburb of Keilor. Matthew GOUDIE died 19th March 1881 aged 47 years also Matthew GOUDIE Senr died Jan 14th 1887 aged 96 years. According to details in the book "Keilor Pioneers" Matthew Goudie was born in Kilwinning on the 10th November 1838 to Matthew and Isabella Goudie. Matthew junior arrived in Australia C1855 and Matthew senior arrived 1857. Others also arrived, one being Robert Goudie his wife Agnes WYLIE and two children. Hugh McCallum Melbourne, Australia.

Robert CAMPBELL was born 15-Feb-1888 at Monkcastle, Kilwinning. His parents were John Campbell & Margaret ROBINSON. Robert married Christina Suttie 8-Aug-1914 at Singleton NSW, Australia. Ken Bullen Queensland, Australia.

Alexander LAMBIE married Jane THOMSON, daughter of John THOMSON & Jane FREW 29 March 1816 at Stevenston. Jane died in Feb 1833(?) Alexander remarried Susan KILPATRICK 28 September 1833 at Stevenston. Alexander died on the 17 March 1877. Susan died in 1887 in Irvine, Ayrshire. Two of Alexander LAMBIE's sons emigrated to Australia. Alexander LAMBIE (1824-1871) his wife Martha COCHRANE and three daughter's Martha, Jane & Mary arrived in Hobson's Bay, Victoria per the ship "Marco Polo" 20 September 1852. David LAMBIE (1836-1902), his wife Margaret JEFFREY their children Janet & Alex arrived in Melbourne 7 December 1861 per the ship "Oithona". They joined Alexander at St. Arnaud. Ann Dunstan Vic. Australia.

South Australian Register, personal notices Vol 1 1836-1859
4 May 1855 On the 11th ultimo, by special licence, at the Roman Catholic Church, Clare, by the Rev A. KRANEWITTER; afterwards at the residence of the bridegroom, by the Rev W. MOIR, Mr Frederic H. SPENSER, of Clare, to Miss Frances Anne McINNES, eldest daughter of Mr James McINNES, gardener, late of Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland.

South Australian Register, personal notices Vol 2 1860-1865
18 Feb 1864 HOGARTH On the 5th December 1863, at Border Farm, Parish of Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland, Mary BLAIR, relict of the late John HOGARTH, Esq., of Whitlees, Ardrossan, and mother of Thomas HOGARTH, of Blair-place, Gawler Plains, deeply regretted by a very large circle of relatives and friends. Her end was peace.

Dalry native buried at Malmsbury near Melbourne. In Memory to James CRAWFORD born at Dalry Scotland 22nd May 1824 Died at Malmsbury 28th August 1898. Barbara ANDERSON wife of the above born Beith Scotland 10th January 1822 Died at Malmsbury 28th August 1904

I have one family from Ardrossan. Hugh MAIN with wife Mary and children Mary and George left Ardrossan sometime after 1881 and came to South Australia. Kathy Grant (Brisbane, Australia)

Margaret McDonald and William Rockliff were married at Irvine Ayrshire 1818 they arrived in Australia 1824 with the 40th Regiment. Four children born in Australia. William died 1838 at sea between India and UK from injuries. Margaret and family returned to Kilwinning where her Parents Daniel and Jean McDonald lived. William Rockliff b. 1825 Australia married Jean Taylor 1847 in Dalry. Her parents John Taylor and Margaret Wyllie of Dalry. Roger Ayton Rockliff b.1852 Dalry married Mary Montgomery 1875 Paisley Renfrew. Immigrated to Tasmania c. 1878. Further details available Judy Bennett Australia.

To the USA, Canada & Sth Africa

Patrick CAMBRIDGE: He was born in 1908 in Stevenston. His mother's name was Esther. He emigrated to New York in September, 1926 with his Siblings Ann (born 1897), Hugh (1899), Ellen (1900), Margaret (1904), and Arthur (1914).His parents stayed in Stevenston at 13 Moorpark West. He married Mary Agnes Brennan in New York and had children Agnes, Patrick, Arthur, Joseph, and Theresa. Stephen Kennedy

James SMITH and Ann RITCHIE, both of Stevenston, were married and emigrated to Petersburg, Virginia around 1830. His parents were James SMITH and Janet CRAWFORD, and hers were James RITCHIE and Jane BARCLAY.Both families lived near the center of town, one at Old Bridgend and the other at New Bridgend, according to the Landsborough Lists.  Margaret Lindsey Smith

James THOMAS, born 8/28/1834, is in the 1841 Stevenston census with his parents David and Margaret Thomas.  James arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1871 and settled in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  His daughter Elizabeth Frances Thomas, born in Scotland in 1866, married John Patrick Ryan in 1889 in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Darlene Ryan                      

Allison, Andrew (born 1817, Stevenston, d. 1873, New Orleans, Louisiana) came to New Orleans in 1839 with his brother Hugh.  His parents were Alexander and Marion (Young) Allison--they are in the 1819 census as "Alison."  Andrew's siblings were William, Hugh and Mary. Marianne Allison

John KNOX, Banker, came to Canada on bank business approx 1882 never to return to Scotland. Son John KNOX emigrated 1887-89, Robert Smith KNOX emigrated 1900 .Parents - Margaret Smith KNOX Clairmont died 1901, JOHN KNOX Grocer & spirit dealer Bridgend Kilwinning died 1873.  Peggy Stewart

Charles McLaughlan migrated to Canada from Ardrossan between 1876 and 1881. In 1881 was in Beresford, Gloucestor, New Brunswick. He was a farmer. Married Margarit from New Brunswick and in 1881 had two children. J & R Styles

Francis Love from Stevenston married Margaret McLaughlan from Ardrossan and went to London, Middlesex Ontario Canada. He was an engine driver. In 1881 eight children, seven born Ardrossan and one in Ontario. J & R Styles

John ALLAN b c1826 Kilwinning/Saltcoats, d bet 1862-1914, m c1844, Sarah NEIL b c1830 Kilwinning/Saltcoats d c1918 poss. Manitoba Canada. Children b. at Saltcoats, 1) William Henry b 1844 m Janet Robertson, 2) Susan b 1848 , 3) Mary b 1850 , 4) John b 1852 d 1939 Canada m Mary Anne Shirritt b1856, Ireland? d 1941 Canada, 5) James b 1853, 6) Andrew b 1855 m Jenny Wallace, 7) Sarah b 1857, 8) Margaret b.1859, 9) Charles b 1862 Kilwinning. Descendants of John & Mary Anne are found mostly in western Canada more info would be appreciated on the rest. Debby  

Archibald LEITCH of Saltcoats and wife Jean Frue NEAL with their four children Christina, Mary, Jean and William came to Canada 1832.  Settled in South Branch, Cornwall township, Ontario. William married Nicholas Bryden and had James (judge), Agnes, David, Jane Frue, Hugh Bryden, Christina, and William.  Family now spread across Canada and US.     Thomas Carlyle

BALLANTINE, Kelso born July 25, 1824 in Stevenston, married Martha Milla(e)r, November 1, 1844 (Midlothian) migrated between 1865 and 1869 to Braidwood, Illinois along with his wife and seven children, John (6/5/1845), Janet (6/21/50), Robert (7/25/52) my great grandfather, Kelso Ray (2/13/55),Martha (6/4/62) and Catherine (7/15/65). Kelso was the son of  John (b.1801, Stevenston) and Catherine McCALLUM. Looking for further information about the ship and time they came to the USA. Glad to share my information. Robert Ballantine

Catherine McCallum GRAY, daughter of John & Mary Gray, born at Ardrossan in 1894, emigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada in 1910 or 1911.  She married Robert (Bob) Harrop, a widow, around 1918, and they had three sons, Martin, Allan, and Bobby, but none of them had any children.  All are deceased now. Catherine (Kate) left several siblings in Ardrossan at the time she emigrated, John, Jenny, Bob, Jeannie, Mary, Agnes, Hugh & Philip.  All but Jeannie and Philip emigrated to Canada also, but not until the 1920's. Phyllis Ziajka  Canada

BARBOUR, Robert born 1806, Ardrossan, Scotland and his wife, Mary nee ORR, born 1805, Ardrossan, Scotland were found in the 1851 and 1871 census of East Zorra township, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada (near Woodstock) I believe they were married in Scotland but travelled with their children to Canada around 1840. I believe their children were: Ephraim, Margaret b 1824 m Edward Delmage, Grace b 1828 m Dennis Bartholomew, Alexander b 1830, Elizabeth b 1831 m James Rose McKay, James b 1834, David b 1837, Mary Jane b 1838 m Ranslor Barr.  Mary-Ann Farr    New Zealand.

Mary MUIR b 9 January 1866 in Stevenston married James PARK b 10 June 1865 in Dalry.  They emigrated to the United States and were married on 29 December 1884 in Decatur Illinois. They had a daughter Grace Muir Park who is my great great grandmother.  Dave & Maryanne Pease  Dunedin, New Zealand

Robert Dickie, a wagon maker, and wife Mary Patrick, emigrated from Dalry, Ayrshire to North America. Their first child, William Patrick Dickie (my gr-GF) was born in Bunker Hill Township, Macoupin County, Illinois, USA in 1859. I have information on their four children and several photographs I will gladly share for information on their Scots roots. In 1870 an otherwise unidentified Scottish woman, Rebecca, age 66, was censed as a member of the household. Mrs. Tirrill Leslie Mehana http://welcome.to/Tirrill

"Seeking contact with any descendants of Ladymuir (Renfrewshire) Blairs (James BLAIR c1597) whose genealogy connects to the Blairs of Dalry, near Ardrossan, Ayrshire. In later centuries descendants migrated to Australia, New Zealand and USA". Jack Blair Sydney, Australia.

Robert H. LOVE b. 25 Apr. 1779 in Stevenston was the son of Robert Love and Elizabeth Lockhart and the brother of Francis love (The Poet). He died 22 Feb. 1862 in N. Sherbrook Twp. Lanark Co. Ont. Canada. He married Deborah Donnahue b. Feb. 1790 Dublin Ire. sometime between 1807-1817 in Ont. Can. Both are buried in Crawford Cem. N. Sherbrook Twp. Lanark Co. Ont. Can. I know of 2 children, Mary, and Robert H. Love Jr. Bill Love

Isabella Park KERR was born in Ardrossan, 16 Aug 1874. She married Robert Rigby born in Springburn, Lks, 8 Oct 1872. Children: Janet (Jeanette) Hunter b. 1901 d. 1992 Georgina Thompson b. 1903 d. 1964 [my wife's mother] Isabella Park Kerr b. 1905 d. 1996 Martha b. 1907 d. 1972 Catherine K. b. 1909 d. 1996 John b. 1912 Robert b. 1914 d. 1990 All the girls were born in Scotland; the boys in the USA. Therefore family must have emigrated between 1909 and 1912.  Any helpful hints greatly appreciated.  Tom Denny

Agnes GALBRAITH dau of James and Lillias (Stewart) Galbraith emigrated to Pennsylvania with her husband, JohnCAMPBELL and their children from Kilwinning in 1869.  John Campbell was a locomotive fireman and engineer in Ayr and their residence was listed as Eglinton Iron Works on the 1861 census. James Galbraith was a master shoemaker with two apprentices working with him on the 1861 census.  The Galbraith name is historically present in Kilwinning for several generations.   Nancy/Ted Richings

My GG-grandfather, Ritchie Lockhart LOVE, a collier from Stevenston and son of the poet, Francis Love, came to Newburg, Preston Co. W.Va. in 1867. He came with his wife (Margaret Moffat Love) 2 Adult sons (Francis and James) and 3 children (Margaret, Agnes, And Ritchie L. Love ) Ritchie was my G-grandfather. From there the family migrated to Allegany Co. Md. then Pa. then me to Fla. Also a brother of old Francis, the poet, went to Canada much earlier. Bill Love

Any information on Robert Arnott and wife  Mary Montgomery Arnott married July 1889. Lived on 21 Harbour Place, Ardrossan.  Children were Andrew - Robert - Alex - Glen - Jane - Agnes - Tom - Hugh - Mary - Ann - Maggie - Jessie.  Some came to Canada then the USA. Any help is greatly appreciated. G-grand daughter  M. J.

BRAIDWOOD, James "Jimmie" was underground manager, about 1860/63, at the Den, Ayrshire, which was between Dalry and Beith. Jimmie mined coal as early as age 9 and became an Iron miner. In 1863 he immigrated to USA, becoming well known for his knowledge and skill in mining. He sank the first shaft in Will County, Illinois, where the town of Braidwood was named for him.  I am interested in learning about mining industry at the Den and living conditions there in 1850-65. James, born 1831/2 to Helen HERCULES & James BROADWOOD,  grew up in home of step-father, Andrew DUNSMORE. James had BARR cousins. In 1854 married  Helen RALSTON and had 6 Scottish children who came to USA with Mother in 1865/6. Would love to locate both information on, and pictures of, the Den. Robin Woods 

To Other Countries

Joseph HAMILTON, my grandfather, son of William & Elizabeth Hamilton married Annie GIBSON daughter of Finlay and Annie Gibson nee BELL, in Stevenston 12 July 1907, and emigrated to South Africa in 1910. They had three children, Elizabeth Smith, William Finlay & Cathrine Gibson Hamilton; the latter, my mother, married William Bell Gadsden.  "Joe" Hamilton became Works Manager of the engineering company, Gilbert Hamer, in Durban, but started off as a mechanic at the Ardeer Iron Works. R Dixon-Smith

Agnes Wilson b. Jul 31 1831 in Stevenston married John GRAY b. ca.1822 on Jun 24,1851 in Stevenston. They had 12 children, one of whom, Adam Wilson Gray b. Jun. 10 1867 died Mar. 6 1930 Durban, South Africa aged 64. Bill Love

My grandfather, William WILSON b.1878 at Dr. Brown's Land, The Braes, Dockhead St., Saltcoats [engine keeper at the Ardeer Iron Works] married Agnes McHutcheon of Dailly. They emigrated to South Africa in 1908 with son Neil WILSON [my dad] b.1904 and daug. Elizabeth Paisley WILSON b.1907, both born at Moorepark West, Stevenston. William died 1970; Agnes 1958; Neil 1966; and Elizabeth c.1985, all in South Africa.  Bill Wilson