Robert Service, born Cardross 1776

[S4llyC]

Hello all,

I've recently traced back my family to Robert Thompson Service (born Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk) in abt 1880.

It looks likely that his father was David Service, born in Cardross in 1776, and later known as the 'shoemaker poet of Yarmouth'. David moved to Yarmouth as a young man, and wrote poetry (and frequented the Norfolk pubs in equal measure!) until his death in 1828. David was married to Mary Ward (born 1776 in Norfolk).

I wonder if anyone could offer any information on the Service family in Cardross and point me towards David's parents? There are a few possibles, and also other Service family members in Row, which I believe is a nearby parish.

As an aside, one of David's grandsons was christened Robert McFarlane Service, - a possible indicator of a mother/grandmother's maiden name? - but this may be a complete red herring!

Any info or suggestions would be gratefully received - many thanks - Sally.

[trish1120]

Cant find David but;
You may already have these.

Christenings, Row, Dunbarton;
MARY Service, 4 Feb 1765
KATHRINE Service, 5 Dec 1768
ROBERT Service, 16 Jan 1771
ANN Service, 15 March 1773
Parents, ROBERT Service and KATHRINE McFARLAN
(Familysearch.Org)

Marriage;
Robert SERVICE/Katharin McFARLIN, 8 December 1761,    Row, Dunbarton

[S4llyC]

Thanks Trish - yes, they were the ones I thought looked most likely too. It would have been good to find David in there though.

I'm off to the Norwich Record Office on Monday to examine the volume of David's poems and papers (which I do know includes a silhouette picture of Robert Thompson, and that makes me think they are likely to be father and son). Maybe there will be some family references in there - I'm hoping anyway.

Thanks again - Sally

[greeneyedgirl]

Hi, I looked at birth records from 1751-1786 for David Service and variations of the name. I found none that occurred in Cardross/Argyll. The only three I found that are the closest match are;

23 March 1757 David son of James Service & Marrian Fergusson  Kilwinning,Ayr

25 October 1764 David  son of David Service & Mary Gib  Paisley Burgh,Renfrew

6 December 1772 David  son of George Sievice & Anne Dixon  Cameron,Fife

Hope something helps,Kim

[greeneyedgirl]

Hi, 5 more children to add to trish1120's list.

James Service
born 3 March 1767
Dunbarton
parents:Robert Service & Katherine McFarland

Walter Service
born 13 January 1775
Dunbarton
parents:Robert Service & Katherine McFarland

John Service
born 18 February 1763
Row,Dunbarton
parents:CRobert Service& Katherin McFarland

Alexander Service
born 3 March 1784
Cardross
parents:Robert Service & Cathrine McFarland

Jannet Service
born 30 November 1786
Cardross
parents:Robert Service & Cathrine McWalter(could this be recording error?)

The only other David I could locate was born 1804 Greenock,Renfrew to Robert & Janet McKay

Hope this helps,Kim

[trish1120]

Good work Kim

[greeneyedgirl]

Hi, thank you. I try to help the way I've been helped.Kim