Alexander Barr gravestone Paisley

[JONTYA1]

Can anyone help with look up for a gravestone of Alexander Barr, Surgeon in the Royal Navy, died 5 Dec 1828 at Oakshaw St, Paisley Renfrewshire, his wife Smith Fleming d 1860
Jon

[Skoosh]

Jonty,  try this,   http://www.memento-mori.co.uk/

Skoosh.

[RJ_Paton]

Unfortunately your man died too early for the main cemeteries in Paisley ....
Woodside opened in 1845 and Hawkhead in 1891. Burials prior to those dates would more than likely have been in the Kirk Grounds. Given that he died in Oakshaw Street the most obvious place to start would be the High Kirk which is now Trinity Kirk. Although there is the old cemetery behind the Meetinghouse at the corner of Oakshw Street and Meetinghouse Lane (I'm not sure who is responsible for this one as the last time I was in there the grass & weeds were several feet high)

[JONTYA1]

Hi Falkyrn, Thanks for your reply, Thought it might be a long shot to find a grave that early, but it was worth enquiring
Jon

[RJ_Paton]

It may be worth enquiring at the Paisley Archives held by Renfrewshire Council Archives web site

Unfortunately most of the churches in Paisley which had graveyards have over the years mostly been converted to housing or some other use. The High Kirk (Trinity Church) in Oakshaw is an exception.The old building at the top of meeting house lane has been converted in the last few years although the cemetery behind still looks overgrown. That  had stones going back to the 1700's when I was last in there.

Other possible places include the Abbey itself although its graveyard is now grassed over and only the occasional stone is seen when the grass is cut very short.

The Laigh Kirk at the bottom of New Street is now an Arts Centre and all of the stones - many of which were large and impressive were moved to the side walls or became picnic benches and tables