Dorward's House of Refuge

[Rosinish]

Sarah,

What made me wonder was the name Michael (not a "Sottish" name) & I have a potential Francis, again not a "Scottish" name.

I have lots of research still to do on this line who at the moment are all Scottish.

Was your Michael Snr born Dorset or lived there having moved?

Annie

[Citizen Smith]

Hi Annie

Michael Senior was born Almer, Dorset in 1797 but next appears around 1824 when he gets married in Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He was from a family of farm labourers and became a gamekeeper. I've imagined him as a Gabriel Oak character from Far From The Madding Crowd!

Sarah

[Rosinish]

Hi Sarah,

That's interesting as your family were in Marykirk & mine Laurencekirk which aren't far apart.

Maybe I need to look into this line more.

Annie

[Citizen Smith]

Huge thank you to all of you. I phoned Angus Archives in Forfar and they found the Parish Relief Records and Michael Allen made one in 1884. So I can visit and get more information next week when I'm on my road trip.

Sarah

[MonicaL]

That is great news, Sarah. Hope you find what you need on Michael Jnr.

Monica 

[JCee]

Hi Sarah. Some years ago whilst researching my father's family I found that 2 girls had been admitted to Dorward  on their mother's death in 1890. Their father had deserted them. I wrote to the matron and she very kindly photocopied the entry from the 'Register of Inmates'. I seem to recall that she said the records were kept in the attic. Hope this helps.
Jim.

[Tikva]

Hi Sarah. Some years ago whilst researching my father's family I found that 2 girls had been admitted to Dorward  on their mother's death in 1890. Their father had deserted them. I wrote to the matron and she very kindly photocopied the entry from the 'Register of Inmates'. I seem to recall that she said the records were kept in the attic. Hope this helps.
Jim.

Do you have contact details for this Matron?  I live in New Zealand and am wanting to find out about my stepfather's ancestors who were in the House of Refuge in Montrose after being orphaned.  Many thanks.

[JCee]

Hi Tikva,
Sorry but it was some years ago and I see by their website that Dorward House is now a residential  home for older people. I would imagine the records would have been sent to Angus Archives. I would suggest you try mailing them. Sorry I can't be of more help but I live in W.A. now so have no local contact.

Jim.

[Tikva]

Thanks JCee - will try them.