Headstone lookup, Essie Churchyard.

[erica236]

I am looking for the grave of John Cran, my 5 x grandfather, born about 1710 in Forgue, died about 1790, probably in Mains of Lesmoir, near Essie graveyard. Many of his family have graves there. Also of his father who I think was William Cran, born about 1680, died sometime after 1718, probably in Belhinnie.
Last year I found a very old Cran grave in Essie graveyard, covered in moss, that I thought might belong to them - I thought I could make out the word William but I was unable to decipher anything more. I would be grateful if anyone is able to visit the site and could try and read the rest of the wording. I live in Derbyshire and am unable to get back to the area at the moment.
Many thanks,
Heather.

[ruthhelen]

The following has been transcribed by ANESFHS from Essie:

Stone 73:
Deposited under this stone is the remains of JOHN CRAN sometime farmer in Mains of Lesmore d.20 Feb.1790 aged 80, his spouse JANNET REID d.2 Feb.1811 aged 81. Their grand-son ROBERT CRAN farmer Scurdargue d.1 July 1873 aged 85, his wife MARGARET PIRIE d.1 Apr.1876 aged 93.

There are a lot of Crans in Essie, as you say, but I can't immediately see father William in the transcriptions.

Ruth

[erica236]

Hi,
Thank you so much for this - it is definitely the correct John Cran and his third wife, Janet Reid.
I am descended from his first wife Isobel Harper, and have also been unable to find a grave for her. She died about 1750 in Belhinnie.

I have tried to upload a picture of the grave I found which I think is William Cran.
(The Cran family believe they are descended from Peter Cran in Comisty, Forgue, born about 1680, but looking at the naming system it seems much more likely to be William.) I have found a birth for John Cran, 3rd December 1711, Comisty, Forgue, father William Cran, which I think could be him!)

Is there anywhere I can find a plan of the Essie graveyard? I have looked at the ANESFHS website but can't see where the transcriptions are.

Thanks for your help,

Heather.

[flst]

The transcriptions are for members use only, they are not available for the general public to view online. If you wish, you can purchase the booklet for Essie Churchyard. The headstones are numbered & there will be a layout detailing the whereabouts of them. Details on how to purchase their publications are on their website. They are inexpensive to buy.
regards,
flst

[erica236]

Thank you, the booklet for Essie Churchyard has not been published so I think I will have to become a member. Heather.

[flst]

If it's a work in progress there won't be a plan of the layout yet. I certainly recommend becoming a member of the Aberdeen & North East Scotland Family History Society though, I'm a life member
flst

[ruthhelen]

I certainly recommend becoming a member of the Aberdeen & North East Scotland Family History Society though

Me too - an invaluable resource if you have ancestors in that part of the world 

Ruth