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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Lanarkshire => Topic started by: wonoona on Wednesday 18 June 08 16:28 BST (UK)
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I am looking for any help in finding where James Ballantyne and his wife Janet nee McDonald may be buried! James died at West Quarter 28/10/1882 aged 81. He was a stonebreaker and gravedigger. Janet died at Craigneath 28/6/1893 aged 86. Spelling of the surname could be quite varied!
If anyone has any MI's for these areas I would appreciate a lookup!
Yvonne
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Hi Yvonne,
No MI in Glassford for these names, that isn't to say that they are not buried there. MIs for a few Ballantynes, do you have parents and/or childrens names for this couple?
Lodger.
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Hi Lodger
Many thanks for looking, it is much appreciated.
James Ballantyne's father was Andrew Ballantyne and his mother Elizabeth nee Young!
Their children are
Isabella
Janet
Agnes
Andrew
Jane
Rachel
Thats the only ones I know of and just my luck, only one boy!
Kind regards
Yvonne
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I found their marriage on the OPR's
09/10/1831 BALLANTYNE JAMES and JANET MCDONALD at Hamilton LANARK
I can't see any christening records for their children.
A possible marriage for Rachel
1864 YOUNG WILLIAM and BALLANTYNE RACHEL at GLASSFORD LANARK
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Yvonne, there are 4 stones in a row at Glassford, all with a Ballantyne connection. I would guess it is the same family.
1. - Erected by Margaret Ballantyne in memory of her husband Robert Watson who died 31st Dec 1893 aged 56. There is a list of 7 children who all died young, 3 Christina's, William, Robert, John and Marion. No date of death for Margaret.
2. - William Ballantyne died 6th March 1842 aged 51. Wife Christina Dow died 21st April 1877 aged 76. Daughter Elizabeth died at Limekilnburn 27th March 1883 aged 41. (wife of James Bryson).
Limekilnburn is the old name for Quarter.
3. - Isabella Ballantyne died 2nd Feb 1905 aged 80. Husband George clelland died 4th Nov 1866 aged 47. Daughters and grandchildren buried here, Somervilles and McAlpine.
4. - Andrew Ballantyne farmer, Shotlin died 21st April 1863 aged 70. Wife Helen Craig died 7th Nov 1881 aged 75. Son Andrew died 14th April 1872 aged 46. James Ballantyne died 24th Aug 1911 aged 80. (His wife Agnes Craig died 3rd Sept 1889 aged 52).
Also the following -
No 23. - Erected by John Ballantyne in memory of his wife Abigail Stewart Wilson died 5th Nov 1867 aged 28. Also his parents and their children. (sic) (Rest of inscription has worn away).
No 30. - Erected by William Ballantyne in memory of his father George died 15th Feb 1889 aged 52. Also our mother Jane Caldwell died 26th Feb 1926 aged 91, late of Limekilnburn.
(this stone badly broken)
No 42. - Erected by Janet Ballantyne in memory of her husband Thomas McConchie died 22nd Dec 1870 aged 51.
No 83. - Here lyes the corps of Ann, daughter of John Ballantyne, tenant in <Brounrod> she died <July> 1805.
Very worn, so not sure about the words in brackets but I think Brounrod could be Browntod. A tod is the old Scots name for a fox. I think there is still a farm of that name near Quarter. A tenant was of course a tenant farmer.
No 85. - Erected by Hugh Ballantyne and Christina Wilson his wife in memory of their children. Gilbert died 6th Oct 1845. Margaret died 11th Nov 1845. Jane died 5th Dec 1849. Andrew died 8th June 1870 aged 36. Christina, daughter of Robert Ballantyne died 31st May 1871 aged 2 years 7 months.
Thats all the Ballantynes.
Lodger.
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Lodger, Limekilnburn and Quarter are 2 separate places and still exist today.
Both places available (1864 and 1898) to view online at www.old-maps.co.uk
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Hi Lodger
Many thanks for all the MI's. I will go through them all carefully and see if any connection. There seems to be a great many Ballentyne's around this area all with different spellings! I have found a few times, errors have been put on death certs as reguards parents names so will keep an open mind!
Santi
Thanks for info. I do have rellies being born in Limekilnburn & Glassford and they all seem to be stonebreakers. I wonder if the area has Quarries? I will have a good look at the old maps to get a better idea!
Many thanks for all your help!
Regards
Yvonne
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Limekilnburn is the old name for Quarter. There may still be a very small hamlet by the name of Limekilnburn but it was also the old name for Quarter.
My ancestors farmed the land there for hundreds of years, some of the family are still there, at Crookedstone farm, I can see it from my window. Perhaps you can see it on your map Sancti?
Lodger.
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http://www.quarter-lanarkshire.supanet.com/alex%20torrance.htm
Some interesting history of the area
http://www.quarter-lanarkshire.supanet.com/quarter%20home.htm
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Sancti, my apologies - I was getting Limekilnburn mixed-up with Darngaber. The site you left links to is maintained by Alan Johnstone of Darngaber Gardens in Quarter. The page with the story of Alex Torrance (my gt-gt-gt grandmother's cousin) has been lifted verbatium from Stothers's Glasgow, Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Xmas and New Year Annual 1912. See below. (that's the top of Alex's head!)
Lodger
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Sancti
I missed your earlier post regarding the marriage for James Ballantyne & Janet McDonald! You are correct that is their marriage and also Rachel is their daughter. She married William Young. I cannot find the other children either only Jane, all the rest are missing! Many thanks for that.
Regards
Yvonne
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:) :) :)
Hello, my name is Christopher Ladds; a local historian for the Calderwood/St Leonards District of East Kilbride.
In regads to Janet Nee Mcdonald who died at Craigneith (Proper Spelling) in 1893;
I am rather confident that I have come across the gravestone inscription for this lady. The gravestone inscriptions of East Kilbride Old Kirkyard were copied into a bound book, now kept in the local history section of East Kilbride Library.
Craigneith, was in fact a folly castle which was titled 'Craigneith Castle', Also sometimes spelt as Craigneath or Craignith. This folly was built on a range of lofty cliffs known as the 'Crags of Craigneith' on a concave bend of the Rotten Calder Water. On the convex side of this location is a promontory known as the 'Dee of Calder'. Upon this precipice stood Calderwood Castle. Craigneith was built by the Maxwells of Calderwood sometime between 1750 and 1845. It was a two storey, small building with a tower and battlemented parapet. Its purpose was - 1. To provide extensive views from the upper floors across Calderwood Glen (Calderglen), being an extraordinary vantage point. 2. To serve as a picturesque decorative Castle in the landscape which could be seen from many points in the surrounding area. 3. To provide accomodation for some of Calderwood Castle's Servants.
There, dwelt the old, old lady of Craigneith Castle, who would arise each morning between 4:00-5:00AM to cross the river to Calderwood Castle where she would light all 30 fires in the building. She would leave craigneith Castle, Descend the steep cliffs via serpentine paths, through thick foliage, cross the footbridge, ascend the precipice via some steep steps and finally enter Calderwood Castle.
Through tempest, rain, gales and the roaring foaming of the murky Calder she would do so every day, all year. She did this all her time there right up to the time of her death!!!
I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE 'OLD, OLD LADY OF CRAIGNEITH CASTLE' WAS JANET, SHE WAS THE ONLY OLD LADY EVER RECORDED LIVING THERE.
I have pictures of what it looked like and what it looks like now, I have even found a shoe amongst the ruins which may have even belonged to Janet.
The scenery of Old Calderwood is of the grandest romance and defies description here. The current site lies due East of Ellisland off of Alloway Road in Calderwood, East Kilbride.
I have attached a section of a map of my own creation and a view of the Crags of Craigneith.
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P.S.
I have not read the Census for a while, but I am confident she will appear in them. They are available at East Kilbride Library on microfilm. She will be listed under Craigneith in Calderwood :) :) ;)
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Christopher
You really have surprised me! It was so interesting to read all about Janet Ballantyne nee McDonald her death certificate stated that she died at Craigneith on 28th June 1893 aged 86 years. I have followed her in the census too.
I would be interested to read any inscription although I do know her parents are Archibald McDonald and Elizabeth Young who were married in Cambuslang. That is as far as I can get at present! The old lady died of senile decay, it makes you wonder how she fared at the end! Family would have taken her in no doubt, as her son in law registered the death!
If I e-mail East Kilbride library, do you think they would send me a copy of the inscription?
A big thank you for all the information as it is so informative!
Yvonne
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:D :D Hi Yvonne
So sorry, but I had lost the note that I wrote this website on, but I came across it yesterday.
I copied the inscription down, but I cannot find it. What is recorded in the book I mentioned is the full inscription I am sure. From what I can remember it is only a basic inscription, but I am sure it is invaluable to you none the less. If you Email the library I am sure they will be only too happy to help. That is if they have not done so already. In regards to Craigneith Castle & Calderwood Estate, I am the principal authority on the subject. Without trying to boast, I have spent almost ten years collecting a plethora of information from books, maps, archives, photographs, etc.... from all over the world.
Any questions you have regarding the Estate I would be only too happy to answer. However, when it comes to Janet, what I gave in the previous message really is all that is known. The ruins of Craigneith can still be visited, with some sections standing over 8 feet tall.
Whether your'e enquiries are demanding, obscure or seemingly unrelated, I will do my best to help.
Yours Chris Ladds :) :)
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P.S.
It is interesting that you state she died of senile decay, as this would explain the old story surrounding her.
It is said that for such an old delicate lady, the job she did until her death was quite demanding, and must have - "required a phlegmatic temperment of no mean order". The job was dangerous, including gradients of 30 degrees, thin muddy paths with sheer drops to their side with not so much as a fence, countless stairs in the castle etc...
If she suffered from senile dementia then it may have allowed her to do more than she thought she was doing, due to memory loss. The very wording of the story does conjure up an almost eccentric image, which in the 1890's may have fitted 'senile decay' rather well.
:) :) :)
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Hi Chris
Yes I'm sure that is probably the whole inscription that you so kindly copied down. I did e-mail East Kilbride Library but as I received no reply, just let it rest! It is interesting to hear how Janet lived her life! I dug out her death certificate to have another look, remembering it was quite difficult to find due to her being down as Jessie ect.
Janet's husband lived to a good age of 81 and died of Chronic Bronchitis 6 months. He was a stonebreaker and gravedigger. They must have been a hardy breed when you think of what they had to endure! What backbreaking work breaking stones all day and every day!
For all Janet's travels up and down the steep paths and muddy paths, she probably died in her bed!
Great story Chris, many thanks! If you do happen to stumble accross anymore info concerning Janet and her family in the future, it would be most appreciated!
Regards Yvonne
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You are most welcome. ;D
From what I remember the inscription went something like - Janet.... Died age.... in year.... at Craigneith.
I have not visited the graves at the old East Kilbride Kirkyard personally. Considering the lairds may have been fond of her then there is a chance they paid for the gravestone, if so then it may be decorated and worth visiting.
You may like to know that the story I speak of concerning Janet, is a tale which has been handed down through local fisherman, and just by chance it was included in a local persons manuscript of his memoirs. He was named Fred Mitchell and grew up in Maxwellton Village, now in Calderwood, East Kilbride. I would be very surprised if more than a dozen people know of the story, but the tale was referred to in the East Kilbride News recently in an article speaking of the Calderwood Estate.
It makes one wonder how many stories have been lost through the last century which may have also concerned Janet.
One historical anecdote which may interest you is that - Some time during a nearby battle (probably Bothwell Bridge), a group of people in league with the local lairds, were heading over Craigneith Field in the direction of Bothwell, and decided to plank a stash of weapons in a deep drain built to drain the boggy fields. These drains were numerous and the stash was never recovered. It is said that if one stands at the gatepost at Craigneith Castle and looks towards the gates entering the grounds of Basket Farm nearby, then the position of the stash is halfway between those two points.
So Janet once lived in a location immersed in beauty, secrecy and legend!
Happy hunting, Chris :)
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Chris
Once again my thanks for the interesting data you have found on Janet! I have been away on hols and just back, so what a pleasant surprise to read all your information. I shall carry on trying to find more info on Janet. Unfortunately when you live so far away, it becomes very hard indeed!
Regards Yvonne
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Hello Lodger & Yvonne
Re: Lodger's posting 19 June 08 (see Quote below) and Also Yvonne's posting18 June 08
My name is Yolande and I'm very interested in the Ballantyne stones at Glassford...esp the four that are in a row. My Ballantynes are directed related to these. Andrew & Helen (nee Craig) are my 3 x G grandparents. Isabella is their daughter and william (and Christine Dow) are Andrew's brother and the margaret ballantyne (With Robert Watson) is William's daughter. Some of the others are possibly related and i'm still trying to find the connection.
Is it possible to get pictures of the stones? i've been searching the web for a Glassford cemetery site or historical society, but can not find one.
Yvonne - Andrew Ballantyne is the son of Andrew Ballantyne & Isabella Young...they had 8 children that i know about including a James (Born 1787 in Glassford) i was wondering if he might be the same James as your's? i have no other information on my James though.
Regards
Yolande (from Australia)
Yvonne, there are 4 stones in a row at Glassford, all with a Ballantyne connection. I would guess it is the same family.
1. - Erected by Margaret Ballantyne in memory of her husband Robert Watson who died 31st Dec 1893 aged 56. There is a list of 7 children who all died young, 3 Christina's, William, Robert, John and Marion. No date of death for Margaret.
2. - William Ballantyne died 6th March 1842 aged 51. Wife Christina Dow died 21st April 1877 aged 76. Daughter Elizabeth died at Limekilnburn 27th March 1883 aged 41. (wife of James Bryson).
Limekilnburn is the old name for Quarter.
3. - Isabella Ballantyne died 2nd Feb 1905 aged 80. Husband George clelland died 4th Nov 1866 aged 47. Daughters and grandchildren buried here, Somervilles and McAlpine.
4. - Andrew Ballantyne farmer, Shotlin died 21st April 1863 aged 70. Wife Helen Craig died 7th Nov 1881 aged 75. Son Andrew died 14th April 1872 aged 46. James Ballantyne died 24th Aug 1911 aged 80. (His wife Agnes Craig died 3rd Sept 1889 aged 52).
Also the following -
No 23. - Erected by John Ballantyne in memory of his wife Abigail Stewart Wilson died 5th Nov 1867 aged 28. Also his parents and their children. (sic) (Rest of inscription has worn away).
No 30. - Erected by William Ballantyne in memory of his father George died 15th Feb 1889 aged 52. Also our mother Jane Caldwell died 26th Feb 1926 aged 91, late of Limekilnburn.
(this stone badly broken)
No 42. - Erected by Janet Ballantyne in memory of her husband Thomas McConchie died 22nd Dec 1870 aged 51.
No 83. - Here lyes the corps of Ann, daughter of John Ballantyne, tenant in <Brounrod> she died <July> 1805.
Very worn, so not sure about the words in brackets but I think Brounrod could be Browntod. A tod is the old Scots name for a fox. I think there is still a farm of that name near Quarter. A tenant was of course a tenant farmer.
No 85. - Erected by Hugh Ballantyne and Christina Wilson his wife in memory of their children. Gilbert died 6th Oct 1845. Margaret died 11th Nov 1845. Jane died 5th Dec 1849. Andrew died 8th June 1870 aged 36. Christina, daughter of Robert Ballantyne died 31st May 1871 aged 2 years 7 months.
Thats all the Ballantynes.
Lodger.
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Hi Yolande
On reading your post I pulled James Ballantyne's death cert out to check. His father was Andrew Ballantyne (Farmer) and mother was Elizabeth Young! James died in 1882 aged 81 years. I somehow think there definitely is a connection but not absolutely sure as my James is 13 years younger than James born 1787! With reference to the names Elizabeth and Isabella, I think these names are somehow closely connected, I'm not sure but is Isabella Spanish for Elizabeth? My James Ballantyne also had a daughter called Isabella! So the same names run down the family.
As I cannot confirm James Ballantyne's parents properly, I have not been able to find any of his siblings, so find myself at a full stop!
Sorry I cannot help with the photo's Yolande, as I live in Ireland. Hopefully some kind person will help you with that!
Regards
Yvonne
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Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for checking...i did wonder about the age difference, but have so often come across similar differences that i thought there may have been a chance that the two James may have been the same. I guess there must be plenty of Ballantynes out there.
Thanks for posting.
Regards
Yolande
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Looking for another family James CRAIG, shoemaker of Chapelton, died in August 1796. I think his wife, Jean Broun, died later. Probably also their son, William and his wife, Marion in 1785 and 96.
Very early, I know.
Any help appreciated.