RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Wigtownshire => Topic started by: mhomac on Tuesday 07 May 13 12:48 BST (UK)
-
Looking for some help please.
I have discovered two relatives on my friends Tree that says they were buried in U.P. Bella Villa Churchyard, Stranraer. The records even give the names of the sexton at the church.
I am trying to find if they have a gravestone and, if so, what it says.
They are Hugh Atkins died 26/11/1858 and his wife Euphemia Atkins (m.s. Flockhart) who died 11/9/1857.
Does anyone here have access to the Churchyard and perhaps look for a gravestone and take a picture.
i know I am asking a lot but would appreciate the assistance.
Thanks.
Morag
-
Hi mhomac,
Contact this group just google Wigtownshire Pages that should get you into the site
They are very helpful they have photographs of markers in the area this is a great site if you
are researching in the area.
They possibly may have one already that is if there was a headstone there -- unfortunately a
lot of mine were very poor and just couldn't afford one.
Good Luck
midlad
-
Thanks Midlad. I have emailed someone from this group and will wait to see if anything can be found.
I have no idea if this churchyard still exists or even where it is.
Maybe someone here may be able to give me some other information.
Thanks again for your speedy reply. Much appreciated.
Morag
-
Hi mhomac ,
As you enter Stranraer just past North West Castle Hotel there was a big house -- Bellevilla House which was an old peoples home -- this was knocked down a good few years ago and a few shops built in it's place.
I hope you get a reply soon to your enquiry if not you could always try emailing the local paper "Wigtownshire Free Press " and ask if they could put a piece in the paper worth a try.
Good Luck.
Midlad
-
A little peak of the churchyard here www.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-738-182-C
Monica :)
-
Morag, I think the churchyard is still there, tucked in behind what is now the Baptist Church of Stranraer on Bellevilla Road. The churchyard is round the back I think on Thistle Street.
Hopefully, these two photos will help you with bearings www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=41372558
On the second photo of Bellevilla Road and Thistle Street, the churchyard is just behind the church building, running along that stone wall.
Google maps/streetview show it really well.
Some of the history showing for the location re churches:
Stranraer Bellevilla Burgher (later United Secession, U.P; now Baptist) Church www.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-738-181-C
Even if there is no stone to be found for your friend's ancestors, hopefully photos from the cemetery will help. You may also find other types of records such as burial register entries, hire of the mortcloth etc. which might all help.
Monica
-
Hi Monica and Morag,
Over the years I have walked that street many times and have never realised that was a cemetery -- on my next visit whenever it is I shall definitely be having a look at it .
midlad
-
Hi Midlad
I have been virtualising on this, this morning as you can see! The cemetery is there, not a big one given the location. There is a small green gate for access...but the wall is low and you can easily look over...says she, who was in virtual world on google this am ;D
Monica
-
Sorry for the delay in answering your very helpful posts.
Midlad.... thanks again for your help. I'm not sure when I can go visit this cemetery but without your help I wouldn't have known where to find it.
MonicaL... Once again you are a star. Where would this site be without you! You have given me loads of good information here and pictures too. my friend will be amazed at what has been uncovered even if its not a gravestone! A visit is certainly needed.... good opportunity for a wee overnight trip I'd say.
Thanks to you both again.
Regards
Morag
-
Hi Homac
This little church yard is kept locked, there is a booklet listing all the graves, i was fortunate
one day to find it open and got a photo of my relative in there.
Will have a look in the library for you and see if any of the names are listed.
Allan
-
Allan, I saw the little green gate on google street view... ::) Hopefully, you may find more details in the library.
Monica
-
yes,i'll see what i can do Monica
Allan
-
Allan, your offer of help is very much appreciated. There's no point of my going to look for myself if I cannot get access!
Wonder who holds the key? perhaps I need to call the Baptist Church and arrange to meet someone when I can arrange to visit. Of course, if there is no gravestone, I won't need to visit. So...it's back to you and a trip to the library.
Will eagerly await your reply when its convenient for you. Many thanks again.
Don't you just love this Rootschat!!!!
Morag
-
Monica and Morag
Had a look at all the books for the little churchyards in the town, there is a mention of
the Atkins name but not the one's you are looking for.
So had a look in the Wigtown Free Press names index for that time and there is an entry for Euphemia's death on page 1 column 7 dated 17/09/1857.
I will go back in tomorrow and try to find the entry for you and see what it says and will print
it off for you,
Allan
-
Allan, it so helps with these types of searches to have someone local, as you are. Morag will be really pleased with what you are finding for her friend :)
Monica
-
Allan, many thanks for all your help.
The Atkins people that you found in the little books may also be for the same family. There appears to have been many of them in that area. The son of the Hugh you are looking for was, in fact, born in Stranraer in 1816 and named Hugh and became a "pianoforte builder".
I have tried to access the Wigton Free Press but either I'm doing something wrong or maybe not looking in the right place but....not having any luck! If you could print it off, that would be great. I will find a way to pay you if any costs apply.
Looking forward to seeing whats there.
Again, thanks.
Morag
-
Morag, have you tried this link? http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ainsty/wfp/intro.html
Monica
-
Morag
Had a look at the microfiche page for the free press, but it was to dark to make anything out.
I still have one more option yet to find it, the place i need to go is not open at the weekend
but will have a look on monday for you.
If there is anything i can help you with in This area just let me know.
Allan
-
How good you are being to me! Not sure how close all these places are to you but please just do what you can at your convenience.
Your offer is also much appreciated.
Kind regards
Morag
-
Morag
i'm sending you a p m
ALLAN
-
Thanks Allan. PM on its way to you now. Been walking with the Guides tonight!
-
Morag, i have sent you an e-mail
Allan
-
Hi Allan
Sorry to say your email to my yahoo address has not arrived. Will keep looking for it in both inbox and spam, just in case that's where it goes.
Thanks
Morag