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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Ayrshire => Topic started by: lanarman on Saturday 07 March 15 13:49 GMT (UK)
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I have located this place on a map of Ayrshire and was wondering if anyone knows the history of this town or whether there was an estate/castle located there?
My reason for asking: I have a 1787 marriage record between a John Drummond, Gardener and Elizabeth Bird, Housekeeper in Polquhairn. Marriage took place in nearby Ochiltree. Were they working on someone's estate at the time of marriage?
Would someone have this John Drummond in their family tree and be able to name his parents and which Drummond family he belonged to?
Thanks.
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Polquhairn consisted of 2 farms Old Polquhairn and Polquhairn. At the time of this 1787 marriage it was held by David Crawford whose family had these lands for generations but in 1792 Anne Campbell purchased the estate.
Ochiltree is the name of the Parish and the principal Town where Polquhairn lays. The only castle I am aware of is a at the farm east of Polquhairn at Auchencloigh but by the late 18th century I am sure it would have been mostly rubble.
Don
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Thanks Don. On the Scotlands Places website I just found that John Drummond was the gardener for Adam Crawford Newall Esq. at Polquhairn from, at least, 1785 to 1788. In the 1797 entry for Ochiltree The Countess of Glencairn was listed with one servant only (not John D.). I know that in 1807 John Drummond was in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire.
The same website has Elizabeth BIRD as a female servant in 1786 for the same Adam C. Newall at Polquhairn. Not there in 1787 as she was married earlier that same year to Drummond. So, one mystery solved.
I presume that Anne Campbell was the Countess of Glencairn?
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Is anyone familiar with or have DRUMMOND ancestors from this part of Ayrshire? I'm at the brick wall.
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The estate was sold Nov 1791 on the death of Adam Crawford Newall - selling price 9030l.
In describing the estate the Caledonian Mercury, 31 Oct 1791 mentions
"...There is upon the farm of Polquhairn a modern built mansion house and offices,which cost near 1000l. sterling and there is likewise a good garden, and thriving belts of planting on that part of the estate ...."
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No doubt that those "good gardens" were part due to John Drummond's work there.
In 1796 John and Elizabeth had a son baptized at Muirkirk. On the 18th Nov 1797 John was the gardener for Mrs. Dunlop of Dunlop, Ayrshire. By 1807 he had moved again to Cambuslang, Lanarkshire. I wonder why all the moves?