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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Renfrewshire => Topic started by: Brittain on Monday 09 November 15 01:18 GMT (UK)
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Hi
I'm searching for further information on William Brittain who I believe to be my 3rd great grandfather. He was Governor of the Abbey (Paisley) Poor House and Lunatic Asylum between c 1852 and 1863. I have contacted the archivist of the Poor House records who had no information and suggested I get in touch with the Paisley Heritage Centre. They too told me they and no information on staff oft He institution. I am currently at a loss ask to where to look now for more information. Can anyone help?
Thanks in advance.
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What sort of information are you looking for I assume you have him in the 1861 census at Paisley Poorhouse ( Governor and Chelsea pensioner ) age 53 estimated birth year 1808 Anderston Lanarkshire with his wife Margaret Gibson
Looks like a second marriage for William Brittain 28/11/1850 West or Old Parish Greenock Renfrewshire his father William spouse Margaret Gibson ..
A tree has a death for him 29/8/1866 in Glasgow I would suggest you get a copy of his death certificate to get more information on parent's names and other information you can get this at www.scotlandspeople.gov
I notice a marriage for his son William Brittain to a Jane Martin 8/4/1855 St Mary Magdeline Woolwich he names his father as William Brittain Master of Paisley Union
Rosie
Should have added welcome to rootschat :)
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HI Rosie and than you very much for the welcome and the information. I have found all the information you gave including his death record. On that death record the informant is his son John Arthur Copeland Brittain. But this son is of neither of the two wives I am aware of - Margaret Gibsin and Agnes Aitchison but rather a Janet Smith according to his own marriage certificate. Additionally I was hoping to find out when and how William became Governor of the Abey Poor House.
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Sorry I could not help you more I notice this John Arthur Copeland Brittain was born Montreal Canada 1843 you will most probably know
Rosie
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I really appreciate your responses Rosie, thank you very much :)
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Hi Brittain
What did you say was the source for John Arthur Copeland Brittain's mother? He married in Everton England in 1877? Only father showing on that entry, William Brittain, Gentleman - https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NFF8-71R
Ahh...just noticed, John Arthur showed as a widower then. Did he marry before in Scotland (to state his mother's name)?
Monica :)
Added: First marriage here? https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTTC-KXW
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You have seen this post, for additional background - http://royalpioneercorps.yuku.com/topic/1620/Information-on-my-Grandfather#.VkEQWL9rWYs - reply #3
Monica
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HI Monica
Thanks very much for your two posts - you are exactly right, his first marriage was in Scotland. I did see the other message and asked a similar question there but the thread seems to be quite old so I came across this site via Google and decided to ask here. Actually I was surprised and disappointed to learn the archives of the Poor House in Paisley don't have any information on staff members.
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Scottish records are amazing (me, biased ::)) but not everything is where we hope :-\
Need to take this back to basics for you. I don't like over posting without responses (feels lonely) so glad that you are there...
On a standard search for someone like William you would look for:
BMDs for the family
Census info - can see 1861 (1851?)
Wills and entries - none show that I can see here www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
With Rosie's mention of him being a Chelsea Pensioner, wondered about these military records here at TNA http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C8786160
Son (guess he showed as son he reported father William's death in 1866?) John Arthur Copeland Brittain. In the right place etc. when reporting father's death. Where was he in 1851 and 1861? Master mariner when he married second time around - doesn't help having a mariner often when looking for census entries...
Curious that he remarried in the Chester area in 1877. There is a birth in 1819, or thereabouts, which is covered by a private tree on a/try for a John Arthur Copeland Brittain - http://trees.ancestry.co.uk/pt/RequestTreeAccess.aspx?tid=75791324&pid=38324893859. Such a specific set of names, wondered whether there was a connection back to William Brittain, but can't tell...
Newspapers and any possible mentions there might also help.
Monica :)
Added: Other source would be the Post Office Directories or business directories, www.nls.uk/family-history/directories/post-office/index.cfm?place=Renfrewshire
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Newspapers can add more too...
Greenock Advertiser, 1 Sept 1866, have mention of William Brittain's death. Can't see much more detail though there, other than age at death and occupation.
Maybe mentions elsewhere with more info
Monica
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Wow Monica that's some really great advice packed in to your message, thank you very much - a lot to ponder.
As for his son, I have not been able to find any record of John A C's death anywhere. I am not sure what the protocol is for recording deaths overseas but it is possible he emigrated or that his death is somewhere registered simply as John (there are a good number of those) in England which would make it difficult to find. There is certainly a link to Cheshire though I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is yet but it is something I intend following up on.
You have been a great help, thanks so much for taking the time to help :) :)
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Hi with the information Monica has provided first for the William Brittain soldier in the 71st Foot soldiers says he was born Barony Lancashire enlisted age 17years gives his occupation as a weaver
John Arthur Copland Brittain appears on quite a few of the UK Masters and Mates Certificates 1863--1870 address always given as Glasgow
The last record I find is John A C Brittain born about 1843 age 35 Vessel Name Annie Burrill Voyage date 7/1/1879 Arrival Port Antwerp Belguim date joined present ship 3/9/1878 discharge date 7/1/1879 ..
1871 census John Arthur Copeland Brittain Civil Parish Vessels registration district Greenock Old Renfrewshire
1871 census for his wife
Catherine Brittain age 30 b Glasgow address 3,Whitehall Street Barony (Mariner wife)
John Brittain son age 2 birth for John Arthur Copeland Brittain 29/11/1868 Anderston Glasgow father John Arthur Copeland Brittain mother Catherine McKellar
I would say this is a possibility
1881 census John Brittain with his Uncle Robert Brittain age 42 b Canada ( sail maker )address52,Dunbarton Road Barony Glasgow
1901 census he is still with his uncle Robert Brittain age 62 ( sail maker )
John Brittain age 32 occupation sail maker
There is also another son born to this couple William Brittain b 31/10/1871 Anderston
Maybe be better investing in some credits for SP and get a copy of the marriage for John A C Brittain to Catherine McKellar to see what parents are listed
Rosie
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Hello All,
Looks like this is John Brittain. in 1881.
Western Infirmary,
John Brittain, Patient, Seaman, M. age 38 years, M. born Canada.
His wife Catherine McKellar, Brittain, died 1875. aged 32 years, Anderson, Glasgow.
Their son William Brittain, died aged 2 years, 1874. Anderson, Glasgow.
This also looks like his second wife Margaret.
1881. census. address, 1 Hopeful Place, Barony, Lanark.
Margaret Brittain, Head, Woolen Weaver, M. aged 35 years, F. born Glasgow, Lanark.
Nathienal Brittain, Son, M. age 4 years, born Glasgow, Lanark.
Margaret's, age is correct going by the English, marriage, the son name Nathienal, that was the first name of Margaret Wilson's, father.
Regards,
Jonn.
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Thanks Jonn just came back on to post these details ;D
Found this baptism for a Robert Findlay Brittain 1838 Montreal Quebec ( Presbyterian )
Mentions a father William Brittain in the 71st regiment very hard to make out the rest but mother was not present
Rosie
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Here is one to throw into the mix.
William Briton, married Janet Smith. 27/August/1827. Glasgow.
Regards,
Jonn.
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Rosie and John, THANK YOU.!!!!
What great stuff, just perfect - I cannot believe you found all that in such a short space of time but really I can't thank you all enough not just for the records but for taking the time to find them for me. All your contributions have helped me advance enormously - or will have by the time I have followed everything up. New information, new leads and good advice. I really couldn't ask for more
All the best to you all
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You have seen this post, for additional background - http://royalpioneercorps.yuku.com/topic/1620/Information-on-my-Grandfather#.VkEQWL9rWYs - reply #3
Monica
I am responsible for that original posting. For your information I believe William brittain married again in Greenock and he was listed as a police sergeant and later became the governor of the Milford Workhouse in Ireland. This info is in the Abbey poor house board minutes where they discuss his appointment and how they are awaiting him coming from his post at Milford to take up the post at the abbey poor house. There descriptions of his work at Abbey poor house in the board minutes etc. There is a wee insight into his personality in these. Also the John A C Brittain had two admissions into the western infirmary and there are written records of the discussion between him and the physician treating him. If memory serves me right this admission is after he had served his hard labour sentence in Gibraltar for the manslaughter of the ships cook. It would appear that the sentence was reduced or pardoned etc. The ship he was arrested from was the David Sinclair (Schooner; First ship of Denholm shipping). I have more but would need to try and get the stuff out. William is my Grandfather x 4. Hope this helps
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Please contact me regarding the above who is my ancestor, I have his death and marriage certificates, 3 marriages in total. I have all the proof required to show that his son , and his sons descendents come down to me
Cheers Sandra in Oz