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Hi,

I have a twin set of inter-mingled brick walls, namely a William Ruickbie and a James Ruickbie.

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Regarding William:

I have been trying for some time now, without any success at all, to establish the parents of William Ruickbie who married Isabel Tait on July 24, 1772 in Innerleithen. I know nothing on Isabel either. They had at least 3 children – Agnes 1773-?, John c1779 -1868, and William 1783-?.

William did also marry Lilias Euman on May 21, 1798, again in Innerleithen. They had only one daughter, to my knowledge – Elizabeth 1800 - 1880. I am aware of Lilias’ ancestors.

I have totally scoured all available on line data available at Scotlands People and IGI, published MI’s, etc.

I do have extracts of all relative OPRs and SR registers and I do have all information regarding children John and Elizabeth and their descendants. (Agnes and William jr. are a mystery)

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Regarding James:

James Ruickbie (c1757-c1828) was a borders poet who, in his last years, was the Innkeeper of the Harrow Inn on High Street in Hawick. He had 3 books published in 1807, 1815, and 1826. His poems also appeared in several other multiple author compilations (one being “Hawick Sings and Song Writers” - all 3 editions) and one reprint of the 1826 - through to the late 1800’s.

It is said that he came from Innerleithen.

He (listed as James Rubie) married Margaret Gounlock May 30 1787 in Selkirk.

I have found records of one daughter- Margaret born circa 1792, she married Robert Govenlock who was the Innkeeper of the Mosspaul Inn for many years. I have never found her birth record.

Prior to coming to Hawick James served as the toll-keeper at Colterscleugh for 12 years and also at a few other toll-bars.

His writings indicate he had more than one child (possibly 3).

The writings of his many poet friends, and biographies in The Border Magazine, and in the transactions of the Hawick Archeology Society indicate he had two wives, that he MAY have died either in 1828 or 1829 at an un-confirmed age of 72, and that he possibly is buried at St.Mary’s Church in Hawick in an unmarked grave.

I strive to find more concrete information concerning James, his wives, their parents, and other children (I have traced his daughter Margaret forward).

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The name Ruickbie is very rare, and always has been. The name does have its roots in Innerleithen, Newlands, and Traquair. The name has always been misspelled horrendously over time.

I believe that William and James are very closely related, perhaps brothers. But – no iron clad proof.

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This is the most likely parental scenario, but I can’t prove it, and the birth date for James does not match closely enough that within his biography:

ALEX RIGBEE
Spouse: BESSIE TAITT
Marriage: 23 MAY 1742 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
Children:
GILBERT RUGBY - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Male Christening: 03 APR 1743 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
ISOABLE RUGBY - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Female Christening: 11 MAR 1744 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
WILLIAM RUGEBY - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Male Christening: 15 AUG 1746 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
MARGRAT RUGBY - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Female Christening: 17 SEP 1749 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
JAMES RUGEBY - International Genealogical Index
Gender: Male Christening: 05 NOV 1752 Innerleithen, Peebles, Scotland
(I can not find anything on any of these people after the above dates)

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William did write poems as well, in fact he has one in his son John’s published book.

I am convinced that the single most important key to the puzzle is to establish, with proof, James’ and William’s year of birth - by more than third party biographies (such as that done on James). A secondary target is proof on the actual death year of James as his final 1826 book’s last poem is written by another poet and reads more like a eulogy than a tribute.

Being from Canada my search options are limited to on line sources, or books printed concerning the people and history of Innerleithen, Hawick, etc. and surrounding area families.

Any helpful information, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

LarryR

Hi,

George “Reebie” (Ruckbie) married Margaret Paton April 16, 1836 at Stow, Midlothian. His 1859 death registration indicates that his parents were John Ruickbie, labourer and Margaret Scott (note - NO MS**, they may not have been married). Her 1885 death registration indicates parents as Andrew Paton, land steward and Margaret Paton (MS Milne).

Their nine children were all registered at birth as Ruckbie, Ruickbie or Ruikbie.

Census and death information on George indicate a birth date of approx. 1810 in Peebles. The 1851 Census shows the family as “Rubie”.

I have not been able to locate the birth of George under any likely surname or variation of Scott or Ruickbie, Rubie, etc.

I strive to confirm George’s parent’s names and their past.

Any assistance or suggestions in this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

LarryR