Grants and McPhersons in the Mortlach area

[USA Lass]

I am searching for my great great grandfather, JOHN GRANT. I have copies of his marraige record (he was married January 15, 1859 in Kincardine O'Neil, Aberdeenshire to Elizabeth Smith -- b. ca 1838 in Kincardine O' Neil)  and his death record(he died in Aberdeen January 25 1907).

In both sources, John is born in Mortlach, Banff. (approx. 1831 or 1832) and  his parents are given as PETER GRANT (deceased) and ANN McPHERSON (deceased).  Peter was listed as a blacksmith on the marriage record.  I have found no record of his birth (there are several John Grants born at that time but to different sets of parents -- Peter and someone else, or Ann and someone else, but not to both Peter and Ann).
I would appreciate any help on this.  Its been my brick wall for a long time.
Thanks.

[HeathersLaw]

Hi

I will check this out for you next week as I can get access to the micro film.

Heather

[kenjo]

Hi USA Lass,
I feel that the Christening of your John Grant, may never be found.
I have found a Marriage of Peter Grant to Ann McPherson 19/2/1819 Cabrach Banff or Ab......
There are 2 Christenings that I could find. James and Elizabeth.

NB......Cabrach is 7.8 miles from Mortlach.. so this is very close..

When I searched for the family in 1841Census, I found Peter Grant, Blacksmith. and guess where he lived ..........Cabrach...
So I feel this is your Peter, minus, his wife.....sadly. and also minus John. ( John may be already at work on a farm.)
It seems this Peter has died by, 1851c. So it all fits.

So I would hire the OPR's for Cabrach, and see what else you can learn....

1841 Census                                    
Cabrach-Aberdeenshire
Cabrach-Banffshire
 Address: Alluie         
          
             
GRANT         Peter         M         45         Blacksmith          Aberdeenshire (Originally: Banffshire )                            
GRANT         Elizabeth         F         20                   Aberdeenshire (Originally: Banffshire )                            
GRANT         Jean         F         11                   Aberdeenshire (Originally: Banffshire )                            
Regards,
joanne
                                                             
                                                         
 

[USA Lass]

Hi Joanne,

That certainly sounds like my family.  Would an 8 or 9 year old be "Farmed out" to another family at that age at that time?  If Jean is older than John, maybe Ann died while having him (just a thought).

Do you know if there would be death records in the OPR for Ann and Peter?  I plan of going on ScotlandsPeople soon (after Christmas), but can't remember if the OPR's had death records (I last was at the GRO in Edinburgh 5 years ago).

Thanks so much for your help ( I see that the "wall" has cracks in it now).
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Lara
 

[izabel]

Have you come across a Margaret Grant b. 19 July 1789 married Peter Scott?  I would love to take my family up one generation.  Thanks Izabel

[kenjo]

Hi USA Lass,
By all means search on Scotlandspeople, for your OPR's, but, don't order anything, (before 1855), it is too expensive, when you can see the same thing on the parish films, when ordered from your closest Mormons' Family History Centre. $5.00 per film.
It is very doubtful, that you will find deaths before 1855.
but, sometimes they are there.  You may have to try for Monumental Inscriptions, or when Scotlandspeople, have Kirk sessions.
Merry Christmas.
from Jo

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[runner]

Just a comment Lara

In 1855 boys could indeed be 'farmed out'  but not meaning it your way!   They could be fee'd to a farmer as an agricultural servant as it is euphemistically called on the census. For this magnanimous gesture they would be up , sometimes before dawn to help harness the horse, clean out the stable eat whatever they were offered for breakfast, help with the milking drive sheep to pasture, labour in the fields all day.  ........Seven days a week at 9 or 10 years old!!!
If they were lucky they ate in the farm house where it was warm; if not, they ate in cold loft accommodation above the stable or shed or in a 'bothy' on the far side of the farm yard. If they wanted a fire they had to collect their own kindling or buy coal.
By 12 or 14 they might even get some money for their labours.
In the 1940's when a farmer employed an itinerant, casual labourer he expected the family to join in the effort   - after all he was providing them with lodgings and sometimes food as well!!!!!

I still remember the poor wee waifs who joined my Primary school class for a week or two - and they were the lucky ones whose parents thought education was worth it!

Russell

[HeathersLaw]

Hi USA Lass

If your family came from Carbach that would explain why I can't find John In Mortlach.  I will look for his birth in Carbach for you.

Heather

[kenjo]

Hi Russell, and Heather,
Russell, .....I love hearing from knowlegeable people,...able to make history real. I know this and that...... but, to be able to feel what they went through, takes the right words.
Thanks.

Heather,
 Are you able to check Deaths and Mounumental Inscriptions, for Cabrach?
Jo