1861 census - lost family

[genjen]

Does anyone have the 1861 census for Old Machar and Belhelvie? I have searched on Scotland's People but can't find my Raitt family under any spelling or possible mis-transcription that I can think up.

I am looking for James Raitt who would be aged around 48-a labourer, born Belhelvie.
His wife Christian or Christina ( Crichton) born Methlick, age about 60.
There should also be a daughter, Jane or Jean, born 1849, Old Machar or Newhills.

It is possible that they moved away for work purposes but they were in Old Machar in 1851 and 1871 so it seems unlikely.

Thanks in anticipation.

Jen

[Michelle56]

Hi,
Can only find Christine Chrichton  age 56 Birthplace Methlick (wife)
                      Christine Raitt age 56 Born Methlick (Wife) Shepheards wife
                      George Raitt age 19 son born Old Machar
                      Jane Raitt age 12 Daughter born Old Machar
Address Clown Hill Ellon Turnpike   
 registration no 168b
district Old Machar
ED1A
page 11
household no 46
Can't find anything about James

Hope this helps
Michelle

[genjen]

Hi Michelle,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I was forced, kicking and screaming, to go and spend a week in France, including three nights in Paris, so have just received your message.

This is the right family; James must have been away shepherding - or, if his previous record is anything to go buy, creating more little Raitts with another young woman. It is very unlikely that Jane is actually Christian Raitt's daughter.

Another son, Alexander Raitt, who was also not at home on the night of the census but who was born between George and Jane, was the illegitimate son of James Raitt and Eliza Sherriffs and it is likely that the next brother, Robert, was as well. Christian would have been forty nine when Jane was born, making it almost certain that she was not the natural mother.

I shall carry on looking for James, he must have been somewhere.

Cheers and thanks for your help.

Jen