The BIG HOUSE -- Muirkirk, Ayr

[m a r g e]

Hi --does anyone know anything about the "Big House" in Muirkirk, Ayr.  I have Joseph Alexander Watson b 1864 - d 1865, whose mother Jane Gibson aka Watson b abt 1841 was living there when he was born.  Thanks   Marge

[L23]

Marge


In 1851 census one of the families living here was:

Janet Watson  Head  Unmarried  aged 52  Pauper  b. Muirkirk
John Collins  Son  Unmarried  aged 24  "Professor of Laziness"  b. Muirkirk
(NB occupation this is how it is written on census)
Sarah Hamilton  dau  aged 13  b. Muirkirk
Jane Gibson dau  aged 9  b. Muirkirk

I do not have 1861 census, but may be worth checking out if your Jane Gibson or Watson is on it.

[m a r g e]

Thanks for the info --I didn't have the 1851 census, but I do have the 1861 and 1871.  On the 1861 census for Muirkirk, under the column for Road, Street, etc., and No or Name of House --it has them listed as living at "Bighouse" ---there are several families living at that address.  The next group of people are living "next to the Bighouse".  I was wondering if that might have been a Poorhouse ---

Janet had three children, each with a different father.  John's father is unknown Collins, Sarah Watson or Hamilton's father was Campbell Hamilton, a tailor, and Jane Watson or Gibson's father is unknown Gibson.

In 1871, John Collins is listed as the Porter (Village).  :>)Thanks  Marge

[L23]

I am positive it was not a poor house.  But a part of the village, however it is not in any of my references or maps.  I looked at bighouse on the 1841 census, and it had many working families living there, however not the Watson's

In 1841 the family pre birth of Jane was living in Garranhill in Muirkirk (now spelt Garronhill) , all born Ayrshire

Mary Watson  aged 70  Parish Pauper
Janet Watson  aged 43
Mary Watson  aged 40
John C Watson  aged 15
Sarah Hamilton  aged 5

I hope this helps.

[m a r g e]

It does.    :>)         Thank you very much.   Marge

[joette]

 :)Sorry but that is so funny-Professor of Laziness-presume the enumerator was one who knew the family well & was adding his opinion to the Cenus!!!

[drmartin]

May iI ask where you came to find this information? Other than census? Sarah Hamilton is my gg grandmother. Thanks.

[m a r g e]

Hi.  Can you write me off-line??  My e-mail is (*).  I'd love to talk to you about the family.  My own family is the Watson line.  Thanks Marge

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[drmartin]

I am new so will see what I can do to get ahold of you. Can't wait!