Joseph Jardine and Janet Kerr

[Jamjar]

Hi Reiver,

Thanks for your reply. It was the conversation between you and Mosstrooper I was referring to. I could tell it was going to continue.

Yes, I have been through the books in the library. Unfortunately, those who inscribed them often missed some. On a recent visit to a cemetery at Thornhill I found a very large headstone, which was clearly readable. Yet, the internment wasn't recorded in the council records, or the little books.

The Dumfies library has all the old newspapers (1800s) on Micro Fiche. They have indexes that are easy to use. I found death and business notices in them. 

I'm living in Dumfries and am happy to assist you where I can.

Jamjar

[Reiver]

Many hanks for the offer Jamjar.  I'll bear it in mind

Regards
Reiver

[mosstrooper]

Jamjar,
             Sorry about the slight excursion, but we are back on track.
I have had a reply from the USA with a photo of the headstone and a transcription. As you can see we had to do a bit of digging.

We only located this stone because we had a map, which they still have to send, I will keep trying to get it for you.

Here is the inscription.

"To the memory of Thomas Kerr in Esbie who died January 26th, 1764 aged 75
years. Also Jannet Sandert his spouse who died May 4th 1767 aged 75 years.
Also Thomas, Robert and Elizabeth, Thomas and James all children to George
Kerr joiner in Rosebank. Also George son of the above who died 20th
December, 1808 aged 72 years. Also Christina Burgess his spouse who died at
Lochmaben 19th December, 1819 aged 77 years. Also William Kerr son of John
Kerr who died --- 1817 aged 12 years, and Jean Kerr his daughter who died
10th March 1833 aged 16 years. Also Helen Bell spouse to the said John Kerr
who died 13 January, 1833 aged 50 or 56 years. Also Jean and Christina their
daughters - Jean died at Lockerby March 1837 aged 14 years and Christina
died at Ohio, America August 1835 aged 21 years. George Bell their son also
died in America aged 31 years."


Not much elbow room left in there!!!!!!
James.

[Jamjar]

Excellent indeed! 

Sure must be cosy in there.

Was the stone near to the front wall, near the gate? I was kicking grass of a stone and my cousin remarked several times about the odd shape. The one in the photograph is odd. I can't recall if the one we were looking at was broken.

Am I reading right? Does it mean that George who died at Rosebank is the son of Thomas.

Is Christina Burgess the wife of George Kerr?

I have my doubts that they brought people home to bury them. I have a rellie who died in Chicago and his name is on the headstone. I can't imagine the money would have been available for return passage.

Although our Jardine/Kerr line produced a George there isn't a Christina I have come across yet, but then again I wasn't looking for one.

Thanks again, James.

Jamjar

[mosstrooper]

As far as I can remember we were in the centre more or less, of the graveyard. At first we could not find the stones marked on the map, so we counted from one side and stuck a screwdriver into the ground to locate the stones, there were several underground.

Because they were covered they were in good condition and not weathered.

As far as I can read, George was the son of Thomas, and Christina was his wife.

It was common practise to include names of family members who died elsewhere on the family headstone. They didn't actually bring them home.

Hope this has given you some pointers, another careful expedition to the graveyard with a screwdriver might be fruitfull for you. There were other Kerr stones buried.

[Jamjar]

That's a pity. As the grass is up past my knees we'd need a lawnmower before a screwdriver.

Guess we'll just have to wait to see if the map materialises. I'll be phoning Combined Services tomorrow to see if the can supply one for me.

I spent 5 hours at the library today discovering more information and learning to use all the files they have there. I found the Kerr inscription in a book.

Off to Applegarth cemetery, tomorrow.

Jamjar

[Jamjar]

Hi there,

Phoned combined services and was told they don't have maps. I stated that I have two, obtained from them for other cemeteries. Was told I'd be phoned back. No news as, yet.

The family on the headstone is most certainly my line. The name Christina Burgess Jardine pops up in a future generation.

Now there is more to be done to find the marriage and births of George and Christina.

Jamjar

[mosstrooper]

JamJar,
              I'm so glad I have been some help to you.

If this is your family, then you are connected to the person I am friends with in Pennsylvania. John Kerr and Helen Bell are the g-g-Grandparents of her Granny who is stll alive and living in Ohio.

I will write and ask if they still have the graveyard map.

James.

[Jamjar]

That would be great, thank you. 

I wonder if they know that Janet Kerr lived and died in New Brunswick, Canada?

Thanks again,

Jamjar