Hi to everyone following this thread....just before I complete it forever, thought I might add a few bits of info in case someone is interested.
Found my ancestor Peter Rae's mother - Bethia TOWERS in 1841 census with her daughter Francis RAE as follows:
1841 Carronshore, Labert, Stirlingshire, Scotland
Bothea TOWERS age 55 b. Stirling
Francis RAE age 30 b. Stirling
Interesting to see "Bothea"s surname is TOWERS (ie her maiden name) and not husband William's surname of RAE. I have heard of Scots unofficially 'marrying' using the handfasting ceremony...so I wonder if this couple did that. No parish records show a marriage for William RAE and Bethia TOWERS.
Their daughter Francis RAE (b. 1809, Larbert), who I had listed as a male, thanks to IGI, is also in 1851 and 1861 census records. She died, unmarried, in 1863, Larbert, Stirlingshire, age 54.
I can't find her sister Mary RAE (b. 1812, Larbert) in any census records. IGI shows a possible marriage for Mary to William HOTCHKIS, but using that surname has also brought zero results.
Also can't find brother James RAE (b. 1817, Larbert) in any census records.
Eldest son William Rae (b. 1804, Larbert) married Catherine HENDERSON, and I have them and their family in 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1881.
Still pursuing descendants, but if anyone has anything to add to this RAE family I would be grateful for anything.
Cheers,
Janine