hello folks
I am trying to solve a mystery!
I have collected information with the help from Rootschatters, Arran Geneology Museum and also searching myself ,through Scotlandspeople,Parish Records and Familysearch and more.
I am trying to confirm that my great great grandmother Elizabeth Kerr was Elizabeth Linn born in Kilmorey Buteshire (Arran).
First information was obtained from their daughter Mary Kerr ´s marraige certificate and it states that John Kerr Coal Miner and Elizabeth Linn were her parents,
from there I got a marraige certificate which said they married in Irvine on 23.10.1853
according to the 1861 Census they lived at Townhead, Irvine;
William Linn Head aged 72 Carter born Ireland
William Son aged 18 Joiners Apprentice Born
John Kerr Boarder aged 24 Coal Miner born Wigtownshire
Elizabeth Boarder aged 29 Muslin Sewer born Kilmorey Buteshire
Mary dau aged 7 scholar born Irvine Ayrshire
Jane dau aged 1 born Irvine Ayrshire
I thought William might be her Father , but its strange that her relationship to head is boarder.
according to 1871 Census they are living at 2 East Back Road Irvine
John Kerr aged 27 Coal Miner born Wigtownshire
Elizabeth aged 33 born Kilmorey Buteshire
Mary aged 17 Domestic Servant
Jane aged 11 scholar
William aged 9 scholar
Elizabeth aged 7 scholar
John aged 4
Catherine aged 1
according to 1881 they are living in Donaldsons Land Dreghorn
John Kerr aged 41 Coal Miner
Jane dau aged 21 House Keeper
William aged 18 Coal Miner
John aged 13 Coal MIner
Catherine aged 12 Scholar
Agnes aged 8 Scholar
Margaret aged 4
Archibald Linn Brother in law aged 45 Coal miner born Arran
all children were born in Irvine.
I have a death certificate for Elizabeth which would explain her absence in this census;
she died 31.3.1877 aged 45, married to John Kerr Coal Miner , 24 Eglinton Street Irvine.
not sure of cause of death.
her parents are named as ; William Linn Carter deceased and Margaret Linn nee McAlister deceased.
But according to Kilmorey parish records
Parents William Linn and Catherine McAlister were married in Kilmorey Bute on 11.10.1818and had the following chidren;
William bpt 11.12.1818
Mary chr 29.10.1821
Janet chr 30.11.1823
Betty chr 1.6.1826
Mary chr 31.9.1828
Betty chr 9.1.1831
William chr 24.9.1841
Archibald 15.3.1833
Archibald 25.3.1835
Alexander 11.1837
according to the above names it would appear some died and new born were renamed the same names , which I was told was the norm at that time.
Also according to Parish records Archibald McAlester and Mary McKinnon had 2 daughters ;
Catherine was born 6.2.1798
Margaret was born 29.7.1803
So who was the mother Margaret or Catherine
according to 1841 Census at Townhead Irvine
William Lean Head aged 48 Carter born Ireland
Margaret wife aged 40
Mary dau aged 12 Scholar
Elizabeth dau aged 10 Scholar
Archibald son aged 6 Scholar
Alexander son aged 4
although the surname isnt correct the dates and names fit.
according to 1851 Census they are still living at Townhead Irvine but called Linn
William Head aged 60 Carter born Ireland
Agnes sister aged 54 House Keeper born Ireland
William son aged 8 Scholar born Irvine
The 1861 Census for Elizabeth and John would tie in right with these names and ages.
Next on 6.1.1872 , I have a death certificate for William Linn aged 85 Carter , widower of Margaret McAlister.
Parents unknown , he died at Hill Street Kilmarnock , death was informed by George Ness his son in law, cant read cause of death.
Janet Linn (Elizabeths sister?) married George Ness on 21.1.1851 in Stevesnton Ayrshire.
I have a few other bits and pieces , but I think these are the most important ones.
I would appreciate any help .........
regards
Elinga