Further Details of the Parentage of Margaret Ritchie.

No details of the marriage a James Ritchie and a Jean Pollok have been found as of yet, nor the birth baptism of a Margaret to the aforementioned James Ritchie and Jean Pollok. However there are the baptisms of six other children of James Ritchie and Jean Pollok recorded in the parish register of Mearns. This in itself is probably sufficient to confirm the parents of Margaret Ritchie being correct as being this James Ritchie and Jean Pollok as recorded on her death certificate. However there is a DNA connection between my wife and a descendant of a William Ritchie and Margaret Craig.with William being a confirmed child of James Ritchie and Jean Pollok. As it is believed that Margaret was born circa 1790 this would suggest that she was potentially one of the older children with a possible other child born between her and the first recorded child of James Ritchie and Jean Pollok, the aforemention William, born on 8 May 1796 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

There is an entry in the Farm Horse Tax records for 1797-1798 Volume 11 of a "Jas Ritchie of Langton" paying tax on a farm horse which is assumed to be the aforementioned James Ritchie.

Children of James Ritchie and Jean Pollok

Margaret Ritchie born about 1790 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

Margaret Ritchie was born about 1790 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Margaret married James Allison, the son of Robert Allison and Agnes Gilmour about 1810. James was born on 9 June 1782 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Margaret Allison, nee Ritchie, died on 29 October 1857 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Robert Allison died on 9 January 1865 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Next Generation in the Allison Family Tree Click here for further details

William Ritchie born on 8 May 1796 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

William Ritchie was born on 8 May 1796 and baptised on 22 May 1796 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. The actual baptismal entry of William identifies his parents, James Ritchie and Jean Pollok, as being at Longtown (aka Langton, Longton). William married Margaret Craig, the daughter of William Craig and Janet Gilmour on 4 July 1834 in Cowden Moor, Mearns, Renfrewshire. Margaret was born on 17 October 1808 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. She was christened on 13 November 1808 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. William and Margaret had the following children:

• James Ritchie born on 7 September 1835 and baptised on 16 September 1835 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. James married Jane Gordon on 15 December 1859 in 50 Eglinton Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Jane was born about 1830 in Paisley, Renfrewshire. James and Jane had the following children:
  • William Ritchie born on 28 September 1860 in Hutchesontown, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
  • Jessie Young Ritchie born on 13 January 1862 in Hutchesontown, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
  • James Ritchie was born on 15 April 1864 in Tradeston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
  • Margaret Ritchie was born on 7 December 1866 in Tradeston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
  James Ritchie was an archtect and first appears as a senior assistant to James Salmon c.1862-63. He disappeared from the directories in 1864-67 when he may have been working elsewhere, possibly in England, but in 1868 he reappears with Salmon and his son William Forrest Salmon's partner as Salmon Son & Ritchie at 141 West George Street. This partnership was dissolved c.1872, Ritchie thereafter practising alone. Further details of his career can be found at www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=201563. James Ritchie died on 4 March 1910 in 9 Woodstock Drive, Merrylee Park, Cathcart, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. I believe Jane Ritchie, nee Gordon, died in 1916 with the deathregistered in Cathcart, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
• William Ritchie born on 20 February 1837 and baptised on 1 March 1837 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.
• John Ritchie born on 1 November 1838 and baptised on 20 November 1838 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.
• Janet Ritchie born on 21 January 1842 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Janet married Alexander Gillespie on 15 June 1870 in Johnstone, Renfrewshire. Alexander was born about 1837 in Abbey, Renfrewshire. Janet and Alexander had the following known children:
  • Thomas Gillespie born on 15 April 1871 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire.
  • William Gillespie born on 7 April 1873 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire.
  • Alexander Gillespie born in 1879 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire. I believe Alexander married Elizabeth Gray in 1905 with the marriage regster in Cathcart, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. I believe Elizabeth died in 1955. I believe Alexander died in 1946.
  • Janet Gillespie was born about 1882 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire.
  I believe Alexander Gillespie died in 1889 with the death registered in Kelvin, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. I believe janet Gillespie, nee Ritchie, died in 1929 with the death registered in Cathcart, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
• Jean Ritchie born on 3 September 1844 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.
• Margaret Ritchie born on 22 March 1849 and baptised on 12 April 1849 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1841 William and Margaret were recorded as resident at North Walton Farm in the parish of Mearns Renfrewshirealong with their three children; James Richie aged 5, William Richie aged 4 and John Richie aged 2. Also included in the household were John McLaughlan aged 25 an Agricultural Labourer, James Ward aged 15 from Ireland, and two female servants Catherine Niven aged 20 and Anne McLean aged 20.

1841 Census (7th. June)  Mearns (571)  Book 4 Page 8 & 9

North Walton, Mearns, Renfrewshire

For the census of 1851 William was still recorded as farming in Mearns parish but now at West Walton farm, identified as 100 acres. The houshold consisted of himself aged 51, Margaret aged 41 (identified as born in Neilston), their five children; William Ritchie aged 14, John Ritchie aged 12, Janet Ritchie aged 9, Jane Ritchie aged 6, Margaret Ritchie aged 2, along with William McLachlan aged 19 an Agricultural Labourer, and two "house servants" Mary Lachlan aged 35 and Mary McDonald aged 24.

1851 Census (31st. March) Mearns (454) Book 8 Page 5.

West Walton, Mearns, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1861 William had moved and were resident at Broomward Farm House, Elderslie, Johnstone, Renfrewshire. This farm was identified as 60 acres and although smallet than West Walton, I suspect it might have been a better prospect. William was recorded as aged 65, and included in the household were his wife Margaret aged 52, and five of their children; William Ritchie aged 24, John Ritchie aged 22, Janet Ritchie aged 19, Jane Ritchie aged 16, and Margaret Ritchie aged 12, all it would appear working on the farm but with the youngest, Margaret, also still attending school. Also listed in the household was Marion Craig aged 65 identified as Sister in law i.e. the elder sister of William's wife, Margaret Craig.

1861 Census (8th April) Abbey (Paisley) Johnstone (559/3) Book 10. Page 8.

Broomward Farm House, Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

William Ritchie died aged 74 on 22 June 1868 in Broomward, Johnstone, Renfrewshire. He was identified on his death certificate as James William Ritchie, a farmer, married to Margaret Craig, the son of James Ritchie, a farmer, and Margaret Ritchie, maiden surname Pollock, both listed as deceased. The informant was John Ritchie, his son, who was present. Depite the deceased's name being given as James William Ritchie, and his mother being listed as Margaret Ritchie, maiden surname Pollock, I am as confident as I can be that this was William Ritchie and that he was the son of James Ritchie and Jean Pollock.

For the census of 1871 the widowed Margaret, aged 63, was listed as still farming at Broomward Farm House, Elderslie, Johnstone. Included in the household were her two youngest daughters, Jean Ritchie aged 26 and Margaret Ritchie aged 21, and her grandson James Ritchie aged 7. James was the son of Margaret and William's eldest son James who had married a Jane Gordon on 15 December 1859 in 50 Eglinton Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. James was born on 15 April 1864 with the birth registered in Tradeston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire although this and the subsequent 2 censuses identify him as born in Abbey, Renfrewshire, so I would suspect the birth may have been at his grandparents house i.e. Broomward Farm. There was also one other individual listed in the household, Mary Irvine aged 21, identified as "Servant on the farm".

1871 Census (3rd April) Abbey (Paisley) Johnstone (559/3) Book 10. Page 1.

Broomward Farm House, Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1881 the widowed Margaret had retired from farming and moved to Glasgow, where she was recorded as resident at 84 Allison Street, Govan, on the South side of Glasgow. Included in the household was her grandson James, aged 17 and identified as a Draper's Apprentice, born in Abbey, Renfrewshire, along with a lodger Peter McQueen aged 18 born in Inch, Wigtonshire and a Hugh McQueen aged 20 also born in Inch, Wigtonshire identified as a "Visitor". As both these McQueen's were born in Inch, Wigtonshire it would seem likely they were related in some way and it was Peter that Hugh was visiting.

1881 Census (4th April) Govan (644/12) Book 88. Page 10.

84 Allison Street, Govan, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.

For the census of 1891 Margaret had again moved and was recorded at Wolseley Street, Hutchesontown, Lanarkshire. She was recorded as aged 82, a Retired farmer's Wife, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire. The only other person listed in her household was once again James Ritchie, her Grandson, aged 27, and working as a Printer's Reader. As per previous censuses he was identified as born in Abbey, Renfrewshire.

1891 Census (6th April) Hutchesontown (644/11) Book 93. Page 5.

Wolseley Street, Hutchesontown, Lanarkshire.

Margaret Ritchie died aged 83 on 1 November 1891 at 188 Wolsley, Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. She was identified on her death certificate as the widow of William Ritchie, a Farmer, and the daughter of William Craig, a farmer, and Janet Craig, maiden surname Gilmour, both listed as deceased. The informant was James Ritchie of 28 Nothsdale Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow.

Jean Ritchie born on 16 April 1798 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

Jean Ritchie was born on 16 April 1798 and baptised on 22 April 1798 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Nothing further currently known.

Elizabeth Ritchie born on 31 May 1800 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

Elizabeth Ritchie was born on 31 May 1800 and baptised on 5 June 1800 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. It is assumed died in infancy.

Elizabeth Ritchie born on 18 June 1802 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

Elizabeth Ritchie born on 18 June 1802 and baptised on 20 June 1802 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Elizabeth married James Currie, the son of Robert Currie and Janet Steven on 3 September 1830 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. James was baptised on 31 March 1806 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. Elizabeth and James had the following children:

• Unnamed Currie born on 20 August 1831 in Fenwick Ayrshire. Believed to have died in infancy.
• James Currie baptised on 9 September 1832 in Stewarton, Ayrshire. James initially married Isabella Hamilton Raeside, the daughter of John Raeside and Mary Hamilton on 16 January 1863 in Dunlop, Ayrshire. Isabella was born on 4 April 1837 in Beith, Ayrshire. James and Isabella had the following children:
  • James Currie born on 1 February 1864 in Dreghorn, Ayrshire.
  • John Ritchie Currie born on 12 August 1865 in Kilwinning, Renfrewshire, USA. He died on 29 August 1932 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois, USA, and was buried on 1 September 1932 in Norwood Park, Illinois, USA.
  • David Currie born on 31 May 1867 in Kilwinning, Renfrewshire. He died in 1872 with the death recorded in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  • Robert Currie was born on 19 July 1870 in Neilston, Renfrewshire and died in the same year with the death recorded in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  • Mary Hamilton Currie born on 19 December 1871 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  Isabella Hamilton Currie, nee Raeside, died in 1872 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. James latterly married Mary Young Gardner, the daughter of James Gardner and Janet Govan on 4 April 1873 in 149 Bernard Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Mary was born on 3 May 1849 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. James and Mary had the following children:
  • Jeannie Gardner Currie born on 25 September 1874 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  • Robert Currie born about 1876 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  • William Currie born about 1878 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. He died on 10 February 1960 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington, USA.
  • David J. Currie born about 1878 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. He died on 22 Aug 1952 in Butte, Silver Bow, Montana, USA.
  • Charles Reside Currie born on 9 February 1880 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. Charles initially married Wilhemine Catherine Diet, the daughter of James Diet and Josephine Roling on 4 October 1906 in Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Charles latterly married Mathilde Marie Grevemberg, the daughter of Francis Bartholomew Grevemberg and Louise Eugenie De Blanc on 5 December 1945 in Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  • Hugh Steel Currie born on 28 March 1881 in Neilston, Renfrewshire. It is believed that Hugh married a Mabel Clare Bowles.
  • Janet Govan Currie born on 28 March 1881 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
  James Currie died 16 April 1893 at 413 W Madison, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Mary Young Currie, nee Gardner, died on 8 February 1932 in Evanston, Cook, Illinois, USA.
• Robert Currie baptised on 10 January 1836 in Stewarton, Ayrshire.
• Elizabeth Currie baptised on 9 December 1837 in Stewarton, Ayrshire. Elizabeth married John McKinnon, the son of Samuel McKinnon and Agnes Laurie on 14 March 1872 in Tennoch, Dunlop, Renfrewshire. John was born about 1838 in Kirkcudbright. John and Elizabeth had one known child
  • Elizabeth McKinnon born about 1873 in Dunlop, Ayrshire.
  I believe Elizabeth MacKinnon, nee Currie died in 1897 with the death registered in Tradeston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
• John Stevenson Currie born on 30 October 1839 and baptised on on 10 November 1839 in Stewarton, Ayrshire.
• William Currie born on 7 March 1842 and baptised on on 20 March 1842 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.
• David Currie born on 11 January 1845 and baptised on 23 February 1845 in Neilston, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1841 James and his family were recorded living in Uplawmoor, in the parish of Neilston, Renfrewshire. James was listed as aged 30, an Agricultutal Labourer, "Not born in Renfrewshire", along with Elizabeth, his wife, aged 30, "Born in Renfrewshire". Also included in the household were their children; James Currie aged 8, "Born in Renfrewshire", Robert Currie aged 6, "Not born in Renfrewshire", Elisabeth Currie aged 3, "Not born in Renfrewshire", and John Currie aged 1, "Not born in Renfrewshire", as well as a John McGlee aged 20, an Agricultutal Labourer, born in Ireland.

1841 Census (7th. June) neilston (572) Book 5 Page 11

Uplaymoor, Renfrewshire

For the census of 1851 the family were again recorded as resident in Uplawmoor. James Currie was listed as aged 44, working as a Sawmill Labourer and born in Neilston, Renfrewshire. His wife Elizabeth Currie was listed as aged 47, born in Mearns, Renfrewshire, and included in the household were their six children: James Currie aged 18, working as a Sawmill Labourer, born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, Robert Currie aged 15, working as a Sawmill Labourer, born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, Elizabeth Currie aged 13, born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, John Currie aged 11, born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, William Currie aged 8, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire and David Currie aged 5, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire. The three younger children were identified as Scholars.

1851 Census (31st. March) Neilston (572) Book 5 Page 9.

Uplawmoor, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1861 the family were recorded at "Arkylehill" in Neilston parish, Renfrewshire. I suspect this was actually "Hartleyhill" just outside of Uplawmoor on the other side of the Lugton Water. James Currie was listed as aged 53, now farming 12 Acres, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire, and his wife Elizabeth Currie was listed as aged 56, born in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Five of their children were included in the household: James Currie aged 28, working as a Joiner, Robert Currie aged 25, also working as a Joiner, Elizabeth Currie aged 23, a "Farmer's Daughter", John Currie aged 21, again working as a Joiner, and David Currie aged 15, still listed as a Scholar. All the children were identified as born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, with the exception of the youngest, David, who was identified as born in Neilston, Renfrewshire.

1861 Census (8th April) Neilston (572) Book 1. Page 1.

Arkylehill, Neilston parish, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1871 James and Elizabeth were still resident at what I believe to have been Hartleyhill but this time listed as "Harkleyhill". James Currie was listed as aged 64, a Retired Farmer, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire and his wife Elizabeth Currie was listed as aged 66, born in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Their youngest daughter Elizabeth Currie was the only one of their children included in the household, listed as aged 30, born in Stewarton, Ayrshire. (She was actually aged 33!)

1871 Census (3rd April) Neilston (572) Book 1. Page 1.

Harkleyhill, Neilston parish, Renfrewshire.

For the census of 1881 James and Elizabeth had moved to Tennock, back across the Lugton Water and to the south of Uplawmoor. Although no further than a few miles from both Uplawmoor and Hartleyhill, this residence was in Dunlop parish, Ayrshire. James Currie was listed as aged 73, an Agricultural Labourer, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire and his wife Elizabeth R. Currie, was listed as aged 77 an Agricultural Labourer's Wife, born in Mearns, Renfrewshire. There was only one other individual included in the household, a granddaughter, Mary Currie aged 9, a Scholar, born in Neilston, Renfrewshire. Mary was actually Mary Hamilton Currie born on 19 December 1871 in Neilston, Renfrewshire, the daughter of James and Elizabeth's eldest son, James Currie, and his first wife Isabella Hamilton Raeside.

1881 Census (4th April) Dunlop (591) Book 5. Page 2.

Tennock, Dunlop, Ayrshire.

James Currie died aged 80 on 25 September 1885 in Tennoch, Dunlop, Renfrewshire. He was identified on his death certificate as an Agricultural Labourer, married to Elizabeth Ritchie, and the son of Robert Craig, a Farmer, and Janet Craig, maiden surname Steven, both listed as deceased. The informant was James Currie, his son. Elizabeth Currie died aged 87 on 8 November 1890 at 16 Cumberland Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. she was identified on her death certificate as the widow of James Currie, a farmer, and the daughter of James Ritchie, a farmer, and Jane Ritchie, maiden surname Pollock, both listed as deceased. The informant was Elizabeth MacKinnon, her married daughter, in house house it would appear the deathhad occurred.

Mary Ritchie born on 31 January 1805 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

Mary Ritchie was born on 31 January 1805 and baptised on 10 Feb 1805 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Nothing further currently known.

John Ritchie born on 10 July 1807 in Mearns, Renfrewshire.

John Ritchie was born on 10 July 1807 and baptised on 2 August 1807 in Mearns, Renfrewshire. Nothing further currently known.