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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Inverness => Topic started by: craizi daizi on Monday 10 January 11 05:05 GMT (UK)
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Hello all
Happy New Year
I have just found my great great grandfathers death cert, and he died in Dochgarroch, Inverness, so now am looking for the grave yard / cemetery, Does anyone know where they are in that area, death was 1893 Alexander Munro age 72 ( according to death cert)
As far as I can tell Dochgarroch was just a hamlet with a canal lock and a school and not much else. It doesn’t appear to have had a church. It’s in the parish of Inverness and only about four miles from the city
Does that sound correct and are any Inveness graveyards / cemeteries online ??
Daizi
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Hi Daizi
have a look at the link below
http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/localities.britisles.scotland.inv.general/658/mb.ashx
Yours Aye
BruceL
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Thanks Bruce,
I have seen that post, and as i am in Australia, the address's arnt much good to me, also have checked the genuki site
Daizi
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Hi Daizi
I lived in the Inverness area some years ago and Dochgarroch is a small place (sorry, can't remember much more about it - memory is a bit hazy!). I think the closest cemetery/churchyard on the list (from the link to Ancestry posted by Bruce) would be the one at Lochend. The next closest would be Tomnahurich (in Inverness) I think.
I'm not aware of these cemeteries being online, but the Highland Family History Society does sell a booklet of Lochend MIs and the Scottish Genealogy Society does have a handful of pre-1855 Tomnahurich (nothing after this date I'm afraid) MIs in their Inverness District East booklet.
Hope this helps
Lynn
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HI Lynne
Thanks for that, i will keep searching, i will contact Highland Family History Group and see what they can offer
thanks again
Daizi
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Daizi, have a look at this site, http://moregravestones.webs.com/ Skoosh
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Thanks for that Skoosh, is a great site, but no luck...:(
Daizi
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HI there, I lived around Dochgarroch/Lochend for many years and know that in the era you talk about there was a lot of coming and going between the Dochgarroch side and by ferry to South Lochness side so Dores cemetery might be an option. Another popular one was Glenconvinth. The latter is over the hill from Dochgarroch towards Beauly. At that time there was a drover's road over the hill. If you email one of the local libraries they usually have the book of details of gravestones, especially smaller cemeteries. It depends very much where his family are buried and where he was born. These locations were both very influential in deciding where people are buried. Most people who lived around Dochgarroch were associated with Dochfour estate or farms attached to it. There is a church a little further South on the Inverness - Drumnadrochit road but I'm not sure whether there was a cemetery there or not. The next church out was at the beginning of Loch Ness, also unsure re cemetery. Both churches are set in tiny pieces of ground so not much space for anything else. We had relatives who were members of that church and they are buried at Glenconvinth. Hope this does not confuse you too much. Good luck with everything. I am going through to Inverness to the ancestral centre next week and if you still have not get the info I will ask when I go for you.
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Hello Ireneaf
Thanks for that info, I dont know the area at all,
If you find anyone to ask, while you are going through next week i would appreciate that,
Alexander had lived in the are for a while with his son and family, his son Duncan Munro and his wife Isabella Munro (nee McIntosh) was the was the School teacher / School master at Dochgarroch school from 1884 - 1909 , the father Alexander is with them in 1891, Although Alexander was born 1823 in Urray, Ross and Crom...maybe that means he may be buried in Ross and Crom ??
Any help is greatly aprreciated....
Thanks in advance
Daizi
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HI Dalzi
You hadn't mentioned the fact that he was teacher at Dochgarroch school. My cousin wo is from that area sent me some info recently as I am interested in the social history of the 18/19C. She related some stories from the "Log Book and the Register for Dochgarroch School 1875- 1914. They probably don't go before the Education Act 1872." These log boooks may mention your relative - I will ask my cousin if she knows any more. This may make it easier to trace as there should be some newspaper article or such that will help. Ireneaf
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Hi Irene
I have this info, that was sent to me, any info greatly recieved ......
Dochgarroch Primary School
Thank you for your enquiry concerning Dochgarroch Primary School and one of the school’s former teachers, Duncan Munro.
I have checked the County of Inverness valuation rolls, which list the proprietors and tenants of properties in the County of Inverness. According to the valuation roll for the year 1883-1884 [Ref: CI/4/2/3], the tenant of the Teacher’s House at Dochgarroch was a John Chisholm. In the valuation roll for the following year, 1884-1885, the teacher residing in the Teacher’s House is Duncan Munro. Duncan Munro is then listed as being resident in the Teacher’s House until the valuation roll for the year 1909-1910 [Ref: CI/4/2/20], when the teacher is given as a Mrs Margaret Colville.
I have also checked in the Inverness and Bona School Board Minutes, 1905-1914 [Ref: CI/5/4/2/2]. In the minutes of the School Board meeting held in Inverness, 16th April 1909, I found reference to the board having resumed discussion of Mr Munro’s retiring allowance, stating that he had thirty six years of recorded service. Going further back, I found the following reference, transcribed below, in the minutes of the School Board meeting held on 5th March 1909:
There was submitted letter from Mr Munro, Dochgarroch dated 20th ult. resigning his appointment owing to his health having broken down. The Board accepted the resignation with regret, and at the same time record their high appreciation of Mr Munro faithful services as Teacher of this School for the past twenty six years. The date of Mr Munro’s retirement was left undetermined until it could be ascertained when Mrs Colvill would commence her duties. Consideration of Mr Munro’s retiring allowance was deferred until next meeting.
(I believe ‘ult’ is an abbreviation for the previous month, so in this case, 20th February 1909)
Unfortunately, the School Board minutes for Inverness and Bona only begin in 1892, too late to find further details regarding Mr Munro’s appointment and where he may have been teaching for the ten years prior to his appointment at Dochgarroch School.
I then looked at Dochgarroch School Log Book, 1875-1914 [Ref: CI/5/3/179a]. I found an entry for March 3rd-8th 1884 stating that, ‘There was no school save on Monday this week, owing to the present Master leaving the place on account of infirm health’. The ‘present Master’ referred to was John Chisholm. The next entry states that school resumed under the new master on 14th March 1884, although, unfortunately, the new master is not identified by name at this point.
On 17th October 1884, there is reference to ‘…no sewing this week – Mrs Munro unwell’. It would appear that the new staff are first listed by name in an entry for 27th February 1885 when it was reported that, ‘The condition of this school has very considerably improved under the new Master, and it is believed that the improvement will be progressive…’, Staff Duncan Munro, Mrs Munro, Mary Campbell, Assistant Teacher.
DAizi
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Hi Daizi
Well had a look at the book of Lochend inscriptions while in Inverness but no luck with your ancestor. I did wonder where his wife was buried because he is likely buried in the same place. Since you mantioned Urray, I had a look at the inscriptions for there too. There were a few graves of men with the same name but different dates of death - very different. I asked while in the Genealogy Centre about burials in Tomnachurich Cemetery. Records of people buried there are held by Inverness Crematorium - telephone number (44) 1463 717849. So if you don't have any luck you can always contact them. Good Luck with that.
Interesting to see you also looking for Frasers. One of my ancestors was a farmer at Balnafroig (late 18C). The farm is near Dores, as another correspondent mentioned, South of Inverness. The Frasers of Kiltarlity were a completely different 'group' from those on S Lochness - even those on the South were separated into different groups. Late 18 and early 19C there was not a lot of integration between the different sides of Loch Ness Frasers. My ancestors are on the Dores side so I understand about the difficulties in searching for which Fraser. Best idea is follow the Christian names. Good luck with this too. Irene
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Hi Irene,
Thanks for trying, i appreciate it, Alexander had 2 wives, his 1st wife. Margaret ( nee McClean) died 1874 and his 2nd wife mary (nee Fraser)died 1888, both died in Fannellan, Kilarlity.
Yes i have Frasers.... Mary Fraser born 1832 in Kilarlty daughter of Simon Fraser born Agaish and Mary Fraser (nee Fraz/ser) born Breachachy
Thanks again
Daizi
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Hello,
I am wondering if anyone still has a record of the inscriptions at Lochend as I am searching one for the surname Hitch.
Many thanks, Kirst
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Hi Kirst
There is this mention at Lochend for the surname:
Evan James Hitch
Birth year 1829
Country Scotland
Age 3
Death year 1832
Inscription 39. {Slab, flaking badly in places} This st[one] is placed here by Wi[l]liam HITCH, Doch[four] in memory of his son Ev[an] James HITCH, who departed this life the 10th day of March 1832, aged 3 years. “Sic transit Gloria mundi”. Likewise to the memory of Georgiana McL HITCH, who departed this life the 20th day of November 1833, aged 1 month.
Also this one:
William Hitch
Birth year 1779
Age 54
Death year 1833
Inscription 38. {Slab} Sacred to the memory of Mr William HITCH, for 31 years butler in the family of Dochfour, during which time, by his long and faithfull services, he obtained the esteem and approbation of every member of the family and died regretted by all who knew him. It pleased Almighty God to remove him by a severe visitation from this world of trial and, though suddenly called away, he was not unprepared to meet his great change, but, resting all his hope and trust in the many merits of his Redeemer, he looked to happy entrance into those heavenly mansions where sorrow and sighing shall be no more for ever. His loss will be long and deeply felt by his afflicted family, who offer this humble tribute of respect to his memory. He died December 6th 1833, aged 54 years.
Monica
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Hi Kirst
There is this mention at Lochend for the surname:
Evan James Hitch
Birth year 1829
Country Scotland
Age 3
Death year 1832
Inscription 39. {Slab, flaking badly in places} This st[one] is placed here by Wi[l]liam HITCH, Doch[four] in memory of his son Ev[an] James HITCH, who departed this life the 10th day of March 1832, aged 3 years. “Sic transit Gloria mundi”. Likewise to the memory of Georgiana McL HITCH, who departed this life the 20th day of November 1833, aged 1 month.
Also this one:
William Hitch
Birth year 1779
Age 54
Death year 1833
Inscription 38. {Slab} Sacred to the memory of Mr William HITCH, for 31 years butler in the family of Dochfour, during which time, by his long and faithfull services, he obtained the esteem and approbation of every member of the family and died regretted by all who knew him. It pleased Almighty God to remove him by a severe visitation from this world of trial and, though suddenly called away, he was not unprepared to meet his great change, but, resting all his hope and trust in the many merits of his Redeemer, he looked to happy entrance into those heavenly mansions where sorrow and sighing shall be no more for ever. His loss will be long and deeply felt by his afflicted family, who offer this humble tribute of respect to his memory. He died December 6th 1833, aged 54 years.
Monica
Hi Monica,
Thank you so very much for sharing this information. It is exactly what I am looking for, thank you, thank you.
I had been trying to find information on them. I am still unsure of where William originally came from, I think Gloucestershire, and what the middle name McL. is for Georgiana.
William married Elizabeth Cameron and I think there may be some of her family there also.
I think they all worked at Dochfour for the Baillie family. And I think William may have met Elizabeth when they both worked there.
Lots of thinking, trying to find the answers.
Thank you kindly, Kirst
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Some of the christenings of the children for William and wife Elizabeth are showing on the Old Parish Registers. Just in case you haven't seen them:
13/04/1824 - William Henry
31/01/1825 - Maria
23/02/1826 - Margaret Ann
09/04/1829 - Evan James
17/03/1831 - Emilia Baillie
No reference to Georgina born 1833 (always the case that one you need to check is not there!).
A fairly complete list of their children following their marriage in 1823.
Is this the birth entry that you think might be his? www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3SJ-V1M
Monica
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So true - always the way!
With William, father dying in 1833, this list of children does look mostly complete with only Georgiana missing, I wonder if that was because she was only 1 month when she died?
I have found two possible 1779 births of a William in Gloucester, the one for your link, thank you, and a second for Gloucester parents William and Martha. Apparently, there is a link to the Hitches of Stonehouse & Stroud but I can't find a birth there that matches. With Gloucester being closer to Stonehouse & Stroud I thought it could be that one but still hunting for a link. It's not a common surname so I am hopeful.
I've also lost any trace of Emilia Baillie Hitch after her birth. It seems she was named after the Baillie family which William, her father, worked for. But unsure what happened to her after her father's death.
Thanks so much for your help, it's really wonderful :)
Kirst
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Emilia may also have died young. The 1841 census lists at Millarton, Inverness Elizabeth Hitch, 45; Maria Hitch, 15; Margaret Hitch, 10; William Hitch, 13, all born Inverness-shire. No Emilia.
William's listing is odd. If he is the one baptised in April 1824, he would have been 17 on the day of the 1841 census, not 13, and should have been listed as 15. Also, I'd expect the eldest son to be listed before rather than after his younger sisters.
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Did Elizabeth Cameron died before 1855? Can't easily see a death entry for her so far.
This looks like her with her sister in 1851 www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5a14cf07f4040b9d6ed363e4/elizabeth-hitch-1851-inverness-shire-inverness-1800-?locale=en
Do you have her parents' names?
Monica
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I think Elizabeth emigrated to Canada as there is this death in the Inverness Advertiser 10 May 1873
" At London, Ontario, on the 15th ult, Elizabeth Cameron, relict of William Hitch, late of Dochfour, aged 77".
This would suggest she was older than shown in the 1851 census. She can be found in Canada in both the 1861 and 1871 census. I cannot see a death cert for her.
Presumably she emigrated with or to be with one of her children?
( There is also a death notice for William Henry Hitch in the Inverness Courier 16 Sept 1892
"At 7 Claude Villas, East Dulwich, London SE, on the 11th inst, formerly of Millerton, near Inverness".).
William
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That is helpful, William :)
I think it was daughter Margaret Ann who headed off to Canada. She was married to Angus McBean and looks to have left for Canada between 1855 to 1858 going by the births of the McBean children.
Monica
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Yes I see now that Elizabeth is with the McBeans in the 1861 census in Middlesex, Ontario. Angus and Margaret Ann are at the foot of one census sheet with Elizabeth at the top of the next with the children listed below her. ( She is also with them in the 1871 census).
William
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Emilia may also have died young. The 1841 census lists at Millarton, Inverness Elizabeth Hitch, 45; Maria Hitch, 15; Margaret Hitch, 10; William Hitch, 13, all born Inverness-shire. No Emilia.
William's listing is odd. If he is the one baptised in April 1824, he would have been 17 on the day of the 1841 census, not 13, and should have been listed as 15. Also, I'd expect the eldest son to be listed before rather than after his younger sisters.
Yes, I wonder if Emilia did die young.
I saw the 1841 Census on Ancestry but thought it had Maria and William as both 15, still not correct but I have found the 1841 ages to be out. And yes, strange that William is not listed first.
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Did Elizabeth Cameron died before 1855? Can't easily see a death entry for her so far.
This looks like her with her sister in 1851 www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5a14cf07f4040b9d6ed363e4/elizabeth-hitch-1851-inverness-shire-inverness-1800-?locale=en
Do you have her parents' names?
Monica
Yes, Margaret is Elizabeth's sister. Elizabeth, along with Maria (married name Paterson) & Margaret (married name McBean) moved to Canada and the US it seems for Margaret & Angus McBean. I can't find any death record for Elizabeth as yet. Nor for Maria or Margaret.
The names of Elizabeth's, and Margaret's, parents I have from another Ancestry tree as James & Margaret Fletcher but I am not sure if it is accurate. There was a Robert Cameron who also worked at Dochfour and I wonder if Elizabeth is related to him and it may be how she met William, a butler at Dochfour. A few surmises there.
Kirst
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I think Elizabeth emigrated to Canada as there is this death in the Inverness Advertiser 10 May 1873
" At London, Ontario, on the 15th ult, Elizabeth Cameron, relict of William Hitch, late of Dochfour, aged 77".
This would suggest she was older than shown in the 1851 census. She can be found in Canada in both the 1861 and 1871 census. I cannot see a death cert for her.
Presumably she emigrated with or to be with one of her children?
( There is also a death notice for William Henry Hitch in the Inverness Courier 16 Sept 1892
"At 7 Claude Villas, East Dulwich, London SE, on the 11th inst, formerly of Millerton, near Inverness".).
William
Oh yes, this is extremely helpful, thank you so much!
One of the missing pieces of the puzzle found, feeling most grateful Millmoor, thank you kindly.
Yes, your presumption of moving to Canada I believe is correct as both Maria & Margaret moved to Canada then USA (Margaret and maybe Maria?).
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And I see now there appears to be only one William Hitch born 1779 in Gloucestershire but I guess we can't be certain it was 1779. Still puzzled as to who his parents are and trying to confirm Elizabeth & sister Margaret's parents.
Very grateful for Elizabeth's death notice and interesting that there is now more scope of her birth year.
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I saw the 1841 Census on Ancestry but thought it had Maria and William as both 15, still not correct but I have found the 1841 ages to be out. And yes, strange that William is not listed first.
I looked at the transcription on FreeCEN - to be sure you'd need to view the original document at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
Normally FreeCEN is more accurate because its transcriptions are done twice by people who know the area, and if there is a conflict someone else looks at it to decide.
Officially ages in 1841 are supposed to have been rounded down to the nearest 5 years so for example 15 should mean any age between 15 and 19, and 45 any age between 45 and 49.
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That sources sound more reliable.
And thank you for the insight on the age rounding, that makes a lot of sense now :)
I hope to spend some more time searching this evening (I'm in NZ).
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Did Elizabeth Cameron died before 1855? Can't easily see a death entry for her so far.
This looks like her with her sister in 1851 www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5a14cf07f4040b9d6ed363e4/elizabeth-hitch-1851-inverness-shire-inverness-1800-?locale=en
Do you have her parents' names?
Monica
Yes, Margaret is Elizabeth's sister. Elizabeth, along with Maria (married name Paterson) & Margaret (married name McBean) moved to Canada and the US it seems for Margaret & Angus McBean. I can't find any death record for Elizabeth as yet. Nor for Maria or Margaret.
The names of Elizabeth's, and Margaret's, parents I have from another Ancestry tree as James & Margaret Fletcher but I am not sure if it is accurate. There was a Robert Cameron who also worked at Dochfour and I wonder if Elizabeth is related to him and it may be how she met William, a butler at Dochfour. A few surmises there.
Kirst
I think the parents are Finlay Cameron and Margaret MacDonald based on the 1841 Census where it names Finlay Cameron,70, and Margaret Cameron, 50, as living at the Address of Charleston. In the 1851 Census it notes Head, Margaret Cameron, and Sister, Elizabeth Hitch at the address of Charleston Cottages. It seems Finlay died in 1850 and was buried at Lochend Cemetry.
Robert's, born 1802, working at Dochfour, parents noted as Finlay Cameron and Margaret MacDonald. Also likewise for a Ewen Cameron born 1797. Still some gaps but some things seem to point in the same direction.
Also a Finlay Cameron was a witness at two baptisms, that of Margaret Cameron 1846:
"Additional information Witnesses: Alex Mcpherson & Finlay Cameron. Residence Dochfour. Father's occupation Carpenter. Father's first name Robert. Father's last name Cameron. Mother's first name Rachel. Mother's last name Kennedy." Possibly a brother or father of Robert.
And for that of William Henry Hitch 1832:
"Father Occupation Servant.
Residence Dochfour.
William Hitch (Servant with Bailie of Dochfour) & his wife Elizabeth Cameron (alias) MacMillan had a child baptised by Rev. Charles Fyvie named William Henry.
Witnesses John Cameron and Findlay Camer"
I'm not sure on where the (alias) MacMillan fits in.
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Just to add to what you already have there is this death notice in The Inverness Advertiser and Ross-Shire Chronicle 28 May 1850
"At Charleston Cottage, near Inverness, suddenly, on the 10th inst., Mr Finlay Cameron, aged 83 years".
(Also in the Inverness Courier 23 May 1850).
William
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I had seen this entry:
Elizabeth Cameron
1797
Culanlon, Glen Urquhart, IN, SCT
William Hitch
Registered at death as "Cameron".
Finlay (alias Cameron) M'millan [011] Margaret M'donald
www.clanmacmillan.org/pages/members/maol/indexes/maol_a-z/e.pdf
Monica
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...Robert's, born 1802, working at Dochfour, parents noted as Finlay Cameron and Margaret MacDonald. Also likewise for a Ewen Cameron born 1797. Still some gaps but some things seem to point in the same direction.
Also a Finlay Cameron was a witness at two baptisms, that of Margaret Cameron 1846:
"Additional information Witnesses: Alex Mcpherson & Finlay Cameron. Residence Dochfour. Father's occupation Carpenter. Father's first name Robert. Father's last name Cameron. Mother's first name Rachel. Mother's last name Kennedy." Possibly a brother or father of Robert...
Monumental inscriptions at Chapel Yard, Inverness:
Finlay Cameron
Birth year 1829
Age 69
Death year 1898
2310. {Large pointed, eroding} In memory of Robert CAMERON, factor, Dochfour, who died at Inverness 2 April 1877, aged 74 years; and his wife Rachel KENNEDY, who died at Inverness 24 July 1888, aged 81 years; and their children:- Donald, who died November 1830, aged 9 months; Maria, who died 16th March 1847, aged 12 years; Evan, who died 2nd March 1853, aged 21 years; William, who died at Edinburgh 31st Decr 1867, aged 42 years and is there interred in Echo Bank Cemetery; Jean, widow of James McMILLAN, West Chester, New York, who died at Inverness 14 July 1877, aged 50 years and is interred in Lochend Burying Ground. (base) Also Donald CAMERON, their youngest son, who died at Leinster Lodge, Inverness on the 4th Feb. 1915, aged 75; {lower base} Margaret FORBES, died 15 February 1915, aged 68 years, buried at Petty; Finlay CAMERON, died at Banff November 1898, aged 69 years.
Monica
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At Lochend Burial Ground:
Evan Cameron
Birth year 1800
Age 65
Death year 1865
36. {Ornate, grey granite} Sacred to the memory of Evan CAMERON, Collector of Inland Revenue, Liverpool, who died at Birnam, Dunkeld 19th May 1865, aged 65 years; also his mother Margaret McDONALD, who died at Charleston, Kinmylies 23rd December 1838, aged 79 years; And his father Finlay CAMERON, who died there 1st May 1850, aged 82 years. [lair 130]
Monica
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One of my main lines went from MacIsaac to MacDonald and often to be found with the alias /or on records up to the mid 1850-60s. After this, MacIsaac stopped being used and MacDonald became the main surname.
So, just checking the OPRs on SP brings up the following christening or birth entries:
All in Urquhart and Glenmoriston
Parents Finlay MCMILLAN and Margaret McDonald (there are spelling variants on these names on the index so use wildcard symbol!)
09/07/1788 - Margaret
04/06/1792 - Mary
18/12/1794 - William
11/03/1797 - Elspet
16/08/1799 - John
Marriage or Banns here:
FINLAY MCMILLAN and
MARGRATE MCDOND.
20/05/1786
10720 / 8
Urquhart and Glenmoriston
There is then the OPR entries you have, in the same parish, for Finlay CAMERON and Margaret McDonald:
05/12/1797 - Owen
22/10/1802 - Robert
All work in hand, needing further consideration really.
Monica
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The name Elspet can be a variant for Elizabeth. See www.whatsinaname.net/php/search.php?action=search2&search_name=elspet
Monica
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11/03/1797 - Elspet
05/12/1797 - Owen
Pretty close together, these two? Are these baptism dates, and if so are the birth dates also on record?
Were they all born while the parents were at the same address?
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Yes, did note the closeness in the date. This data is from the index on SP. The originals would have to be viewed.
Monica
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Just to add to what you already have there is this death notice in The Inverness Advertiser and Ross-Shire Chronicle 28 May 1850
"At Charleston Cottage, near Inverness, suddenly, on the 10th inst., Mr Finlay Cameron, aged 83 years".
(Also in the Inverness Courier 23 May 1850).
William
Brilliant! Thank you William.
You can likely tell that I am a bit of a novice in this area so your information and help is greatly appreciated.
Kirst
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I had seen this entry:
Elizabeth Cameron
1797
Culanlon, Glen Urquhart, IN, SCT
William Hitch
Registered at death as "Cameron".
Finlay (alias Cameron) M'millan [011] Margaret M'donald
www.clanmacmillan.org/pages/members/maol/indexes/maol_a-z/e.pdf
Monica
Monica, thank you that is an amazing find!
It certainly confirms the path I was wandering down.
Kirst
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William Hitch
Birth year 1779
Age 54
Death year 1833
Inscription 38. {Slab} Sacred to the memory of Mr William HITCH, for 31 years butler in the family of Dochfour, during which time, by his long and faithfull services, he obtained the esteem and approbation of every member of the family and died regretted by all who knew him. It pleased Almighty God to remove him by a severe visitation from this world of trial and, though suddenly called away, he was not unprepared to meet his great change, but, resting all his hope and trust in the many merits of his Redeemer, he looked to happy entrance into those heavenly mansions where sorrow and sighing shall be no more for ever. His loss will be long and deeply felt by his afflicted family, who offer this humble tribute of respect to his memory. He died December 6th 1833, aged 54 years.
Monica
Would there be any suggestions please on how I could trace the parents/family, birth place etc of this William Hitch? Apparently, according to other Hitch researches, this William Hitch is linked to a Hitch who married a Dimock.
I've tried looking at the William Hitches connected to Dimocks in Gloucestershire but can't find one of this age. I see the Baillie family of Dochflour were linked to Gloucestershire so it does seem likely but not luck as yet finding anything.
There is a William Hitch b 1782 born to Thomas Hitch and Mary Heaven but other than is baptism I've not found anything further on him.
Thank you kindly.
Kirst
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I am struggling to make any suggestions :-\
I haven't seen a link to anything so far in respect of William's origins from the info here. Frustrating for you.
Monica
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I was going to suggest searching for wills and came across an intriguing entry in the Index to Death Duty Registers for your William Hitch.
Wm Hitch
Year 1834
Residence Duckfour ( as transcribed!) Inverness
Court Canterbury Prerogative Court
( Eliz Cameron is also named)
What is intriguing is that this is an English jurisdiction . I suspect it was an administration rather than a will as Canterbury Wills are online.
William
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I am struggling to make any suggestions :-\
I haven't seen a link to anything so far in respect of William's origins from the info here. Frustrating for you.
Monica
Thank you Monica,
It is frustrating although I am trying to think of it more as challenging as it encourages me to keep searching. Thanks again.
Kirst
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I was going to suggest searching for wills and came across an intriguing entry in the Index to Death Duty Registers for your William Hitch.
Wm Hitch
Year 1834
Residence Duckfour ( as transcribed!) Inverness
Court Canterbury Prerogative Court
( Eliz Cameron is also named)
What is intriguing is that this is an English jurisdiction . I suspect it was an administration rather than a will as Canterbury Wills are online.
William
Thank you William,
I am sorry my knowledge isn't all that deep and I'm not quite following what this may mean. Does it mean that it is likely the recording of Williams's death given the year being 1834 and his dying in Dec 1833. And because it names Elizabeth?
Kirst
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I wonder what the likelihood is of his age at death being accurate when stated he was aged 54 years. Although it also mentions he was their butler for 31 years making him approximately 23 years when he started which seems right.
Other trees on Ancestry have him being born in 1792 (son of John Hitch & Elizabeth (Betty) Smith, which I had thought wasn't accurate initially, before having read the Lochend Cemetery inscription which confirms this. Also because I found a record of William Hitch 1792 dying in 1793.
However if his age was accurate at 54 years I can only find one William Hitch b 1779 to William Hitch and Mary Wilkes but they're not connected, from what I can see, to a Dimock.
And if his age was inaccurate at 54 years then perhaps he is the William Hitch b 1882 to Thomas Hitch and Mary Heaven, I can't rule this William out as I can't find anything on him after his baptism, the same for his sister Esther Hitch and his mother.
The searching continues.
Kirst
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It shows that he either left a will or he died intestate and his estate was administered by Elizabeth Cameron. Scotland and England have different systems regarding wills. William died in Scotland and you would expect to find any will or testament to be dealt with there. That it was an English Court which dealt with his will or administration suggests to me that he had property or assets in England.
Unfortunately letters of administration for the Prerogative Court of Canterbury ( ecclesiastical courts dealt with wills and administrations until 1858) have not been digitised.
If you have access to Ancestry there are some pre 1858 wills for the surname Hitch in Gloucestershire which might be worth a look.
William
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It shows that he either left a will or he died intestate and his estate was administered by Elizabeth Cameron. Scotland and England have different systems regarding wills. William died in Scotland and you would expect to find any will or testament to be dealt with there. That it was an English Court which dealt with his will or administration suggests to me that he had property or assets in England.
Unfortunately letters of administration for the Prerogative Court of Canterbury ( ecclesiastical courts dealt with wills and administrations until 1858) have not been digitised.
If you have access to Ancestry there are some pre 1858 wills for the surname Hitch in Gloucestershire which might be worth a look.
William
Thank you William for clarifying. That certainly does indicate a link to England.
I was looking for a will for Thomas Hitch where there is a burial recorded in 1802, I can't be certain it is the same Thomas but it seems likely. I've not found a will as yet. Strange I thought that nothing can be found on his children Esther and William nor his wife Mary.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Kirst
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There is a detailed will from 1818 for a John Hitch of Leonard Stanley, a clothier. His wife is called Betty and he refers to his two sons, John and Samuel as well as his friend John Dimock. Betty appears to have died intestate in 1823, son Samuel, a surgeon, acting as administrator. If this is the same John and Betty in those Ancestry trees this would suggest you are correct to rule them out.
William
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There is a detailed will from 1818 for a John Hitch of Leonard Stanley, a clothier. His wife is called Betty and he refers to his two sons, John and Samuel as well as his friend John Dimock. Betty appears to have died intestate in 1823, son Samuel, a surgeon, acting as administrator. If this is the same John and Betty in those Ancestry trees this would suggest you are correct to rule them out.
William
Yes, this is the same John and Betty. Thank you for confirming my thoughts on ruling out their son William b 1792-1793.
Kirst
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I am trying to find if John Cameron who married Elizabeth Fraser 15 June 1814, residence Dochfour, is related to Elizabeth/Elspet Cameron.
Some of John and Elizabeth's children have names that seem to be family names such as Emilia/Amelia, Finlay & Ewen, there's also Margaret, William, Thomas, Elizabeth & Simon from what I can see. I thought this John may be been Elizabeth/Elspet Cameron's brother but his DOB doesn't fit, he'd be too young with 1799. Because in 1814 his residence is Dochfour and some of the children were born there it seems there must be a connection somewhere. Just where?
I'm still trying to connect William Hitch to Gloucestershire, so far it seems he may be the son of Thomas Hitch and Mary Heaven, bap in 1782 but there isn't much showing for this family.
I'd love to hear if there's any suggestions, thank you.
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I am also trying to read a headstone at Lochend Cemetery - the headstone of Maria Baillie who died 1835 also has a name underneath, surname Grant it seems. Is anyone able to read the inscription please?
Thank you
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Hi Kirst
Here is a transcript from Scottish Monumental Inscriptions: To the memory of Maria Baillie, who died at Dochfour House on the 3rd day of March 1835, aged nineteen years. This humble tribute of a sister's affection is erected by Emilia B{ailli}e Grant. {lair 112}.
William
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William, thank you so very much!