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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Angus (Forfarshire) => Topic started by: Citizen Smith on Monday 15 August 16 15:01 BST (UK)
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Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction for records of Dorward's House of Refuge in Montrose? Or know how the system of parish relief linked to inmates of the House of Refuge?
I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.
I'd like to find out if records exist, either for Dorward's itself or the Parish Relief records (if an application would have been made by that route). Michael was born in Marykirk (Kincardineshire) but lived in Montrose.
Thanks
Sarah
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hi there on findmypast 1881 census its gives you the people in the refuge at that time there are 82 people in total but no Michael allen
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Hi Sarah
Archives here might help http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/
A little description and history on Dorward House here www.dorwardhouse.com/about-history.html Sure you have this, but just as background here :)
This link to google books www.rootschat.com/links/01i7s/ gives a insight in the 1850s to how it was set up, managed and funded.
Monica
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Hi Sarah,
I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.
Sorry I can't help with your query but I descend from Allan's from both Kincardine & Aberdeen.
I haven't fully researched them yet but can you give me Michael's parents please?
I'm curious if there could be a connection.
Annie
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Thanks Robo96. At the time of the 1881 census Michael is in Murray St, Montrose. But he dies at Dorwards in 1884 so must have moved there at some point from 1881, hence my time frame for records.
Sarah
hi there on findmypast 1881 census its gives you the people in the refuge at that time there are 82 people in total but no Michael allen
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Thanks for those links Monica.
I've read a fair bit about the history of the place already but, as I'm visiting the north-east in a couple of weeks, am trying to track down the records if they exist.
I'd like to shine a light on Michael as he begins as a scholar and trainee law clerk in Montrose but later lives with his parents, has no occupation and is referred to as "imbecile" on the censuses. I'd like to find out why.
Sarah
Hi Sarah
Archives here might help http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/
A little description and history on Dorward House here www.dorwardhouse.com/about-history.html Sure you have this, but just as background here :)
This link to google books www.rootschat.com/links/01i7s/ gives a insight in the 1850s to how it was set up, managed and funded.
Monica
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Annie
Here's some background. Do let me know if there's a match.
Michael' parents were Michael Allen from Almer, Dorset (Allen with an "e" - tho sometimes transcribed as the more Scottish Allan) who was a gamekeeper at Invergaldie and then an innkeeper in Montrose. His mother was Mary Ann Leys from Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He had siblings Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jane and Martha. Sarah married Anthony Trail. Martha (my line) married James Allardice. Hi Sarah,
I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.
Sorry I can't help with your query but I descend from Allan's from both Kincardine & Aberdeen.
I haven't fully researched them yet but can you give me Michael's parents please?
I'm curious if there could be a connection.
Annie
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Hi Sarah,
Michael' parents were Michael Allen from Almer, Dorset (Allen with an "e" - tho sometimes transcribed as the more Scottish Allan) who was a gamekeeper at Invergaldie and then an innkeeper in Montrose. His mother was Mary Ann Leys from Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He had siblings Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jane and Martha. Sarah married Anthony Trail. Martha (my line) married James Allardice.
Thanks for background info. but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any connection for the moment.
Annie
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Always worth a check though, Annie! 😉
Sarah
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Sarah,
What made me wonder was the name Michael (not a "Sottish" name) & I have a potential Francis, again not a "Scottish" name.
I have lots of research still to do on this line who at the moment are all Scottish.
Was your Michael Snr born Dorset or lived there having moved?
Annie
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Hi Annie
Michael Senior was born Almer, Dorset in 1797 but next appears around 1824 when he gets married in Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He was from a family of farm labourers and became a gamekeeper. I've imagined him as a Gabriel Oak character from Far From The Madding Crowd!
Sarah
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Hi Sarah,
That's interesting as your family were in Marykirk & mine Laurencekirk which aren't far apart.
Maybe I need to look into this line more.
Annie
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Huge thank you to all of you. I phoned Angus Archives in Forfar and they found the Parish Relief Records and Michael Allen made one in 1884. So I can visit and get more information next week when I'm on my road trip.
Sarah
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That is great news, Sarah. Hope you find what you need on Michael Jnr.
Monica :)
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Hi Sarah. Some years ago whilst researching my father's family I found that 2 girls had been admitted to Dorward on their mother's death in 1890. Their father had deserted them. I wrote to the matron and she very kindly photocopied the entry from the 'Register of Inmates'. I seem to recall that she said the records were kept in the attic. Hope this helps.
Jim.
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Hi Sarah. Some years ago whilst researching my father's family I found that 2 girls had been admitted to Dorward on their mother's death in 1890. Their father had deserted them. I wrote to the matron and she very kindly photocopied the entry from the 'Register of Inmates'. I seem to recall that she said the records were kept in the attic. Hope this helps.
Jim.
Do you have contact details for this Matron? I live in New Zealand and am wanting to find out about my stepfather's ancestors who were in the House of Refuge in Montrose after being orphaned. Many thanks.
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Hi Tikva,
Sorry but it was some years ago and I see by their website that Dorward House is now a residential home for older people. I would imagine the records would have been sent to Angus Archives. I would suggest you try mailing them. Sorry I can't be of more help but I live in W.A. now so have no local contact.
Jim.
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Thanks JCee - will try them. :)