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Lyn

Family history has that William Maxwell of Miltown and his wife Janet settled in Durrisdeer, in Nithsdale, as tenant of the Durrisdeer Town farm and inn some three years after the forced sale of Miltown. Grizel was born in 1749 some six weeks before the move is the only one of the children that I have researched. I think the others may include Robert (1737), Elizabeth, Harriet and John(1747).

Some inscriptions from the graveyard in Durisdeer Kirkyard

Wm Rae, Farmer, Gateslack born 1st January 1818 died Portland Place, Maxwelltown 15th August 1888.

Also Catherine Kinnear his wife, born 4th June 1821, died Halldykes, Rothwell Park, Dumfries 7th October 1898. Janet, daughter born 23rd November 1853 died June 1854, also William, son, died at Ashburn, Fort Willam 22nd September 1912 aged 65, interred in Kilmallie Churchyard, Fort William.

On the adjacent gravestones:

In memory of William Rae, son of Adam Rae and Mary Farish, Gateslack born 12th February died 11th March 1843 aged 29 days. And of the said Adam Rae died 19th March 1857 aged 43 years.

In memory of Robert Gilson died at Enoch Mill January 1st 1858 aged 98 years, and of Margaret Rae his spouse who died 30th August 1858 aged 85 years.

I am descended from William Rae's daughter Grizel. The family history records that William came from Dalkeith (Midlothian) and that the marriage in Durisdeer was delayed by six weeks due to a heavy snowstorm. I don't have any information on his birth or parents.

Grizel Maxwell's father was William Maxwell of Miltown, tenant of Durisdeer Inn and Farm.

William Maxwell was married to Janet Maclellan, descended from the Maclellan of Bombie.