Robert Burns connection

[seancowan]

I am a direct descendant of Janet Brown and Alexander Hutchison through their daughter Margaret, who married Henry Cowan. I came across your post last night and was most interested to read that Janet Brown's sister was Agnes Brown - Robbie Burns' mother. Are you able to tell me about the "family documents" you referred to that inform you that Agnes and Janet were sisters. I've been unable to prove that is the case after looking through OPRs tonight myself.
Anyway, I have quite a bit of information on Margaret Hutchison and family. I'd love to share details with you.
I've only just signed up for rootsweb, so cant send any personal messages yet, but will try once I'm able. I also notice you're in Victoria. I'm in Perth. Strange how we all ended up in Australia.
Regards,
Sean Cowan

[the Luddite]

I have ancestors matching your Murray, Rough etc. all from Mauchline. My second cousin was told by her mother that she was related to Jean Armour, however we still have been unable to find the connection.

[batchen2001]

There may be a relation between Niven and Browns of Islay, so perhaps Islay records may help you find your links?

[jimmijam]

Hi there,
I've been tracing my gt grandfathers family and the name Niven on this thread caught my eye. 

Does anyone have a link to Janet Niven, born 1811, Kirkmichael, Ayrshire (from census dates) who married James Alexander, born 1797 Kirkmichael, Ayrshire (again from census dates). In 1851 they were living in Kirkbean, Kircudbrightshire, Dumfries and Galloway.

Their grandson Alex Alexander was born on the Island of Coll, Argyllshire after his parents James Alexander and Mary Henderson moved their following the clearances.

Best wishes, Jimmijam

[GDN]

Jimmijam
Janet Niven (b 3/5/1810 Crawfordston) was the daughter of Alexander Niven (b1779, parish of Maybole) and Ann Gillespie. Janet married 7/7/1834 in Kirkmichael James Alexander (b1797)They had at least 2 twin sons John & Thomas b 1841 in Kirkbean. John married 12/7/1860 in New Luce, Agnes Paterson. Other info - Janet Niven Alexander married Thomas Douglas Nov 1895 in Cape Town and had a son born 1898 in South Africa.

Gordon Niven

[jimmijam]

Hi Gordon,
This is the same family. I'll send you a personal message with further information,
Best wishes,
Jimmijam

[acorngen]

You know I dont recognise myself in any of those posts  

Just to add my two penneth.  As a Robert Burns I have always been led to believe that I have the right to wear the Campbell clan tartan as my name connects into that family.  I was always told that I was connected to the BURNS tree but I have done some work back and unless the connection is very tenuous I am not.  I remember a few years ago a site online actually had a comprehensive tree of Rabbie Burns online.

Rob Burns

[batchen2001]

As far as I have always understood from the clans affiliation system- Burns is of Clan Campbell so you are correct- it doesnt mean you ever had campbells in your names or tree branches- it means that when Clan Campbell called for support - the Burns rallied under the Clan campbells leadership- 

[acorngen]

Batchen thats my understanding also.  That said I can also claim a use of the Anderson and the Cameron Tartans as well so I am spoiled for choice.