1841 Paisley Look Up - Provan Family

[Gadget]

Hi again

I've just seen another thread on this family back in 2007. I see that you then said that they went to Australia in 1857:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,230327.msg1248276.html#msg1248276

Do you have Mary's death cert which should show her parent's names, so that we can be certain that we should be searching for an Isabella Provan?



Gadget

[Webby]

Hi Gadget
Mary and her family came to Tasmania in 1857.  I also found what 'might' have been a reference to Mary in the Canal Street Session House book of 1852, but unfortunately, will never be able to ascertain whether it was the right Mrs Kerr. 

This was to do with an application to restore membership - this could be true, as I had always thought Mary may have been of another Church.  Mary & William had their children baptised in the C/E in Paisley, but I've never been able to find anything about her on SP or even the Paisley C/E records from the LDS.

I do have her death certificate but our certificates don't list parents- in fact don't list much at all (pre 1900). 
 
Ah...Isabella Provan....trying naming patterns - long shot but I've nothing much else to go on at this time.
.....the children in this family seem to be named for various members of the Kerr family.  Isabella was Mary & William's second child and that name does not appear amongst the general Kerr family. 

I'm not sure about the crossed out name on Mary & Williams marriage.  Mary & William had other children born in Tasmania and her name was given as Provan or Provin.  I also couldn't work out what that crossed out name was either.  This has  been in the too hard basket for some time now, until I can get a lead .

Regards
Webby

[McDonald_George]

Webby,
The only Mary Provan of similar age (17) is recorded at Mews Lane - Gorbals - Glasgow (1841)
This Mary Provan is recorded as born in Lanarkshire (Glasgow area - see below). However, the early census returns are not always accurate. I've found this in my own searches, with family members being recorded as born in Paisley on one census and then Glasgow on another. Also, some of my own ancestors moved to Gorbals from Paisley for work or to join other family. Both places were weaving centers.

For 1841 there is also a Mary Provan (age 15) recorded at Balcamie - Ayrshire (father James Provan). And a Isabella Provan (age 40) recorded at 19 Brunswick Street - Glasgow. If you need this information I can send it on.

Thanks for Provan trade directory information. Would be interested if there any Mc/MacDonalds, Mc/MacGibbons or Stewarts recorded for Paisley trades 1770's - 1850's.
Perhaps you can send me any links you have ? Thanks.

Regards - George

Surname    First name(s)    Sex    Age    Occupation           Where Born   
RENISON    William    M    55    Plumber                            England           
RENISON    (Mrs)        F    50                                            Lanarkshire           
RENISON    Francis    M    23    Blacksmith Journeyman     Lanarkshire           
RENISON    Thomas   M    18    Plumber Apprentice           Lanarkshire           
RENISON    Jean         F    7                                             Lanarkshire           
PROVAN     Mary        F    18    Female Servant                Lanarkshire           
    

Hello George
Thank you very much for looking for these illusive Provan people!.  I think I may have come to a dead end with them. 
My Mary Provan would have been about 17 years of age in 1841, but I haven't been able to find her in that Census.   
Her marriage to William Kerr in 1846 gives his address as 84 High St and her address at 74 High St, Paisley.   The 1851 Census Mary gives her birth place as being Paisley.   So goodness knows where she was for the 1841 Census.!. 
So if you ever come across a Mary Provan in your search, I would be very pleased to hear from you

PS: The Kerr family she married into were Upholsterer's - in 1827 they were at 7 Gauze St then in the 1838/1839 Trade Directory there was a Robert Provan, Manufacturer listed at 170 Causeyside with another entry for William Provan, manufacturer at 9 Gauze Street.

Regards
Webby

[Webby]

Hi George
Many thanks for your info....I have also tried to follow through on the two Mary Provan's you mentioned, but again, rather too hard to try and prove who was whom!!. 
With regard to the Trade Directory.  Another wonderful chatter - Justin, who is very knowledgeable on Scot's churches, helped me with the TD entries.  I think he may have been researching his family at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow(?), so he may have come across the TD's there.  Perhaps if he comes online he may enlighten us!.
Once again George, many thanks for your help.
Regards
Webby

[McDonald_George]

Webby,
I'm still actively researching. If I note any relevant "Paisley" Provans will let you know.

Both the Poor Law records at Glasgow Mitchell library and Paisley reference library are a good source for early 1800's family information. I believe both libraries can do searches (by telephone or email ?) for a fee if you are unable to do any searches in person. Poor Law records started in 1832 (I think), they can provide useful additional information beyond the 1841 census. During my search information provided by poor law records gave a cross reference to the Provan family. I was then able to go back beyond 1800 by identifying 2 (previously unknown) siblings of my 3 x grandfather. From there I had was able to indentify common parents for three McDonald siblings for which there was only one match in Paisley.

Also, I believe there are Provans buried in the High Kirk (Oakshaw- Paisley) graveyard. Don't have my notes currently at hand but can share this information next time. This information came from Paisley rererence library.

Thanks - George

Hi George
Many thanks for your info....I have also tried to follow through on the two Mary Provan's you mentioned, but again, rather too hard to try and prove who was whom!!. 
With regard to the Trade Directory.  Another wonderful chatter - Justin, who is very knowledgeable on Scot's churches, helped me with the TD entries.  I think he may have been researching his family at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow(?), so he may have come across the TD's there.  Perhaps if he comes online he may enlighten us!.
Once again George, many thanks for your help.
Regards
Webby