The BIG HOUSE -- Muirkirk, Ayr

[m a r g e]

Hi again.  We'll get this figured out somehow.  I'll tell you what I have on your gg grandma.    I have her born about 1836 in Muirkirk, Ayr -- married to David Alexander (b abt 1836) -- Marriage date was 25 Jan 1856 in Muirkirk.  Their children were Agnes b 03 July 1857 in Garronhill, Muirkirk, and David b abt 1858 in Newmilare, Ayrshire.  That's all I have on the family.  I have lots on the previous generations though.  Talk to you soon.   Marge

[drmartin]

Yes, that information is correct.  I understand she(Sarah) was illegitimate? How does a woman, Janet Watson, at that time period come to have 3 children and not be married? And what of Campbell Hamilton? I know this must be correct because the name Hamilton, Watson and Campbell were used multiple times for descendents. Thanks. Danni

[m a r g e]

I imagine that the men were either her employers or influential men about town.  Where do you live??  I'm in Canada -- BC to be exact.  Do you know how many children Sarah and David Alexander had??  I've not filled in their descendants.  Marge

[drmartin]

To the best of our knowledge...10 possibly 12 children.  I am located in USA in Colorado

[MonicaL]

Hi Marge and drmartin

As included in the link by aghadowey, the best place to exchange personal info and emails is via the Personal Message service. If either of you click on the small green scroll under your user names on the l/h side, you will be able to access the PM service - works very much like any email service with an in/out box.

Good luck with your research 

Monica 

[m a r g e]

Thanks.  :-))   Marge

[mondaysr]

To all concerned with defining what or how the Bighouse was used, looking at the census record for 1851 and 1861, Janet Watson is listed in both as a resident with either two or three children (depending on the year).
Other information gained by comparing the two census and all the individuals on them produces interesting information.
Take the 1951 census as an example.  All the head of household listed on the same page as Janet Watson are female.  Second, all the head of household are listed as "Pauper".  It is also noted that all aduts (save John Collins) are listed as "Pauper".  (Poor John is listed as a "Professor of Laziness")  Although the son "Daniel MCCann" is listed as "Pauper (formerly Coal Miner).
It is also noted that each of the family groups listed on the census has a seperate residence disignation (column one) indicating that they did not live communally; but in individual family groups.
I have seen the post by others saying that this was not a poor house or similiar institution.  Howver, I feel after reviewing the total record of these census records it is clear that the Bighouse was a form of poor house or perhaps the equilivant of the Americian "Poor Farm".  A place where the poor (Pauper) could live with some assistance from the government.
For marge, I have a lot of information on the children of David and Sarah Alexander.  You may commicate directly with me if you wish.  I can either provide a gedcom or mail you a copy by CD.
For Danni, I am glad to see that you are still working on this line.  If you feel you do not have all the material I have collected, please let me know and I will try to catch you up.  In particular, I wrote an update to the family history last month or so and should have sent you a copy.  You have my email.
Take care each of you - Ray Smith   

[Hanan]

My gran lived in Muirkirk and while there worked as a servant in what she refered to as "the big hoose" I am certain it was Glenbuck House.

Have you seen this website http://www.ayrshirehistory.com/muirkirk.html it's got lots of old photographs and stories from Muirkirk and the area.

Hanan

[mondaysr]

For all those who had questions as to what the Bighouse shown on Census for 1851, 1861 and other years.  It took me years and a trip to Muirkirk to find the answer.
According to local people, the place known to them and on the census as The Bighouse was the manor house of the Wellwood Estate.  The Wellwood House was built in 1740 (unknown builder) and lived in by the Campbell family, The Critchley Family and a Col. J G A Baird, MP, who took over in 1878.  It was demolished in 1928.  The ruins of the house is still to be found as stone blocks and carved stone pieces, many as big as 3 feet in length.
The Wellwood House ruins are located 2 miles west of Muirkirk and about a half mile off the Muirkirk Road (A70) and about 300 yards south of Wellwood Kennels (sign on the roadway).  I have photos of the ruins and some of the other parts of the estate, which you may request by email at (*).
The Wellwood House Estate consisted of The Bighouse (or Wellwood House) the Wellwood Kennels, and three tenant farms (Upper Wellhouse, Mid Wellhouse and Lower Wellhouse.  These tenant farms have houses as large as many current middle class homes in the US.
The Wellwood House ruins sit on a hill overlooking the River Ayr at a distance of about 500 yards to the south of the front of what was the house.  Photos of the Wellwood House may be found on the web by a search for Wellwood House Muirkirk.  I have copies of these photos and will attach with the others on request.  Also a short history with reference to a book on the history of Muirkirk.
My best to all who have an interest in this history, especially Marge. 

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