"Laings" in Fife and beyond

[ostler]

I'm wondering if John Laing and Ann McEwing married in Glasgow but were born in Fife - some of my relations seemed to go to Glasgow to get married when neither the bride or groom were from there.

[Mythical]

It's very possible as I have't found any other info on either except a possible death record for John Laing in 1790, again he died in Carnbee and the son John and daughter Janet were both born in Carnbee, although John (the son) was born 1740 and Janet 1744. they actually married in1737, which is a big gap if he was the first child.

I've only just found all this in the last couple of days, perhaps I should look for more children in the Lanark area.

Do you have a connection with these Laings?

mythical

[ostler]

Yes John and Ann (the ones who potentially married in Glasgow) were my great x7 grandparents.

John (b1740) was their son, who had a son called David b1780. David married Anne Small, and they had a son called Robert (b1816) who married Agnes Mackie. Robert and Agnes had a son called David (b1837) who married Catherine Harley. David and Catherine had a daughter called Jemima Dunbar Laing who was born in 1871, she married Robert Brotherton Small. Robert and Jemima's eldest son, James Small (b1897) married Helen Mary Clark Fleming, and their eldest daughter, Agnes Grace Sanderson Small (b1922) was my grandmother.

Phew!

[Mythical]

Phew...is right.

Nice to meet you, that is a lot of info to absorb at this time of night, but all very interesting, I have come across David Laing and Anne Small in my IGI searches and something made me print out their details and children's records.

I actually thought at one time I must have connections with all the Laings in Carnbee, oneway or another, given the population numbers at that time and the amount of children they seem to have had.

Time for bed "downunder" Thanks for the chat, hope we can help each other some more.

mythical

[ostler]

I suspect they are all connected one way or another, perhaps next time you're on here you can let me know your connection.

[Mythical]

Will do, happy to, just making too many typos as it's neary midnight here.

Be in touch.

[sheenie]

Hi again Ostler and hello to you Mythical

As you know Ostler, my husband is also a descendant of this Laing line so was interested in the possible marriage in Glasgow of John and Ann Laing posted by you Mythical.  The OPR birth records for both John b 1740 and Janet b1744 in Carnbee state the parents names as John Laing and Ann Laing and the witnesses (usually the fathers of the parents) were "David and John Laings."  So did  John and Ann have the same surname?   There is an Ann Laing or Laying b 29.12. 1715 Pittenweem to John Laying and a Margaret Mackie (John Laing/Ann Black had a daughter named Margaret Mackie Laing) so perhaps this Ann Laing is John's wife?  On saying that I have not been able to find a marriage for them so maybe 'going down the wrong road' and your theory Mythical is also possible.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Regards
Sheenie

[ostler]

I suppose the evidence points towards both John and Ann being Laings - it's not impossible. The Glasgow idea seems a little unrealistic to me, but again not impossible. The fact there is a potential Laing/Layng in Pittenweem, which isn't tooo far from Carnbee, seems like the more sensible option. But until there is more evidence this could be another brick wall.

[Mythical]

Hi Sheenie,

I think I need to do a bit more searching re John Laing & Ann Mcewing - I found IGI marriage for John Laing & Ann Laing but when I went into SP I did a John Laing with an Ann only and a large year span from 1705 to 1742 and found only the 1 record as above, nothing for an Ann Laing and just assumed that was her maiden name.  I know you shouldn't assume anything so I will keep trying and look into your Laying and Mackie idea.

You mentioned your John Laing b. 1740 has been witnessed by David & John Laing, I have the same but my copy for Janet b. 1744 the witnesses look like John & Charles ...something, but it doesn't look like Laing to me?? Is your copy any clearer?

Thanks for the input.

Regards
Mythical