Torry Family - Longformacus, Duns, Paxton 1700's

[nzclover]

I am looking for more information on the Torry family from Berwickshire.

My ggggg grandfather, James Torry was born in Paxton (according to a short bio). His parents were John Torry (Torie/Torrie) and Margaret Swanstone. John was "for some time, governor of Edington Castle and afterwards factor of the estate of Mr Hume of Paxton and one of the most influential farmers of that countryside" according to the bio. Also, it mentions that James' cousin was John Black, with whom he served his clothier apprenticeship in Edinburgh.

I have found a record of birth for his sister, Anna Torrie, b 09/03/1736 in Duns. There are records for other births to John Torry in Longformacus, but none mention who the mother was. A possible dob for James was 12 Oct 1740 in Longformacus.

James went to Edinburgh and was a merchant there and a Bailie. He died there on 11 Aug 1791. His wife was Jean/Jane Halliday.

Any lookups for records, monumental inscriptions etc that may give me some clues as to whether the James from Longformacus was mine, would be gratefully received!

[MonicaL]

Hi nzclover

Welcome to RootsChat 

You may have seen this already but just in case. From Scotlands People www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk, a likely entry for James in the Wills & Testament section:

James Torry, 11/08/1791, merchant in Edinburgh,   TT, Edinburgh Commissary Court   CC8/8/128

Monica

[nzclover]

Hi Monica, thanks for your reply. I purchased the will yesterday and it was what gave me the name of James' mother. I knew his father was John, but he makes provision for his mother, Margaret Swanstone in the will. I tracked down the marriage cert for Margaret and John as well and have just figured out the parish name that John was from - Dunse (Duns) That long s that looked like an f was very hard to read. Margaret was from Cockburnspath. There are no Tory/Torry/Torie or Torrie headstones at Duns parish as the minister there has also kindly sent me these records. I'm not sure where to from here!

[Beckey]

are these any use.

1841 Duns, Castle St.

Alex. Torry  45  Mason Journeyman    Bew.
Hannah       40                                   Eng.
Isabel          3                                     Bew.
Agnes          47                                   Bew.

1851 Duns Castle St. West Side.

Agnes Torry  H  U  56  Pauper employed occasionally  Bew.Duns.
Agnes Torry  D  M  25  W. of W. Wilson  *                      "     ".
   "      Wilson  G/d  3                                                      "     "
* Currier America.

New Town St.149 Duns.
Jane Torry   H  U  60   Grocer        Bew Duns.
Isabella Torry  Niece  U  10  Scholar  Bew Duns.

1861 17.North Castle St. Duns.-1 room.
Agnes Torry    H  U  68  formerly Ag.Lab.            Bew.Duns.
Jane             Sister  U  70  Formerly Cook (Domestic)   Bew.Duns.
Isabella Knight  Niece  M   22  Dressmaker      Bew.Duns.
William      "      Grand Nephew   6 Mo.      Bew.Duns.