Benholm Kirkyard & OPR

[sjm21560]

Hi Jean, I'm trying to obtain some information on my ancestors from Johnshaven.

My 3rd great grandfather, James Douglas, died 5 Jul 1884 at Johnshaven. His wife, Mary Hay, died 11 Jul 1887, at Johnshaven. I have census data on the family from 1841 to 1881.

James's parents were John Douglas & Margaret Scott but I know nothing about them.

Mary's parents were David Hay & Margaret Davidson. David was born in Benholm parish about 1760. There is a Benholm parish mortcloth record for a David Hay dated 29 Jan 1826. I think that it could possibly be him. Margaret was born abt 1770 at St. Cyrus.

I would be very greatful for any monument inscription information for James Douglas and Mary Hay, and any information at all on either sets of parents.

Kind Regards
Stewart

[cilvrnum]

There's no Gordon graves but quite a few Morrices and variations if you have any more details on that side.

Jean

Yes, I know of the variations, quite a few.   I've got 2 lines for which I dont have a common ancestor. John MORRICE married Margaret SMITH on 15 April 1750. I have 1 daughter for them, namely Jean MORRICE b 11 January 1754. She married James GORDON 4 November 1780.

I also have a Jean MORRICE b 18 October 1767 whose parents were James & Jane BALLOW.

Would be interested in anything you find. Thanks.

[JEANP]

Hi Stewart,

I've not come across a stone for James Douglas and Mary Hay yet, they could be buried in Johnshaven.

You may have this already, but here is the pre 1855 gravestone inscription for Margaret Davidson:

By David Hay imo w Ann Greig 25.9.1793 59, 2w Margt Davidson 23.3.1823 54, (her two eldest ss John & Davdison both d childhood, also his two youngest Isobell & Alexander both d inf.

David Hay would have died the following year if that mortcloth entry was for him, but there's no mention of him on the stone.

I also found this, I think it must be connected.

IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT GREIG WELCH WHO DIED JUNE 30 1893
SON OF DAVID WELCH AND ANN HAY WELCH, JOHNSHAVEN
ALSO OF HIS SONS DAVID 1915 & JAMES DOUGLAS 1916


Jean

[JEANP]

Hello Cilvrnum,

Can't see any connections on the Morrices, but found these in the pre 1855 gravestone index:

Jean Ballow 10.1.1795 69 leaving four sons & five das behind her, by h Jas Morice (in) 1796

&

John Ballow d Montrose 1.12.1839 78, by s David Keith d Dunwich Morton Bay 29.9.1850 (This stone is marked as Barlow on the map)

Jean

[sjm21560]

Hi Jean, many many thanks for the information on Margaret Davidson - I hadn't come across it before. The children's names confirm that it is indeed my ancestral lineage.

The name "Welch" or occasionally "Welsh" appears quite frequently as a middle name in this particular lineage. I'm in the process of trying to discover its derivation and I've made a couple of links recently. Ann Hay, the sister of "my Mary Hay", and daughter of David Hay & Margaret Davidson married David Welch 31 Jul 1820. Their eldest child was Robert Greig Welch b. 29 Sep 1840. I think that you've definitely found his MI, so many thanks again!

I wonder if I could possibly trouble you some more, this time on an associated lineage. My 3rd great grandfather was James Rae. I have a document that states he was a forrester at Denhead of Balhaggerty in Dec 1842. I think he died before the 1851 census. He was born abt 1791 in Benholm parish, possibly Garvock. I don't know anything about James's parents.

James Rae's second wife was Isobel Watson, b. abt 1799 at St Cyrus and died at Braehead, Johnshaven 2 Sep 1889. Her parents were John Watson & Mary Croll. John was born abt 1758 and Mary abt 1762 both in Benholm parish. I think John died before the 1841 census. Mary appears in the 1841 census living with James & Isobel at Denhead in the civil parish of Garvock, but not in the 1851 census.

Again, any information on the above would be greatfully received.
Many thanks once again
Stewart

[JEANP]

Sorry Stewart, I can't find anything for this lot. There is a stone marked on the plan for J Rae, but unfortunately it is a flat stone and turf has grown over it.

In the future I may get permission to uncover stones such as this one, but until I've recorded the ones standing and visible that'll be a job that can wait, as they're coming to no harm.

I'm inclined to thinking they could be buried in Garvock Kirk Yard?

Jean

[Davmil]

Hello,

If you need a grave look up in Benholm Kirkyard then I'm your woman! I have the pre1855 gravestone index and I am currently recording all the graves. I also have the Communion Roll Book for Benholm 1884-1895 if anyone needs a look-up.
Jean
Hello Jean,
My Milne forebears lived at Benholm & Johnshaven late 1600s till 1828.
I have George Milne's burial inscription (1771) from Benholm churchyard but believe there may be others. Can you help me?
Regards David Milne

[sjm21560]

Jean, many thanks for looking.
Much appreciated
Stewart

[JEANP]

Hello Davmil,

I'll try! Could you provide some info please.

Thanks