Muirs of Campbeltown & Southen

[mimimartin]

Hi,  Looking for information relating to my ggggg grandfather Alexander Muir (b 1777, Campeltown  to Arthur Muir and Orsla Picken) occupation Tailor (Journeyman) and ggggg grandmother Janet Wylie b ? d?. They married in Campbeltown in 1799. Really stuck with this and have hit a deadend.  Does anyone know what happened to them can't find any census records or death certificates etc. They just have disappeared! My line continues via their son John b 1807 Southend or Campbeltown, who married Margaret Ralston b 1810 Campbeltown, in 1840. and Son John Muir b 1845, Coatbrdge Lanarkshire who Married Jean Hall b 1845 Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire (married 1867 Coatbridge) and their son George Muir b1878 Coatbridge, Lanarkshire who married Mary Weir b1881 Coatbidge, Lanarkshire (married 1904 Coatbridge.  If anyone has any information to share on my family I would extremely grateful, I have lots more information I am willing to share.
Regards
Carol

[SadieKintyre]

I too am working on this family. I believe that Alexander Muir died before 1839 and therefore before the first census or statutory registration. The marriage record of Janet Muir (1811 - 1901) to John McBride reads:
John McBride, Seaman and Janet Muir, daughter of the late Alexander Muir, Tailor. Both of this parish [Campbeltown] were married 22nd January 1839

Janet's death record states that she was the daughter of Alexander Muir and Janet Wylie.

I think that Janet Wylie was alive, and living in Campbeltown in 1841 and 1851, but not in 1861. I believe that she died before statutory registration of deaths in 1855.

I'd be delighted to share information. I had noted your ancestors George Muir b 1878/9 in my records, but did not know what had happened to him.

Sarah

[fifer1947]

In the book "List of inhabitants upon the Duke of Argyles's Property in Kintyre 1792" an Alexander Muir age 26 is listed at 29 Back Street Campbeltown.  When reading this it is well to remember that in Scotland married women did not give up their maiden name.

Samuel Muir 58
immediately above
Elizabeth Stewart 40
Alexander 26
Archibald Muir 18
Janet 15
Robert 13
Elizabeth 9
Mary Stewart 7 (maybe a niece?)
Jean Stewart 30 (maybe a sister to Elizabeth?)

Next family I don't see the connection - James Baird 28, Nelly Mitchell 24, Nancy Baird 1 - but possible working with the Muir family?

Peter Martine 42
Barbra Muir 30
Mary Martine 3
Cathrine Martine 1

[fifer1947]

That Alexander Muir is the only one in the book which suggests he was the son of Samuel (and Elizabeth Morison) born in 10 April 1765.  There is no Arthur Muir listed nor Orsla Picken.

[mimimartin]

Hi Fifer 1947,

Thank you so much for the information regarding my Muir Family, it was greatly appreciated.  You have now confirmed thar Arthur Muir and Orsla Picken were not the parents of Alexander.  I had some doubts over this already!  Does the List of inhabitants upon the Duke of Argyles's property in Kintyres 1792 give an occupation for Alexander? Thanks again.

regards
Carol

[mimimartin]

Hi SadieKintyre

Thanks for your message re Alexander, Janet and their daughter Janet. I too have Janet Wylie living in Campbeltown with her sister Isabella in 1841 and 1851 could not find a death certificate for her or Alexander.  Its great to be in contact with another Muir family member! George Muir was my Great grandfather I will PM all his details and I'm happy to share information with you.

Regards
Carol

[fifer1947]

Does the List of inhabitants upon the Duke of Argyles's property in Kintyres 1792 give an occupation for Alexander?

No occupations are listed sadly.  D of A would be primarily looking for males he could call on to come to his call if he "raised his standard".  Amazing the factor listed the women by name, his factor on Mull didn't!

However a wee bit of checking suggests that Elizabeth Stewart was Samuel's second wife and not the mother of Alexander (he appears to be the 2nd youngest of Elizabeth Morison and Samuel Muir [b 1734?] m 03 Jun 1758 Campbeltown )

Also Barb[a]ra [Muir] Martine at the same address, is Alexander's full sister there should be a brother John and a brother Samuel (which suggests Elizabeth Morisons parents were possibly Alexander and Barbara).

A word of warning on searching for the Muirs in some cases they have been listed as Moor.