John and James Wilson of Kilmarnock

[HWilson62]

I am looking for the father of my great great great grandfather who was James Wilson who was born in Kilmarnock (or thereabouts) in 1799 and died in in New Zealand in 1829.

I suspect his father’s name was John which led me to John Wilson (1758-1821).  I believe he was a famous printer in Kilmarnock at the time having printed Robbie Burns’ first book.

I have some sources that indicate that James’ mother was Margaret Smith (1755??) so that could provide a link.

I found John’s gravestone but it just says his wife is buried there but gives no name. 

 I have not found any marriage details nor could I finds James birth record.

Would anyone have any information on any of these people?

[ev]

Hi ,

Have you considered this marriage ?
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XT2W-Q5X

The Legal records on Scotlandspeople have this -
James(Jamie ?) Wilson
date 27th December 1833
alias Shirreff, widow of John Wilson, book seller and printer in Ayr.


ev

[ColC]

There were 10 James Wilson’s father John born in Ayrshire 1795-1805 and 27 others with different fathers. Only two with mother Margaret but not Smith.

You can see these records on https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk A low cost pay to view site.

There are also a number of Marriages in Ayrshire for John Wilson to a Margaret but not Smith.

Colin

[HWilson62]

Hi Ev and Colin

Thank you for the good clues.  There does seem to be an indication that the wife of John Wilson the printer was Jamie Sherriff.   Something to check and rule out

The Margaret Smith link was from the Ayrshire Roots site but there is no evidence provided and, as you point out, nothing on other sites.

[ColC]

I still cannot find a suitable record for James 1799 but I’m not sure if you have this info. on his father’s family?

Wilson. John ... - Robert Burns Country: The Burns Encyclopedia
www.robertburns.org › encyclopedia › WilsonJohn175...

Born in Kilmarnock, John Wilson, along with his brother Peter, founded the earliest Ayrshire newspaper, the Ayr Advertiser. They also carried on business as printers and publishers, specialising in editions of the classics.

JAMES WILSON & MARY BANKHEAD – Kilmarnock married there 25/12/1753

PETER child 1 - 25/11/1754 died 20/05/1756
JOHN child 3  - 26/03/1758
PETER child 10  - 19/03/1769
Others = James 1756, Jean 1759, Mary 1761, Janet 1763, Helen 1765, Elizabeth 1767.
Child 7 is missing?

Colin

[HWilson62]

Thanks Colin

I think that John Wilson the printer was married to Jamie Shariff.  His occupation is listed as printer on the marriage document I found so I think Jamie is the wife of the famous John Wilson who you mention above.

However I find no record of them producing children so I think I may be looking for another Wilson couple in the area.  As you noted there are 27 possibilities so a bit more work required.

[ColC]

A JOHN WILSON & MARGARET SMITH had children in Kilmaurs 1785 – 1795

A JOHN WILSON & MARGARET SMITH had children in Dalrymple 1804 - 1812

A JOHN WILSON & MARGARET SMITH had a child in Fenwick 1781

None were James. No results either for mother Jamie Sherriff.

The best I can find for James in Ayrshire 14 miles from Kilmarnock.

JOHN WILSON & KATHARINE SIMSON had children in Old Cumnock, married there 26/06/1795

The eldest being JAMES 25/05/1798

Others in order of birth. William, Peter, Margaret, Helen, John. 

I cannot see a birth in Ayrshire for Katherine but others elsewhere one has parents William & Margaret in Edinburgh?

Colin

[ColC]

I see the marriage on A....y but not SP?

John Wilson to Jamie Sherraff
Marriage Date:   30 Apr 1786 Kilmarnock

Nothing else after for Jamie.

Colin

[Forfarian]

I see the marriage on A....y but not SP?
John Wilson to Jamie Sherraff
Marriage Date:   30 Apr 1786 Kilmarnock

It is on SP with her surname Shirraff.

I wonder if Jamie is possibly a (mis)spelling of Janie?