Gordon

Research so far indicates strong ties between the Gordon families from Glenmuick and those in the parish of Birse - particularly the Gordons who have come from Camlet in Glen Girnoc.

· Francis Gordon and Margaret Gordon originated at Camlet, and then flitted to Birse (Glencatt) with at least four of their children before finally settling in Old Machar. Francis and Margaret Gordon are buried in Nellfield cemetery along with 17 other persons, most of who have been identified as family members.

· Children from the family of Peter Gordon and Margaret McPherson also feature. Visit the Gordons O' Girnoc for more extensive information of this particular family who trace back to Camlet and the family of John Gordon and Euphemia McAndrew.

I would be interested to hear from you if you have researched any of the Gordon lines in Birse as I am trying to put together some sort of migration pattern for these families

RACHEL GORDON (c1750’s – 1822)

Rachel Gordon appears in the Lists of Inhabitants from their inception in 1789 until 1819.

Rachel lived at Torquhandallochy. The 1792 List of Inhabitants gives her age as 5, i.e. between 40 and 50. She does not appear to have married; perhaps she was widowed when a young woman ... there is no issue living with her. She is alone on all the lists

Browsing through the Birse Kirk Sessions from 1820 shows Rachel is receiving poor relief from the parish. Amounts from 1/- to 7/- are being dispensed at very regular intervals. Towards the end of 1821 there is an entry which states 10/- was given to the two carers of Rachel and that she was bed rid. By now Rachel must be in/or close to her eighties.

On the 3rd March 1822 there is an entry “Paid anent R Gordon’s funeral 1/6”

The 10th March 1822 has a further notation. Mr James Munro, one of the Elders of the Birse Kirk, paid the Treasurer the sum of 3/8. This was the balance of funds remaining after the sale of all Rachel’s worldly goods and the deduction of her funeral expenses. The money was then divided between the two women who also lived in Torquhandallochy and who looked after Rachel prior to her death.

Two widows are listed next to Rachel in 1819, Ann Skinner and Sara Riach. Both these ladies appear in the lists of poor who receive relief from in the Kirk. Perhaps they are the beneficiaries of the meagre inheritance left by Rachel for their kindness.

Rachel is more than likely buried in Birse Kirkyard, but of course, there is no stone.

Rest in Peace Rachel

It is always worth checking the Kirk Sessions to see if your ancestors are mentioned, sometimes you are able to put together much more on their lives than just by looking at the parish registers and census entries.

Erected by LEWIS DAVIE wright in memory of his parents WILLIAM DAVIE d. 12 Dec 1854 aged 87. JANE GORDON his spouse d. 15 Nov 1842 aged 63. Their son ALEXANDER d. in infancy (Birse MI)

1808 October 22 - Contracted William Davie in this parish and Jean Gordon in parish of Kincardine O'Neil and after regular proclamations and no objections made married November 17th. (Birse Parish Registers)

William Davie and Jane Gordon appear on the 1812 List of Inhabitants for Birse living at Marywell with two children Alexander and Ann both under seven.

Baptismal entry in Birse Parish Registers on 30 July 1815 reads: William Devie and his wife Jean Gordon in Marywell had a son (who was born on the 20th curt.) baptised named Lewis. James Monro and Alexr Dinnie in said town there witnesses.

Their son Alexander is missing after 1812 suggesting he died in the 1812 - 1815 timeframe. Lewis is the only other child appearing with this family in the Lists.

1841 census for Birse shows William Davie aged 65, occupation wright, and Jean Davie aged 60 living at Burnside (District 5 page 6). Both are listed as being born in the County.

There is no William Davie listed in the 1851 census for Birse indicating he may have died outside the parish.

Margaret Gordon is the daughter of Francis Gordon and Margaret Gordon in Camlet Glen Girnoc.

Baptism entry: June 8 1804: Francis Gordon in Camlet and Margaret Gordon his spouse had a daughter baptised and named Margaret. (Crathie and Braemar Parish Registers)

Banns for marriage: December 9 1832: Contracted William Milne shoemaker in Glenchatt with Margt Gordon also residing there, both in this parish, and after proclamation of banns of marriage and no objections offered thereafter married on the 17th of December curt before witnesses. (Birse Parish Registers)

November 19, 1833: William Milne in Glenchatt and his wife Margt Gordon had a child baptised named Jane, Witnesses Peter Coutts and Jas Ewen in Glenchatt(Birse Parish Registers)

April 18, 1837: Wm Milne and his wife Margt Gordon in Lochlee had a son baptised named William. James Stewart and David Inglis witnesses. Revd. R Ingles baptised child. (Birse Parish Registers)

April 18 1839: William Milne and his wife Margt Gordon formerly in Glenchatt now in the Parish of Lochlee had a son baptised William. (Lochlee Parish Registers)

William Milne (son of Alexander Milne and Jane Ferries) died in Aberdeen in 1872

To date no entry in any parish register for a baptism for Peter Gordon has been located. His death certificate states that his parents were Francis Gordon farmer (deceased), no mother was listed.

Banns of marriage were called in Birse on August 4, 1833. Contracted Peter Gordon in this parish with Jane Glass residing in Aberdeen and after proclamation of marriage banns were thereafter married before witnesses (Birse Parish Registers)

Banns of marriage were also recorded for this couple in the Old Machar Parish Register on August 15, 1833.

Francis Gordon is the son of Francis Gordon and Margaret Gordon in Camlet Glen Girnoc.

Crathie & Braemar Parish Registers entry in 1794 states: Francis Gordon in Camblet (sic) and his spouse Margaret Gordon had a son baptised November 27 - Francis.

Banns of marriage were called in Lochlee on 1824 November 2^nd: Francis Gordon in Parish of Crathie and Margaret Jack in this Parish were regularly proclaimed and married. (Lochlee Parish Registers)

January 18, 1825: Francis Gordon in Lingheag (Loinveg) and Margaret Jack his wife had a son baptised who was born on the 18th inst and named John Jonathan. (Crathie & Braemar Parish Registers)

October 1, 1826: Francis Gordon in Linveg (Loinveg) now in Burnroot Glentaner and his wife Margt Jack had a son born on the 1st day of October named Francis Robert. (Crathie & Braemar Parish Registers)

November 7, 1830: Francis Gordon in Glenchatt and his wife Margt Jack had a child baptised named Mary Ann. Witnesses the members of the Session. (Birse Parish Registers)

1832 - David Burnett Gordon (no parish entry found so far - death certificate confirms parents)

May 25, 1833: Frances (sic) Gordon Jnr in Glenchatt and his wife Margaret Jack had a child baptised and named James. Witnesses Wm Milne and Peter Gordon both in said place (Birse Parish Registers)

May 15, 1835: Francis Gordon in Glenchatt and his wife Margt Jack had a child baptised named Samuel. Witnesses Willm Milne shoemaker there and Peter Coutts' wife in Tuskiebrae (Birse Parish Registers)

July 14, 1837: Francis Gordon in Glenchatt and his wife Margt Jack had a child baptised named George. Witnesses the congregation (Birse Parish Registers)

JAMES GORDON (c1815 – 1867) –m- MARGARET ABERCROMBIE (c1810 – 1876)

As with Peter Gordon his brother, no baptismal entry has been found for James to date. However his death certificate does state that he is the son of Francis Gordon farmer (deceased) and Margaret Gordon m.s. Gordon (deceased).

Banns of marriage were called in Crathie & Braemar as entered in Parish Registers in 1836. James Gordon from the Parish of Birse and Margaret Abercrombie from this parish were married Tuesday 12 July 1836.

MARGARET GORDON (c1823 – 1909) –m- ALEXANDER THOMSON (1817 – 1873)

Margaret is the daughter of Peter Gordon and Margaret McPherson from Camlet in Glenmuick.

Banns of Marriage entered in Birse Parish Registers December 5, 1841: Alexander Thomson and Margaret Gordon both in Birse were after proclamation of banns married by GS (GS = George Smith)

October 26, 1842: Alexr Thomson servant Birkenhill and his wife Margt Gordon had a son baptised Alexander.

December 12, 1844: Alexander Thomson and his wife Margt Gordon in Birkenhill had a daughter baptised Helen.

December 28, 1846: Alexander Thomson Marywell and his wife Margaret Gordon had a child baptised named Sarah. Mrs Gordon and Mrs Dinnie witnesses.

September 9, 1849: Alexander Thomson Marywell and his wife Margaret Gordon had a daughter baptised named Mary. Joseph Hunter and Mary Gordon witnesses

July 29, 1853: Alexander Thomson and his wife Margaret Gordon in Quithol (sic) had a son baptised named James.

1841 Birse - Living at Marywell - Alexander Thomson (20) Agricultural labourer and Margaret Gordon (15) F.S. with William Dinnie, farmer

1851 Birse - Living at Birkenhill - Alexander Thomson (35) ag lab. born Aboyne: Margaret Thomson (28) born Crathie: children - Alexander (8) scholar, Hellen (6) scholar, Sarah (4) scholar, Mary (1).

1861 Birse - Living at Quithelhead - Alexander Thomson (44) pauper formerly ag lab born Aboyne, Margaret Thomson (38) born Birse: children - James (7) scholar, Margaret (5), Jane (8 months).

1871 Birse - Living at Marywell - Alexander Thomson (54) formerly farm servant born Aboyne, Margaret Thomson (48) born Crathie: children - Alexander (28) farm servant, Sarah (23) domestic servant, Jane (10) scholar, Martha Jane g'dau (4 months)

Jane is the daughter of Peter Gordon and Margaret McPherson from Camlet in Glenmuick.

David Coutts is the son of William Coutts and Joyce Grant. Baptismal entry from the Birse Parish Registers on December 18, 1820 states: William Coutts in Tillyorn and his wife Joyce Grant had a son baptised David. John Todd at Finzean and James Finlay in Persie were witnesses.

Erected by DAVID COUTTS Lodge, Ballogie in loving memory of his son GORDON ALEXANDER d. Aberdeen 1886 aged 30. His wife JANE GORDON d. 1 April 1897 aged 76; said DAVID COUTTS d. 22 June 1901 aged 80.

Banns of Marriage as entered in the Birse Parish Registers on June 1, 1845: Contracted David Coutts and Jane Gordon both in this parish and after proclamation without objections thereafter married.

September 25, 1846: David Coutts in Balnacraig and his wife Jane Gordon had a son baptised named George. Joseph Hunter and Wm Gordon witnesses

April 30, 1850: David Coutts and Jane Gordon his wife residing in Bandery (sic) had a son baptised named Joseph. Witnesses Joseph Hunter and Mrs Gordon, the child's grandmother

December 4, 1852: David Coutts in Bandory (Aboyne) and his wife Jane Gordon had a son baptised named David.

1851 census for Aboyne - Living at Bandorie (Balnacraig) is David Coutts, Head (30) farm servant born Birse. Wife Jean Coutts (30) born Crathie. Children: - George (4) and Joseph (2)

Mary is the daughter of Peter Gordon and Margaret McPherson from Camlet in Glenmuick.

Erected by JOSEPH HUNTER Craigmore in memory of his dau ANN d. 25 Aug 1876 aged 27. Her father d. 19 Feb 1885 aged 67; his wife MARY GORDON d. 13 Jan 1899 aged 80

In memory of WILLIAM HUNTER Ballogie d. Craigmore Birse 18 Jan 1895 aged 75; his father GEORGE HUNTER Porter Lodge, Balnacraig d. 14 November 1870 aged 86 and his mother ANN GALL d. 15 May 1852. (no age given)

November 11, 1840: Joseph Hunter at Balnacraig and his wife Mary Gordon had a son baptised Peter.

July 17, 1842: Joseph Hunter servant at Balnacraig and his wife Mary Gordon had a daughter baptised Margaret.

August 30, 1844: Joseph Hunter servant at Balnacraig and his wife Mary Gordon had a son baptised named George. Witnesses Margaret McPherson and George Hunter

September 2, 1844: Joseph Hunter and his wife Mary Gordon at Balnacraig in Aboyne had a son baptised George. (this entry, and the above one, appear to be for the same baptism)

May 6, 1845: Joseph Hunter and Mary Gordon his wife in Balnacraig had a son baptised named Joseph. Mrs Gordon and David Coutts witnesses.

December 18, 1848: Joseph Hunter in Balnacraig (Aboyne) and his wife Mary Gordon had a daughter baptised named Anne. Mrs Gordon and Mrs Hunter witnesses

1851 census Aboyne - Living at Balnacraig Nether Mains - Joseph Hunter Head (34) farm servant born Strachan His wife Mary (32) born Crathie Children: Margaret (8) George (6) Joseph (4) and Ann (2) all born Aboyne.

Joseph Hunter c1818 - parents George Hunter and Ann Gaul (see above inscription)

1841 census Aboyne & Glentaner (Living at Porter Lodge of Balnacraig): George Hunter (50) ag lab born in County His wife Ann (45) not born in County, son William (15) not born in County

Jane is the daughter of John Gordon and Euphemia McAndrew residing at Camlet Glenmuick.

In memory of ALEXANDER McDONALD d. 23 June 1838 aged 18. His father DONALD McDONALD late farmer Haugh of Sluie d. their (sic) 23 Aug 1855 aged 63. His sons DONALD d. 16 Aug 1863 aged 35 and LEWES (sic) FARQUHARSON McDONALD late farmer Boghead, Birse d 3 June 1871 aged 36. JANE GORDON spouse of the above DONALD McDONALD d. Dunphail, Morayshire 13 Dec 1871 aged 75.

Donald McDonald was born at Croft Crathie, parents Donald McDonald and Margaret Farquharson.

Issue of Donald McDonald and Jane Gordon (according to his 1855 death certificate):

John aged 38: Alexander aged 19 died December 1838: Louisa aged 32: Mary aged 30: Henry aged 29: Donald aged 27: Charles aged 25 and Louis aged 21

LEWIS FARQUHARSON McDONALD –m- HELEN GORDON 21 January 1864 in St Nicholas Parish, Aberdeen.

Erected by HELLEN GORDON Boghead, Finzean in memory of her husband LEWIS FARQUHARSON MACDONALD farmer there d. 3 June 1871 aged 36 Said HELLEN GORDON MACDONALD d. Boghead Cottage, Finzean 19 February 1918 aged 84.

So far I have not been able to trace these families. If there is no source information, then any assumption made is purely my own, please do not take it as fact. If you have any further information on them I would love to hear from you.

Present in the Lists of Inhabitants from 1789 - 1801, together with Janet Gordon (presumed to be a daughter of Peter Gordon) and Helen Alexander (presumed daughter of Alexander Alexander)

(Please see family of Al Nicol – under “N” – for a possible marriage for Janet Gordon)

1792 Listing, which gives ages in decades, states that Peter Gordon is (5) i.e. between 40 and 50. This would give him a date of birth circa 1740 - 1750. The stone below is more specific giving an age of 63 in 1804, therefore a date of birth circa 1741.

To the memory of ALEXANDER ALEXANDER late in Dalquhing d. 1774 aged 63 and of PETER GORDON late in Waterside of Birsemore d. 1804 aged 63. This stone is placed here by JEAN MILNE their relict.

(Back) In memory of JAMES KNOX late shoemaker Kirkton d. 4 September 1874 aged 77; his wife ELIZABETH FRAIN d. 17 Nov 1869 aged 75.

This family is present in the listings from 1789 until 1795. James Gordon Jnr is living with the family on all occasions. Duncan Gordon is living with the family also in 1794. (I presume these to be one family group)

1810 August 19: James Gordon and Jane Thomson both in this parish were contracted.

1861 census – Bucharn Private House, Strachan, Kincardineshire (District 2 page 5)

James Gordon, cooper (married) died 10^th January 1856 8hr 30m pm at Bucharn, Parish of Strachan aged 85 years

Cause: (looks like) sloughing over the sacrum as certified by Francis Adams, Physician who saw deceased January 8^th

Erected by JEAN THOMSON in memory of her husband JAMES GORDON, Bucharn who d. 10 Jan 1856 aged 86. The said JEAN THOMSON d. 23 Mar 1872 aged 81.

Jane Gordon, widow of James Gordon, cooper died 22 Mar 1872 9hr 50m pm at Bucharn, Parish of Strachan, aged 81 years

Parents: Alexander Thomson, agricultural labourer (decd) and ---- Thomson m.s. Niven (decd)

From the Lists of Inhabitants for Birse residing at the Tillygarmonths in 1812 (not found on the 1808 list)

IGI gives Mary Thomson as the dau of the above John Thomson and Margaret Simpson born 30 June 1830 Strachan, Kincardineshire

Erected by GEORGE THOMSON, Contractor, Stonehaven in memory of ALEXANDER THOMSON, his father who d. 14 Nov 1834 aged 75; also ISABEL NIVEN his wife who d. 1 Jan 1816 aged 52 and JOHN their son who d. 1 Oct 1830 aged 40; also GEORGE NIVEN tenant, Tillylair who d. 4 Feb 1830 aged 72 and JEAN NIVEN who d. 1 Feb 1822 aged 62.

Possible marriage for Duncan - from Birse Parish Registers dated 12 April 1795: Contracted Duncan Gordon in this parish and Isabel Coutts in the parish of Kincarden O'Neil and after regular proclamations and no objection made married May 7^th

Birse Parish Registers dated 13 February 1831: Contracted James Gordon blacksmith presently residing in this Parish and Janet Ferries in Drumneachy in this Parish also and being regularly proclaimed were married on the 16th of March next before witnesses

A stone in Crathie kirkyard states: 1851. Erected by DUNCAN FERRIES farmer Burnside, Birse in memory of JANET FERRIES spouse of JAMES GORDON d. 30 Aug 1831 aged 24.

A William Brands is listed as witness to the following baptism in Birse Parish Registers on April 27 1784: Mr John Davie in Finzean a daughter baptised named Anne. Witnesses William Brands and George Milne

However, it has to be stated that there appears to be two William Brands living in Birse in this timeframe.

Please see the above Gordon/Davie family who may also be associated with this one.

John Gordon is listed as schoolmaster in 1792. His age is given as (7) and his spouse is (8).

They have a daughter Joice Gordon (4) and her spouse Lachlan McLean (4) and a son John McLean (1) living with the family on listings from 1789 until 1795