From Camron Dunn -
Chalmers, Fowlie and Robb families
Chalmers family
Alexander Chalmers married Ann Mackie 30th November 1811 in Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire.
According to LDS site their children were :-
Margaret b. 30:8:1813 ch. 9:10:1813;
Ann b.13:10:1815 ch. 20:10:1815;
William ch.19:12:1817;
James b.12:3:1822 ch. 23:3:1822
John b. 24:10:1825 ch. 4:11:1825 -
all born Old Whatt, New Deer. Due to the gap between the births of William and James there may have been others who died in infancy. A daughter, Alice, is mentioned in the Chalmers’ book, which also states they had 6 children between 1814 and 1825. Alice may have died shortly after her birth, so there may be no OPR record.
1841
Alexander Chalmers 55 Farmer
Ann …….. 50
John …….. 15
William …… 20
The 1841 census gave very little information and the enumerators were told to “round down” ages, so these were often incorrect. This is Alexander Chalmers and his wife Ann (Mackie). Daughters Margaret and Ann, and son James not with parents. Margaret had married Alexander Smith in May 1834. John was later a minister/missionary. He was sent to Hong Kong and Canton, China in 1853. He died 22nd November 1899. No info on Ann and James.
(Alexander Chalmers who married Ann Mackie, was christened 31:12:1781 Kepponshill, Monquhitter to William Chalmers and Margaret Watson.
William Chalmers married Margaret Watson 4:4:1779 in Monquhitter. As well as Alexander their other children were :- Elisabeth ch. 24:2:1784 and John ch. 28:2:1786 both at Greeness, Monquhitter - Kepponshill and Greeness possibly names of farms. According to the Chalmers’ book they had 6 children between 1779 and 1799, but the others’ births have not been found.
Going back another generation - this William was possibly ch. 8:12:1754, Methlick, son of Alexander Chalmers, and that Alexander was possibly ch. 15:9:1723, Methlick, son of John Chalmer (no “s” on Chalmer).
……………………………….........................................................................................................................
William Chalmers, son of Alexander Chalmers/Ann Mackie
New Deer Old Parish Register 1844 - Margaret Chalmers, natural daughter of William Chalmers and Jane Smith was born on the --- day of --- 1844 and baptised on the 16th day of June. Witnessed by the Kirk Session. Perhaps William did not know the exact date of his natural daughter’s birth, hence the gaps in the entry. Margaret was possibly brought up in her father’s home rather than her mother’s, as she appears in his house (after his marriage) in the 1851census.
William Chalmers married Catherine Metcalf at Mains of Auchmunziel on 9th March 1845. Catherine Metcalf was born 8th July 1826 and christened on 9th July, in Turriff Parish, Aberdeenshire. She was the daughter of Francis Garden Metcalf and Helen Frater. (The Metcalfs had six children according to Mormon site).
William Chalmers and Catherine Metcalf had eleven children, all born at Old Whatt :-
Helen b.27:8:1846; Alexander b. 7:4:1848; William b.16:1:1850; Francis b.18:11:1851;Catherine b.25:11:1853; John b. 22:10:1855; Ann Mackie b.6:7:1857; Mary b.21:1:1860; James M.P. b.13:6:1864; Mary b.5:10:1867 and Margaret Smith b. 31:8:1869. (Margaret was the first person to be buried in the Tualain Plains Scotch Church Cemetery. She died aged 6 years 9 months).
1851 Old What
Wm Chalmers Head Mar. 33 Farmer of 140 acres arable land, 80 of muir (moor)
Catherine …. Wife ….. 25 b. Turriff
Margaret …. Dau Unmar 7 At school
Helen …. ….. ……. 5 ………..
Alexander …. Son …… 3
William …… ….. …… 1
Wm Brodie Serv …… 29 Farm serv b. Strichen, Aberdeenshire
James Strachan ….. ……. 16 ….. Cramond, …….
George Grant ….. …… 15 ……. New Deer
James Duncan …… …… 13 …….. Old Deer
Margaret Fraser …… ….. 20 House servant Fraserburgh
Ann Glennie ….. …… 12 …… …… Tyrie
It states that William employed 4 labourers and 2 women - these are the ones listed - some of them are very young. All children like William listed as being born in New Deer.
Daughter, Margaret aged 7 is William’s natural daughter. In the Chalmers book it mentioned that one of William’s daughters was married to a Wm Stewart, merchant in New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire. I looked for a marriage of a female Chalmers to a Wm Stewart in Aberdeenshire and found some more info (see later).
1861 Old What, Overton
Wm Chalmers Head Mar 43 Farmer of 250 acres employing, 5 labourers +2 women
Cathrine ….. Wife ….. 34 Farmer’s wife
Helen …… Dau Unmar 14 …… dau
Alexander …. Son …… 13 Scholar
William ….. …. …… 11 ……..
Ann M ….. Dau ……. 3
Mary ….. …. ……. 1
Robert Duguid Serv Mar 33 Ploughman b. Fyvie
James Murison …… Unmar 22 ……… Rathen
James Fowlie ….. ……. 19 …… New Deer
George Dunn ….. Mar 53 Cattleman Strachan, Kincardineshire
John Burnet …. Unmar 16 ……. Tyrie
Jessie ….. …… …….. 21 Domestic Servant ……
Jane Noble ….. ……. 23 ……….. New Deer
Daughters Margaret, 17 and Catherine, 7 and sons Francis, 9 and John, 5 not at home - Francis and Catherine visiting maternal grandparents (listed below). I still haven’t found John, aged 5 in 1861. Margaret is a servant in the Metcalf’s house. John re-appears in 1871 (see below). A James Fowlie from New Deer is one of the ploughmen - possibly a relative of Jane, whom William later married - there were lots of Fowlies in New Deer! Strange to see the name George Dunn as one of the cattlemen - a bit uncanny since Chalmers and Dunn were the surnames of Nanette and George.
1861 Mains of Auchmunziell, New Deer
Francis Metcalf Head Mar 65 Farmer of 160acres b. Gamrie, Banffshire
Hellen ……. Wife ….. 60 b. New Hills
James ….. Son Unmar 29 Farmer’s son b. New Deer
Mary …… Dau …… 21 ……… dau ……….
Francis Chalmers Grandson ….. 9 Scholar ………
Catherine ……. Grand dau … 7 …….. ……..
James McLelan Serv …. 21 Farm Servant b. Fyvie
William Lamb ….. …… 28 ……………. b. Old Deer
Thomas Hepburn …… Mar 26 ……………….. b. Rathen
Margaret Chalmers …… Unmar 16 Domestic Servant b. Old Pitsligo
Elizabeth McGregor …… …….. 17 ……………….. b. Monquhitter
This is Catherine Metcalf’s parents’ farm (she married Wm Chalmers). Wm and Catherine’s two children, Francis and Catherine, must have been visiting/staying with their grandparents at the time of the census. William’s natural daughter, Margaret, must have gone to work for the Metcalfs.
Death - 17th August 1864 at 9:09pm Oldwhat, New Deer, Mary Chalmers, aged 5 yrs (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Catherine Metcalfe). Causes - chronic inflammation of the bowels and heart (or head?); congestion of brain 3days. Death registered by John Wright, servant.
On 5th October 1867 at 8:00pm, Oldwhat, another daughter called Mary was born to William and Catherine Chalmers.
Chalmers/Robb marriage :-
21st November 1865 at Oldwhat, New Deer, James Robb, 28, farmer, Nittenshead, Tyrie (Wm Robb, farmer/Ann Strachan) to Helen Chalmers, 19, Old What (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Catherine Metcalf). Witnesses - John Mitchell and James Metcalf. (On this marriage certificate, it states that Ann Strachan had been married before to someone with the surname of Birnie)
1871 census, Old What, New Deer
Wm Chalmers Head Mar 53 Farmer employing 7 labourers & 3 boys
Catherine …. Wife ….. 44 Farmer’s wife
Catherine …. Dau Unmar 17 ……… daughter
John ….. Son …… 15 ………… son
Ann M …. Dau ……. 13 ………… daughter All born New Deer
James M P …. Son …… 7 Scholar
Mary ….. Dau ……. 3
Margaret S …. ….. ……. 1
James Mitchell Serv ….. 36 Farm Servant
Son, Francis in US with brothers Alex and William. William snr had returned to Old Whatt, without sons, Alexander, William and Francis to “collect” the rest of the family.
1871 Nitten’s Head, New Pitsligo, Tyrie
James Robb Head Mar 34 Farmer of 98acres 40 arable b. New Deer
Helen ….. Wife ….. 24 ……
Helen …. Dau Unmar 4 b. Tyrie
William … Son …… 2 ….
Margaret Scott Serv ……. 19 General Servant b. New Deer
Mary Ann Walker …. …. 16 ………………. b. Tyrie
James Shepherd ….. …. 18 Farm Servant b. King Edward’s
James Michie ….. …. 19 ……………. ………….
This is Helen Chalmers and her husband and family. According to Mormon site they had Helen 22:9:1866; William 26:8:1868 and Catherine Ann 17:8:1872 - all born in New Pitsligo. In the Chalmers’ book, Catherine isn’t mentioned, but another son, James, is. Catherine may have died in USA. James was possibly born in 1875 in New Pitsligo (still to check).
2nd Chalmers/Robb marriage:-
1st February 1877 at Waulkmill, New Deer, Alexander Chalmers, 36, farmer, Oregon, US America (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Catherine Metcalfe) to Bella Robb, 35, farmer’s daughter, writing very unclear, but possibly of Ironside, (Wm Robb, farmer/Anne Strachan). Witnesses - G B Esselmont and Alex Irvine.
1880 US census - Columbia, Washington, Oregon
Wm. Chalmers Head 62 Farmer b. Scotland
Catherine …… Wife 54 Keeping House
William …… Son 30 Farmer
Anne M. ….. Dau. 22 At home
James A. …. Son 16 Works on farm
Mary …. Dau. 12 At school
Charley Chamberlain 30 Works on farm b. Michigan (Scottish parents)
Y. Burnard Ross 21 …………….. b. Oregon
Next entry:-
Frank Chalmers Head 28 Farmer b. Scotland
Adilad ………. Wife 28 Keeping house b. Canada (parents Irish)
1880 US census - Dairy, Washington, Oregon
Alexander Chalmers Head 32 Farmer b. Scotland
Isabella …………… Wife 27 Keeping house ………..
Wm. Robb ………. Son 1 b. Oregon
Anna Catherine …. Dau. 4mths ……..
Alexander Joss 20 b. Scotland
Other children of Alexander Chalmers and Isabella (ms Robb) :- Alexander Jessamine; Christine Birnie (surname of Isabella’s mother’s first husband): Isabel Strachan (Isabella’s mother’s maiden name): Helen Mary Ross (possibly the Ross name was because of the minister at the church the Chalmers co-founded at Tualatin Plains): Clara Esselmont (surname of husband of Isabella’s mother’s daughter from 1st marriage): and Earl John.
1881 census Tillymauld, Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire
Wm Chalmers Visitor Unmar 31 Farmer, Oregon, US b. New Deer
Margaret Hay Servant ……. 18 General domestic servant Monquhitter
James Leggat …….. ……. 20 Farm servant Macduff, Banff
George Rennie …….. ……. 17 ……………. Monquhitter
Mary Ross ……….. …….. 13 General domestic servant Tyne, Aberdeen
Margaret Smith Mother Widowed 67 Farmer’s mother New Deer
Patrick Smith Head Unmar 36 Farmer 132 acres arable King Edward’s
Wm Smith Servant …….. 22 Farm Servant Fyvie, Aberdeen
William Chalmers had perhaps come to meet his future wife. It turned out that Margaret Smith (highlighted above) was Margaret Chalmers, born 30:8:1813, daughter of Wm Chalmers and Ann Mackie, and therefore sister of William Chalmers snr, the above William’s father - she was therefore this William’s aunt, so that’s why he was staying with at Tillymauld.
(Margaret Chalmers married Alexander Smith in 1834. They had 3 children :- Ann b. 15:8:1836; Alexander b. 25:9:1840 and Patrick b. 17:9:1844. The children were all born in King Edward’s (a district in Aberdeen I’d guess). There may have been others. On the census it states that Patrick employed 2 men, 2 girls and 1 boy - these would be the ones listed above. The Agnes Smith who was visiting the Fowlie family in 1881 with her two small sons may have been a relative of these Smiths - all involved in planning the wedding ????? (see Fowlie info later)
Marriage - 16th June 1881 at Drymuir, New Deer, William Chalmers, 31, farmer, of Oregon, United States America (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Catherine Metcalfe) to Jane Fowlie, 25, of Drymuir, New Deer (John Fowlie, farmer/Jean Thomson, deceased). Witnesses - George Fowlie and Wm Stewart.
1900 US census Dairy Precinct, Washington, Oregon :-Alexander Chalmers (b. 1848 Scotland),52, Farmer; Isabella J. Chalmers (b. 1853 Scotland) 47;William R. (b. Oct 1878 Oregon) 21; Bella S.(b. Dec. 1885) 14; Hellen R. (b. Sep. 1888) 11;Clara E. (b. Dec. 1890)9; Earl J. (b. Feb. 1898) 2; Anna M. Robb, niece (b. May 1885) 15; Henry Ludwig , boarder (b. Sep. 1879) 20, Day Labourer.
It states Isabella Chalmers had had 8 children, all of whom were living - 5 at home in census.
1900 US census Multnomah, Portland City - 3 missing Chalmers children living in a Boarding House, owned by Idelia M. Smith, 37, a widow. Anna Chalmers, 20 (b. Feb. 1885); Christine, 16 (b. Apr. 1884) and Alex J., 18 (b. Jan. 1882). Several other boarders and one female servant also in house.
1900 US census Columbia and Mountain Precinct, Washington, Oregon :- William Chalmers (b. 1850 Scotland; emigrated 1871)Farmer; Jane, wife, 45(b. July 1854, Scotland); Kate M. 16 (b. Feb. 1884); William M.14 (b. Apr. 1886); Margaret J. 10 (b. Aug. 1889); James M. 7 (b. June 1892); Isabel A. 4 (b. June 1895); and Joseph F. 2 (b. June 1897).
It states that Jane had had 7 children, 6 of whom were still living. Their son Joseph aged 19, died of ‘flu’ in 1918.
(James M. Chalmers married Margaret Hood Dempster)
1900 US census - Francis Chalmers, 48 (b. Nov. 1851 Scotland); emigrated 1870; Farmer; Adaline, wife,48 (b. Oct. 1851 Canada); Walter A., son, 19 (b. Oct. 1880); Francis J., 14 (b. June 1885); Elizabeth C., daughter, 12 (b. Mar. 1888); Esther E., 8 (b. July 1891); William Robb, nephew, 30 (b. Aug. 1869 Scotland; emigrated 1880) Farm Labourer.
William Robb was the son of Helen Chalmers and James Robb. Adaline had had 5 children, 4 of whom were still living.
…………………………….........................................................................................................................................
Margaret Chalmers - illegitimate daughter of Wm Chalmers (see page 1)
30th November 1875 at The UP (possibly United Presbyterian) Manse, Whitehill, New Deer, William Stewart, 24, General Merchant (Master) of 61 High Street, New Pitsligo (David Stewart, Master Baker dec/Mary Harvey) to Margaret Taylor, 29, Merchant’s widow, of same address (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Jane Birnie, maiden name Smith). Witnesses - A M Irvine and James H Stewart.
Margaret’s mother had obviously married a Mr Birnie at some time, so that may be why she was living with the Chalmers family. At the time of her marriage to Wm. Stewart, Margaret was a widow - she had previously been married to Wm Taylor (Wm was a popular name!!!!).
Margaret’s first marriage - on 2nd December 1872, Church of Tyrie, William Taylor, 35, merchant, New Pitsligo, Tyrie (Wm Taylor, merchant/Sophia Wilson) to Margaret Chalmers, 25, farmer’s daughter, New Pitsligo, Tyrie (Wm Chalmers, farmer/Jane Smith). Witnesses - George Diak and Fraser Ogsten .
Births :- 20th April 1873 at 6:15am 61 High Street, New Pitsligo, Maggie Taylor (Wm Taylor, general merchant/Maggie Chalmers). Birth registered by father, Wm Taylor, present.
1st February 1875 at 1:00pm 61 High Street, New Pitsligo, Wilhelmina Taylor (Wm Taylor, general merchant, deceased/Margaret Chalmers). Birth registered by mother.
Death :- 13th October 1874 at 00:05am, 61 High street, New Pitsligo, Tyrie, William Taylor, aged 40, general merchant, married to Margaret Chalmers. (Wm Taylor, general merchant/Sophia Wilson, both deceased). Cause - phthisis 7 years. Death registered by Samuel Taylor, brother, of 62 High St, New Pitsligo, not present at death.
1881 census - 61 High Street, New Pitsligo
Wm Stewart Head Mar 29 General Mrechant(Master) b. Aldford, Aberdeenshire
Margaret …. Wife ….. 35 Tyrie,
Jane Chalmers Step -daughter Unmar 10 Scholar St Nicholas, Aberdeen
Margaret Taylor ………. …… 8 ……. Tyrie
Wilhelmina … ……… ……. 6 ……. ….
William Stewart Son …… 4 …..
James ….. ….. …… 1 ….
Mary McCombie Servant ……. 18 Domestic Servant Rathen
Jane Chalmers born 23rd November 1870, St Nicholas (District), Aberdeen to Margaret Chalmers, therefore her illegitimate daughter.
1891 census -61 High Street, New Pitsligo
Wm Stewart Head Mar 39 General Merchant and Inspector
Margaret …. Wife …. 45
James …. Son Unmar 11 Scholar
Mary …. Dau ……. 9 ……..
Harvey … Son …… 6 ……..
Jessie A. …. Dau …… 4
Lily ….. …. …… 1
Wilhelmina Taylor Wife’s dau …. 16
Mary Murray Servant …. 31 Domestic Servant b. Tyrie
All birth places as before - “new additions” also born Tyrie. Margaret’s daughter, Jane, possibly married by 1891. Son William, aged 14 not listed - could have died or have been working elsewhere.
1901 - Douglas Arms Hotel, Banchory Ternan, Kincardineshire
Wm. Stewart Head Mar. 48 Hotel Keeper
Margaret ….. Wife …… 53
Mary Harvey …. Dau Unmar 18 Hotel Keeper’s daughter
Harvey ….. Son …. 16 Apprentice Warehouseman
Jessie Ann …. Dau …… 14 Scholar
Lily ….. ….. …… 11 …….
Wilhelmina Taylor Step-dau ….. 25
Elizabeth McLaren Visitor Widow 38 Manageress of Hotel b. Kildrummy
Harriet Pigeon …… ……. 40 Hospital Nurse b. England
Alexander Morrison Servant Unmar 21 Barman b. Alness
Mary …….. …… …… 31 Cook b. Turriff
Elizabeth Lowe …… …… 21 Waitress b. Old Deer
Death - 29th March 1905 at 7:00pm Douglas Arms Hotel, High Street, Banchory Ternan, Kincardineshire, Margaret Stewart, aged 57, married to Wm Stewart, Hotel Keeper, previously widow of Wm Taylor, General Merchant (Wm Chalmers, farmer, reputed father, deceased/Jane Smith, domestic servant, afterwards married to Wm Birnie, farmer, deceased). Causes - morbus cordia 6yrs; apoplexy 8 mths; nephritis 6 mths. Death registered by Wm Stewart, widower, present.
……………………………….....................................................................................................................
Fowlie family
1841 Oldmaud, New Deer - parents of Jane Fowlie who married Wm Chalmers
John Fowlie 25 Crofter
Jane …… 20
John ….. 2
George …. 1
John Fowlie and Jean Thomson were married on 17th March 1838 in New Deer. On the Mormon website it estimates John’s birth as c.1814 and gives his death as 25th June 1891 and Jean’s birth as c.1818 and death as 28th June 1875.
Their children are listed as:-John b. 22:1:1839 ch. 31:1:1839; George b.6:5:1840 ch 15:5:1840; John and Alexander b.27:11:1841 ch. 23:12:1841; James b.6:1:1845 ch. 10:2:1845; Agnes b.9:8:1846 ch.17:8:1846; Francis b. 21:4:1848 ch. 2:5:1848; Benjamin b. 1:7:1849 ch. 14:7:1849; Mary b. 10:5:1851 ch. 23:6:1851; Joseph b. 14:11:1852 ch. 30:11:1852; Jean b. 16:7:1854 ch. 21:7:1854; Margaret b. 22:12:1855; Isabella b. 2:4:1857;Walter b. 30:12:1859 - quite a large family !!!
The first son is named John and then it appears there are twins born in 1841 and one is named John. This is possibly an error.
1851 census Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Mar 37 Farmer of 29 acres
Jean …… Wife ….. 32
John ….. Son Unmar 12 At home
George …. ….. …… 10 Scholar
Alexander … ….. ……. 9 …….. All born New Deer
William … …… …….. 8 ……..
James ….. ….. …….. 7 …….
Agnes …… Dau …… 5 …….
Francis ….. Son ……. 3
Benjamin … ….. ……. 1
Margaret Stirling Serv ….. 18 House Servant b. Old Deer
1861 census Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Mar. 47 Farmer of 39acres
Jean …… Wife ….. 43 Farmer’s wife
John ….. Son Unmar 22 ……….. son
Alexander .. …. …… 19 …………….
Agnes ….. Dau …. 14 Scholar All born in New Deer
Benjamin … Son …… 11 …..
Mary …. Dau …… 10 ……..
Joseph … Son ……. 8 ……..
Jean ….. Dau ……. 7 ………
Margaret …. ….. …….. 5
Isabella … ….. …… 3
Walter …. Son ….. 1
Only one John appears on the census so probably a mistake re “twins” according to his age. The census was taken in early April. Sons George, William and Francis are missing - George may have been married by then or died and Francis possibly died as all the others were at home. William re-appears in 1871.
1871 census, Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Mar. 57 Farmer of 38 acres of pasture
Jane …. Wife … 51 Farmer’s wife
John …. Son Unmar 32 ……… son
William … …. ……. 28 …………..
Joseph ….. ….. ……. 18 ……….. All born New Deer
Jean ….. Dau …… 17 ……. daughter
Margaret … …… …….. 16 ………………
Isabella ….. ……. …….. 15 …………………
James …… Grandson …… 13 Scholar
John White ……… …. 4
Son William aged 28, not at home in 1861 but has re-appeared! No birth found for him c1843/44.
Haven’t found birth for grandson, James, but John White (Fowlie) was born 11:1:1867, New Deer to Agnes Fowlie, so probably her illegitimate child. She had perhaps married so he stayed with grandparents.
Death- 28th June 1875 at 0hrs 28mins pm Drymuir, New Deer, Jane Fowlie, aged 57, married to John Fowlie, farmer (George Thomson, farmer/Jean Mitchell both deceased). Causes - cancer of breast 10mths; cancer of kidney (time unknown). Registered by John Fowlie, husband, present.
(From the above death certificate the names of Jane’s parents are found. George Thomson married Jean Mitchell 31:8:1815 New Deer. Children listed on Mormon site - Elspet b. 20:11:1816 ; George b.22:11:1819 ch. 23:11:1819;James b.14:6:1821; John b. 24:5:1823 and a male child ch 6:7;1834 - all New Deer. Apart from the first daughter, no other daughters’ births are given. This was often the case - only male births listed in OPRs !!!)
1881 census, Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Widowed 66 Farmer of 43 acres
Maggie …. Dau Unmar 24 Farmer’s daughter
Jane …. ….. ……. 26 ……………..
Agnes Smith Visitor Mar 34 Merchant’s wife
Alexander …. ……. Unmar 3 b. Aberdeen
Thomas …. …….. ……. 11mths ……..
John Whyte Grandson Unmar 14 Scholar b. New Deer
16th June 1881 - marriage of Jane Fowlie to William Chalmers
1891 census, Maud, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Widower 77 Retired farmer
Margaret Porter Serv Unmar 29 Housemaid/Domestic servant b. Monquhitter
Mary Simpson Visitor Mar 39 Farmer’s wife
Mary Simpson like John Fowlie was born in New Deer.
Death - 25th June 1891 at 1:35pm Maud Village, John Fowlie, farmer, widower of Jane Thomson, aged 77 (George Fowlie, crofter/Mary Beaton, both deceased). Cause - heart disease, 3 years. Registered by son, John Fowlie, present.
No marriage/births have been found for George Fowlie and Mary Beaton - the names may be incorrect as children often gave the wrong names for their grandparents. Another reason could be that they weren’t married and John could have been illegitimate, and so his birth would not be written in the OPR.
1881 Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie jnr Head Mar 42 Agricultural labourer
John …… Son Unmar 3
Ann …… Wife Mar 25 b. Drumblade, Aberdeenshire
Georgina … Dau Unmar 5 Scholar
This is John Fowlie snr’s son and therefore brother of Jane Fowlie. He married Ann Sim on 28th January 1875 in New Deer.
1891 Drymuir, New Deer
John Fowlie Head Mar 52 Farmer
Ann ….. Wife ….. 36 Farmer’s wife
Georgina …. Dau Unmar 15 ……. Dau Children all born New Deer
John …. Son …… 13 Scholar
Alexander …. …… …… 9 …….
Deaths - 2nd September 1894 at 1:30am Drymuir, John Fowlie, farmer, married to Ann Sim, aged 55 (John Fowlie, farmer/Janet Thomson, both deceased). Causes - pneumonia left 14 days; gangrene of lungs and exhaustion 1 mth. Death registered by Joseph Fowlie, brother.
26th March 1937 at 5:30am Drymuir, New Deer, John Fowlie, single, farmer, aged 59 (John Fowlie, farmer deceased/Ann Sim). Causes - acute pulmonary phthisis; haemoptysis; exhaustion. Death registered by James George Fowlie, brother.
The latter John is the one aged 13 in the 1891 census. Although not close relatives they are descendants of John Fowlie and Janet Thomson who were Jane Fowlie’s parents. The family must have continued to farm at Drymuir from at least 1851 if not before.
………………………………............................................................................................................................
Robb Family - Helen Chalmers married James Robb and Alex Chalmers married Isabella Robb
On Helen’s marriage certificate it states that James Robb’s mother had been married before to someone called Birnie. I found that she’d married a George Birnie on 18th August 1833. They had one daughter called Georgiana. George Birnie must have died, as Ann Strachan married Wm Robb snr on 3rd March 1836. They had 9 children that I’ve found!
Georgiana Birnie aged 18 appeared on the 1851 census at Waukmill with the Robb family, but for some reason she was listed as a house servant!! In 1857 Georgiana married Peter Esslemont - they had 6 children I think. One of them, George Birnie Esslemont was a witness at the marriage of Alex Chalmers to Bella Robb.
In the 1861 census there was a Susan Center, 18, a servant to the Robbs at Waukmill, Ironside- possibly a relation of John Center with whom Alex. Chalmers went to US.
When I was looking at information about farmers’ unions in connection with Robert Dempster, I found a mention of the Esslemont family in Aberdeen - I think they owned a department store.
Family of William Robb and Ann Strachan:-
James b.8:12:1836 ch. 8:1:1837 married Helen Chalmers
William b. 19:9:1838 ch. 21:10:1838
George b. 28:3:1840 ch. 26:4:1840
David b. 1:2:1842 ch. 13:3:1842
Christian b. 21:10:1843 ch. 26:11:1843 (female)
Alexander b. 21:11:1845 ch. 11:1:1846
Adam Lind (possibly Lindsay??) b. 12:10:1847 ch. 28:11:1847
Joseph b. 8:4:1849 ch. 3:6:1849
Isabella b. 26:1:1853 ch. 17:4:1853 married Alexander Chalmers
All born New Deer.
1841 - Lands of Ironside
Wm. Robb 27 Farmer
Ann …… 23
James …. 4
Wm. ….. 2
George …. 1
John Buchan 27 Farm Servant
Robert Park 14 …………..
James Lillie 14 ………….
John Henderson 12 ………….
Isabel Tiernan 20 House Servant
Margaret Birnie 11 …………….. ?possibly a relative of Mrs Robb’s first husband.
1851 - Waukmill
Wm. Robb Head Mar. 46 Farmer of 109 acres employing 2 labourers b. New Deer
Ann ….. Wife …… 42 Old Deer
G. Ann Birnie Step -dau Unmar 18 House Servant Strichen
James Robb Son ……. 14 Scholar New Deer
Wm. ….. ….. ……. 12 ……. ……
George ….. ….. ……. 11 …….. …….
David …. …… …. 8 ……… ……..
Christian …. Dau …… 6 …….. ………
Alexander …. Son …… 4 ……
Adam L. …. ….. …… 3 ……
Joseph ….. Son …… 1 …..
Wm. S. Scott Servant …… 18 Farm Servant ……
Wm. Fowlie ……. …. 14 Cattle Herd ……
Marjory Craigie ……. ……. 22 House Servant ……
Janet Scott …… …… 17 ………. …….
G. Ann Birnie is the Georgiana mentioned on previous page and daughter of Ann Robb from her first marriage. Wm Fowlie may be a relative of Jane Fowlie who married Wm. Chalmers.
1861 - Walkmill, Ironside
Wm. Robb Head Mar. 56 Farmer of 103 acres
Ann ….. Wife ….. 51
James …. Son Unmar. 24
George Robb Son Unmar. 21
David ….. ….. …… 19
Christian ….. Dau. ……. 17
Alexander …. Son …… 15 Scholar
Adam L. …. ….. ……. 13 ………
Joseph …. ….. …….. 11 ………
Isabel …. ….. …….. 8 …….
Elizabeth Murray Servant …… 22 Domestic Servant b. Tyrie
Susan Center ……… ……. 18 …………….. b. King Edward’s (Aberdeen)
1871 - Ironside
Wm. Robb Head Mar. 65 Joint Farmer of 109 acres
Ann ….. Wife ….. 61
Isabella …. Dau. Unmar. 18
George Robb Head Mar. 31 Joint Farmer of 109 acres
Ellen ….. Wife …. 35 b. Kildrummy
David …. Brother Unmar. 29 Farmer’s brother
Jessie Bruce Servant …… 31 Farm servant b. Pitsligo
James Bange ?? …… …… 21 ……….. …….
John Ebrick …… ……. 17 ……… b. Strichen
Other Robb children probably married and moved from home. Son George obviously helping father with running of farm, along with brother, David.
1881 - Ironside
Wm. Robb Head Mar. 76 Retired Farmer
Ann ….. Wife ….. 71
Isabella Ironside Niece Unmar. 56 General Servant b. New Deer
Isabella Ironside b. 30:1:1825, daughter of Alexander Ironside and Frances Robb (William Robb’s sister). There appears to have been several “Ironsides” in the area, so possibly farm belonged to them originally or they were perhaps local landowners???
At some time after 1881 - possibly in 1884 when William and Catherine Chalmers returned to Oregon after visiting New Deer for their 39th wedding anniversary - William Robb snr. went with them to Oregon. His wife, Ann Strachan, had died on 17th October, 1881 :-
Death - Anna Robb, aged 72 years, married to William Robb, farmer died 17th October 1881 at 12 noon, Waulkmill of Ironside, New Deer (James Strachan, farmer/Ann Stephen). Causes - cerebral haemorrhage; paralysis 1yr 3mths. Death registered by George A Robb, son, present.
