This database contains details of 245 applications to John Watson’s Institution between 1830 and 1840. The applications are believed to have been for those successfully entered into the School and represent most of the Institution’s first period of existence.
The applications contain rich data about the wider society that John Watson’s Institution had to do with in its early years. Each child’s situation is fully discussed, with information about the home and occupations of their family and details of who was considered to have responsibilities towards them. Each child’s application had to be accompanied by references and had to be championed by a Writer to the Signet: the names of those involved is listed. Behind each child is an extraordinary story of misfortune and the database is eloquent about the fates that could overtake and overcome families that might otherwise have considered themselves secure.
The database is freely offered for use by all and can either be searched directly on this page or downloaded from here.
| Archive Box/Internal Box | Ref. No. | Name of Applicant | Sex | Date of Birth | Date of Application | Father | Father Dead, Alive, Missing | Date of Death | Father’s Occupation | Father’s Residence | Mother | Mother Dead or Alive | Date of Marriage | Date of Death | Mother’s Profession | Mother’s Residence | Paternal Grandfather | Paternal Grandfather Dead or Alive | Paternal Grandfather Profession | Paternal Grandfather Residence | Maternal Grandfather | Maternal Grandfather Dead or Alive | Maternal Grandfather Profession | Maternal Grandfather Residence | Child’s Current Residence | Parish | Siblings | Recommender | Cautioner(s) | Profession of Cautioner | Cautioner’s Address | Child’s Circumstances | Documentation Present | Notes | Applicant’s Adult Profession | Date of Death (Ancestry) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/3 | 1836-03 (Girl) | Aitken, Mary Thomson | F | 20 September 1828 | 07 March 1836 | Aitken, Thomas | Dead | 10 Dec. 1831 | Currier and Leather merchant | Edinburgh | Graham, Catharine | Alive | Aitken, Robert | Dead | Flesher | Edinburgh | Graham, William | Dead | Farmer | Auchinoul, Midlothian | 6 Hamilton Place | St Cuthbert’s | Robert (b. 6 Oct. 1814); Christian (b. 11 May 1816); Mary (b. 22 Feb. 1818; d. 9 Apr. 1819); William (b. 23 May 1820); Cathrine (b. 5 Jun. 1822); Thomas (b. 9 Apr. 1824); Janet (b. 1 Aug. 1825); Charlotte Brown (b. 25 Feb. 1830); John (b. 1 Aug. 1831) | Combe, George | Aitken, William | Currier | 3 ? Cross | Father has died leaving the family destitute. | Certificate of age; Certificate of health | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-27 (Boy) | Alexander, George Knox | M | 27 December 1829 | 21 April 1836 | Alexander, William | Dead | Attorney at Law | 3 Durham Place, Lambeth, County of Surrey | Knox, Sarah | Alive | Eyemouth, County of Berwick | Alexander, William | Dead | Sometime Farmer | at Nether Hill, now Peterhead | Knox, John | Dead | Sometime builder | Berwick upon Tweed | the boy resides with his mother in the town of Eyemouth and County of Berwick | All siblings at school – Elzabeth aged 15, three brothers – John – thirteen, William – twelve, and Archibald – nine (there were nine children in total, five survived) | Renton, John | Turnbull, John | Minister at Eyemouth | Eyemouth | Mr Alexander the father of the boy died in the year 1851 leaving a widow and numerous family quite unprovided for. His widow has resided for some time in the parish of Eyemouth, and her only dependence for the support of herself & her family, in addition to the assistance derived from her own relations is upon the letting of lodgings to sea bathers, during the summer months which is a very precarious and uncertain mmeans of livelihood. Eyemouth 8th March 1836 I hereby certify that the answers returned to the queries generally and factually to queries 4th and 5th are true, and I have much pleasure in acknowleding? that Mrs Alexander from the time she came to Eyemouth has conducted herself with the most perfect propriety and that the destitute condition in which her family was left as well as the numerous? exertions which she has since made for their maintenance ? ? ? her a strong claim upon the sympathies and assistance of the directors of John Watson’s Institution. John Turnbull Minister of Eyemouth – We have no hesitation in adding our names to the above certificate – Geo ?Min. of Ayton?, Wm J. Home of Paxton’s Co. of Berwick, Rev’d Turnbull. George Fulton Knight of Mordington Parish- Minister, David Milne Vice Admiral Milne Gruden?, Wm Sime Farmer Hallydoun?, Andrew Baird Minister of Cockburnspath, James (Home) Robertson Minister of Coldingham, Alexander? ? Minister of Foulden, John Duncan Renton Chapel (Coldingham), David Milne Advocate, David Renton of Graystonelees (Coldingham) (relative of John Renton WS?) , ?Donaldson Edinr. , Thomas Bowhill of Eyemouth Barony | Certificate of Baptism, Certificate by Rv Goodrich and others as to the respectability of the applicants father, Ditto by J. Curwood & others, Letter from A. Burns Esq Solicitor London and Alex Robertson Esq WS | David Renton in Coldingham may be the link between the family and the WS Society – John Renton WS was born in Foulden Berwickshire. Rev George Fulton Knight wrote the entry for Mordington in the Statistical Account of 1795 https://stataccscot.ed.ac.uk/static/statacc/dist/viewer/nsa-vol2-Parish_record_for_Mordington_in_the_county_of_Berwick_in_volume_2_of_account_2/ | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-22 (Boy) | Anderson, William | M | 29 January 1834 | 11 April 1839 | Anderson, George | Alive | Late merchant | Golspie | Fraser or Anderson, Elizabeth | Alive | Anderson, William | Dead | Farmer | Sutherland | Fraser, John | Dead | Factor on Sutherland Estate | Golspie with his parents | Golspie | Sackville (10); John (8) | Mackenzie, William | Fraser, Colin Mackenzie | Assistant Clerk of Session | 5 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh | Family destitute | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830-5 (Boy) | Arthur, John Mackay | M | 3 August 1822 | 1 May 1830 | Arthur, Ewan | Alive | Shopman | Keith, Margaret | Alive | Dressmaker | Nairn | Arthur, ? | Shropshire | Keith, W. | Dead | Minister of Golspie | Golspie | Nairn | two brothers and one sister | Balfour, James | The father was a Shopman, the mother a dressmaker in London from which were obliged to retire from want of health. He is asthmatic and unable to do anything towards his subsistance so that the sole support of the family is her dress making at Nairn | Cerificate from the minister of the parish [_ Grant Minister, William Mackintosh and Alex Falconer -Elders], and resident surgeon [John Smith]. Letter of recommendation from John Mackay 30 Stafford Street to James Balfour WS Broughton Street | |||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-16 (Boy) | Bain, Alexander | M | 31 July 1831 | 12 May 1838 | Bain, John | Dead | Shoemaker | Bain, Mary | Alive | Bain, John | Dead | Painter | Edinburgh | Cawptiete (?), John (m. May Bruce) | Alive | Argyleshire | Yardheads | South Leith | William (28 – shoemaker – in poor health and unable to assist family); Euphemia (22); Mary (15); Grace (13); John (11); Archibald (9) | Jardine, Henry, Sir | Steedman, John | 22 Southern Market, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving family destitute; eldest son nearly blind and unable to work. | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-16 (Boy) | Bain, Archibald | M | 26 June 1829 | 1836 | Bain, John | Dead | Apr. 1834 | Shoemaker | Primrose Street | Bain, Mary | Alive | Primrose St, Leith | Bain, John | Dead | Printer | Mary Bruce married to John Campbell of Argyllshire | Dead | with his mother at Primrose Street | South Leith | William aged 26 shoemaker at Primrose Street, Euphemia aged 20, Mary aged 13, Grace aged 11, John aged 9, the applicant aged 7, Alexander aged 4 | Jardine, Henry, Sir | Robertson, Alexander | Wright | Eastfield Place, Leith | Mrs John Bain was left destitute by the death of her husband John Bain, in April 1834 – who for twenty years carried on business as a boat and shoe maker in Edinburgh whose death was mainly caused by grief from his having latterly become unfortunate in his trade. After this circumstance Mrs J.B. attempted to support the younger branches of her family, but from her want of means to carry on with, did not succeed. For the space of the last twelve month the whole family were thrown entirely upon her eldest son William, but as might have been foreseen, each an overwhelming addition (being seven in number) to his expenses, has entirely disabled him from carrying on his trade, the consequences to him are that he has been obliged to give up his shop and intends shortly to enter the service of another – and ? her son’s exertions Mrs B and the rest of the family have no other means of support. | Baptismal certificate, Certificate of Health, letter from Lady A W Ramsay. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-04 (Girl) | Balks, Isabella Seton | F | 5 April 1830 | 15 May 1837 | Balks, David | Dead | Writer | 15 James Square | Lindsay, Helen | Alive | Balks, Peter | Dead | Innkeeper | Liberton | Lindsay, Robert | Dead | Coal manager | Liberton | 15 James Square | St Cuthbert’s | Brothers Patrick (13 – apprentice at Cairns and Moffat Solicitors, Argyle Square), Robert (9); sisters Helen Margaret (15 – apprentice dressmaker), Elizabeth (12), ? (4) | Goldie, Alexander | Thomson, Alexander | Accountant | 18 North Bridge | Father died without leaving provision for his family. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-08 (Girl) | Balmer, May Murray | F | 28 July 1832 | 16 March 1839 | Balmer, James | Dead | Forman to Robert Cadell, publisher | Edinburgh | Balmer, Anne Elizabeth | Alive | Lodgings | East Canal St, Edinburgh | Balmer, ? | Alive (supposed) | Coachman to Mr Robertson | Carlisle (possibly) | Ratcliffe, Benjamin | Not known | Clothier | East Canal Street, Edinburgh – with mother | St Andrews | Sister, Marion (5) | Lindsay, John M. | Cadell, Robert | Bookseller | Edinburgh | Father was in delicate health before death and unable to support the family; mother in delicate health and unable to support family by letting lodgings | Testimonial | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-07 (Girl) | Bell, Janet | F | 13 June 1830 | 10 May 1837 | Bell, Alexander | Dead | Mariner, ship master of Sloop Marquis of Stafford of Leith | Leith | Clunes, Mary | Dead | Bell, Robert | Dead | Manager of salmon fishery | Newburgh | Clunes, Gordon | Dead | Captain in Sutherlandshire Militia | Broad Wynd, South Leith – with Mrs Byres, widow | Sister, Elizabeth – residing with Mrs Byres, at School | Innes, William | Gordon, Joseph | WS | Both parents died of consumption. £80 legacy from a maternal grand-uncle not yet paid. Paternal uncles in Aberdeenshire unable to assist. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-10 (Boy) | Berry, John | M | 30 March 1830 | 20 March 1837 | Berry, John | Dead | 1833 | Brass Founder and Glass Fitter, West Register St , then china and stoneware shop in 11 Charlotte Place | 11 Charlotte Place, Edinburgh | Proctor, Isabella | Alive | Managing family business (dressmaker before marriage) | 11 Charlotte Pl., Edinburgh | Berry, Thomas | Dead | Silk cambric manufacturer (d. 1800) | Proctor, William | Dead | lint and yarn manufacturer (d. 1815) | Kirkcaldy | 11 Charlotte Place | St George’s, Edinburgh | Two brothers: Thomas (10), Laurance (5); one sister, Mary (8) | Kennedy, William | Dickie, Henry David | Manager of Caledonian Insurance Company | Father was ill and had a paralysed arm before dropping dead in the street leaving pregnant wife and children unprovided for. Wife is running the business but had not had much success. | Certificate of baptism; Certificate of health; Testimonials | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-13 (Girl) | Bird, Alicia Anne | F | 27 November 1832 | 31 March 1838 | Bird, Alexander | Dead | 20 July 1833 | Tenant farmer | Thorneydike | Bird or Lees, Jean | Alive | Bird, James | Dead | Farmer | Lees, William | Alive | Farmer | Stow | Hounslow | Westminster | Jane (b. 9 Aug. 1827); George (b. 6 Sept. 1830) | Mackenzie, William | Bird, James | Tenant farmer | Parish of Eccles, Berwick | Father has died; family left destitute | Certificate of birth of siblings; certificate of death of father; testimonial | ||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-19 (Boy) | Bishop, Archibald Wilson | M | 6 September 1829 | 14 May 1836 | Bishop, James | Alive | late farmer in Craigcrook, | Canada | Helen Wilson (at Hillhouse Lanarkshire) | Alive | Hillhouse | Bishop, David | Dead | Farmer (late) | near Edinburgh | Wilson, Archibald | Dead | late farmer at House of Hill | with his mother at Hillhouse | Lamington, County of Lanark | David aged 8 and James aged 5 both with their mother. | Ferrier, John | Binnie, Alexander | Farmer | East Craigie, Parish of Cramond | James Bishop, the father of the child, was for some years tenant of the farm of Craigcrook near Edinburgh, but his affairs having fallen into confusion he gave up the farm and went to Canada, leaving his wife and family destitute in Scotland. They have been since supported by the charity of their friends, without any assistance whatever from him; and it is believed that he is totally unable to maintain or educate his family, being himself in great necessity in Canada. | Certificate of health signed by James Summers, Surgeon and C. Hope Muir of Wandell and Lamington. Certificate/letter testifying to the circumstances of the family and the good character of the mother of the applicant signed by Archibald Davidson and George Muirhead (known to the Cautioner) Certificate of birth for applicant signed by John Gourlay, Session Clerk Letter from Archibald Davidson (24 Rutland Square) recommending the applicant to the Institution. | Archibald Bishop (September 6, 1829 – April 25, 1901) was an Ontario political figure. He represented Huron South in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal member from 1873 to 1894. | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-14 (Boy) | Bishop, David | M | 24 May 1828 | 22 April 1835 | Bishop, James | Alive | Farmer in Craigcrook | Canada | Wilson, Helen | Alive | Bishop, David | Alive | Farmer (retired) | near Edinburgh | Wilson, Archibald | Dead | Farmer | House of Hill | Hill House | Livingston | Two brothers – Archibald and James | Ferrier, John | Binnie, Alexander | Farmer | East Craigie | Father gave up his tenant farm and went to Canada leaving his wife and children destitute. They have been relying on charity from their friends. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-22 (Boy) | Bowie, George | M | 15 October 1832 | 14 May 1838 | Bowie, George | Alive | Clerk to John Latham, manufacturing jeweller | Edinburgh | Harper, Janet Bowie | Alive | Bowie, Patrick | Dead | Esquire | Keithock | Harper, James | Alive | Edinburgh | Windmill Lane | Buccleugh Place | Mary Elizabeth; Louisa; Janet | Lockhart, Norman | Kerr, William Hackney | Accountant | 31 North Nelson St | Father lost everything in business. | Certificate of age; Certificate of health | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-01 (Girl) | Bridie, Euphemia Bell | F | 24 August 1829 | 28 March 1837 | Bridie, William | Dead | 10 July 1832 | Upholsterer | Stockbridge | Brand or Bridie, Janet | Alive | Grocer | ]not named] | Dead | Upholsterer | Dundee | Brand, John | Alive | Now in his 80th year | Lunar Lodge | Valleyfield | Janet (9) | Balfour, James | Paul, John | Minister of St Cuthbert’s | Mother sells vegetables and groceries but finds it difficult to support her children. | Baptismal certificate; Testimonial | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-18 (Boy) | Bromley, William Alexander | M | 4 November 1833 | 15 May 1839 | Bromley, John | Dead | June 1836 | Road surveyor | Perthshire | Bromley, Alice Arabella | Alive | Teacher | Errol | Bromley, Henry | Dead | Surveyor of taxes | County of Durham | Marsden, Peter Bowlby | Dead | Proctor of the Ecclesiastical Court of Law | Durham | With mother at Errol | Errol, county of Perty | Henry (19 – assistant surveyor of roads); John (15 – apprentice to a writer in Perth); Mary Anne (12); Elizabeth Mary (8 – lately admitted to JWI); Thomas Marsden (6 – lately admitted into Schaw’s Hospital, Preston); Sara (2) | Richardson, Thomas | Thomson, William | Wine merchant | 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh | Father dead suddenly, mother unable to support family | ||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-08_8th (Boy) | Brown, Francis | M | 24 February 1823 | 10 May 1832 | Brown, James, Captain | Dead | 5 Apr. 1832 | Formerly Superintendant of Edinburgh Police | Edinburgh | Vicars, Harriet | Alive | Brown, John | Dead | Stirling | Vicars, Stephen | Dead | Parkside House, St Leonards | St Cuthbert’s | Lucy (3); Anna (5) – 13 children in total | Storrie, Andrew | Father has died leaving family destitute. | Certificate of health; Certificate of birth | |||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-30 (Boy) | Brown, Jonathan | M | 7 June 1829 | 27 April 1835 | Brown, John | Dead | Turner in Glasgow | New Orleans | Tierney, Jean (?) | ? | Servant | Brown, James | ? | Winds, Margt. (?) | ? | Dartwich with his grandmother | One sister – 3 years old last August | Lockhart, Norman | Maclaren, Charles | Printer in the High Street | 36 George Square | Mother left destitute at father’s death; sold posessions to get passage home; has been working as a servant. | |||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-13_8th (Boy) | Brown, Robert | M | 01 August 1824 | 12 May 1832 | Brown, James | Dead | 1829 | Serjeant Major, Edinburgh Militia | Edinburgh | Duncan, Agnes | Dead | 1829 | Brown, Alexander | Dead | Farmer | Duncan, Peter | Dead | Shoemaker | Widow Thorburn, Dalkeith | One brother, James | Dickson, Walter | Parents died within 12 days of each other leaving 8 children in 1829 | Recommendations; certificate of age; certificate of health | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-05 (Girl) | Brunton, Elizabeth Stewart | F | 3 March 1832 | 26 April 1839 | Brunton, George | Dead | 2 June 1839 | SSC; co-author of Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice | Edinburgh | Brunton, Jane | Alive | Lodgings | Brunton, George | Alive | 39 South Bridge, Edinburgh | Cupar, John Alexander | Fife | 5 Picardy Place, Edinburgh | two infant siblings one of whom – George Brunton – is at John Watson’s Institution | Blair, Alexander | Brunton, George | 39 South Bridge, Edinburgh | Father died aged 38 leaving widow and three children; widow is letting out house to support the family; brother already at the Institution | Certificate of baptism; testimonial with 17 signatures | |||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-07_8th (Boy) | Buchan, George Dalgliesh | M | 02 September 1824 | 08 May 1832 | Buchan, James | Dead | Exciseman | Dalgliesh, Helen | Dead | Buchan, William | Dead | Cabinet Maker | Dalgliesh, George | Dead | Saddler | Ross, Dumbartonshire | Kilmarnock | one brother under 10 | Ferrier, William | Both parents dead – two other boys and a girl to be provided for. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health (has been inoculated) | ||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-22 (Boy) | Buchanan, James | M | 8 October 1829 | 29 April 1836 | Bishop, John | Dead | Shoemaker | Old Bridge End | Fitchet, Anne | Alive | 30 Buccleugh St, Edinburgh | Buchanan, William | Dead | Farmer | Fitchet, Alexander | Dead | Mason | Angus (Forfar?) | with his mother at 30 Buccleuch Street Edinburhg | David – 13 years, at school and Elisabeth – 3 years and 3 months | Tytler, James | Runciman, David | Minister of Newington Parish | 7 Arniston Place, Newington | The mother is a widow without any provision, and a most respectable, sober and industrious person. From the information given me by Miss (Lilias)Trotter of Deghorn and her sister Miss Barbara Stuart of Allanbank I can conscientously ? There the mother of this boy James Buchanan who has been for many years known to these ladies is a most exemplary and deserving person. The deceased husband John Buchanan was a Master Shoemaker and I earnestly recommend the applicant as a proper object of the Charity (James Tytler) | Certificate of health signed by George Glover, Surgeon. 19 Buccleuch Place Certificate of baptism at North Leith | |||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-06 (Boy) | Calder, Donald Mackinnon | M | 3 November 1828 | 12 May 1836 | Calder, Donald | Alive | Teacher, Society schoolmaster | Kilmaluag, Parish of Kilmuir, Skye | MacKinnon, Marion | Dead | 1828 | Calder, James | Dead | Farmer | Blackmill, County of Nairn | MacKinnon, Donald | Dead | Minister | Muir of Strath’, Skye | with his father at Kilmaluag, Parish of Kilmuir, Skye | Kilmuir | Catherine Calder age 10 | MacDonald, Matthew Norman [Hume, of Bernisdale] | MacKinnon, John, Rev. | Minister | Parish of Strath, Isle of Skye | The father having failed as a farmer became a teacher first in the ? ? ? & latterly of the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge and in very limited circumstances in consequence of paying to his creditors as much as his present circumstances afford. | letter signed by Robert MacGregor, Minister, attesting to the pupils’ good health. Certificate of health by James Munroe, Surgeon. Letter confirming birth of pupil, signed by Donald Faichney, Session Clerk. | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-05 (Boy) | Campbell, Francis Beresford | M | 7 December 1830 | 12 May 1838 | Campbell, Peter | Alive | Licentiate of the Established Church of Scotland and teacher of a private school | 4 Kier Street, Laureston | Locke, Anne | Alive | 4 Kier St, Edinburgh | Campbell, John | Dead | Newhouse, Falkirk | Locke, William | Alive | Farmer | Castle Hill, Devonshire | With parents at 4 Kier Street | St Cuthbert’s | Willliam (12); John; Mary; Elizabeth; Isabella | Nairne, James | Anthruther, Ralph A., Sir | Balcaskie, Fife | Father’s income to precarious to support family; mother in poor health | ||||||||||
| 5/? | 1831 | Campbell, Murdoch Maclaine | M | 10 March 1825 | April 1831 | Campbell, Colin | Alive | Duart, Mull | Maclaine, Jane | Alive | Duart, Mull | Campbell, Alexander | Dead | Tacksman | Larig, Glenorchay | Maclaine, Murdoch | Dead | Esquire | Lochbuy, Island of Mull | Duart | Torosay | Five siblings | Davidson, Harry | The unfortunate circumstances which render this application necessary were occasioned by an unsuccessful expectation in ? ? to a considerable ? ? and being now reduced in means & with a ? family the father is induced to make the present application. | letter from Harry Davidson to John Home Esqr. Charlotte Street, Saturday 14 May 1831, recommending the child to the Institution and mentioning two applications. | |||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1835-23 (Boy) | Cant, Laurence | M | 2 January 1829 | 15 April 1835 | Cant, James | Alive | Haberdasher | Perth | Thomson, Isabella | Dead | Sept. 1831 | Cant, Lawrence | Alive | Thomson, William | Dead | Dunfermline | Dunfermline | one sister and one brother under 11; one brother under 12 | Dundas, Robert | Thomson, William Augustus; Duncan, John | Captain, Royal Navy; Druggist | Morison Place; 52 North Bridge, Edinburgh | Mother has died and father has abandoned the children. Grandparents unable to support. Captain Thomson (uncle) on half-pay, his only income. | Certificate of age; Certicate of Mrs Thomson’s widowhood; Testimonial | |||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836/41 | Cant, Laurence | M | 2 January 1829 | May 1836 | Cant, James | Missing | Merchant | Leith | Thomson, Isabella | Dead | Sept. 1831 | Cant, Lawrence | Alive | an old man, does nothing’ | Parish of Dunfermline | Thomson, William | Dead | Formerly of the West Indies, latterly of Perth | with his Paternal Grandfather | Dunfermline | William Augustus Thomson Cant, 12, at school in Edinburgh. James Thomson Cant, under 11, at school in Edinburgh. Isabella Thomson Cant, 9, at school in Edinburgh | Dickson, Walter | Thomson, William Augustus | Royal Navy Commander | Morison Place, Piershill, Edinburgh (in Post Office Directory as Capt. W.A.R.N. | The applicant’s mother died in September 1831, and his father immediately thereafter absconded, carrying with him all the little property he could lay his hands on, and leaving his children in a state of perfect destitution – he has never since made his appearance, nor ever contributed a farthing to their support. The applicant’s paternal grandfather is in the infirmities of old age and totally unable to provide for his own wants, much less able to contribute to the wants of his grandchild – his paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather are dead – his maternal grandmother is 86 years of age, and is supported by her son William Augustus Thomson, Commander in the Royal Navy. The maternal uncle of the applicant, and he out of his half pay of £150 a year supports not only his mother, who from her extreme old age requires a servant exclusively for her own use, and his wife and her neice who resided with her, but also the applicant and his two brothers and sisiter to whom he endevours to give the best education his means can afford, thus making in all eight persons besides Commander Thomson himself dependent solely and exclusively upon his half pay for their maintenence and support. It may not perhaps be irrelevant to state that from the circumstance of having so many relations dependent upon him, Commander Thommson has been obliged to sacrifice opportunities of promotion and advancement which might have been the means of securing for himself independence, if not also distinction and emolument. He has been concerned in 25 naval actions and five land battles – was within twenty yards of Sir Ralph Abercromby when that officer received the wound of which he died – was presented with a sword by the City of London for having with a crew of thirty-nine men, cut out and carried off a French Corvette la Lapageuse, the guardship in the Garonne manned by one hundred and twenty one men on the 5th of April 1806 – holds honourable letters from Lord Cochran, Sir Alex’r Cochran, Sir John Beresford and Sir Richard Strachan – received some time ago a letter from Lord Stanley and also another from Sir James Graham then in the Admiralty offering him unsolicited the appointment of Stipendiary Magistrate in one of the West India Islands with a salary of £300 per annum. This situation which it was unnderstood was intended merely as paving the way for future advancement, Commander Thomson was under the necessity of declining in consequence of the number of individuals who looked to him alone for support. Besides that these had no other male protector in this country but himself, it was found on making a calculation of the expense of removing to the West Indies – of the living there and of maintaining that respectable appearance which as a Magistrate he might be considered called upon to keep up, that the residue would not be sufficient for the subsistence of his mother and nephews and neices whom he must unavoidably leave behind him. An application for Laurence Cant subscribed by Warren Hastings Laws Esquire was lodged in 1834 – another subscribed by Sir Robert Dundas was last year brought before the Directors – In neither of these were the circumstances fully stated – Commander Thomson being withheld by motives of delicacy from doing so. As this however is the third and last opportunity of bringing the case forward, it becomes his duty to state any thing that may be expected to weigh with the directors in dispersing it. | Certificate of birth/baptism – George Street Saint Pauls Church Parish of Perth. Certificate of Health signed by A. Wardlaw, Surgeon and Peter Chalmers, Minister (Dunfermline) | Commander William Augustus Thomson: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/A_Naval_Biographical_Dictionary/Thomson,_William_Augustus | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1836/29 | Clark, John | M | 7 January 1830 | June 1836 | Clark, Angus | Dead | 1835 | House Painter | Edinburgh | Ross, Frances | Dead | 1834 | Clark , John | Dead | Labourer | Edinburgh | Ross, William | Dead | Shopkeeper and Beadle in West Church Edinburgh | Edinburgh | 11 Bread Street Edinburgh with his Maternal Grandmother | St Cuthberts | None alive (one sibling born two years ago) | Arnott, James | Ross, John | Printer | 11 Bread Street Edinburgh | The mother died in child bed about two years ago leaving this child and another. The father died about a year afterwards in very poor circumstances when his two children were taken charge of by their maternal grandmother who is in old age, and scarcely able to earn subsistence for herself. The younger child died some months ago, but although the burden on her has been thus so far reduced, she cannot from her advanced age be much longer able to do anything even for herself independant of the grandchild for whom the present application is made. I humbly certify the above as consistent with my personal knowledge – Minister of ? I also certify that the above is consistent with my personal knowledge – John Clark, Minister, Canongate | Certiciates of Marriage, Birth and Health | ||||||
| 5/6 | 1836/28 | Clark, Peter | M | 3 January 1830 | May 1836 | Clark, Alexander | Dead | March 1836 | Farmer and filling for many years the office of ? ? a magistrate | Linlithgow | Frazer, Jane | Alive | Linlithgow | Clark, Peter | Dead | Brewer | Linlithgow | Frazer, John | Dead | Supervisor of Excise | Linlithgow | the child lives at Linlithgow , with his mother | Linlithgow | Janet Tate Clark 14 March 1825, Jane Dick Clark 23 May 1828, Alexander Clark 14 November 1831, John McGowan Clark 20 January 1834, Grainger Clark 1835 | Cook, Walter | Niven, William | Builder | Linlithgow | Mr Alexander Clark, the father of the child for whom the application is made, died about two months ago. The lease of the farm which he occupied in the neibourhood of Linlithgow had expired some time before his death – and all that he left for the maintenance of his his widow and six children all at the time of his death under 11 years of age, was a little from property in the Burgh of Linlithgow. A great portion of the property has not been let for many years and for what is let the rents, as the houses are occupied by the poorer classes, are very ill paid – but ? of the whole were let on as advantageous terms as ? expected , the proceeds the proceeds comes ? far from adequate for the support – for less for the comfort of a widow and six children. It may be added that both Peter Clark, the paternal grandfather and John Frazer, the maternal grandfather of the child applied for, are dead, and that the family has altogether scarcely any realtions able to be of service to them. Indeed several of Wm Clark’s connections have recently been very unfortunate. 30th March 1836 – Recommended strongly on a personal knowledge of the circumstances of the case & both the Grandfather & father of the child petitioned for were known to me as well as the present conditions of the mothers family. Geo H. Baird D.D. I also concur in the proceeding recommendations. James Duncan. Robert Burn. J Henderson S.S.C. | Certificate of Surgeon and Clergyman. – birth record Appended? to schedule recommendations by the Very Revd Baird and others | ||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-04 (Girl) | Clark, Sarah | F | 22 December 1828 | 14 May 1836 | Clark, David | Alive | Writers Clerk | 9 Wellington Street | Weddell, Jane | Alive | Needlework | Clark, Willliam | Dead | Minister | Girvan, Ayrshire | Weddell, James | Farmer | Galloway | 9 Wellington Street | West Church | Jane (10); Mary (4); ? (newborn girl) | Swinton, Archibald | Mure, Catharine | 3 Albyn Place | Father unable to support family due to brain fever leaving him unfit for work. | Birth date confirmed by midwife Ann Macandrew of 28 Dublin Street who attended the birth as a member of the Committee of a Society relieving respectable poor married women. | |||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-08 (Girl) | Clerk, Sarah | F | 22 December 1828 | 14 May 1835 | Clerk, David | Alive | Clerk | Edinburgh | Weddell, Jane | Alive | Seamstress | 23 Buccleugh Street, Edinburgh | Clerk, William | Dead | Clergyman | Weddell, James | Alive | formerly farmer | Edinburgh | with parents at 23 Buccleugh Street | two sisters | Bell, William; Smith, Alexander | Wauchope, Anne | Relict of David Wauchope | 6 Manor Place, Edinburgh | David Clerk has been in very bad health for more than two years and has been quite unable to do any thing for the support of himself or family till within 6 weeks & never will be able for much – the whole family are dependent on the exertions of the mother who is unable to make enough to support them decently & the physician who has seen her says, if she continues to work for them as she has done she will kill herself. | Certificate by Mrs MacAndrew 28 Dublin Street for the age of Sarah Clerk. Certificate by Henry Tod esqr W.S. 49 York Place in regard to the character of David Clerk and his Employment by him. Certificate by Dr Russell 30 Queen Street in regard to the health of Sarah Clerk, being an answer to Question no.5 | The father was employed by Henry Tod W.S. | |||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-09 (Boy) | Cochran, Samuel | M | 19 March 1824 | 11 March 1830 | Cochran, Robert | Dead | Writer | Paisley | Wilson, Christian | Alive | Cochran,Samuel | Dead | Thread manufacturer | Paisley | Wilson, Peter | Dead | Purser of His Majesty’s Ship Success (d. 1806 at Heurlet) | Paisley | Paisley Abbey | Sister (4) | Patrick, William | Mother relies on Widows fund of Faculty of Procurators of Paisley of £31.10s annually. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonials | Lovely writing on application form. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-01 (Boy) | Coghill, Robert Brunton | M | 1 August 1831 | 22 April 1839 | Coghill, Donald | Alive | Merchant | Castletown | McKenzie, Janet | Alive | Coghill, Alexander | Dead | Merchant | Castletown | McKenzie, George | Dead | Minister of Olrig | Olrig | Garth – with an aunt | Olrig | Jean O. Brodie (18); Alexander (16 – clerk); George (15 – apprentice apothecary); William (13); Janet (11); Donald (9); Isabella (5); Elizabeth (3); Catherine (1) | Gibson Craig, James, Sir | Cowan, Alexander | Papermaker | Edinburgh | Father unable to support family owning to long-term indisposition; relatives unable to offer much assistance | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-11 (Girl) | Couston, Wilhelmina | F | 29 November 1830 | 12 May 1837 | Couston, William | Dead | Merchant | Leith | Adie, Jean | Alive | Dressmaker | Couston, Robert | Dead | Baker and flour merchant | Dunfermline | Adie, James | Dead | Grocer | Dunfermline | Dunfermline | Four sisters – Margaret, Agnes, Janet, Jane (posthumous child) | Cleghorn, David | Couston, David | Merchant | Leith | Father died leaving debts. Mother unable to practice her profession while caring for young family. | |||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-07 (Girl) | Cowper, Margaret | F | 08 April 1827 | 14 May 1832 | Cowper, James | Dead | 18 Oct. 1830 | Writer | Cumberland | Hume, Isabella | Alive | Cowper, John | Dead | Farmer | Stenton, Fife | Hume, Andrew | Dead | Warehouse keeper, Excise Office | Edinburgh | 1 Leslie Place, Stockbridge | St Cuthbert’s | John (b. 3 May 1820); Mary (b. 26 July 1822); James Robert (b. 8 Feb. 1824); Isabella (b. 16 Apr. 1827) | Pearson, Alexander | Father has died leaving family destitute. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-04 (Boy) | Cowrie, Alexander | M | 27 November 1831 | 1 May 1839 | Cowrie, Alexander | Dead | Jan. 1833 | Solicitor | Keith | Dun, Agnes | Alive | Lodgings | Cowrie, George | Alive | Banff | Dun, Andrew | Dead | Rector of the Grammar School of Aberdeen | Aberdeen | Keith, Banffshire | Keith | George (14 – at school); Elizabeth (10 – at school); Alexander Robert (admitted to JWI in 1834) | Arnott, James | Dun, Andrew | WS | Father dead, mother without provision; attempt at keeping lodgers failed due to fire (9 Feb. 1839) which left family with nothing but night clothes. | Certificate of birth; certificate of health | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-07 (Girl) | Cummins, Elizabeth | F | 14 August 1827 | 03 April 1834 | Cummins, Thomas | Dead | Servant of J. & A. Bell, 81 Great King St | Edinburgh | Brown, Ann | Alive | Cummins, David | Dead | Yarm, Yorkshire | Brown, George | Alive | Late parish sexton | Cramond | with her mother | St Stephen’s | Two sisters under 10 | Bell, John | Brown, George; Brown, Anne | Grandfather and mother of the applicant | Cramond | Father has died leaving widow and 5 children. | ||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-02_6th (Boy) | Davidson, Alexander | M | 12 November 1826 | 7 April 1832 | Davidson, James | Dead | Haberdasher | Edinburgh | Hutton, Isabella | Alive | Davidson, Alexander | Alive | Tailor | Aberdeen, Forfarshire | Hutton, Peter | Dead | Farmer | White Hill, Fifeshire | 39 Montague Street | St Cuthbert’s | four siblings under the age of 10 | Grieg, Alexander | Father has died leaving family destitute. | Certificate of baptism (damaged); Certificate of health; Petition of Mrs Davidson | |||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-05 (Girl) | Davison, Margaret | F | 15 September 1822 | 8 April 1830 | Davison, James | Dead | Surveyor of Taxes | Bedfordshire | Dickson, Matilda | Alive | Davison, James | Dead | Farmer | Northumberland | Dickson, James | Dead | Factor to the late Lord Blantyre | Erskine, Renfrewshire | Paisley | Paisley Abbey | None under 10 years of age; three survivng siblings (one has already died) | Dickson, Walter | Father has died leaving family destitute and relying on charity, | Certificate of baptism; Certificate of health; Testimonials (x 12) | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-16 (Boy) | Dean, Francis | M | 26 September 1830 | 6 May 1837 | Dean, John | Dead | 19 Oct. 1832 | Clerk in Leith Post Office | Leith | Gathier, Eliza Ann | Alive | Dressmaker | Dean, John | Alive | Formerly farmer in Morayshire | Residing in Elgin, very old and destitute | Gathier, John | Alive | Banffshire | Keith, Banffshire | Two brothers 8 and 4 – eldest already in JW Institution | Murray, William | Gordon, John | Principal Officer of Customs | Fishenvue (?) | Family plus father and sister had beem completely dependent on Dean’s wages at the Post Office; no other support; wife has taken up dress making. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-02 (Boy) | Dean, Francis | M | 26 September 1830 | 10 April 1838 | Dean, John | Dead | 19 Oct. 1832 | Clerk in Leith Post Office | Leith | Dean or Gatherer, Eliza Ann | Alive | Milliner and dressmaker | Dean, John | Alive | Farmer | Elgin | Gatherer, John | Alive | Keith | Keith, Banffshire | Keith | Two brothers – 8 and younger than the applicant | Macbean, Aeneas | Lachlan, Edward | Clerk to the Edinburgh & Leith Glass Co. | 36 Bridge Street, North Leith | Father died of cholera; mother trying to support family by millinery and dressmaker but is in poor health | Certificate of birth and baptism | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-02 (Boy) | Deans, James | M | 10 October 1831 | 15 May 1839 | Deans, William | Dead | Mason | 43 Princes Street | Craw, Agnes | Alive | Straw hat maker | 43 Princes St, Edinburgh | Deans, James | Dead | Ferrier | Long Hermiston | Craw, George | Dead | Flax Dresser | Cross Causeway, Edinburgh | 43 Princes Street – with mother | Robert (16 – shop assistant ‘Kineton [sic for Kennington] & Jenner’); William (15 – apprenticed to Ellis, fishing tackle maker); Elizabeth (13); George (11) | Tytler, James | Deans, Robert | Shopman | 43 Princes Street, Edinburgh | Older sons maintain themselves; younger children depenedent on mother’s straw hat making business | Certificate of birth | Brother Robert a shopman at Kennington & Jenner, 48 Princes Street | ||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-24 (Boy) | Dewar, James Murray | M | 8 January 1829 | 10 March 1835 | Dewar, Robert | Alive | Lately gardener at Mountwhannie | present whereabouts unknown | Watson, Marion | Alive | Dewar, James | Alive | Carpenter but very poor | Watson, Inglis | Alive | unable to assist | 7 Drummond Street | One sister – 8 years old | Kennedy, William | Grinton, James | Haberdasher | 52 South Bridge Street | Mother has been abandoned by father; has supported children previously but is currently in a weak state of health | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-15 (Boy) | Dick, Alexander | M | 22 June 1829 | 23 March 1836 | Dick, John | Dead | Farmer | Montreal | McDonald, Agnes | Dead | Dick, John | Dead | Farmer | Edinburgh | McDonald, ? | Montreal | with his aunt Mrs Steel at 63 North Frederick Street, Edinburgh | One brother admitted to the hospital in 1834 and another residing with a relative aged 12 years | Balfour, James | Roxburgh, Adam | Book keeper to James Ogilvie | 12 Darnamay Street ( Ho. 27 South Bridge) | The father of the boy went out to America in early life and remained there for sixteen years – years back he was unfortunate in getting his farm steading ?with all his stock and one year after he lost his sight and was unable to follow any business. In the year 1832 when the cholera was in Montreal his wife and oldest son died when he was without any one to attend to him and his boys – his sister Mrs Steel got him and his boys brought to this country in August 1833 and he remained in her house until November when he died – no means were left to support his children and they became a burden on their aunt, and at the present time she is in very bad health and she is the only one the boy has now to look to. On application being made in 1834 the second eldest Robert Dick was admitted in to the Hospital, and the boy on whose behalf the application is now made is the youngest. | Certificate of Health signed by John Martin, Surgeon in Leith. Certificate/proof of marriage and birth of the applicant. | |||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-30 (Boy) | Dickson, John | M | 1 March 1830 | 12 May 1836 | Dickson, Henry | Dead | Dec. 1835 | Clerk and Bookkeeper with James Wemyss WS | Edinbrugh | Dun, Jane | Alive | 6 Callandar Entry | Dickson, Robertson | Alive | Weaver | in Dunse | Dun, William | Dead | Servant | with his mother at 6 Callandar Entry | Canongate, Edinburgh | 1.Jane Dickson, 18 – lives at home to take care of the family as the mother is disbabled from working by infirmity. 2. Robert Dickson, 16 – apprentice with a coach painter & gets 2/ a week which is the only [thing] source of income to the family. 3. Marianne, 13 – is with a dress maker but makes nothing. 4. Margaret, 11 – at home doing nothing. 5. Henry, 8 – ditto | Russell, John | Campbell, Archibald | Master | St John’s Hill | The father was a confidential clark with a Writer to the Signet for more than 20 years – He died in December 1835 leaving a widow and the above 6 children, none of whom is able to do any thing for the family except Robert the eldest son who has only 2/ per week and the mother from severe Rheumatism in her arms & limbs is unable to do any thing for herself or her family – the family have no other means of support nor any friends or relations to help them the father unfortunately lost money by one of his employers left no means or estate. | Certificate of health signed by Edward D. Allison M.D. 1.Cerificate of Baptism 2. Letter from James Wemyss to the father, Henry Dickson dated June 1835 3. Letter from Charles C. Steuart W.S. to the mother of the boy dated 24th February 1836, and all ? ? to have answered by Duncan McNeill Esqr leaving testimony with the preceding letter No.2 to the ? of the late Henry Dickson. 4. Letter John Leven Esq. W.S. to Mrs Dickson, dated 23 February 1836 in terms similar to the preceding. 5. Certificate by the Revd. John Black Minister of Canongate regarding the character of the deceased and the present circumstances of his widow and children, 26th February 1836. 6. Three medical certificates supporting that widow Dickinson is afflicted with Rheumatism and is unable to labour for the support of her family. | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-15 (Girl) | Doig, Margaret Fyfe | F | 16 September 1828 | 14 April 1834 | Doig, James | Dead | Carpenter on an East Indiaman | Doig, Hannah | Alive | 15 Bridge St, North Leith | Doig, James | Dead | Farmer | Simpson, John | Dead | Ship master, Mastiff Brig | North Leith | One brother under 10, in all four children. | Welsh, David | Thom, Lachlan | Ship builder | Leith | Father has died leaving widow and 4 children destitute. | ||||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-02 (Girl) | Doig, Mary Fyfe | F | 16 September 1828 | 16 May 1836 | Doig, James | Dead | Carpenter on an East Indiaman | Doig, Hannah | Alive | Doig, James | Dead | Farmer | Simpson, John | Dead | Ship master | H. M. Brig Mastive [sic Mastiff] | Leith | One brother under 10; in all five children | Elder, John | Watson, Henry George | Accountant | 52 Albany Street | The Mother is a Widow having a Large Family and in poor circumstances – See accompanying Testimonials’ | Certificate of age; Certificate of health; testimonials; carte de visite of Sir John Sinclair | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-28 (Boy) | Donegani, Frederick | M | 22 March 1829 | 15 May 1835 | Donegani, Joseph | Alive | Trumpet Major and musician | Donegani, Jane | Alive | Donegani, Joseph | Dead | Jollie, John | Dead | Cheltenham | One sister aged 7 (5 other children have died) | Monypenny, Alexander | Callander, William Burn | Child comes from a military family. Grandfather was burned to death trying to save regimental papers. Father was a Trumpet Major who has unsuccessfully tried to establish career in music. Family is worn out and several children have already died due to difficult lifestyle of following the Season. | |||||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-06 (Boy) | Douglas, Henry Alexander | M | 10 March 1832 | 8 May 1839 | Douglas, Alexander | Alive | Spirit Merchant | Abroad | Marder, Helen | Alive | no occupation | Dead | Marder, Henry | Alive | Formerly in the Army | Leith Walk, Edinburgh | With paternal grandmother at Meadowbank near Edinburgh | Isabella (13); Margaret (13) | Cunningham, Charles | Barlas, Robert | 18 Gilmour Place, Edinburgh | Father unsucessful in business and has fled the country to avoid prison; has left no support for wife and children who are relying on charity | mother at Kemp Street, Edinburgh | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-6 (Girl) | Douglas, Margaret | F | 25 March 1828 | 30 March 1835 | Douglas, Alexander | deserted | Sometime merchant | Edinburgh | Marder, Helen Robertson | Alive | Adam Sq., Edinburgh | Douglas, I. H. | Dead | Marder, Henry | 3 Antigua Street | with her mother at Adam Square, Edinburgh, | Lady Yesters Parish | one brother and two sisters | Robertson, William | Douglas, Peter | Brewer | Meadowbank, Edinburgh | Petition to the Managers of the John Watson’s Institution, signed by Walter Brown, George Brown, Charles Dalrymple, George Brown. ‘This petition on behalf of Isabella Robertson Douglas aged eight and Margaret DOuglas aged six, humbly show that their father Alexander Douglas was a Merchant in Edinburgh and from unforseen lapses in trade became insolvent, and to avoid a prison was compelled to leave the country, deserting his family who are completely destitute. May it therefore please the Hon’ble the Managers of John Watson’s Institutuion to receive these two girls under their protection.’ | Letter of Petition, Birth certificate St Cuthberts’s Parish signed by J. Laing DSC, Certificate of health signed by Thomas Moor, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons 48 Great King Street. | The petition was for Isabella and Margaret Douglas, but the application only mentions Margaret. | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-02 (Girl) | Dudgeon, Elizabeth | F | 17 June 1826 | 19 April 1833 | Dudgeon, Peter | Dead | Farmer; Yeomanry Cavalry | Aberlady | Wilson, Janet | Alive | Aberlady | Dudgeon, Peter | Dead | Farmer | Wilson, Walter | Alive? | Queenston Bank, Dirleton | Aberlady – with her mother | Aberlady | One brother | Brodie, Francis | Dudgeon, William | Merchant in Leith | Assembly St, Leith | Father died bankrupt leaving the family desitute. | Letter of recommendation from Francis Brodie; certificate of health; certificate of baptism | Note from Rev. John Smith of Aberlady: ‘I am very anxious that the little girl should get into the Hospital, as she is a particularly fine and promising child’. | ||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-02 (Girl) | Dunlop, Anne Wood | F | 29 November 1824 | 14 May 1832 | Dunlop, Robert | Alive | WS | Irvine | Dunlop, Helen Straton | Alive | Dunlop, Robert | Alive | Irvine | Mudie, James Dunbar | Alive? | Abroad? | Irvine | Irvine | three brothers and one sister | Patrick, William | Father has given up practice, moved away from Edinburgh, lately imprisoned for debt. | Certificate of health; Affidavit of date of birth; Certificate of birth | |||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-24 (Boy) | Dunlop, Charles Macdonald | M | 8 March 1834 | 12 March 1839 | Dunlop, Andrew | Dead | Butler in a Gentleman’s family | Dunlop, Alexandrina | Alive | Dunlop, John | Alive | Ground officer to Lord Hopetoun | Linlithgow | Macdonald, Charles | Dead | Surgeon | 7 Torphichen Street | West Kirk | One brother (2 years, 9 months) | Macdonald, William | Macdonald, Matthew Norman | WS | Father died suddenly of fever; mother unable to support children. | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-05 (Boy) | Easton, Walter | M | 28 October 1828 | no earlier than July 1836 | Easton, Walter | Dead | Dec. 1830 | Printer | Adelphi Street, Hutchesontown, Govan Parish, Glasgow | Gray, Margaret | Easton, Easton | Dead | Glasgow | Gray, Alexander | Dead | Farmer | Clackmannanshire | Adelphi Sreet, Hutchesontown, Glasgow | Govan | Isabella 10 September 1823, James 9 March 1825, Mary 24 November 1826, Margaret 21 September 1830 | Irving, Walter | Gray, Alexander | Insurance broker | Royal Exchange Building, Glasgow | The consequence of the death of the child’s father in December 1830, the means of maintaining the family from his profession ceased, and his widow has had no other means of subsistence for herself and five children, than the very precarious and scanty one, of letting her rooms to Lodgers, aided by a small annuity from rents of property in houses left by her mother-in-law at her death in 1831, not amounting to (£30) per annum, and finds it impossible to give her family such an education their only ? as will make them useful members of society.’ signed by Margaret Easton (mother) ‘I hereby certify that I have personally made special enquiry into the circumstances of this case, and that Mrs Easton the mother of the applicant for admission into John Watsons Hospital is in indigeus circumstances with a large family & that the cild for whom the application is made is in every way a fit object for the operation of the above institution.’ signed Adam G. Ellis WS | Certificate of health on the application form, testifying to the good health of the applicant, signed by Samuel Clarke, surgeon, Glasgow, March 1836. separate Baptism certificate for the applicant witnessed by James Keir and |James McClure, (Extract from the Register of Baptisms, of the Kirk Session of Glasgow, 29th day of February, 1836, signed by James MacAllister, Session Clerk and Keeper of the Register) | Two letters, one from the applicants mother to Mrs Dr Mitchell 19th November 1835, describing her circumstances and asking that her son be considered for a place at the school. In the letter, she also asks if her daughter Isabella, aged 12 could be admitted and educated in anticipation of becoming a governess. The other letter, most likely from the office of the recommender, reiterates the recommendation and presents a list of people which includes the cautioner Alexander Gray, the surgeon Sam Clarke, and many others; John Dalziel 62 Queen Street, John Mitchell Edinburgh, Samuel Thornton ? Officer, Andrew Mitchell ?, John Grasen 25 Queen Street, D. Chisholm 62 Ingram Street, James McClure carver and gilder 21 Argyll Street, Robert Aikman merchant 162 Buchanan Street, Robert White 7 Garthland Street, James Browne 126 Queen Street, W.A. Paterson Inspector of Taxes [74 South Portland Street], James Richardson, Member of the Merchant Company of Edinburgh, William Lang Commissioner of Police, James Mitchell Writer [36 Miller street], Robert Gray Merchant 48 Queen Street, John Crooks [Dental Surgeon] 5 Buchanan Street, John Miller George Square, James B. Neilson engineer house 37 Weaver street, Walter Watson Clothier [of Watson & Munroe, house 44 Union Street], John Campbell Accountant 37 Glassford Street, David McDonald Jeweller 34 Trongate, Ninian Purves Accountant to the Glasgow Gas Company [Purves, N. accountant. Gas office, house 20 Weaver street], Robert Kirkwood House Factor 40 Miller Street, William Reid Plumber 36 Dunlop Street, John Crawford Wright 23 Portland Street [Crawford, William, & Son, wrights and builders, 23 S. Portland street], William Crawford Wright 23 Portland Street, Robert Jaffrey Factor & Accountant Glasgow [Jaffrey, R. factor and accountant, 37 Glassford st. ho. 27 Abbotsford pi], Joseph Jaffrey of His Majesty’s Customs Custom House Glasgow / 27 Abbotsford Place – residence.ewrrw | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-21 (Boy) | Elder, William | M | 10 January 1834 | 4 April 1839 | Elder, Alexander | Dead | Letter carrier | Elder, Jane | Alive | Rose St, Edinburgh | Dead | Mason | Edinburgh | Alive | Tailor | Wales | with his mother in Rose Street, Edinburgh | St George’s, Edinburgh | Agnes (8) | Lees, Edward S.; Hopkirk, John Glassford | Williams, Theodore | Master in the Edinburgh Academy | Dean Lodge, Edinburgh Academy | Father has died; mother unable to support family | |||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-04 (Girl) | Evans, Euphemia | F | 1825 | 4 May 1832 | Evans, Thomas | Dead | Dec. 1827 | Serjeant and Band Leader | Gibraltar | Evans, Margaret | Dead | Jan. 1829 | Evans, ? | Dead | Rose, Peter | Dead | 7 Hay Street – with Peter Watson, shoemaker | West Church | None under 10 years of age | Robertson, William | Child is an orphan dependant on charity. | Two testimonials from father’s army connections. | Maternal grandmother – Elspeth Watson (dead). | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 19 March 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Gibson, Archibald | Usher, Andrew | Wine merchant | 22 West Nicholson Street | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 12 May 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Hunter, A. | Balmer, Thomas | Farmer | East Gordon | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 29 April 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Fotheringhame, Frederick | Usher, Andrew | Wine merchant | 22 West Nicholson Street | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 12 May 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Dickson, Walter | Usher, Andrew | Wine merchant | 22 West Nicholson Street | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 12 May 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Macdonald, M. N. | Usher, Andrew | Wine merchant | 22 West Nicholson Street | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Boy) | Fairbairn, Thomas | M | 2 March 1830 | 15 May 1837 | Fairbairn, James | Dead | 25 Jan. 1837 | Wine and Spirit merchant | 18 Chapel Street | Balmer or Fairbairn, Mary | Alive | 18 Chapel St | Fairbairn, Francis | Alive | Sometime farmer of Byrewalls, upwards of 80 years of age | Balmer, Thomas | Dead | Farmer at Ettrick Braes | 18 Chapel St | One brother; two sisters: Francis (11), Agnes (19), Margaret (13) | Scott, Charles Balfour | Usher, Andrew | Wine merchant | 22 West Nicholson Street | Father died suddenly leaving debts; mother in poor health; eldest daughter trying to find work as a teacher. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-12 (Girl) | Fairly, Elizabeth Weir | F | 19 March 1832 | 5 May 1838 | Fairly, John | Dead | Landscape gardener | Fruithill, Ireland | Fairly, Christian | Alive | Fruithall, Ireland | Fairly, ? | Dead | Forman at Craigleith Quarry | Dead | Lock keeper | Leith | With her mother at Fruithall, Ireland | Janet (b. 26 Feb. 1826); Agnes M. (b. 11 Feb. 1828); Ellen D. (17 Feb. 1830); Henrietta (b. 8 May 1834); Hugh M. (b. 2 July 1836) | Irving, Patrick | Bruce, Onesiphorous Tyndall | Princes Street | Family left destitute by death of father | Certificate of birth; certificate of health (x2); certificate of age of siblings; testimonal from Tyndall Bruce | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-19 (Boy) | Fenwick, Robert | M | 23 March 1831 | 8 March 1837 | Fenwick, Robert | Dead | Nov. 1834 | Painter | Edinburgh | Smith or Fenwick, Mary | Alive | Dressmaker | 9 Shakespeare Sq., Edinburgh | [not named] | Dead | [not named] | Dead | 9 Shakespeare Square | One brother, Edward (9 1/2) – being educated at Orphan Hospital | Lockhart, Norman | Ward, Alexander; Pearson, Alexander | Advocate (Ward) | Father had been ill for some time before his death; family left destitute; wife is a dressmaker but business is small. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-11 (Boy) | Fenwick, Robert | M | 23 March 1831 | 27 March 1838 | Fenwick, Robert | Dead | Painter | Edinburgh | Smith or Fenwick, Mary | Alive | Lodgings | 9 Shakespeare Sq., Edinburgh | Fenwick, Edward | Dead | Master Brewer | Newcastle | Smith, Thomas | Dead | 9 Shakespeare Square, Edinburgh | St Andrews | Edward (11) | Renton, John | Pearson, Alexander; Wood, Alexander | WS; Advocate | Father died three years ago; mother and children destitute; mother unable to support via offering lodgings | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-34 (Boy) | Forbes, Archibald | M | 30 September 1830 | 14 May 1836 | Forbes, John | Dead | Surgeon, Royal Navy | Mary Belsher Forbes | Alive | Perth | Forbes, John | Schoolmaster | Foss, Perthshire | Campbell, John, of Boreland | Dead | Perthshire | with his mother in Perth | Perth | John Forbes, 16 (13 August 1819. Duncan George Forbes, 13 (6 June 1822. James Gibson Thomson Forbes, 12 (8th April 1824). Charles Wm Lamb Forbes, 7 (19 August 1828) | Brown, John Osburn | Porteous, John | Wine merchant | of the High Street, Perth’ | Although the petitioner cannot plead that she is absolutely destitute, and might perhaps maintain and even cloth herself and her five children, yet they are altogether dependant upon her ? And she is altogether unable to give them education. The She posesses £40 of Pension as the widow of her husband, and ? above £20 yearly of a sum belonging to the children; for whom she has also a ? allowance of £5. | Certificate of health signed by James Miller, Surgeon. Certificate from Parish register of Logierait, Perthsire | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-02 (Boy) | Forbes, Charles William Lamb | M | 19 August 1828 | 16 May 1835 | Forbes, John | Dead | Surgeon Royal Navy | Mary Campbell/Forbes | Alive | Perth | Forbes, John | Schoolmaster | Campbell, John, of Boreland | with his mother in Perth, now a widow | one brother under 10, three brothers above 10 | Fergusson, James (possibly husband of Rebecca Fergusson at 12 Hill Street) | Porteous, John | Wine merchant | Perth | Widowed mother left with five children all under 16 years of age with only a pension of £40 annually, otherwise in debt. | Certificate of good health | ||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-08 (Boy) | Foster, Joseph Paisley | M | 02 March 1828 | 15 May 1835 | Foster, Thomas | Dead | Tenant farmer | Penton | Foster or Paisley, Jane | Alive | Needlework | Foster, Arthur | Alive | Decent, but poor | Paisley, Joseph | Dead | Tenant farmer | Cumberland on the Border | Harelow Cottage | Canonbie, Dumfrieshire | Elizabeth, present in the institution; Thomas, lately deceased; Mary Caroline | Jardine, Henry, Sir | Muir, Nicol Alexaner | Minister and Deputy Lt of the County of Dumfries | Widow left farm at husband’s death. Relies on needlework to support family. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | |||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-11a (Boy) | Gales, Thomas William | M | 9 August 1824 | 3 May 1830 | Gales, William | Dead | Spirit dealer | St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh | Bage, Jane | Alive | Servant (formerly in the service of Lady C. Baillie, Royal Circus) | Gales, Joseph | Alive | Farmer | Stenton, near Stockton-on-Tees | Bage, Thomas | Alive | Cabinetmaker | Oulton, Rugeley, Yorkshire | North East Circus Place, Edinburgh | St Stephen’s | Two sisters – eldest in JWI | Mowbray, John | Mother is a widow relying on personal industry to support children. No relatives ‘in this Country’. | |||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-11b (Boy) | Gales, Thomas William | M | 9 August 1824 | 3 May 1830 | Gales, William | Dead | Spirit dealer | St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh | Bage, Jane | Alive | Servant (formerly in the service of Lady C. Baillie, Royal Circus) | Gales, Joseph | Alive | Farmer | Stenton, near Stockton-on-Tees | Bage, Thomas | Alive | Cabinetmaker | Oulton, Rugeley, Yorkshire | North East Circus Place, Edinburgh | St Stephen’s | Two sisters – eldest in JWI | Ker, John | Mother is a widow relying on personal industry to support children. No relatives ‘in this Country’. | Certificate of health (Thomas Wood) | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-31 (Boy) | Ganson, Herman | M | 03 May 1828 | 17 April 1833 | Ganson, James | Dead | 28 Feb. 1833 | Master of the Magnus Troil | Leask or Ganson, Barbara | Alive | Lerwick | Ganson, Charles | Alive | Bressay | Georgeson, Barbara [sic] | Alive | Lerwick | Lerwick – with his mother | Lerwick and Gulberwick | Four brothers under 10. | Gibson Craig, James, Sir | Clapperton, James | Iron monger | Leith | Father died by suffication in his cabin leaving 6 children, 5 under 14 years of age. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | Magnus Troil: https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/magnus-troil-166285; https://ukdps.shetland.cname.accesstomemory.org/inventory-of-the-personal-estate-of-captain-james-ganson-of-the-magnus-troil-of-lerwick-died-on-board-that-vessel-at-leith-on-28-february-1833;isad?sf_culture=en | ||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-14 (Boy) | Gibb, George | M | 25 April 1829 | 1836 | Gibb, Andrew | Dead | 5+ years before application | Writer | Dunfermline, then Edinburgh | Banks, Christian | Alive | 4 Nov. 1815 | Gibb, William | Dead | Manufacturer of Damask Linen | Dunfermline | William Banks | Factor and Clothier | 15 Catherine Street, Edinburgh | with Mrs Davidson, Gifford Park, Edinburgh | St Cuthberts | William Gibb 17 years and one sibling deceased | Young, William | Inverarity, James | The father died upwards of five years ago leaving his widow quite destitute – with three children – one of whom died upward of two years since – the paternal Grandfather died three years ago – and the Maternal Grandfather who is still alive is quite unable to render any assistance. | Certificate of health signed by William Thomson MD, Fellow of the R. College of Physicians and Surgeons 1.Certificate of birth 2.Certificate from William Drysdale, Assistant Clerk of Session, John Adams S.S.C., James Martin 26 Gayfield Square, John Wilson Advocate. 3.Certificate in favour of Mrs Gibb, from Rev’d ?,William Whyte Bookseller, Archibald Scott Broker Fiscal, James Bonar WS, John Bonar of Ratho Banker, John Clarke slater & plumber, John Tawse Advocate, Don MacDonald Cloth Factor and agent, Mrs Guthrie of Craigie 4. Certificate from Revd |George B. Brand Minister Dunfermline. 5. Letter from Andrew Clephane Sherriff of Fife, 22 June 1822. 6. Certificate of Marriage. | |||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835/263 | Gibb, George | M | 25 April 1829 | 14 april 1835 to James Schaw’s Hospital at Preston | Gibb, Andrew | Dead | 1830/1831 | a writer’s clerk, for many years head clerk to David Black, Town Clerk of Dunfermline, after that he resided several years in Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Banks, Christian | Alive | 4 Nov. 1815 | Housekeeper | Gibb, William | Dead | Manufacturer of Damask Linen | Dunfermline | William Banks | Factor and Clothier | 15 Catherine Street, Edinburgh | he resides with Mrs Davidson, Gifford Park, Edinburgh | One brother aged fifteen, present occupation as a weaver in Dunfermline, was never in any hospital, and one sibling deceased | Jones, J. S. (Minister) | the application form has a list of Subscribers who certify that the child is a suitable applicant for a place at the school. The subscribers are M. Wyte bookseller, John Bonar banker, John Clark Slater, Don: Macdonald Cloth Factor, Rebecca Fergusson 12 Hill Street, Margaret Guthrie 68 Frederick Street. | Various | The child is quite dependent on his widowed mother who receives ten guineas a year as wages and pays eight for his present board and is therefore quite unable to defray the expenses of his education and he has no other friends capable of assisting him. | health certificate that the boy is free of the ‘King’s Evil’ , signed by William Thomson MD 1834 and 1835 | this application form is for James Schaw’s Hospital at Preston and all applications must be lodged with Mr Thomson Esqr W.S. Treasurer, at his chambers at 8 Frederick Street. | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1834-18 (Girl) | Gibson, Jane R. | F | 6 July 1826 | 16 April 1834 | Gibson, John | Dead | 1827 | Painter and Colourman | Edinburgh | Gibson, Margaret | Alive | 3 York Place, Edinburgh | Gibson, Peter | Dead | Merchant | Edinburgh | William Petrie | Alive | with her mother in no 3 York Place Edinburgh | St Andrews | none, (but circumstances mention 9 children all under 17years of age of which 2 died, one a boy was admitted 3 years since, into the institution) | Hopkirk, John Glassford | Marshall, William | Goldsmith | Goldsmith to the King, 64 North Bridge Edinburgh | The particular circumstances of your petitioner, and she was left a widow 7 years since quite destitute, with a family of nine all under 17 years of age of which 2 died, one a boy was admitted 3 years since, into your institution, and having nothing to support herself and family, but her own industry. signed by William Child and John Glassford Hopkirk | certificte of health signed by Dr Allison MD. Certificate of baptism, baptised 30 July 1826, by Rev Morehead. | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-18 (Boy) | Glass, James | M | 12 January 1831 | 3 May 1837 | Glass, Henry | Dead | Druggist | Howe Street | Swan, Isabella | Dead | Glass, Hugh | Dead | Beadle of Lady Glenorchy’s Church and doorkeeper of General Assemblies | Swan, James | Alive | Wright | Greenend, Liberton | Greenend, parish of Liberton, with his grandfather James Swan | Liberton | One brother, already in John Watson’s Institution | Lamprett, John (?) | Borthwick, William | Wire worker | 227 High Street, Edinburgh | Both parents dead; mother tried to run deceased husband’s business without success; grandfather unable to support. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-07 (Boy) | Glass, James | M | 12 January 1831 | 11 May 1838 | Glass, Henry | Dead | Druggist | Howe Street | Swan, Isabella | Dead | Glass, Hugh | Dead | Beadle of Lady Glenorchy’s Church and doorkeeper of General Assemblies | Swan, James | Alive | Wright | Greenend, Liberton | Lives with maternal grandfather in Liberton | Liberton | Hugh (9 – at present in JWI) | Bell, John | Borthwick, William | Wire worker | 227 High Street, Edinburgh | Both parents dead and grandparents struggling to support | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-24 (Boy) | Gordon, John | M | 16 January 1832 | 9 May 1837 | Gordon, William | Dead | Captain | Loy, Mary Ann | Alive | Gordon, Adam | Dead | A Portuguese’ | Supposed dead | Edinburgh (at school) | Three brothers plus a twin brother and two sisters. | Mowbray, John | Gordon, John | 52 Inverleith Row | Father was ill and on half-pay at the time of his death; family left desitute; mother is foreign with no means of support and her behavior led to her children being taken from her. | Certificate of age; Certificates of health; Testimonials | |||||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-05_6th_a (Boy) | Goulding, Nicholas | M | 22 December 1826 | May 1832 | Goulding, William | Alive | Grocer and property speculator (ruined) | Castle Hill | Lockie, Jean | Dead | just dead’ (with infant child) | Dead | Dead | 85 West Bow | two sisters (6 and 10); brother (3) | Father ruined in business; mother and infant sibling dead of cholera | Certificate of birth | 1832 – Edinburgh’s first cholera epidemic | |||||||||||||||||
| 27 | 1835-10 (Girl) | Granger, Catherine | F | 6 December 1829 | 15 May 1835 | Granger, Granger | abandoned | Burrier | not known | Alexander, Helen | Alive | Fisher’s Close, Lawnmarket | Granger, John | Dead | Cowfeeder behind Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh | Alexander, Robert | Dead | Timber Merchant | Tobago Street | with her mother at Fisher’s Close, Lawnmarket | New North Parish | two brothers, one above ten and subject to epileptic fits, the other under ten. | Renton, John | Rankin, Agnes | Widow of Dr George Ranken in the service of the Honourable East India Company, Bengal | Glencorse | The mother of the child is entirely destitute – if her husband is alive, which is quite uncertain, she gets no allowance from him – her eldest son from his melancholy situation requires her constant attention, & she is thus disabled from doing much by her own industry for the support of her family & is with great difficulty able to keep herself & them from starvation – indeed she could not have done so but for the pecunary help/aid of some individuals who have helped her from motives of compassion for her distressed circumstances. | letter of recommendation from John Bruce, Minister of N.N. Church Letter of recommendation from Helen Hoskins, 18 Carlton Place Certificate of Baptism Certificate of Health by W J Cochrane, Surgeon all received by John Renton | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1830-03 (Girl) | Grant, Louisa and Mary | F | Dead | Captain in India | With three aunts in Edinburgh | this is an application in the form of a letter from Dr William Beilby 31 Queen Street. The envelope is marked Walter Dickson W.S., Royal Circus, and a letter from the Writer to the Signet is included.The letter signed by William Beilby is on behalf of two girls and is of peculiar interest and urgency. “The general ground of their claims have I suppose been stated in the petition on application. The children Louisa and Mary Grant were sent home from India to their aunts, three maiden ladies who at that time lived in Nelson St. Two of them kept a school for girls and the third employed herself in dress making. The school had succeeded pretty well, so at least as to afford them a maintenance, though a bare one. But the establishment & ? of the Circus Place School was fatal to this undertaking. When the arrival of their neices & the expectation of another Indian child for all of whom they had reason to look for a pretty liberal renumeration dissipated for a while this apprehensions of impeding poverty. It was however but for a short time. The widowed father of the two children was compelled by ill health to follow his children very speedily & had been but a short time arrived in this country when he died & contrary to the expectations of his sisters leaving his children quite destitute & a burden upon the aunts, at a time when all their resources seemed to fail together for an old relative from whom there were good expectations of assistance to the children did soon after & without having made any provision for them. The aunts who are of a good family, and have moved in a very different sphere, are actually at this time giving up their little all to their creditors, & without anything to depend upon but an annuity of £10 each. They are very estimable ladies & have made great exertions but have been borne down by a series of misfortunes. The degree of their distress is unknown by perhaps any other person in Edinburgh but myself nor are they aware of my being so fully aquainted with it. But I think it necessary to their interest in this case that it sh’d be made known to a certain extent, beyond that I feel confident it will not go. Excuse this liberty & make what use of the information you may think necessary for their advantage. I remain my ? Sir yours very faithfully, M Beilly (physician) 31 Queen Street, Thursday ? Also a letter from Thomas Carlyle Advocate, 62 Cumberland Street to William Dickson W.S. March 17th 1825. My D. Sir, as I am informed that you have some voice in the management of Watson’s Hospital, I am requested by my friend the Misses Grant in Anne Street to make an application ? regarding the two little orphan daughters of their brother Captain Grant E.I.C.S. who died lately, soon after his return from India. As the means of the ladies are very limited, and the girls are almost ? altogether dependant on them, they applied to have them placed in Watson’s Hospital. They have a pretty confident prospect, through the interest? of a brother of Lord Mackenzie of getting the youngest in – But it seems that the oldest is just a month or two older the maximun age of admission. They are ? desirous, not ? that ? girls should be provided for but that they should not be separated. Could you further their views in any way? I remain ? faithfully Thomas Carlyle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-02 (Boy) | Greigsby, Alexander Leckie | M | 27 September 1828 | 13 May 1836 | Griegsby, David Bauld | Missing | Sailor | Not known | Grigsby/Gregsby, Elizabeth | Alive | St Ninian’s Lane, Leith | Gregsby/Grigsby, William | Dead | Stonemason | Perth | Leckie, Alexander | Boat builder | North Leith | with mother, back of the old church, Saint Ninnions Lane, North Leith. Besides there with his aunt Mary Leckie. | parish of North Leith. | none | Ainslie, Robert | Smith, William | Ship’s steward | 15 Albany Street | The child’s father sailed to America 7 years ago and cannot be contacted, ‘He left his wife and their children of whom the present applicant is in great poverty, the other two siblings being now dead, the presant applicant Alexander Gregsby is humbly thought therefore to be a proper object of their charity. R.A. | Letter signed by Thomas Brockhill, 65 Greenfield Street, Commercial Road (London), testifying that Elizabeth Grigsby was his lodger when her son Alexander was born, his baptism and the date of the birth. | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-29 (Boy) | Greigsby, David Wilson | M | 07 October 1825 | 07 May 1833 | Griegsby, David Bauld | Alive | Tailor | unknown – possibly in America | Leekie, Elizabeth | Alive | 1823 | Matron to Cholera Hospital, Leith | Greenside St, Edinburgh | Griegsby, William | Dead | Mason | Perth | Leekie, Alexander | Dead | Boat builder | Leith | Back of Old Church, North Leith – with his aunt Mary Leekie | North Leith | Two siblings under 10. | Grieg, Alexander | Leekie, James | Boat builder | Back of the Old Church, North Leith | Father abandoned family in 1829 after they moved to London; wife returned to Edinburgh with three infant children and has found position after undertaking casual work but not enough to provide educations for her children | Petition of Elizabeth Leekie; Testimonials; Certificate of health; Certificate of birth (all 3 siblings) | |||||
| 4/1 | 1835-15 (Girl) | Grierson, Jean Ann | F | 24 September 1829 | 05 May 1835 | Grierson, John L. | Dead | 17 Feb. 1832 | Surgeon | 14 Drummond Street | Young, Margaret | Alive | Grierson, Thomas | Dead | Minister | Young, Walter | Alive | 11 College Street, Edinburgh | 11 South College Street | St Cuthbert’s | Two brothers and one sister under ten years of age | Napier, Macvey | Young, Walter | Mother entirely dependent on own parents after husband’s death; mother in bad health | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-02 (Girl) | Grierson, Jean Ann | F | 26 October 1829 | 25 April 1837 | Grierson, John L. | Dead | 17 Feb. 1832 | Surgeon | 14 Drummond Street | Young, Margaret | Alive | Grierson, Thomas | Dead | Minister | Young, Walter | Dead | General Agent | 11 South College Street | St Cuthbert’s | Sister, Christina (11) | Napier, Macvey | Campbell, Donald | Writer in employment of Gibson-Craig, Wardlaw & Dalziel WS | 5 South College Street | Father died before establishing himself in profession; mother unable to support children and in poor health. | ||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-14 (Girl) | Grierson, Jean Ann | F | 26 October 1829 | 12 May 1836 | Grierson, John L. (d. 17 Feb. 1832) | Dead | Surgeon | Alive | Dead | Clergyman | Dead | Clerk | 11 College Street, Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | Christian (10) | Napier, Macvey | Young, Jean | Widow of Walter Young, Clerk | 11 South College Street | Father died in 1832 in poor circumstances; mother in poor health | |||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1831-06 (Boy) | Hamilton, Gavin William | M | 25 June 1823 at Ashkirk Manse | 11 May 1831 | Hamilton, Gavin James | Alive but extreme poor health | Minister of Ashkirk | Ashkirk | Walker, Mary | Alive but extreme poor health | Ashkirk | Hamilton, Gavin James | Dead | Farmer & proprietor of Avonbank – Shathanon | Bykehead, Lesmahagow | Walker, James | Dead | Cape of Antigua | with his parents at Ashkirk | none under ten | Cranston, Thomas | WS | The child, by birth of descent, belongs to the upper ranks of society, but his father, notwithstanding of the respectability of his professional situation, has unfortunately been reduced to great poverty & the family is at present in such a state of destitution as to be unable to educate the child, or put him forth in the world in a respectable way suitable to the views which they were over? entitled to entertain. Both parents are at present confined by sickness to bed, perhaps to their deathbeds, & the boy, in the opinion of a neighbouring clergyman, must be provided for in one way or other, to save him from “destruction”. He is totally uneducated & from the inability of his parents to do any thing for him, struggling as they are, against poverty & bodily sickness, he is really more an object of compassion, which residing with them, than if both were dead, & he was an orphan, and had been left to find his own level in the scale of society. | 1. Cerificate of birth by Session Clerk of Ashkirk, with letter from Mr Campbell, Minister of Selkirk certifying circumstances of the family 2. cerificate by Mr Campbell Minister of Selkirk also to the destitute state of the family. 3. certificate of health signed by Walter Graham M.D. , 4. Birth/baptism certificate for the child with a letter from John Campbell and a separate long letter from John Campbell explaining the child’s circumstances addressed to George Grant esqr, Advocate, The Rev’d Grants, Great King Street, Edinr. 5. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-13 (Boy) | Hart, James William | M | 2 August 1830 | 3 May 1837 | Hart, William | Dead | Schoolmaster | Parish of Newton | Foggam, Elizabeth | Alive | Hart, James | Alive | Builder in the village of Redding | Foggam, Thomas | Alive | Grocer | Dalkeith | Dalkeith county of Edinburgh | No siblings | Bell, Carlyle | Wilson, Robert | Inn-builder | Schoolmaster’s widows notoriously badly compensated. | ||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-05_6th_b (Boy) | Hart, William | M | 30 April 1827 | 14 March 1832 | Hart, James | Dead | Sept. 1830 | Mason | Edinburgh | Shannon, Marion | Alive | Hart, James | Dead | Mason; foreman | Cavers, Roxburghshire | Shannon, Duncan | Alive | Tailor | Bridgend, Ayr | with his mother in the ‘Society’ | New Greyfriars | Margaret (under 10); 3 sisters and 2 brothers over 10 | Young, Alexander | Father killed while working on a house on Calton Hill (25 Regent Terrace) when he was hit on the head with a plank leaving 7 children. | Testimonials; Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-16 (Girl) | Hay, Helen Anne | F | 4 October 1831 | 8 May 1837 | Hay, William | Dead | Schoolmaster | Huntly | Donald or Hay, Margaret Leith | Alive | Dead | Dead | Huntly, Aberdeenshire | Huntly | Six siblings – Jane, Agnes, Margaret, Williamina, Helen Anne, James | Lamont, Alexander | Donald, Helen | Teacher of Female Deportment at Dr Bell’s School | Aberdeen | Father died suddenly leaving wife and seven children destitute. | died 10 April 1838, aged 7 years – Cauldron Burial Ground | ||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-06 (Girl) | Henderson, Ann Erskine Dewar | F | 8 June 1832 | 13 May 1839 | Henderson, John | Dead | 15 May 1833 | Merchant | Elie | Hart, Maria | Alive | Henderson, William | Dead | Farmer | Carsefield, Berwickshire | Hart, Zacheus | Dead | Merchant and Freeman of London | London | Elie, Fifeshire | William Henderson (b. 17 Oct. 1828 – at JWI); Janet Carmichael Anstruther (b. 1 July 1831) | Sands, ? | Henderson, Robert | Silk Mercer | 15 Princes Street, Edinburgh | Widow left with three young children; son already at JWI; application for daughter Janet unsuccessful last year due to her being ‘a Month beyond the age’ | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-06 (Boy) | Henderson, James | M | 28 December 1829 | 4 April 1837 | Henderson, John | Alive | Merchant; a bankrupt | has abandoned family | Robertson, Jane | Alive | Henderson, [unknown] | Dead | Robertson, James | Dead | Clergyman at Thropton in Northumberland, d. 1810 | 54 West Richmond St | No siblings | Wright, Thomas G. | Swanston, William | Messenger at Arms | 2 High Terrace | Father bankrupt; mother in poor health and supported by her sister who does needlework. | |||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-30 (Girl) | Hewat, Elizabeth | F | 09 July 1826 | 14 May 1833 | Hewat, Richard | Dead | 1827 | Tenant Farmer; Land steward | Kendal | Rutherford, ? | Alive | Housekeeper for the family of Mr Thomson, Bogend | Bogend, Fogo | Hewat, Richard | Dead | Tenant | Queen’s Cairn, Berwickshire | Rutherford, James | Dead | Minister | Hownam, Roxburghshire | Bogend – with her mother | Fogo | Four sisters and three brothers all above the age of 10 | Young, William | Rutherford, Grace and Agnes | Daughters of the deceased Rev. James Rutherford | 7 Union St, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving widow and 8 children unprovided for. Mother working as a housekeeper, Two children already in the Institution – one to leave in May 1833. | Testimonial from Alexander Douglas; witness statement to testimonial from James Stormonth Darling | |||||
| 4/3 | 1836-19 (Girl) | Huie, Agnes Isabella | F | 1 August 1830 | 30 March 1836 | Huie, Alexander | Alive | Accountant’s Clerk | 1 West Claremont Street, Edinburgh | Edgar, Eliza Gordon | Alive | 8 Jun. 1824 | Huie, James | Dead | Collector of excise | Edgar, John | Dead | Surgeon | 1 West Claremont Street | James (7); Alexander (1); Margaret (10); Eliza (3) | Smith, Alexander | Huie, Alexander; Huie, Edward | 10 Patrick Square, Edinburgh | Father has failed in business – formerly a Commissions Agent – and unable to educate children. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-34 (Boy) | Hume, Alexander | M | 16 December 1829 | 03 April 1835 | Hume, Alexander | Dead | Tenant farmer | Dumbreck, Christian | Alive | Hume, David | Dead | Tenant farmer | Dumbreck, William | Alive | Comiston (?), Edinburgh | Three sisters and a brother over 8; one sister under 8 | Gibson Craig, James, Sir | Drumbreck, William | Father killed in farm accident (‘his horse coming down with him’) leaving family in ‘distressing circumstances’. | ||||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-11 (Girl) | Hume, Alison | F | 17 December 1832 | 15 May 1839 | Hume, Alexander | Dead | Tenant farmer | Comiston, parish of Colinton | Dumbreck, Catharine | Alive | Hume, David | Dead | Tenant farmer | Castlemains, parish of Giffard | Dumbreck, William | Dead | Hotel Keeper | Edinburgh | Stenhouse – with mother | Liberton | Brother (David, 14 – apprentice with Mr Melrose, grocer – unwaged); brother (Alexander – 8, at the Hospital Institute); three sisters (Catherine,1; Elizabeth, 15; Christina, 10) | Welsh, David | Dumbreck, William | MD | Edinburgh | Father killed in fall from a horse leaving family insolvent; mother has a paralytic condition requiring care and is unable to work | Certificate of birth; recommendation | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-15 (Boy) | Hume, Hamilton | M | 24 September 1830 | April 1837 | Hume, William | Unknown | Flax dresser | Liston, Mary | Alive | Housekeeper | Hume,James | Dead | Flax dresser | Dundee | Liston, Joseph | Dead | Overseer to the Kirkhill Spinning Company | Cottage at head of the Sciennes | Newburgh Parish, Edinburgh | Four: William (20); Helen (19); Jean (14); Margaret (12) | Douglas, Alexander | Torrance, David | 51 Hope Park End | Mother has been deserted by a worthless husband; they have separated; she is in delicate health and is a highly respectable woman. | Certificate of birth; | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-17 (Girl) | Irvine, Agnes | F | 28 August 1833 | 6 May 1839 | Irvine, George | Dead | 12 July 1836 | Blacksmith | Bonnyridge, parish of Cockpen | Rowe, Agnes | Alive | Irvine, George | Alive | Labourer | Poltonhall, parish of Cockpen | Rowe, John | Dead | Carrier | Newcastle-upon-Tyne | Boarded with Mrs Patton, Parknock | Liberton | George (10 – living with paternal grandfather) | Waddell, William | Young, William | Cabinet Maker | 11 Arthur Street, Edinburgh | Widowed mother has no means of supporting the family; no relatives able to help | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-05 (Girl) | Irvine, Catherine | F | 12 June 1829 | 04 April 1834 | Irvine, George | Dead | 25 Sept. 1832 | Coach proprietor and inn keeper | Edinburgh | Maclean or Irvine, Kitty | Alive | Lodgings | Manse of Refuge | Irvine, Robert | Alive | Farm servant | McClean, Andrew | Dead | Steward | Crailing, Roxburghsire | Manse of Refuge – with his mother | Two sisters under 10; eldest boy with family; eldest girl in service | Murray, William | Paton, Christian Mary | 9 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh | Father died of cholera while driving his coach to Dumfries; widow and 5 children destitute; possessions seized for rent and family now in Manse of Refuge | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-15 (Boy) | Jack, James | M | 17 June 1828 | 01 May 1835 | Jack, Henry | Dead | Carver and gilder | Mackenzie, Gianetti | Alive | Jack, James | Dead | Hairdresser | 98 Princes Street | Mackenzie, Duncan | Dead | Gardener to Lord Seaforth | Brahan Castle | 43 India Place | One brother and one sister | Finlay, G. L. | Somerville, John | Painter | 24 Howe Street | Father killed at Lord Eldin’s sale of pictures | |||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830-04 (Boy) | Jewson, Augustus | M | 19 November 1822 | 10 May 1830 | Jewson, William | Dead | 1827 | Organist at an ‘Espicopal’ chapel at Berwick | Day, ? | Alive | 3 Bernard Row, Stockbridge | Jewson, Solomon | Dead | worked in a Custom House | Day, Edmund | Dead | in England | with their mother at 3 Bernard Row, Stockbridge | St Cuthberts | one brother and one sister under 10 years of age | Rolland, Adam | The father sustained a most respectable character, an organist in Berwick when he died 3 years ago, leaving a wife & four children entirely destitute, her health being so infirm that she is totally unfit to make any personal exertions to sustain herself & children – she proposed to undertake the tuition of children, had her health permitted, but she is now made the ? of ? which have deprived her of the use of her limbs & ? life | Certificate of health signed by M Beilly 31 Queen Street and Clergyman James Martin | ||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-01 (Girl) | Jewson, Frances Matilda | F | 06 May 1825 | 14 May 1832 | Jewson, William | Dead | 1826 | Organist | Berwick-upon-Tweed | Jewson, Frances | Alive | Jewson, Soloman | Dead | Custom House | Lyme Regis | Doig, Edmund | Dead | Gentleman | Great Yarmouth | 4 St Bernard’s Row | St Cuthbert’s | one brother | Tytler, James | Mother is disabled and unable to support her children. | Certificate of birth | Frances Jewson m. Alexander F. Ashton of Brompton, esq, 11 April 1844 (St James’s Chronicle, 11-14 Apr. 1844) – same Frances? | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-12 (Girl) | Jones, Mary Ann | F | 19 March 1833 | 3 May 1839 | Jones, John | Alive | Saddler or Leather merchant | Somewhere abroad; formerly London | Jones, Margaret | Alive | Jones, Richard | Alive | Merchant tailor | Edinburgh | Brassington, John | Dead | Dyer | London | 2 Greenside Place | St Andrews | Richard (15 – groom and personal servant); Lionel (2); Elizabeth (20 – nursery governess); Jane (10); Matilda (8) | Ferguson, James | Gardner, Thomas | 51 Frederick Street, Edinburgh | Father has abandoned the family. | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-14 (Girl) | Kay, Catherine Cumming | F | 01 June 1828 | 09 May 1834 | Kay, James | Alive | Writer | 19 Hercules St, Edinburgh | Kay or Fraser, Margaret | Dead | Kay, Thomas | Dead | Master boatmaker | Edinburgh | Fraser, John | Dead | Captain, 42d Regiment | 19 Hercules St, Edinburgh – with her father | West Kirk | One sister under 10. | Grierson, William | Kay, Thomas | Overseer of Edinburgh Charity Workhouse | Father a widower with four children and unemployed; mother of the children had a pension as an officer’s widow, ‘it of course died with her which makes the family entirely destitute’. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | Hercules Street no longer exists-ran between St Leonard’s Hill and Dumbiedykes Road | |||||||||
| 4/4 | 1840-02 (Girl) | Kay, Margaret | F | 28 October 1832 | 25 March 1840 | Kay, John | Dead | Gun maker | Earl Grey Street | Kay or Stewart, | Alive | Kay, William | Alive | Clerk in General Register House for 14 years | West Church Poor House | Dead | Bristo Street | West Church | Euphemia (7 months) | Macbean, Aeneas | Miller, John | Plumber | 4 Brown’s Place Vennel | Father has died leaving family destitute. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-08 (Girl) | Keddie, Janet | F | 24 August 1831 | 14 May 1838 | Keddie, William | Dead | 23 Mar. 1833 | Master baker | St Manance | Fulton or Keddie, Christian | Dead | 03 Aug. 1833 | Keddie, Robert | Dead | Manager of Grange Colliery | Fife | Fulton, James | Dead | Ship master | St Monance | With paternal grandmother at Elie | Elie, Fife | Wilhelmina (b. 25 Mar. 1833) | Bruce, Thomas | Keddie, James | Clerk to James Fergusson, WS | Parents dead and child living with 75-year-old grandmother who is dependant on her two sons one of whom – James – is the cautioner | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-10 (Girl) | Kemp, Mary | F | 4 October 1832 | 30 March 1839 | Kemp, Robert | Dead | Mason | 5 North James Street, Edinburgh | McLean, Joan | Alive | no occupation | Kemp, Robert | Dead | Mason | North Back of Canongate | McLean, Donald | Dead | Dentist | St Anne’s Street, Edinburgh | 5 North James Street, Edinburgh – with mother | St Cuthbert’s | Robert (17 – apprentice house painter – earns 3s a week); Henry (8); Eliza (3) | Jardine, Henry, Sir | Kemp, John | Box Book Keeper at the Theatre Royal | 8 Shakespeare Square, Edinburgh | Brother Robert supporting the family on 3s weekly – is an apprentice house painter in George Street; mother has no occupation; other siblings too young to work | Certificate of baptism | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-31 (Boy) | King, William | M | 17 March 1830 | June? 1836 | William King | Dead | 6 May 1835 | Bleacher | Arkleston, Paisley | Thomson, Catherine | Alive | King, John | Dead | Bleacher | Arkleston, Paisley | Thomson, ? | Alive | Greenock | The child at present resides with Neil Graham Cooper | in Paisley, in the Parish of Paisley, County of Renfrew | Margaret King, 10 (25 December 1825) who at present resides with Mrs King at Lonend, Paisley. John King, 8 (3rd January 1828) residing with Neil Graham Cooper in Paisley. Details of Siblings attested by Robert Rodger, Writer Paisley. | Patrick, William | McGilp, John | of Blackhill, Barony Parish, Glasgow | Mr William King, the father of the child, who was formerly in respectable circumstances, died on 6th May 1835 after a lingering illness, leaving his three children above mentioned wholly unprovided for. Their mother, who is a person of unsteady habits, after beaving towards the children in a most unnatural manner, lately abandoned them altogether, and the two boys are at present under the protection of their paternal Aunt, Mrs McGilp, who has been at the expence of boarding them with Neil Graham, a ? relation of their mothers, with whom they at present reside, being too young to be put to any business, and the girl has been taken in charge by Mrs King of Lonend Paisley, whose husband was a cousin? of the children’s father. No other relatives of the children have afforded them any assistance, & being too young to take care of themselves, & being wholly without any means of support except what they receive from the friends who have interested themselves in their ? as above mentioned, the boy now recommended to the Directors of the Institution may well be considered a proper object of charity, & worthy of their considerate attention – The truth of this statement is certified, from personal knowledge, by me at Paisley this fifteenth day of April 1836. Robert Rodger, Writer in Paisley | 1. Medical certificate signed by John Torbet Surgeon RCSE 2. Extract from birth register of Abbey Parish of Paisley signed by Revd Blackie | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-07 (Girl) | Kyle, Jane Anne | F | 25 June 1832 | 17 April 1839 | Kyle, James | Alive | Merchant | Inverness | Urquhart, Anne | Dead | Gentlewoman | Auldearn near Nairn | Kyle, William | Dead (d. 1805) | Shop keeper | Muthill, Fifeshire | Urquhart, John | Dead | Captain, 79th Regiment of Foot | Inverness with grandfather | Inverness | Four brothers and three sisters; John (19 – bookkeeper in Birbice); Katherine (17); Mary (15); Edward (13); Frederick (9); James (8); Joseph Cookworthy (nearly 7 – twin brother of the applicant) | Macbean, Aeneas | Barclay, William | Minister of the parish of Auldearn | Auldearn | Family bankrupt | Certificate of birth | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-20 (Boy) | Kyle, Joseph Cookworthy | M | 25 June 1832 | 7 April 1838 | Kyle, James | Alive | Commerical agent | Inverness | Urquhart, Anne | Dead | 19 Aug. 1832 | Kyle, William | Dead | Shop keeper | Muthill, Fifeshire | Urquhart, John | Dead | Captain of 79th Regiment | Inverness | Inverness | John (b. 1 May 1820); Catherine McDonall (b. 4 Jul. 1823); Mary (b. 4 Oct. 1824); Edward Jameson (b. 17 May 1826); James (b. 9 Mar. 1828); Frederick (b. 16 May 1829); Jean Ann (twin to applicant – b. 25 June 1832) | Gordon, Joseph F. | Campbell, Bryce | Minister of Andersier | Andersier | Mother has died; father’s business has failed and he is currently unemployed | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-08 (Boy) | Kyle, Joseph Cookworthy | M | 25 June 1832 | 15 April 1839 | Kyle, James | Alive | Merchant | Inverness | Urquhart, Anne | Dead | Gentlewoman | Auldearn near Nairn | Kyle, William | Dead | Shop keeper | Muthill, Fifeshire | Urquhart, John | Dead | Captain, 79th Regiment of Foot | Inverness with father | Inverness | Four brothers and three sisters; John (19 – bookkeeper in Birbice); Katherine (17); Mary (15); Edward (13); Frederick (9); James (8); Jane Anne (nearly 7 – twin brother of the applicant) | Gordon, Joseph F. | Clark, Alexander | Minister of Inverness | Family bankrupt | Certificate of birth | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-28 (Boy) | Laidlaw, John | M | 18 April 1827 | 13 May 1833 | Laidlaw, William | Dead | Head gardener | Moredun | Crichton, Elizabeth | Dead | Laidlaw, Alexander | Dead | Porter to the Duke of Buccleugh | Crighton, James | Dead | Gardener | near Dalkeith | Liberton Kirk | Liberton | four siblings under the age of 10; five older siblings employed but unable to help | Cranston, Thomas | Anderson, David | 98 George St, Edinburgh | Moredun | Both parents respectible in life; children left destitute. | Certificate of birth of all the children; Certificate of burial of grandfather and father; Certificate of birth and health; Testimonial from Rev. William Purdie; Testimonial from David Anderson | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-10 (Boy) | Lamb, Peter | M | 1 April 1828 | 1 April 1835 | Lamb, William | Dead | Builder | East Linton | Aitken, Helen | Dead | Lamb, William | Dead | Wright | Tymminghame | Aitken, William | Dead | Farmer | Eaglescairnie Mains | Lives with his sister Isabella in the village of Linton | Prestonkirk, Haddington | Sister and one brother | Rutherford, Robert | Lamb, Peter | Merchant in Leith | Father died leaving debts. | ||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-08_6th (Boy) | Lauder, George | M | 28 May 1826 | 13 May 1832 | Lauder, David Erskine | Alive | Silk mercer; clerk | Callanach, Elizaberth | Alive | Vegetable vendor | Lauder, J. | Dead | Minister | Dun, near Montrose | Callanach, John | ? | Burnett’s Close, High Street | High Kirk | 3 brothers and one sister | Morison, John | Father is ‘almost entirely blind & of late has the apperance of imbecility’; mother is supporting the family. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Statement of father’s health | |||||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-12 (Girl) | Lauder, Jane | F | 04 December 1829 | 15 May 1836 | Lauder, John Majoribanks | Dead | June 1832 | Searcher of Customs | Hervey or Lauder, Jane | Dead | June 1832 | Hervey, Robert | Dead | Merchant | Glasgow | Glasgow | John M. (12); Robert (10 – admitted to JWI in 1833); James Morrison (8 – admitted to JWI in 1835); Alexander Francis (4) | Waddell, William | Glasgow, Alexander | Merchant | Blythswood Square, Glasgow | Child left an orphan when mother, father, and maternal grandfather all died of cholera within five days in June 1832. Currently looked after by aged maternal grandmother. | Certificate of birth and baptism. | ||||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-13 (Girl) | Lauder, Janet Walker | F | 15 January 1830 | April 1836 | Lauder, Thomas | Dead | June 1834 | Clerk in London and Edinburgh Shipping Office | St Andrews Street, Leith | Bennett or Lauder, Isabella Rose | Alive | Needlework | Lauder, Thomas | Dead | Tailor | Edinburgh | Bennett, Alexander | Dead | Wright | Leith | St Andrews Street, Leith | South Leith | Jane Souter (7); Robina Bennett (3); Isabella Walker (2) | Graham, Humphrey | Walker, David | Teacher | North Leith | Father died after an illness lasting nine months; mother unable to support family by needlework. | Certificate of baptism; Testimonial with 8 signatures, including James Spittal, Lord Provost | Recommender’s address: 14 Atholl Crescent | |||||
| 4/1 | 1835-18 (Boy) | Laurie, Charles | M | 13 September 1828 | 14 May 1835 | Laurie, Alexander | Dead | Whaler | Leith | White, Anne | Alive | Laurie, Jo. | Dead | Sailor | Leith | Weaver, Charles | Dead | East Wemyss | Citadel, Leith | North Leith | Three sisters under 10. | Wright, James | Waddell, William | Merchant | Father was employed by the Whale Shipping Company of Leith for 13 years and was engaged to go out the the Davis Straits as a harpooner in the William and Ann (Capt. Robert Liston) but died of an illness before he could take this up. | Testimonials (2); Certificate of age; Certificate of health | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-27 (Boy) | Laurie, Charles | M | 13 September 1828 | 31 March 1834 | Laurie, Alexander | Dead | Seaman | Leith | Laurie or White, Ann | Alive | 13 Couper St, North Leith | Laurie, John | Alive | Seaman | Queen St, South Leith | White, Charles | Dead | Seaman | East Wemyss | 13 Couper St, North Leith – with his mother | North Leith | Three sisters, one older and two younter | Wright, James | Kirkland, Mathew | Minister of the Floating Chapel | Leith | Father has died leaving widow and 4 young children destitute. Was to go out as a harpooner but died a few days before the ship, William and Ann, sailed. | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-03 (Boy) | Law, Henderson | M | 08 October 1827 | 15 May 1835 | Law, Alexander | Alive | Brewer | Late in Leith, now abroad | Law or Henderson, Marjory | Alive | Law, Robert | Dead | Master of the Navy | Henderson,Thomas | Dead | Merchant | Glasgow | Sheriff-brae, Leith | South Leith | One under 10; 6 above 10 | Lamont, Alexander | Beadie. J. C. | Merchant in Leith | Father went to America in July 1834 leaving temporary provision for wife and then 8 children five of whom are still at home. The funds left are gone. Father contacted in March 1835 – unemployed and unable to send more funds. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonial of family circumstances | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830-02_8th (Boy) | Lawson, Thomas | F | April 1823 (born in England) | 14 May 1830 | Lawson, James | Servant of the Duke of Buccleugh; Schoolmaster (Worcester) | Dalkeith | Lawson, Johanna | Lawson, John | Haig, William | Baker? St Paul’s Workhouse? Canongate | with the teacher of Lady Glenorchy’s School, lodged in his house | West-Church’ | sister at the new Orphan Hospital, younger brother in the Dalkieth Workhouse | Gibson Craig, James, Sir | To James Gibson Craig Esqr. The little boy we are anxious to recommend to you as a fit object for admission to the Hospital, is the son of James and Joanna Lawson. He was born in England in April 1823; & from this cause there would be some difficulty in procuring a certificate of his birth, the father (James Lawson) was a native of Dalkeith. In his youth he was employed by the Duke of Buccleugh & family, & afterwards became a schoolmaster in which capacity we are informed he was employed in England for several years; but, becoming insane, and consequently a burden to his family, they were removed to Edin’r by the overseers of Worcester. the father of James Lawson was named John; but we have been unable to ascertain any particulars concerning him. James Lawson is now confined in Bethlehem Hospital, Edin’r. The maternal Grandfather of the child was William Haig, a respectable baker in St Paul’s Work, Canongate. A sister of the little boy’s is at present in the new orphan hospital, & a younger brother is in the Dalkeith Workhouse. There are the principal particulars concerning the family, which have come to our knowledge. The child has been for nearly a year placed under the care of John Danshen?, teacher of Lady Glenorchy ‘s School, and lodged in his house. John D. gives a very good account of his conduct & abilities. John Danshen resides in the Parish of the West-Church. signed by Frances Erskine and Charlotte Erskine, Portobello, 12th April 1830 | Letter certifying the health of Thomas Lawson, signed by Andrew Thomson MD and David Dickson. Letter of recommendation signed by Frances and Charlotte Erskine. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-12 (Boy) | Lumsden, Andrew | M | 26 April 1831 | 14 April 1838 | Lumsden, William | Dead | 26 Feb. 1833 | Bookbinder | Edinburgh | Lumsden, Agnes | Alive | Lumsden, Andrew | Alive | Huntsman at Mellerstain (retired) | Lumsden, William | Alive | Builder (retired) | 8 Athol Place, Edinburgh | 8 Athol Place, Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | Wilhelmina (b. 25 Mar. 1833 or 1 Apr. 1833) | Sands, Warren Hastings | [not signed] | Father died with debts; family destitute. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-02 (Boy) | MacBride, Alexander | M | 28 August 1829 | 10 May 1837 | MacBride, George | Dead | Wine and spirit merchant | Howe Street | Frew or MacBride, Isabella | Alive | Midwife and sicknurse | Bedford St, Stockbridge | MacBridge, Andrew | Dead | Farmer in Gallowayshire | Frew, Alexander | Dead | Manager of Mr Cadell’s chemical work | Grange, Linlithgowshire | Bedford St, St Bernard’s Parish, Stockbridge | St Bernard’s | Three brothers and one sister; John (13), George (11); Robert (6); Helen (9) | Cook, Walter | Robertson, John (relation of wife) | Merchant | 35 Frederick St | Macbride’s business was not doing well at the time of his death; left widow with 5 children; now destitute despite wife’s qualifying as a midwife – has been unable to secure regular work. | ||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-11 (Girl) | MacFarlane, Elizabeth | F | 16 April 1830 | 27 April 1835 | MacFarlane, James I. | Reverend | Abbey Church, Arbroath | Anderson, Elizabeth | MacFarlane, Alexander | Alive | near Paisley,in reduced circumstances | Anderson, John | Edinburgh in reduced circumstances | for the last two months with her maternal aunt in Kirkaldy, County of Fife | three brothers and one sister in all five children under ten years of age | Archibald Gibson W.S. | Anderson, James | Civil engineer | 2 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh | The child for whom admission into the Institution is solicited is the daughter of the Rev’d James J. MacFarlane of the Abbey Church Arbroath whose conduct has of late been such as to make it very probable he will be deposed from his church. His poor wife, owing to circumstances of the most painful kind, has found it absolutely necessary to quit his house along with their five children, the oldest under ten years of age and the youngest an infant at the breast; and as her husband’s stipend has been long since forestalled by creditors, she has neither hope nor chance of even the slightest assistance from him to maintain or rear and educate her children. | 1. Extract from Arbroath Parish Register 2 Certificate from Mr Traill, Surgeon, Arbroath 3 Certificate from Dr Poole Edinburgh 4. Letter from the Rev’d Stevenson, Arbroath to support the application | ||||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-13 (Girl) | MacFarlane, Elizabeth | F | 25 March 1828 | 09 May 1834 | Macfarlane, Peter | Dead | Musical instrument maker | Thompson, Helen | Alive | Housekeeper, formerly; ‘labour of her hands’ | 199 Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh | Macfarlane, Walter | Dead | Thompson, James | Dead | 199 Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh – with her mother | Three siblings – one older, two younger – youngest 9 months old | Renton, John | Sandport, Erskine Douglas | Advocate | Heriot Row, Edinburgh | Father suffered from poor health and died in poverty leaving widow and four young children. Mother in poor health and ‘worn out’ in trying to provide for the children. | Notice addressed to John Renton stating that Elizabeth Macfarlane has not been received into the Institution dated 27 June 1834. | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-17 (Girl) | Macgregor, Donald | M | 18 July 1829 | 11 May 1836 | Macgregor, Benjamin | Dead | Sergeant in his Majesty’s Service, and latterly assistant distiler at the Poultney, Town of Wick | Wick | Swanson, Rachel | Alive | Dressmaker | M’Gregor, Donald | Respectable farmer | Parish of Latheron, Caithness, and lately in the parish of Wick, Caithness | Swanson, John | Clothier and merchant, tailor in the parish | Thurso, Caithness | with his mother in Wick | Rachel – under 12, Benjamin – under 9, John – under 5, James – under 3, Elizabeth 3 months | Grierson, William | McGregor, James | Watch and clock maker | 29 West Register Street (ho. 15 James Square) | None of the children have any occupation and it will be some time before any of them will be at the age of going to any business but the oldest girl whose time is entirely taken up on assisting her infirm mother in the parental care of her young helpless and destitute family. Wick 5th April 1836. There does not appear to be anything necessary to add to what is stated above in order to show that the child is destitute and a proper object of the charity. ? there is and ? her, no ? with respect to the destitute state of the family which is very great. It should be born in mind, tho, that the father had served his country, and was a very ? industrious and well disposed man, and has gained the respect of all who know him. The reception of the child into the charity would give the highest satisfaction to all the people? in this place, who take a warm interest in a family so suddenly reduced from a state of comfort and independence to distress and extreme poverty. signed by Robert ? Minister of Wick, William ? Provost of Wick, Alex Fraser – Bailie, | Certificate of Health signed by William Jolly, extract from Session Clerk and certificate signed by the parish minister of Wick and others stated, Certificate from Wm. Jolly Surgeon. | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-03 (Boy) | Mackenzie, James John Randal | M | 1 October 1828 | 11 May 1836 | Mackenzie, Donald | Alive | Hotel Keeper | 1 Castle Street | Leslie, Janet | Alive | Mckenzie, John | Dead | Farmer | Lairg, Sutherlandshire | Leslie, Hugh | Dead | Procurator Fiscal for the County of Sutherland | Sutherland | 1 Castle Street | three brothers and four sisters all under 17, and four of them under 10, all unemployed’ | Davidson, James G. | Galbraith, Colin | 2 Melville Street | We being personally known to Donald Mackenzie & his wife & family and to the circumstances in which they are unfortunately placed attest that they do not posess the means (?) to educate & maintain their children and concede that it would be accepted of local charity for the directors to take the child above named into the institution. William Mackenzie WS ‘ ‘It is within my knowledge that the before mentioned Donald Mackenzie has for some years past been considerably behind in his rent to his landlord Lord Meadowbank, and that as agent for his Lordship I have been under the necessity of working to legal proceedings for securing the rent, and that he is at present under sequestration and considerably(resolved?) Thomson Paul’ | Certificate of health signed by Dr Bell states that the applicant is in good health, free from bodily defect, mental imbecility or contagious distemper. | Inventory of documents mentioned in the application; Certificate of birth, Recommendation by Alex Wilson. Signed by Donald Mackenzie. | |||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-11 (Boy) | Maclean, George | M | 04 August 1825 | 30 May 1832 | Maclean, John | Dead | Fishing tackle maker | Canongate, Edinburgh | Maclean, Isabella | Alive | Maclean, John | Dead | Fishing tackle maker | Edinburgh | Mackintosh, Lachlan | Dead | Merchant | Inverness | Stockbridge | West Church | Brother John is already at Watson’s | Hochkiss, Richard | Father has died leaving family destitute | Certificate of birth | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-03 (Boy) | MacLeod, Angus | M | 3 September 1829 | 11 May 1837 | MacLeod, Angus | Dead | 7 Oct. 1833 | Adjutant of the Ross-shire militia | MacLeod, Catherine | Alive | MacLeod, Hector | Dead | Tenant | MacLeod, Alexander | Dead | Lieutenant in the 6th Veteran Battalion | Dingwall | Half-sister, Justina (31) in Toronto; half-sister, Jane (28) in Glasgow; brother german, Charles (21) in Niagra; sister german, Barbara (19) in Dingwall; sister german, Alexandrina (17) in Dingwall; sister german, Mary (14) in Dingwall; brother german Robert Bruce AEneas Macleod (12); brother german Alexander Mackenzie (10) in JW Institution already | Mackenzie, Richard; Gibson Craig, James, Sir | Mackenzie, John Hay | Esquire of Cromertre | Tarbat House | Family destitute because of father’s death; has been reliant on charity. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-09 (Boy) | Macleod, Charles | M | 12 March 1831 | April 1838 | McLeod, Harry | Dead | Writer | Perth | McLeod or Ewart, Catherine | Alive | Lodgings | 8 Marshall Pl., Perth | McLeod, Hugh | Dead | Collector of customs | Perth | Ewart, David | Dead | House steward to the late earl of Hopetoun | With mother at 8 Marshall Place, Perth | West Church of Perth | Henry (22 – at sea last heard of going to Bombay); Hugh (17 – at sea last heard of going to Constantinople); David – 15 – apprentice to Hunter & Conning writers in Perth); James (13 – at school in Perth); Alexander (10 – at JWI); Helen (19); Catherine (11 – at school); Christina (8 – at JWI) | Moncrieff, Robert Hope; Young, Alexander | Moncrieff, Robert Hope; Mackenzie (?); Grieg, William | Writers | Perth | Mother relies on Perth Widows’ Fund; trying to support large family | ||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-04_8th (Boy) | Main, John Campbell | M | 22 December 1824 | 14 March 1832 | Main, William | Dead | Tailor | Bervie, Arbuthnot | Sutherland, Margaret | Alive | Main, John | Dead | Sutherland, Alexander | Dead | 8 Wellington Street | St Cuthbert’s | four; none under 10 years of age | Campbell, John | Father died leaving family destitute – 5 children at the time of his death, now 3. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonials (2) | |||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830-09 (Boy) | Malcolm, Henry George William | M | 3 July 1822 | 15 May 1830 | Taylor, William | Dead | Captain, Ceylon Regiment | Blackie, Margaret | Alive | Malcolm, John | Schoolmaster | Madderty Parish, Strathearn, Perthshire | Blackie, Jasper | Carpenter | Arniston | at Braidwood Bank, Arniston | Parish of Temple | three brother and three sisters [one brother and two sisters still with parents] | Hope, James, junior | WS | The father died suddenly leaving his wife and four sons and three daughters totally destitute and the Government allowance of £50 a year is all that the widow has for the support of herself and two sons and two daughters still in family with her. | Health certificate signed by Mr James Milne Surgeon and the Rev’d James Goldie Minister of Temple Parish. Letter of Recommendation from James McInnes, Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Court of Scotland, 10 George Square – possibly adressed to a Miss Murray, 135 George Street | |||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-07 (Boy) | Mann, David | M | 9 November 1828 (Dundee) | 3 March 1836 | Mann, David | Dead | 17 Aug. 1835 | Engineer | 32 St Leonards Street | Smith, Marjory | Alive | 23 St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh | Mann, James | Dead | Frederick Smith | Dead | with his mother at 23 St Leonards Street, Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | 2 sisters, Jane 10 years and seven months, Rachel 5 years | MacKenzie, William | Mann, Marjory | Mother of applicant | 23 St Leonards Street | The father of the child. The circumstances of the late David Mann were of a peculiarly distressing nature he having been totally unable to work for above two years prior to his death by a severe inward complaint which reduced him to a state of the greatest weakness and debility, and was thereby rendered quite unable to earn any thing for the support of his wife and family. Since that period, the childs mother has been struggling hard to maintain herself & fatherless children by keeping a small shop, and as she feels extremely anxious about the education of her only son but in her circumstances unable to provide the means for doing so, renders this application to the Board of Directors of John Watsons Institiution the more urgent, and it is humbly presumed his case will fall under the description of a destitute child. Robert Inglis Jr. 95 Princes Street | Certificate of health signed by Alexander Miller (Royal College of Surgeons), attesting to the pupils’ good health. A note to confirm the receipt of the childs birth certificate from Alexander Keay, keeper of Parish Registers, received by D. Craig. List of signatures of recommenders – J. Leonard 28 March 1836, Adam Kay, Alex Hay, Carlyle Bell, Borthwick, Rev Scott Moncrieff (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112817344/colin_william-scott-moncrieff), Thomas Mansfield. | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-32 (Boy) | Marr, Hugh | M | 17 September 1830 | 30 March 1836 | Marr, John | Dead | 5 May 1833 | Tailor and Clothier | New Street, Canongate, Edinburgh | Sinclair, Jane | Dead | 30 Apr. 1833 | 37 New Street, Canongate | Marr, John | 74 | formerly a farmer | Cranstoun | Sinclair, Hugh | 72 | formerly a shepherd | White Kirk Parish | the child resides at present in No. 37 New Street Canongate Parish Ednr. With Thomas Marr, Porter to the Bank of Scotland, his Uncle. | Canongate | John Marr, 7 (6 August 1818) Thomas Marr, 3 (28 April 1833), Jane Marr, 12 (2 December 1823) – all too young for an occupation | Irving, John | Marr, Thomas | WS | No. 37 New Street Canongate Parish Ednr | The father and mother left no money whatever. All the relations of the child both on the fathers and mothers side have large families of their own, and are unable to maintain, cloath and educate the four orphan children. | 1.Certificate of health signed by James Snodgrass, Surgeon 2 Certificate of birth of Hugh Marr. 3.Certificate of burial of John Marr. 4.Certificate of birth for John Marr. 5.Certificate of birth for Thomas Marr. 6.Certificate of birth for Jane Marr. | |||||
| 4/1 | 1838-11 (Girl) | Marshall, Euphemia | F | 1 November 1831 | 14 May 1838 | Marshall, Charles | Alive | Victual dealer | Dean Street | Speeden, Isabella | Dead | Marshall, John | Alive | Farmer | West Church Parish | Speeden, William | Alive | Coach wright | Leith Wynd | With father, Dean Street, Stockbridge | Charles (9); Helen (18); Isabella (12); Margaret (4) | Robertson, William | Abercrombie, John | Physician | Edinburgh | Mother has died; father’s business has failed and he is currently unemployed | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836/39 | Masson, Adam | M | 28 March 1831 | March 1836 | Masson, Andrew | Dead | 2 Feb. 1835 | Artist | 219 High Street Edinburgh | Cameron, Elizabeth | Alive | Masson, Andrew | Dead | Teacher of Drawing | Edinburgh | Cameron, Allan | Dead | Engraver | Edinburgh | with his mother | Kirkliston, County of Linlithgow | David Masson, 7 years, residing with his mother | Gordon, James Farquhar | Cameron, Alexander | Writer | 38 Castle Street | Andrew Masson Artist after a long continuance of bad health died on the 2d of February 1835, aged 29, leaving a widow and three children, the eldest six years of age, the second four years, and the youngest (since dead) eight months. Mrs. Masson since her husband’s death has made every exertion in her power to procure the means of support for herself and children by teaching music and other branches of female education but has been quite unsuccessful in procuring pupills – a few days ago she was appointed teacher of a female school at Kirkliston with a very small salary, which with the utmost economy is quite inadequate to support herself & maintain and educate her children in a suitable manner. Her eldest child is a boy of vey delicate constitutuon and must remain a constant charge of his mother. | Certificate of health signed by J.A. Robertson M.D. 1. Extract from register of baptism. 2. Testimonial by the Rev. Mr Alison. 3. Ditto by the Rev. Mr. Terrot. 4. ditto by Mr Marshall. 5. ditto by Mr Hutcheson. 6. ditto by the Rev. Mr Patton. 7. ditto by G. Comb/e esqr. 8. ditto by the late Provost Henderson 9. ditto by Miss Hunter. 10. ditto by Robert Paton Esqr. W.S. | Alexander Cameron is a Writer in 1836, but becomes a W.S. in 1838, as part of Cameron and Ogilvy WS, 38 Castle Street | ||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-16 (Boy) | Mather, Andrew William | M | 26 June 1828 | 01 May 1835 | Mather, Thomas | Dead | Factor to the Lord Chief Commissioner | Mather, Sarah Maria | Alive | Mather, Robert | Dead | Ingram Hill, Northumberland | Eastly, James | Dead | London | Roystnand stage, Portobello , Edinburgh | Two siblings under 10. | Aytoun, Roger | Adam, William, of Blair Adam | Advocate, judge, Commissioner of the Jury Court | Extract from baptismal record; Certificate of health of child with note of mother’s delicate health | ||||||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-06 (Girl) | McComish, Jane | F | 10 June 1822 | 15 May 1830 | Macomish, Patrick | Alive | Clerk – served apprenticeship as a writer in Perth; clerk to Mr Robert Dick; recently clerk to Mr McCormick, advocate | Arrot, Eliza | Alive | Needlework | Macomish, John | Alive | Merchant | Perth | Arrot, David | Alive | Stocking manufacturer | Perth | 11 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh | One brother under 10 years; six children in all; one brother, Patrick, already at JWI. | Drummond, Francis Walker | Family being maintained by mother’s needlework and charity. Father ‘unable to assist by reason of a nervous affliction from irregular habits…he is grevious burdon on the unfortunate wife’. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; letter from James Hope, Jr requesting that the application be considered although it’s a week later than it should have been. | One of the children being looked after by Miss Smith, dressmaker in Leith – the mother’s employer | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-04 (Boy) | McDonald, Alexander | M | 1 November 1827 | 15 May 1835 | McDonald, Alexander | Dead | Excise Officer | Edinburgh | McDonald, Johanna | Alive | McDonald, John | Dead | Manufacturer | Stennismuir near Falkirk | Morrison, John | Dead | Tacksman | Isle of Harris | 5 Parkside St | St Cuthbert’s | One sister under 10 (family of 6 children ‘none of whom is able to do anything for their own support’) | Young, Alexander | Adam, James | WS | Mother has to maintain family of 6 children. | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-08 (Boy) | McDonald, Alexander | M | November 1828 | 15 March 1836 | McDonald, Alexander | Dead | Excise Officer | formerly in Stornoway | Morrison, Johanna | Alive | Edinburgh | McDonald, John | from Monyer? Falkirk’ | Morrison, John | Tacksman | Shader in Lewis | with his mother, St Cuthberts Parish, County of Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | John McDonald ?, Murdoch McDonald residing with his mother, Mary McDonald/Smith widow of William Smith late Excise Officer Belfast? (has no pension or allowance & lives with her mother, Margaret McDonald wife of James Allan Excise Officer Ireland, & Johanna resides with her mother. | Monypenny, Alexander | Robertson, James | Collector of Customs at Stornaway | now residing at Viewforth Bruntsfield Links Edinburgh | The mother has no means of bringing up her family, but the allowance to Excise Officers widows of £24 yearly. | Certificate of health attesting to the pupil being in good health signed by Richard Huie Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (admitted 11th November 1822) Inventory of documents herewith produced: 1. certificate by Murdoch Morrison residing at ? as to the age of Alex McDonald, 2. D by D. Mackinlay 4 Torphichen Street as C.D. | ||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-01 (Girl) | McDonald, Janet | F | 10 July 1822 | 1 May 1830 | McDonald, Robert | Alive | Brass founder | Edinburgh | Dead | Jan. 1828 | 87 Campbell’s Close | Canongate | Two brothers above 10 at school | Tod, John | Mother has died leaving three children; father is ‘a labouring Man with a Small Wage’ and also supporting his aged mother. | Certificate of birth; Testimonial | Note: witnessed by Walter Buchanan, minister of Canongate Kirk | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-05_7th (Boy) | McGregor, John | M | 03 November 1825 | 18 April 1832 | McGregor, John | Dead | Writer; formerly clerk to Henry Cockburn | Edinburgh | Dods, Eliza | Dead | McGregor, Hugh | Dead | Wine and spirit merchant | Edinburgh | Dods, George | Dead | Farmer | Cocklaw, East Lothian | Murray’s Buildings, near Grange Toll | St Cuthbert’s | five above the age of 10 aged 10 to 17 | Napier, Macvey | Both parents dead; oldest son heir; living off rent drawns from a ‘parcel of Old houses in the old town’ | Certificate of entry in family bible; Certificate of health; Recommendation letter from Henry Cockburn | Cockburn letter is signed and bears his seal; applicant has a duplicate application with different sponsor (1832-08_7th (Boy)) | ||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-08_7th (Boy) | McGregor, John | M | 03 November 1825 | 14 May 1832 | McGregor, John | Dead | Writer; formerly clerk to Henry Cockburn | Edinburgh | Dods, Eliza | Dead | McGregor, Hugh | Dead | Wine and spirit merchant | Edinburgh | Dods, George | Dead | Farmer | Cocklaw, East Lothian | Murray’s Buildings, near Grange Toll | St Cuthbert’s | five above the age of 10 aged 10 to 17 | Hope, James | Both parents dead; children relying on inhertance of rent on some ‘old houses in the Old Town…in very bad repair’ | Certificate of health | |||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-15 (Boy) | McGregor, John | M | 25 November 1825 | 25 April 1833 | McGregor, John | Dead | SSC | Dods, Eliza | Dead | McGregor, Hugh | Dead | Wine merchant | Edinburgh | Dods, George | Dead | Farmer | East Lothian | 14 Clerk St, Edinburgh – with the brothers and sisters | St Cuthbert’s | Five siblings, none under 10. | Walker, William | Adams, John; Dods, Peter | SSC; Farmer | 48 Fredrick St, Edinburgh; Granton | Father died leaving 6 children unprovided for; eldest child ‘takes charge of the family’; second eldest is apprentice to a writer; others ‘attending to their educations’; ‘the boy for whom this application is made is very clever and it is much desired to be wished he should receive a good education’. | Certificate of health; Testimonial from schoolmaster; Certificate of birth; Testimonial from JC Cockburn | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-14 (Boy) | McLauchlan, Andrew | M | 19 March 1833 | 26 April 1839 | McLauchlan, George | Dead | Tailor | Edinburgh | Morrison, Christian Stevenson | Dead | McLauchlan, George | Dead | Merchant tailor | Edinburgh | Morrison, Andrew | Dead | Farmer | Newby, Peebleshire | With Mary Morrison, maternal aunt at 24 Clerk Street, Edinburgh | Two half-sisters, Jean and Margaret (10 and 8) living with their maternal aunt, Mrs White, milliner, 16 Clerk Street, Edinburgh | Wright, James | Grieve, Walter | Agent | 1 Archibald Place, Edinburgh | Destitute orphan | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-02 (Girl) | McLean, Jean Fowles | F | 13 October 1831 | 29 April 1839 | McLean, George | Alive | Formerly land steward at Dalmeny Park | Grantsmuir | Malcolm, Helen | Alive | McLean, Alexander | Alive | [transcription needed] | Dysart | Malcolm, Duncan | Dead | Merchant | Edinburgh | Grant’s Muir with parents | Dysart | Alexander (b. 9 May 1833); Helen Mary (15 June 1824); Janet (5 Sept. 1825); Georgina (24 Dec. 1828); Isabella (18 May 1836) | Ferrier, Walter | Thomson, William | Merchant | Leith | Father afflicted with palsy and unable to work; family with six children; relying on support from paternal grandfather who is elderly and also supporting a widowed daughter with three children | |||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-38 (Boy) | McLeod, Charles | M | 12 March 1831 | May 1836 | McLeod, Harry | Dead | Writer | Perth | Ewart, Catherine | Alive | McLeod, Hugh | Perth | David Ewart | Perth | with his mother | Perth | Henry, at sea, aged 21. John McLeod, 19, apprentice to . Hugh, 15, apprentice to Mr Richardson, goldsmith Perth. David, aged 13, at school. James, aged 11, at school. Alexander, aged 8, at John Watsons Hospital Edinburgh. Helen, ?, residing with her mother. Catherine, aged 9, residing with her mother. Christina Ann, aged 7, in Watsons Hospital or Institution, Edinburgh | Aytoun, Roger | Duncan, Thomas; Conning, John | Writers | Perth | The late John McLeod was a writer in Perth, in excellent practiced and highly respected by ? ? Practibleness – from assistance to his friends, and by having become ? For various ? ? Became unfortunate in his circumstances, and died on 29 December 1833. Wholly bankrupt, having his widow and large family ? destitiute. some of his friends assisted the widow in purchasing as much ? as to ? her to let a room or two, and on that she has ? her husbands death, ? attempting to support her family, and educate them as far as in her power – she was so fortunate as to put two of her children into Watsons Institution, some time ago, and the uses? ? ? granted on that occasion, ? husbands respectably, by Lord Medwyn, Sheriff of the County of Perth. | Certificate of health signed by James Hosack M.D. Letter certifying birth and baptism of Charles McLeod signed by John Forbes Session Clerk (Parish of Kinnoul Perthshire) | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-05 (Girl) | McMinn, May | F | 3 February 1828 | May 1835 | McMinn, John | Alive | McMinn, May (Thomson) | Alive | 47 Great King Street, Edinburgh | McMinn, John | Alive | Thomson, William | Dead | with her mother at 47 Great King Street, St Stephen ? Edinburgh | 5 siblings above the age of 10 | Davidson, James G.; Nairne, James | Baird, Richard | 26 Haddington Place, Edinburgh | Mrs McMinn was deserted by her husband when the child was 9 months old and has never received any thing from him for the support of the family. Her only support now is by letting lodgings and on account of a large family of children ? ? of ? ? the lawful mother she is but able to support & educate she is not able to support the child. She does not know where her husband is not having heard of him ? ? her No. 1828 | Certificate of age [signed William Gray, Daniel McGregor] Certificate of health signed by John Thatcher M.D. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians | |||||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-11 (Girl) | McNab, Charlesina Macfarlane | F | 12 November 1827 | 13 May 1834 | McNab, Alexander | Dead | 1 Aug. 1832 | Clerk to McNeil and Sutherland, Plumbers | Glasgow | Macfarlane, Margaret | Alive | 33 Bridge St, Tradeston, Glasgow | McNab, John | Dead | Farmer | Ardnamurchan | Macfarlane, Patrick | Dead | Commision agent and Gaelic translater | Glasgow | 33 Bridge St, Tradston, Glasgow – with mother | Govan | Two brothers and a sister under 10. | Bruce, Thomas | Moore, James | SSC | 20 Drummond Place, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving widow and 6 children destitute. | Testimonial from Principal Macfarlane; Certificate of birth | ||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-03_6th (Boy) | Miller, James | M | 2 August 1826 | 16 April 1832 | Miller, James | Dead | 10 Oct. 1828 | Gilchrist or Miller, Janet | Alive | Sick nurse | Miller, James | Dead | Schoolmaster | Gilchrist, John | Dead | Miller | Woodhaugh Mill | Spences Land, Thornbank | St Cuthbert’s | three sisters older than 10 years | Mackenzie, William | Father has died leaving family destitute. Mother’s income from being a sick nurse is ‘fluxuating and uncertain’. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonial from Elizabeth Mackenzie (mother tended to her husband in his final illness | ||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-11 (Girl) | Mitchell, Charlotte | F | 11 March 1826 | 08 May 1833 | Mitchell, Alexander | Dead | Royal Artillary Pensioner | North Leith | Kinnear, Janet | Alive | Formerly a servant – now in delicate health | Industry Lane, North Leith | Kinnear, Robert | Dead | Cutler | Castlehill, Edinburgh | Gray, Robert | Dead | Weaver | Edinburgh | Industry Lane, North Leith – with her mother | North Leith | One brother, Alexander | Arnott, James | Kinnear, William; Macdonald, James | Pattern painter; Shawl manufacturer, South Bridge, Edinburgh | North Richmond St, Edinburgh | Father died about two years ago, mother formerly in service but now in delicate health. | Certificate of birth; certificate of health | ||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-08 (Girl) | Moffat, Margaret | F | 11 September 1830 | 11 May 1837 | Moffat, John | Dead | Clothier | Paisley | Wright, Agnes | Alive | Moffat, John | Dead | Dumfrieshire | Wright, John | Dead | 9 Cross, Paisley | Middle Parish (Paisley) | Three sisters – Isabella (9), Agnes (3), Mary (14 months) | Campbell, Archibald (?) | Moffat, William | Teacher of mathematics | 30 James Square | Father died leaving wife and four daughters unprovided for. | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-09 (Girl) | Morison, Charlotte Helen | F | 15 July 1829 | 12 April 1836 | Morison, Alexander | Dead | Nov. 1835 | Master Builder | Meadow Place, Edinburgh | Braidwood, Margaret | Dead | some years ago’ | Alexander |Morison | Master Tailor | Loudoun, Morayshire | Braidwood, James | Carpenter | Leith | Meadow Place, Edinburgh, with Janet Morison sister of her father. | St Cuthberts, Edinburgh | one sister named Anne Morison, 5 years in May 1836 | Douglas, Alexander | Home, William | WS | Edinburgh | The girl in whose behalf the application is made is an orphan, her father died in November last (1835) and altho’ a respectable builder, even till the period of his death employed in that way, yet owing a heavy ? on contracts undertaken by him at one period, and also to the appreciation in the value of houses built by him, he died in a state of insolvency; and his two orphan children were therefore left in a state of entire destitution, any relatives they have are not in a situation to maintain the children; and they have been recommended to the directors by a number of respectable individuals, whose certificate stating the circumstances of the case is now produced and referred to. | Certificate of good health March 1836 signed by John Laurie M.D. and David ? Minister and a second certificate of good health from March1837 signed by Peter Fairbairn M.D. 53 George Square. Certificate of Baptism at No.5 Georges Square Certified statement recommending the child to the school signed by David Runciman Minister, Edmund Logan W.S., Thomas Small, Thomas Kyd, Thomas Anderson, George Warrender of Bruntsfield House, William Home W.S. William Steele, John Patten, Duncan Stevenson printer to the University of Edinburgh, Rev. R.B. Thomson Mussel?, Patrick Clason, James Miller SSC, David? Kinnaird, John Sanderson Meadow Lodge, George Smith Architect. Letter of recommendation from William Home W.S. 25 Royal Crescent, 28th March 1837 also signed by John Patten. | Two applications were made for this child, in 1836 and 1837. In William Home’s letter of recommendation he says that “it will be as well not to mention that applications have been made for admission to both hospitals” | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-02 (Boy) | Napier, William Maxwell | M | 25 November 1827 | 14 May 1834 | Napier, William Maxwell | Dead | Teacher of Music; King’s Trumpeter | Dewar, Charlotte | Alive | Stockbridge | Napier, James | Dead | King’s Trumpeter; Musician | Dewar, John | Dead | Leader of Nathaniel Gow’s band | Stockbridge – with his mother | St Cuthbert’s | No siblings | Ferrier, John | Wilson, Robert Sym | Secretary to the Royal Bank of Scotland | Edinburgh | Father killed while serving as King’s Trumpeter with Circuit Court near Stirling; widow left destitute | Certificate of health; Testimonial from Lord Meadowbank; Testimonial from Sir John Hope; Certificate of birth | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-19 (Girl) | Neilson, Margaret | F | 02 November 1833 | 2 May 1839 | Neilson, Andrew | Dead | 24 Apr. 1838 | Shoemaker | 13 St James’s Street, Edinburgh | Neilson, Margaret | Alive | Lodgings | 5 Thomson’s Close Abbey | Neilson, William | Alive | Tailor | Bogside, near Haddington | Kennedy, Alexander | Dead | Tolbooth Wynd, Edinburgh | 5 Thomson’s Close Abbey – with mother | Canongate | Janet (7);Jean (4); William (2) | Ferrier, John | Nielson, David | Grocer | Canongate | Father died suddenly of a brain fever; widow unsuccessful at lodgings letting business | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-03 (Boy) | Nicolson, Alexander | M | 3 November 1830 | 25 April 1838 | Nicolson, Nicol | Alive | Shipmaster | Stornoway | Mackenzie, Jane | Dead | Nicolson, ? | Dead | Mackenzie, John | Alive | No occupation | With father, Stornoway | Stornoway | John (12); Mathilda (4); Mary (2) | Mackenzie, Thomas | Macrae, John | Minister of Cross | by Stornoway | Mother dead; father bankrupt | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-15 (Girl) | Noble, Laura Fraser | F | 31 August 1831 | 10 April 1837 | Noble, Andrew | Alive | Goldsmith | 92 North Back, Canongate | Craig, Mary | Alive | 92 North Back, Canongate | Noble, John | Dead | Cooper | Arthur Street, died in 1825 | Craig, Alexander | Dead | Jappener, died in Portugal in 1813 | 92 North Back, Canongate | South Leith | One sister – Eleanora (15) | Horne, D. | Horne, Donald | WS | Father is unable to perform his profession due to a disease in his joints. | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830/1 | Ogilvie, Mary (7th Year) | F | 9 April 1824 | May 1830 | Ogilvie, Sir William (claims the title of Earl of Findlater) | Dead | Hughs, Catharine (married again and deserted family) | Alive | Hughs, Alexander | Manufacturer | ? – West Church Parish | two girls already in the Hospital, one one boy who is a charitable ?? In Banff | Robertson, William | Her father died five years ago, her mother married again & entirely deserted her family, who are left entirely destitute. This child has been kept by an aunt of her mothers, a widow in very narrow circumstances. The above facts are known to one John Abercrombie | Certificate of health signed by John Abercrombie MD, Certificate of birth (7th April!) St Cuthberts, signed by session clerk, John Adams. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-21 (Boy) | Ogilvie, Walter | M | 5 May 1831 | 26 April 1837 | Ogilvie, William | Dead | Oct. 1835 | Builder | 9 Gardener’s Crescent | Merchant, Jean | Alive | Ogilvie, Walter | Dead | Land steward to Mr. Boag, Newton Mains | Merchant, Alexander | Dead | Examiners Excise Office | 7 St Anthony’s Place | One brother, Willm (8); Two sisters, Mary (15), Wilhelmina (14) | MacKlinsie, Thomas (?) | Turnbull, Hugh | Baker and confectioner | 1 Bread St | Father was respectable builider who went bankrupt before his death; family left desititute; has been receivig charity from church. | Certificate of age | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-10 (Boy) | Ogilvie, William | M | 7 February 1829 | 20 February 1836 | Ogilvie, William | Dead | 1835 aged 62 | Builder (Mason crossed out) | 9 Gardners Crescent near Port Hopetoun | Merchant, Jean | Alive | 9 Gardners Crescent | Ogilvie, Walter/Thomas | Dead | Steward to the Bogue Farmer (Adam Bogue) at Stenton Mains near Haddington | at Stenton Mains near Haddington | Merchant, Alexander | Dead | Permit Examiner in the Excise Office Edinburgh | with his mother at 9 Gardners Crescent | West Church, County of Edinburgh | One brother (Walter) 4 years old May 1835, two sisters the eldest (Mary Merchant) fourteen and the other (Janet) thirteen years. Also Wilhelmina Boyne Ogilvie (1826–1893) and William Ogilvie (1829–) | Burns, Thomas | Clarkson, William | Builder | 13 India Street, Edinburgh | William Ogilvie the applicants father was for a number years in a respectable way of business but in the year 1826 in consequence of cautionary was reduced in circumstances and ? that ? till his death which was in Ocb 1835 had a great deal to do to support his family, and has left a widow and four children without any means to support them. Consider the children a fitting object of the Charity. William Clarkson, 13 India Street 22 Feby 1836, David Dickson minister of St Cuthbert’s Edinr. | Certificate of Health testifying to the good health of the applicant signed by William Menzies Simpson Surgeon and Druggist (8 Spence’s Place) and David Dickson Minister of St Cuthbert’s Certificate of birth registration showing baptism by the Rev. David Maw at the United Associate Session Congregation in Gardners Crescent. signed by Jogn Adams Session Clerk and David Dickson Minister. 10 letters of recommendation and/or certification 1. Letter testifying to good character and circumstances of the family from James Kirkwood Minister, Thomas Millions 23 Gardners Crescent Wood Merchant, Robert Morton 7 Gardners Crescent, John K. Smith, Builder 6 Gardner’s Crescent, James Duncan 14 Gardners Crescent, Robert Wilson 13 Gardners Crescent 2. letter testifying to the circumstances and good standing of the family from former neighbour James Donald 8 Downe Place. 3. Letter testifying to the good character and circumstances of the family from George Allan in Joppa 4. Letter testifying to the good character and circumstances of the family from William Arthur, Road Contractor, Stockbridge. 5. letter testifying to the circumstances and good standing of the family from Thomas Thom, Port Hamilton 6. letter testifying to the circumstances and good standing of the family from Henry Raeburn (son of) at 17 St Bernards Crescent. 7. letter testifying to the circumstances and good standing of the family from Thomas Cleghorn 10 South St Andrew Street, of Thos. & Co Seed Merchants occupying cottage in East Princes Street Gardens. 8. Certificate from Kirk Session, frpm members of the United Associate Session Congregation in Gardners Crescent testifying to the family’s circumstances and making recommendation to the school. signed by A. Blackie, WIlliam Forrest and Walter Chisholm. 10. letter testifying to the circumstances and good standing of the family from James Charles Coke, neighbour at 2 Gardners Crescent. | Letter from Henry Raeburns’s son | ||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-21 (Boy) | Poole, Charles | M | 4 December 1828 | 10 April 1835 | Poole, John | Alive | Employed in Mr Haig’s Distillery 8 or 9 months a year; rest of time tries to find work as a day labourer | Catternach, Jane | Alive | Poole, John | Dead | Catternack, Alexander | Dead | 3 North James Street | St Cuthbert’s | 3 brothers and 3 sisters under 10 (eleven children in all) | Wright, Thomas Guthrie | Poole, John (father) | Child is one of a family of 11 children; father was well off but has been ill and has had business diffuculties. | ||||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-09 (Boy) | Poole, Charles | M | 4 December 1828 | 11 May 1836 | Poole, John | Alive | Employed in Mess’s Haigs’ Distillery at Sunbury as per letter produced | 3 North James Street Edinburgh | Jane Cattenach | Alive | Poole, John | Dead 1794 | he left no means’ | Catternack, Alexander | Dead ‘upwards of 30 years ago’ | left no means’ | 3 North James Street | St Cuthbert’s | Six brothers and three sisters; William Poole 18 years – in the Equitable Loan Company Office, James Poole 16 years – apprentice to Neil & Glover Brass Founders, Jane Poole 13 years – Assists her mother in the family at home, Alexander Poole 12 Years – Apprentice to Cruikshanks &Son Tobacconists, John Poole 10 years – at home unemployed, Evan Poole 8 Years – at home, (Helen who came after Evan) died in 1836, Janet Poole 4 Years – at home, Robert Poole 2 years – at home, Margaret Poole 11 months – at home | Wright, Thomas Guthrie | Ogle, John | Bookseller and stationer, lately in Parliament Sq. | Now residing in John’s Place, St Leonard’s Street | His father, John Poole, has only 15/ a week (as certificate no.3) tho’ his situation is one of Trust.- His employment continues only for 9 months in the year. The hours of business are from 6 in the morning to 6 at night. The Boy’s mother (who has had 12 children) is prevented taking work of any kind – even if it were to be had from the unceasing care and attention required by her very large family. One of the children has died very lately from Scarlet Fever, besides three of the others suffering very severely from it, and in addition to this, the eldest son has been laid up with Brain Fever, all within the last few months. The father, by no means robust at any time, is at present in very delicate health, and the care and anxiety during these family distresses, particularly with the eldest son, who was obliged to be watched upwards of 10 nights by his father, without intermission, have been very trying – not to mention the expense, unavoidable in such cases, It will be seen from the accompanying highly favourable certificate No.2 that Mr Poole has been reduced by circumstances beyond his control from a situation of comfort and respecability to comparative poverty, and tho’ “a good scholar” that he has been compelled to work as a common labourer. In fact his present situation in point of wages is but little better. Out of their small pittance twelve persons have to be fed and clothed, besides payment of house rent – education, and the various incidental expenses of so large a family. It should also be borne in mind that it is absolutley necessary for Mr Poole and the three eldest boys to appear every day respectably attired so that the struggles of the family to maintain their appearance may easily be imagined. From the Certificate no.4 by Mrs Steuart who resided for many years in North James’ Street and to whom the circumstances of the family are intimately known, it will be seen that Mr Poole has always been in the regular habit of returning home from his work at 6 o’clock and has devoted the evening to the instruction of his family and assisted to the utmost in household affairs – It may be supposed that a man of robust constitution could hardly stand such unceasing toil, sickness and anxiety, and were Mr Poole’s health (delicate at best) to sink under the burden, the mother and her 10 children would be left in a most hapless state of poverty, as the three eldest boys would soon be unable to attend to their business from absolute want of proper clothes. When all these circumstances are taken into account as well as the additional keenness with which a respectable and virtuous family, accustomed to the comforts of life, must feel all the miseries of poverty, and sickness, perhaps the present case my be considered one of greater hardship than where there is but one parent, with only a few young children, but without those strongly qualifying features which mark this case | Medical certificate testifying to the good health of the applicant, signned by J.R. Sibbald 141 Princes Street, and David Dickson Minister of St Cuthbert’s Edin’r List of documents produced; 1. Certificate of birth and baptism of Charles Poole. 2. Ditto in favour of John Poole & family. 3. Ditto by Joseph Haig & Son and their cashier as to employment character of John Poole. 4. Ditto by Mrs Steuart as to the distressed circumstsances of the family. | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-23 (Boy) | Prentice, James | M | 19 October 1829 | 12 May 1836 | Prentice, James | Dead | Mason | 14 Wellington Street | Thomson, Helen | Alive | Washer and Dresser | Bedford Street, Stockbridge | Prentice, James | Dead | Mason | Fountain Bridge | Thomson, George | Alive | late Farmer and tenant | Dalry | with his maternal aunt at Middle Norton Parish of Ratho – a Mrs Laing but she having recently lost all? Luck? And is little able longer to take charge of the boys. | Ratho | Helen Small Prentice – age 14 – lives with her mother as mentioned below George Thomson Prentice – age 9 – lives with the mother and attending a school John B. Prentice -age 4 – lives with the mother | Blair, John | Dalgleish, David | Cork Manufacturer | 242 Canongate Edinburgh | The mother has been left by the premature death of her husband, burdened with the sole support of a family of four children whom she endevours to maintain entirely by her own unremitting labour and industry with the assistance of her daughter, a girl between 14 and 15 years of age. Her chief employment is in washing and dressing for private families – her father, mentioned above who had been a tenant of Mr Walker of Dalry for upwards of forty years and who has always maintained a respectable character and been in better circumstances, is now unable, from his reduced circumstances and advanced age and infirmities, to afford her any support in the maintenence and education of her children. Reference is also respectfully made to the certificate herewith produced from Sir Reginald Macdonald S. Seton? to the effect of the destitute situation of the child and his being a proper object of the charity. | Certificate of health signed by William Cannan, surgeon Parish certificate of birth by John Adams session clerk of St Cuthberts Certificate and statement by Sir Reginald Mcdonald S. Seton – all documentation received by John Blair and Archibald Wardlaw | ||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-12 (Boy) | Raith, George | M | 8 April 1829 | 6 May 1836 | Raith, George | Dead | 2 years previous to the application | Keeper of the Archer’s Hall, Edinburgh | Lyon, Christian | Dead | within 6 months previous to application | Raith, John | Dead | Weaver | Parish of Mertoun, County of Berwick | Lyon, George | Dead | Servant of the late Earl of Buchan | with his maternal uncle, Richard Lyon – Journeyman Cabinet Maker, 18 South Frederick Street, Edinburgh | John Raith 9 years William Raith 4 years 1 other son (under 10) deceased within previous 6 months | Sands, Warren Hastings | Baillie, Charles | Advocate | The child for whom this application is made is of three orphans, and the only relation known able to assist them is their maternal uncle Richard Lyon who is a Journeyman Cabinet Maker in Edinburgh, and has no means of support except his weekly earnings – he has at present the burden of providing for the other two orphans besides the one for whose admisssion into the hospital application is now made – the father of these orphans died about two years ago leaving four sons wholly destitute & dependent on the exertions of their mother who prior to her marriage was in the service of Lady Polwarth for many years, and who died within the last six months, being preceeded by one of her children. | Certificate of heath signed by James Scott, Surgeon, 14 Broughton Place Einburgh Letter from Lady Harriet Polwarth attesting to the circumstances of the applicant Birth certificate signed by James Huie, Parish of St Cuthberts Letter from William Muir, Minister of St Stephen’s attesting to the good character and poor circumstances of the applicants mother. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-02 (Girl) | Ramage, Helen Waterston | F | 14 October 1830 | 24 April 1838 | Ramage, Charles | Dead | May 1837 | Sergeant Major in Edinburgh Police | Edinburgh | Dobie or Ramage, Jemima | Alive | 6 Ingliston St, Edinburgh | Ramage, William | Alive | North Berwick | Dobie, Peter | Dead | Linen manufacturer | North Berwick | With mother, 6 Ingliston Street, Edinburgh | West Church | Jemima (6); Peter (9); Ann (12); William (17 – apprentice and only employed family member) | Bell, William | Waterston, David | Merchant | 12 George Street, Edinburgh | Father died in service of his profession; family left without means | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-14 (Girl) | Reid, Janet | F | 12 December 1825 | 30 April 1833 | Reid, David | Dead | 7 Apr. 1832 | Excise Inspector | Barnet, Marion | Alive | Hanover St, Edinburgh | Reid, James | Dead | Wright and builder | Glasgow | Barnet, John | Dead | Excise Officer | Port Glasgow | Hanover St, Edinburgh – with her mother | Nine siblings, only one sister under 10; 7 girls and 2 boys | Campbell, John | Barnet, Marion | Mother of Janet Reid | Hanover Street | Father has died leaving a numerous family and only £18 a year. Sisters struggling to find employmnet as dressmakers; oldest boy apprenticed to a silver chaser; youngest children lack education. | Certificate of baptism; certificate of health | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-01 (Boy) | Reynolds, William | M | 01 August 1827 | 09 May 1835 | Reynolds, James | Dead | Journeyman stonemason for 25 years | Edinburgh | Wilson, Mary | Alive | Reynolds, John | Dead | Shoemaker | Tranent | Wilson, James | Dead | Farmer | Muirhead in Fifeshire | 40 Jamaica Street | St Stephen’s | Two brothers | Gordon, Joseph F. | Muir, William | Minister at St Stephen’s Parish | Family ‘very needy’; Widow has no means of support. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-17 (Girl) | Ritchie, Elizabeth | F | 26 October 1831 | 1 May 1837 | Ritchie, Robert | Alive | Labourer | Laighland,Bathgate, Linlithgow | Reid, Jane | Alive | Tambourer | Ritchie, James | Dead | Labourer | Reid, William | Alive | Mason | Bathgate | With grandfather in Bathgate | Bathgate, Linlithbow | Two brothers – James (3 1/2), William (20 months) | Rainy, William | Reid, William | Mason | Bathgate | Both parents in poor health and unable to work; grandfather is caring for the child but is ‘an old man & merely a journeyman Mason scarcely able to earn his own Subsistence’. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-10 (Girl) | Ritchie, Elizabeth | F | 26 October 1831 | 12 May 1838 | Ritchie, Robert | Alive | Labourer | Wood Side, Bathgate County, Linlithgow | Reid, Jane (or Jean) | Alive | Dead | Reid, William | Alive | Mason | With maternal grandfather | James (b. 7 Sept. 1833); William (b. 25 July 1835); Joseph (b. 31 Mar. 1836) | Renny,William | Reid, William | Mason | Bathgate, Linlithgow | Mother in poor health and unable to support family | ||||||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-?? (Girl) | Robertson, Jane Dawson | F | 20 March 1822 | 30 April 1830 | Robertson, Alexander | Dead | Feb. 1823 | Farmer | Drygrange | Walker, Isabel | Alive | Robertson, Robert | Dead | Minister | Ednam | Walker, James | Dead | Tenant | Ednam Mill | Melrose | Margaret (b. 23 Sept. 1811); Isabella (b. 10 Sept. 1813); Mary Ann (b. 1 Jan. 1817); Alexander (b. 21 June 1820) | Bell, John | Father died in poverty leaving widow and six children. | Certificate of birth of children; Testimonial | Note: ‘above 8 Years’ | ||||||||||
| 4/5 | 1829-10 (Boy) | Robertson, Robert | M | 20 July 1822 | 31 March 1829 | Robertson, Robert | Dead | Jan. 1827 | Cabinet maker | Nelson Place, Edinburgh | Wilson, Margaret | Alive | Lodgings | Robertson, John | Dead | Farm overseer to the Duke of Athol | Dunkeld | Wilson, Charles | Dead | Farm servant to Mr Charles | Braehead, Ayrshire | 65 Thistle Street | St Andrews | Two sisters under 10 years of age | Tait, Crawfurd | Father has died leaving family desitute; mother cannot earn enough through lettings to support the family. | Certificate of baptism; Certificate of health | |||||||||
| 4/5 | 1830-01 (Boy) | Robertson, Robert | M | 20 July 1822 | 21 April 1830 | Robertson, Robert | Dead | Jan. 1827 | Cabinet maker | Nelson Place, Edinburgh | Wilson, Margaret | Alive | Lodgings | Robertson, John | Dead | Farm overseer to the Duke of Athol | Dunkeld | Wilson, Charles | Dead | Manservant to Mr Chalmers | Braehead, Ayrshire | 65 Thistle Street | St Andrews | Two sisters under 10 years; eight children in all including applicant | Cranston, Thomas | Father has died leaving family destitute; mother unable to support by letting a room where she resides; eldest sons in apprenticeships, but not enough to support the family. | ||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-06_6th (Boy) | Robinson, William | M | 29 August 1826 | 10 May 1832 | Robinson, William | Dead | Ship steward | Leith | Birnel, Janet | Alive | Dead | Farmer | Dead | Factor at Balcaskie | Balcaskie | Boarded in East Calder | George (b. 29 Oct. 1822); Jane (b. 27 Sept. 1824) | Jollie, James | Family relying on small amount of income the mother brings in. | Petition of mother; Testimonial (multiple signatories); Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | |||||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-05_8th (Boy) | Rodger, John | M | 02 May 1825 | 04 May 1832 | Rodger, Andrew | Dead | 21 Feb. 1832 | Meal dealer | 4 Baker’s Place, Stockbridge | Wilson, Joan | Alive | Dead | Gallaside, Roxburghshire | Dead | 4 Baker’s Place, Stockbridge | West Church | two sisters under 10 years | Davidson, Harry | Father has died leaving family destitute. | ||||||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834/03 | Rollo, Jean Sinclair | F | 28 February 1827 | 10 April 1834 | Rollo, Clement | Dead | Aug. 1830 | Writer’s Clerk | Dunkeld | Moon, Jean | Alive | Lauriston Lane, Edinburgh | Rollo, John | Dead | Barrack master (formerly Lt in 2nd Foot) | Perth | Moon, John | Dead | Logierant, Perthshire | Lauriston Lane, Edinburgh – with his mother | St Cuthbert’s | One brother and two sisters – only one sister under 10 | Graham, Humphrey | Rollo, James | Land surveyer | Perth | Father was a writer’s clerk, became a tobacconist – failed business – employed as clerk to Duke of Athholl at Dunkeld when he died of apoplexy. Widow and children ‘left quite destitute’. | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-01 (Girl) | Ross, Helen | F | 25 August 1830 | 14 May 1838 | Ross, John | Dead | 7 Jan. 1834 | House carpenter | Dingwall | McKenzie, Helen | Dead | Nov. 1836 | Ross, John | Dead | Manufacturer | Inverness | McKenzie, John | Dead | ? | Dingwall with her orphan siblings | Dingwall | William (10); Alexander (12); Ann (13); Barbara (16) – an older brother who was an apprentice clerk died a year ago | Mackenzie, James | Mackenzie, Elizabeth Charlotte, of Seaforth | Orphaned family with no means of support | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-32 (Boy) | Ross, Richard | M | 22 September 1829 | 14 March 1835 | Ross, William | Dead | Mason | Ferguson, Euphemia | Alive | Poultry merchant | Ross, William | Dead | Pencaitland Colliery | Ferguson, Richard | Dead | Grocer | Queensferry Street | One sister | Elder, John | Martin, George | Plumber | Mother trying to make living by running poultry shop in Queensferry Street. | |||||||||||||
| 4/4 | 1831- 02_8th (Boy) | Ross, Robert Bower | M | 14 April 1824 | 11 March 1831 | Ross, John | Dead | Oct. 1828 | Minister | Crawford | Ross, Mary | Alive | Ross, Alexander | Alive | Dyke, near Forres | Clark, John | Dead | Edinburgh | Colinton | Under 10: James – already in the Institution, Charles, Eliza; also, Helen, William, Alexander, Robert | Balfour, James | Father has died leaving mother and ten children. Her widow’s pension not enough to support family. | ||||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-12 (Boy) | Russell, Robert Scotland | M | 18 December 1832 | 6 May 1839 | Russell, James | Dead | Writer | Dunfermline | Russell, Margaret | Alive | Sewing | 24 Heriot Pl., Edinburgh | Russell, Henry | Dead | Merchant | Dunfermline | Russell, John | Dead | Farmer | Rires | 24 Heriot Place, Edinburgh – with mother (Lately residing in India Place) | Henry (24 – weak mind and unable to support self but works a little at a weaving business in Dunfermline); Margaret (21 – assists mother with sewing); two brothers – John (21 – clerk) and James (9) – have died within last two years | Elder, John | Muirhead, Claude | 7 Heriot Row | Father had died leaving family destitute; mother trying to support family with sewing but is relying on charity | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-01 (Boy) | Shireff, William | M | 19 August 1829 | 18 April 1837 | Shireff, William | Dead | Farrier | White, Mary | Alive | Shireff, William | Dead | Farrier | White, Alexander | Alive | Farm steward | Belhaven | West-Barns | One brother, Alexander (6); One sister, Catherine (5) | Ferrier, Walter | Sherriff, Thomas | Saddler | 18 Hanover Street | Father died young leaving family destitute; relatives unable to help | ||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1830/6 | Simpson, Howard Drummond | M | 7 July 1823 | 9 April 1830 | Simpson, John | Alive | Optician and glass worker | Murray Street, Crosscausway, Edinburgh | Miller, Catherine | Alive | Murray Street, Crosssausway | Simpson, Henry | Carter? | Liberton | Miller, James | Merchant | Wick | with parents at Murray Street, Crosscausway | one sister and six brothers, at least one boy under 10. One is named Robert Adam. | Aytoun, Roger | WS | The father has started a business has 8 children 1 girl and 7 sons & the wife is daughter of Christian Drummond ? Miller who was the eldest daughter of James Drummond Esq of Keely? Castle county of Perth. Signed R.A. | Health certificate signed by John Aitkin M.D. and John Paul Minister at St Cuthberts | ||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833/11 | Simpson, James Cochrane | M | 25 December 1826 | 05 May 1833 | Simpson, James | Dead | 19 Nov. 1832 | Hairdresser | Musselburgh | Cochrane, Ann | Alive | Musselburgh | Simpson, Thomas | Dead | Clerk | Edinburgh | Cochrane, James | Dead | Farmer | Hamilton, near Glasgow | Musselburgh – with his mother | Inveresk | One brother – Robert Marshall (b. 2 May 1824) | Mowbray, John | Marshall, Jane | Widow | 5 Union St, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving family desitute. | Certificate of birth; Certificate that family is destitute; Certificate of birth of brother of applicant; Testimonial from Sir John Hope | ||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-11 (Boy) | Simpson, Stuart | M | 21 April 1828 | 27 March 1835 | Simpson, James | Alive | Tailor | 31 Brunswick Street | Macrae, Jane | Alive | Simpson, Alexander | Dead | Farmer | Audearn, Nairnshire | McRae, James | Dead | Merchant | Forres | 31 Brunswick Street | St Cuthbert’s | None under 10 years of age | Ferrier, Walter | MacFarlane,James | Minister of St Barnard’s | Father left disabled by attack of cholera in 1832; family currently being supported by 17 year old eldest daughter (needlework and straw hat making) | Certificate of birth; Certificate of age; Testimonials (5) | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-18 (Girl) | Simson, Mary Smith | F | 30 September 1833 | 29 April 1839 | Simson, Thomas | Alive | Unemployed | 27 Nelson Street, Edinburgh | Simson or Couper, Margaret Grierson | Alive | Simson, William | Dead | Solicitor | Edinburgh | Couper, Peter | Alive | WS | Pilrig Street | 21 Nelson Street – with father | Thomas (3) | Smith, Alexander | Couper, Peter | WS | 16 Pilrig Street, Edinburgh | Estate sequestered; no means to support family | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-13 (Boy) | Skae, Thomas | M | 29 April 1828 | 08 April 1835 | Skae, Thomas | Alive | Blacksmith | 11 Davie Street | Forrest, Jane | Dead | 17 Mar. 1830 | Skae, Thomas | Dead | Blacksmith | Edinburgh | Forrest, William | Dead | Auctioneer | West Bow, Edinburgh | 11 Davie Street | St Cuthbert’s | One brother, William, under six years of age | Smythe, Robert | Paterson, James | Watchmaker | Mother died about 5 years ago leaving father with two children; father has found it difficult to find continuous employment. | Certificate of birth; Testimonials (6) | Joiner | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-33 (Boy) | Smith, Alexander | M | 25 September 1830 | 14 May 1836 | Smith, James | Dead | 1835 | Cabinet Maker | Riding School Lane, West Church, Edinburgh | Campbell, Agnes | Alive | Teacher of female school | Aberdour, Fifeshire | Smith, Alexander | Farm overseer | Comiston, Parish of Colinton | Campbell, Hugh Goodlet | Argyllshire | she ? Fifeshire with her mother Mrs Smith | James Smith, 2 years and 3 months | Richardson, Thomas | Henderson, Alexander Pirie | SSC | 13 South ? Place | James Smith, the father of the boy, died in August last year, after an illness of eighteen months, which reduced his earnings, and was besides attended with extra expenses. This caused him to incur debt which remains due at his death, and as he kept no property but some furniture his widow has been under the necessity of selling almost the whole of it to satisfy his creditors, who are not yet fully paid. She is at present the teacher of a school in the village of Aberdour supported by the Countess of Moray and her family for her service in which capacity she is allowed a salary of £22 a year witha dwelling house, and this allowance is her only means of supporting herself and her two sons. She has a partial obstruction to the sight of both eyes, and the progress of that complaint may render her less fit or wholly unfit for continuing in her situation as a teacher. | Certificate of health signed by John Philp, Surgeon and William Bryce, Minister. Letter certifying birth date of Alexander Smith | |||||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-01 (Boy) | Smith, James | M | 21 August 1828 | 8 May 1836 | Smith, Andrew | Alive | Baker | Carron | Meikle, Elizabeth | Alive | Smith, Thomas | Dead | Meikle, James | Dead | ‘late surgeon’ | Carnwath | with his Grandmother, Mrs Meikle, Carnwath | Carnwath, County of Lanark | Mary (13 years) at Merchant Maiden Hospital, Janet (eleven years) at Carron with parents, Agnes (age seven) at Carron, George (age five) at Carron, Andrew (age two) at Carron, (age four months) at Carron | Lockhart, Norman | Lockhart, Norman | WS | Andrew Smith, the father of the boy petitioned for, is in a very delicate state of health and is not able to maintain and educate his children in a suitable manner. | Recommenders signatures – John Caw (Minister of Bothkennar), Thomas Graham Stirling of Airth (Stirlinghouse?), ? Dawson Manager for Carron Company. A letter signed by James Lehane, surgeon, testifying to Andrew Smith’s delicate state of health, a letter signed by A. Gray MD testifying to James Smith’s Grandmother’s health, an extract from James Smith’s birth certificate signed by Andrew Nicol, clerk. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-20 (Boy) | Smith, James George | M | 16 December 1833 | 15 May 1839 | Smith, James | Dead | 22 Aug. 1835 | Cabinet maker | Jamaica Street, Edinburgh | Campbell or Smith, Agnes Goodit | Alive | Teacher, School at Granton | Granton | Smith, Alexander | Dead | Farmer | Midcalder | Campbell, Hugh Goodit | Dead | Proprietor of Auchlyne & Logan | Glasgow | With his mother at Granton | Cramond | Alexander (9) | Hope, James | Brown, James | 13 George Street | Father has died leaving family destitute; mother’s sight is weak and she will soon be unable to work. | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-31 (Boy) | Steven, Oswald | M | 10 July 1829 | 20 March 1835 | Steven, Robert | Dead | 22 Sep. 1832 | Postmaster | Clyde Street, Edinburgh | Marshall, Margaret | Alive | 16 May 1816 | Steven, James | Dead | overseer at Dunlop House for over 40 years. (d. 1832) | Marshall, Adam | Dead | St George’s Parish | St George’s, Edinburgh | One brother under 10; three other children over 10 years of age | Dickson, Walter | Agnew, Francis Vans | Father died bankrupt leaving the family desitute. | 9 Feb. 1898, Warwick | |||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833-19 (Boy) | Stewart, Alexander | M | 23 August 1826 | 13 May 1833 | Stewart, John | Dead | Coach driver | 34 Sea St, Edinburgh | Robertson, Margaret | Alive | 14 Jamaica St, Edinburgh | Stewart, James | Dead | Robertson, Alexander | Dead | 14 Jamaica St, Edinburgh – with his mother | St Stephen’s | Three under 10 – John, Charles, Henry | Grierson, William | Stewart, James; Robertson, James | Bakers | 72 Thistle St, Edinburgh; 9 South Frederick St, Edinburgh | Father has died in debt leaving widow and 6 children unprovided for. | Petition of mother; Testimonial (multiple signatories); Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-14 (Boy) | Stoddart, William Johnston | M | 15 June 1831 | 13 April 1838 | Stoddart, David | not known | Shipmaster | Bo’ness | Johnstone, Jane | Alive | Lodgings | Stoddart, Robert | Alive | Shipmaster | Kirkcaldy | Johnstone, William | Alive | Farmer (retired) | Farniehill | Leith | South Leith | Robert (8); David (5); Janet (3); Alexander (20 months) | Monypenny, Alexander | Brown, William | Tide Surveyer of the Customs | Leith | Father was formerly a ship commander of ‘Home Castle’; suffered a head injury which left him ‘an insane person’; has deserted family. | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-08 (Girl) | Sutherland, Elizabeth | F | 23 August 1827 | 14 May 1834 | Sutherland, William | Dead | Painter | Edinburgh | Aitken, Elizabeth | Dead | Sutherland, Alexander | Dead | Butler | Aitken, Alexander | Dead | Brunswick St – with her step-mother | St Stephen’s | One boy (2) | Tennent, Patrick | Sutherland, George | Glazier | 114 High St, Edinburgh (ho. 10 Adam St) | Father has died; step-mother supporting her own two-year-old child by needlework and unable to look after the step-chidren aged 12 and 7 (the applicant) – ‘The child is an intelligent Child on whom Education will not be lost’. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-10 (Girl) | Sutherland, Mary Anne | F | 26 November 1830 | 10 May 1837 | Sutherland, Donald | Dead | 7 Apr. 1837 | Wright | ? | ? | Sutherland, James | Alive | Labourer | Golspie | Ross, Andrew | Dead | Tailor | Parish of Old Grey Friars | Four: James, Jean, David, Charlotte | Blair, Alexander | Symn, John | 57 George Square | Family left destitute by death of father; has received temporary help from charity work house; wife in a delicate state and expecting to be confined in a short time. | ||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1833/15 | Taylor, Mary Alexander | F | 06 October 1827 | 04 April 1833 | Taylor, William | Dead | Tailor | Trotter, Jean | Alive | 3 Middleton Entry, Bristo | Taylor, Peter | Alive | Haddington | Trotter, Thomas | Dead | Tailor | 3 Middleton’s Entry, Bristo St, Edinburgh – with her mother | St Cuthbert’s | One brother under 10 (b. 7 July 1825); 4 other children | Elder, John | Forbes, John Stuart | Baronet | Greenhill, near Edinburgh | Father died after several years bad health leaving family of wife and 5 children without support. Two elder daughters unable to find work as dressmakers and straw hat plaiters; mother has no profession. | |||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835/4 | Taylor, May Alexander | F | 6 October 1827 | 5 May 1835 | Taylor, William | Dead | Clothier and Master Tailor | Edinburgh | Jean Trotter | Alive | 3 Middleton Entry, Bristo | Taylor, Peter | Alive [old and infirm] | Farmer | Trotter, Thomas | Dead | Tailor | with her mother, no. 3 Middleton Entry, Bristo Street | St Cuthberts | One brother | Storie, Andrew | Forbes, John Stuart | WS | Greenhill near Edinburgh | none mentioned – there is a letter from Sir J S Forbes but it is not present | 1. certificate of baptism 2. letter from Sir J S Forbes 3. ditto Rev Dr Loues? 4. certificate from Corporation of Tailors 5. ditto from ? 6. letter from A. Gifford | |||||||||
| 4/4 | 1830-?? (Girl) | Thomson, Agnes | F | 16 April 1822 | 9 March 1830 | Thomson, John | Dead | May 1829 | Farmer | North Berwick Mains | Burn, Marion | Dead | Thomson, Andrew | Dead | Farmer | North Berwick Mains | Burn, Alexander | Dead | Farmer | Bonnington | North Berwick | 5 sisters and an older brother – all over 10 | Jollie, James | Father died leaving family in debt and unprovided for. | Certificate of birth | Note: 22.d Mar. Admitted | ||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-03 (Girl) | Thomson, Helen | F | 1 October 1827 | 11 May 1835 | Duncan Thomson | Dead | 3 July 1832 | Tailor and Clothier | Queensferry Street | Clark, Euphemia | Dead | 02 July 1832 | Thomson, Alexander | Dead | Clark, Thomas | Dead | Glazier | High Street | resides with her grandmother Mrs Clark at William Street | St Cuthberts | a sister, Margaret Thomson, at the Institution, and a brother Thomas aged 4 – now with his grandmother Mrs Clark. | Russell, John | Ross, David | Painter | 9 William Street | The statement in the next page will show that Helen Thomson was born of desperate parents but had the misfortune to be deprived of both within 24 hours both being carried away by cholera, leaving three children totally destitute – Helen Thomson has no friend in the world but her maternal Grandmother, who is a widow & has enough to do to support herself and the applicants brother only 4 years old. | Birth/baptism extract from Parish register Certificate by Dr Ross. Documents received for William Russell by Henry Callender | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-17 (Boy) | Thomson, James | M | 6 August 1833 | 23 March 1839 | Thomson, James | Dead | Clerk to Lady Keith’s Factor at Tullieallen | Blackhall | Forrester or Thomson, Janet F. | Alive | Kincardine | Thomson, John | Dead | Parish schoolmaster of Dunning | Forrester, Thomas | Alive | Farmer | Solesgirth, parish of Fossoway | With mother at Kincardine | Tullieallen | John (9); Thomas (8); Catherine (12); Jane (7 – with maternal grandfather) | Douglas, Alexander | Morgan, James | Parochial schoolmaster | Tullyallen | Father dead, mother unable to support family | same as James M. Thomson | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-17 (Boy) | Thomson, James | M | 6 August 1833 | 25 March 1839 | Thomson, James | Dead | Clerk to Lady Keith’s Factor at Tullieallen | Blackhall | Forrester or Thomson, Janet F. | Alive | Kincardine | Thomson, John | Dead | Parish schoolmaster of Dunning | Forrester, Thomas | Alive | Farmer | Solesgirth, parish of Fossoway | With mother at Kincardine | Tullieallen | John (9); Thomas (8); Catherine (12); Jane (7 – with maternal grandfather) | Irvine, Patrick | Morgan, James | Parochial schoolmaster | Tullyallen | Father dead, mother unable to support family | same as James M. Thomson | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-17 (Boy) | Thomson, James M. | M | 6 August 1833 | 4 April 1839 | Thomson, James | Dead | Clerk to Lady Keith’s Factor at Tullieallen | Blackhall | Forrester or Thomson, Janet F. | Alive | Kincardine | Thomson, John | Dead | Parish schoolmaster of Dunning | Forrester, Thomas | Alive | Farmer | Solesgirth, parish of Fossoway | With mother at Kincardine | Tullieallen | John (9); Thomas (8); Catherine (12); Jane (7 – with maternal grandfather) | ? | Morgan, James | Parochial schoolmaster | Tullyallen | Father dead, mother unable to support family | same as James Thomson | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-09 (Girl) | Thomson, Jane Ann | F | 19 October 1831 | 11 May 1838 | Thomson, James | Dead | Clerk to Lady Keith’s Factor at Tullieallen | Forrester or Thomson, Janet F. | Alive | Kincardine | Thomson, John | Dead | Parish schoolmaster of Dunning | Forrester, Thomas | Alive | Farmer | Solesgirth, parish of Fossoway | With mother at Kincardine | Tullieallen | John (9); Thomas (8); Catherine (12); James (5 – with maternal grandfather) | Young, William | Stephen, Andrew Cree | Writer | Kincardine | Father had died leaving family destitute | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-25 (Boy) | Thomson, Robert | M | 22 April 1833 | 14 May 1838 | Thomson, James | Alive | Manufacturer; servant | King’s St, Dundee | Norrie, Anne | Alive | Thomson, William | Dead | Manufacturer | Norrie, Robert | Dead | Ship master | Dundee | King’s St, Dundee | Dundee | Jean (13); William (12); Laing (10); Mary (6); Samuel (2) | Cunningham, Charles | Laing, William | Builder | Leith | Father unfortunate in business and now working as a servant; mother in poor health. | Testimonial | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-11 (Boy) | Thomson, Thomas Clark | M | 24 April 1830 | 24 March 1837 | Thomson, Duncan | Dead | July 1832 | Clothier | Queensferry Street | Clark, Euphemia | Dead | 2 July 1832 | Thomson, Alexander | Dead | Clothier | Clark, Thomas | Dead | Glazier (d. 1808) | Edinburgh | 9 William St, with his maternal grandmother | Two sisters – one, Margaret (10) already in JW Institution; Helen (9) with maternal grandmother | Graham, Humphrey | Ross, David | Painter | 47 William Street | Both parents dead; children entirely dependent on grand mother who works as a lady’s nurse when she is able | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-23 (Boy) | Torrance, John Ainslie | M | 25 October 1832 | April 1838 | Torrance, ? | Dead | 11 Jan. 1837 | Hatter; journeyman | Dundee | Alive | Dead | Dead | Gentles Close, Canongate, Edinburgh | Two brothers; one sister | Macdonald, M. N. | Thom, William | Reader in Ballantyne’s printing office | 1 Holyrood St, Carnegie St | Father has died leaving family destitute. | ||||||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-06 (Girl) | Trail, Agnes Strong | F | 06 February 1826 | 14 May 1832 | Trail, Thomas S. | Alive | Paper deliverer (formerly a mercantile clerk) | Edinburgh | Trail, Agnes | Alive | Trail, Thomas | Dead | Cabinet Maker | Gunn, Daniel | Dead | Store keeper | Naval Yard, Leith | Advocate’s Close, High Street | Tolbooth | two sisters – aged 3 and nine months | Gibson Craig, James, Sir | Father has only 8/6 a week as a paper deliverer for the North British Advertiser and is unable to support his family. | Certificate of birth and health. | ||||||||||||
| 4/2 | 1832-02_8th (Boy) | Turnbull, George White | M | 10 March 1825 | 14 May 1832 | Turnbull, Robert | Dead | Seedsman | Edinburgh | Lunn or Turnbull, Margaret | Dead | May 1825 | Turnbull, Robert | Dead | Gardener to Mr John Riddell, Bart. | Lilliesleaf | Lunn, William | Dead | Builder | Edinburgh | 3 Beckford St, Stockbridge | West Kirk | William (b. 8 July 1815); John (b. 8 Aug. 1820); Thomas (b. 28 July 1822) | Irving, John | Father and mother are dead; no relations able to help children. Uncle James Dunn, builder, is looking after them, but has his own large family to support. | Testimonials, including documentation of age of applicant | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-18 (Boy) | Veitch, James | M | 15 September 1831 | 20 April 1838 | Veitch, Thomas | Dead | Butler to the late Sir Alexander M. Mackenzie, Bart | Reid or Veitch, Elizabeth | Alive | Servant; In service to Sir John Stewart Forbes, Bart | Veitch, George | Dead | Paper maker | Colinton | Reid, ? | Alive | Weaver and in Forfarshire Militia | Glamis | Ariston farm with his maternal grandmother | Borthwick | George (10 – lame and in delicate health so unable to so anything for the family) | Russell, John | Forbes, John Stuart, Sir, of Pitsligo | Father had died; mother unable to support. | |||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835/9 | Walker, Jane Jemima | F | 19 August 1829 | 23 March 1835 | Ker, Thomas | Alive | Tenant | at Byres [Castle?] Haddingtonshire | Walker, Margaret | Dead | 6 Nov. 1832 | Ker, Thomas | Dead | Farmer | Walker, Francis | Dead | farmer | at Haddington, with Margaret ?, servant maid | two sisters | Pearson, Alexander | Ker, William | WS | Land steward for Ferguson of Nesbit, residing at Biel in East Lothian | Destitute situation of the family in consequence of the father’s unavoidable misfortunes as a farmer. Mr Ker has been under the necessity of accepting a situation in England as land steward ? ? ? or other means of providing for his family. John Brodie W.S. | Certificate of age signed by John Traill, Minister Cerificate of health sihned by Thomas Howden M.D. Letter of recommendation signed by Thomas Richardson, West George Street | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-05 (Girl) | Watson, Agnes | F | 5 March 1831 | 12 May 1838 | Watson, James | Dead | 9 Apr. 1837 | Matt maker in the Blind Asylum | 11 Richmond Place | Morrison, Margaret | Alive | Dead | Morrison, John | Alive | Weaver | Drungie | 11 Richmond Place | West Church | Robert (10); Catherine (16); Margaret (13); Christian (2) | Murray, William | Murray, William | WS | 17 Forth Street, Edinburgh | Father was blinded in industrial accident but able to support family until his death from typhus; family destitute | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-09 (Girl) | Wells, Josephine Harriet Richetts | F | 4 November 1830 | 27 March 1837 | Wells, George | Dead | Teacher of French | Edinburgh | Grey, Anne | Alive | Wells, John | Alive | Destitute – formerly reliant on his son for support | Grey of Carse, Charles | Alive | Involvent and living in sanctuary | Abbey of Holyrood House | Cumber Lane | 5 siblings – one Elizabeth Caulfield already in JW Institution | Irving, John | Glassford, James | Advocate | 8 Ainslie Place | Mother is unable to support all of her children. | |||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-13 (Girl) | White, Barbara | F | 06 July 1830 | 13 May 1835 | White, John | Dead | 2 Dec. 1834 | Engineer with Cland Girdwood & Co, Machine Makers | Glasgow | Hannay, Helen | Alive | White, Robert | Dead | Corn dealer | Long Niddry, Parish of Gladsmuir | Hannay, Andrew | Dead | Shoemaker | Stranraer | Crown Street, Hutchesontown, Glasgow | Two brothers and one sister under ten years of age | Cleghorn, David | Jeffrey, Francis, Lord Jeffrey | Senator of the College of Justice | Father’s death has left family destitute; mother is disabled; child’s maternal uncle can take one child but has a large family so can’t do more; paternal uncle has been unfortunate with his corn dealing business and has a large family so is unable to help; maternal aunt is in Lord Jeffrey’s service and contributes part of her wages to the family’s upkeep. | Letter from D. Cleghorn | |||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-18 (Girl) | White, Barbara | F | 06 July 1830 | 25 March 1836 | White, John | Dead | 2 Dec. 1834 | Engineer with Leland Girdwood & Co, Machine Makers | Glasgow | Hannay or White, Helen | Alive | White, Robert | Dead | Corn dealer | Long Niddry, Parish of Gladsmuir | Hannay, Andrew | Dead | Shoemaker | Stranraer | Crown Street, Hutchesontown, Glasgow | Gorbals | Robert (b. 2 Apr. 1825); Agnes (b. 2 Sept. 1827); John (b. Dec. 1833) | Cleghorn, David | Jeffrey, Francis, Lord Jeffrey | Senator of the College of Justice | Moray Place, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving family destitute; mother is paralysed and unable to support family; support being provided by an uncle who is a shoemaker in Ayr and an aunt, Barbara White, servant to Lord Jeffrey | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1839-13 (Boy) | Whitehead, Alexander Hay | M | 20 January 1833 | 26 April 1839 | Whitehead, Robert | Dead | Livery stable keeper | Coates Crescent, Edinburgh | Jacket, Sarah | Alive | Whitehead, Robert | Dead | Farmer | Drum, Perthshire | Jacket, Henry | Alive | Gardener to Clarkson | Clarkson Estate | Mrs Armstrong, Melville Place, Edinburgh | St George’s, Edinburgh | Robert (10); George (9) – both at St George’s School | Patrick, William | Orr, Charles James Fox | WS | 3 Athole Crescent | Father dead; mother with her own father and unable to support family | Certificate of birth | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-17 (Boy) | Wilkie, Thomas | M | 5 December 1830 | 12 May 1837 | Wilkie, George | Dead | Mar. 1834 | Keeper of the Union Tavern | Greenside Place | Mills, Ann | Alive | Commercial Tavern & Lodging Keeper, 2 Broughton Street | Wilkie, George | Dead | Blacksmith and farmer | Bowden, Roxburghshire | Mills, James Gilchrist | Dead | Cabinetmaker and upholsterer | Berwick upon Tweed | 2 Broughton Street | Two brothers James(16; apprenticed to a printer) and George (13; studying drawing at school) | Smythe, Robert | Bruce, Alexander | Writer | 12 Queen Street | Inn burned down after husband’s death leaving mother without furnishings; has started new business and is unable to provide the same education as older boys. | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-04 (Boy) | Wilkie, Thomas | M | 1 December 1830 | 14 May 1838 | Wilkie, George | Dead | Mar. 1834 | Keeper of the Union Tavern | Broughton Street | Mills or Wilkie, Ann | Dead | 5 Nov. 1837 | Keeper of the Union Tavern and Lodgings, 2 Broughton Street | Wilkie, George | Dead | Blacksmith and farmer | Bowden, Roxburghshire | Mills, James Gilchrist | Dead | Cabinetmaker and upholsterer | Berwick upon Tweed | With Miss Mills, Berwick | James (17 – apprentice to Dr Neil printer); George (14 – being instructed in pattern drawing at Berwick) | Smythe, Robert | Bruce, Alexander | Writer | 12 Queen Street | Both parents dead; family lost everything in fire of 1836; child now destitute. | Certificate of birth and baptism; testimonials | ||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-37 (Boy) | Wilkie, Thomas | M | 5 December 1830 | May/June 1836 | Wilkie, George | Dead | Principal Clerk and Book keeper to Messrs Gilchrist & Coy, Merchants, High Street, Edinr. Afterwards Tavern Keeper. | Edinburgh | Mills, Ann | Alive | formerly Principal Milliner in the employment of Messrs Gilchrist and Coy | 4 Greenside Street | Smith, George Wilkie | Dead | Blacksmith and farmer | Bowden, Roxburghshire | Mills, James Gilchrist | Dead | Cabinetmaker and upholsterer | Berwick upon Tweed | with his mother at 4 Greenside Street | St Andrews, Edinburgh | James Mills Wilkie, 15, apprentice to Messrs Neill and Company, Printers, Old Fleshmarket Close. George Wilkie, 12. at school and residing with his mother. | Smythe, Robert | Hogarth, George; Wilkie, Thomas | Jewellers | George Hogarth Jewellers, 87 George Street | Previous to the marriahe of the Father and Mother of the child now near 18 years ago, they were both in the employment of Messrs Gilchrist and Coy then merchants in Edinburgh. They wished to retain the husband **** | |||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-27 (Boy) | Williamson, James | M | 11 February 1829 | 12 March 1835 | Williamson, James | Dead | Brewer | Donaldson, Elizabeth | Alive | Williamson, Donald | Dead | Donaldson, James | Alive | Saddler | Peebles | 2 Salisbury Street | St Cuthbert’s | No siblings | Drummond, Francis Walker | Bertram, James | Brewer | 80 Pleasance | Father died leaving no provision; mother educated but as been unable to find work. | ||||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-13 (Boy) | Williamson, James | M | 21 May 1831 | 7 May 1838 | Williamson, James | Dead | 21 Mar. 1838 | China Merchant | Paisley | Muir, Janet | Dead | 19 July 1837 | Shop-keeper | Williamson, John | Alive | Sawyer (retired) | Kilpatrick | Muir, Robert | Dead | Mason | Paisley | 23 Abbey Street, Paisley | Paisley | None | Bell, Carlyle | Crawford, John | Writer | Paisley | Child is a destitute orphan currently residing with an aunt (Miss Jane Muir) | Certificate of birth | |||||
| 5/6 | 1836/11 | Williamson, James | M | 11 February 1829 | 11 March 1836 | Williamson, James | Dead | Brewer | Donaldson, Elizabeth | Alive | 2 Salisbury St | Donald Williamson | Dead | Farmer | near Wick | Donaldson, James | Alive | Sadler | Peebles | with his Mother at 2 Salisbury Street | none – all deceased | Donaldson, John | Bartram, James | Brewer | Pleasance, Edinburgh | The boy is wholly dependent on his mother who subsists entirely by her own exertions – Her husband was ill for two years before his death, and every thing they had was consumed by the expence attending his illness. | Certificate attesting to the childs good health signed by Dr G. A. Borthwick Consulting Physician 10 Darnaway Street Edinburgh. Documents included with application; 1. Certificate of birth and baptism 2. crossed out. 3. Testimonial in favour of James Williamson. 4. Letter of recommendation by Sir James Montgomery Bart. | |||||||||
| 4/1 | 1838-15 (Boy) | Wilson, James | M | 30 June 1831 | 14 May 1838 | Wilson, William | Alive | Cabinet maker | 1 Gayfield Place, Edinburgh | Henderson, Christian | Dead | Wilson, Peter Latta | Dead | Boat builder | Leith | Henderson,Thomas | Alive | Formerly in employment of Haig Distillers, Canonmills | Dean Street, Stockbridge | 1 Gayfield Place, Edinburgh – with paternal grandmother, Marion Crockat Wilson | West Church | Thomas (10) – residing with maternal aunt Margaret Henderson, Bedford St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh | Elder, John | Wilson, Marion Crockat | Widow of the late Peter Latta Wilson | 1 Gayfield Place, Edinburgh | Mother died about 5 years ago leaving father with two children; father has found it difficult to find continuous employment. | Certificate of birth; certificate of health | ||||||||
| 4/1 | 1837-05 (Boy) | Winton, John Thomas | M | 20 November 1829 | 28 March 1837 | Winton, John | Dead | 9 Apr. 1836 | Educated as a surgeon but afterwards a clerk in Lochrin Distillery | Edinburgh | Gullan or Winton, Helen | Alive | Winton, John | Dead | Brewer and Councillor in Haddington, d. Jan. 1832 | Gullan, David | Dead | Upholsterer | Newbiggan | Musselburgh | Sister, Alison (4) | Lindsay, John M. | Grinton, Grinton | Merchant | Broughton Street | Family in poor circumstances due to father’s death; mother has been supporting children as best she can and son’s education has so far been funded. | ||||||||||
| 4/1 | 1835-35 (Boy) | Young, George Alexander | M | 21 April 1828 | 13 May 1835 | Young, George | Dead | Wine merchant | London | Ilverton, Mary | Alive | Young, Matthew | Alive | Liverpool | Ilverton, Henry | Alive | Rothbury | At school in Turnham Green | Kensington | One sister – 5 years old | Macdonald, M. | Gillie, Adam | Senator of the College of Justice | Father dead, mother without provision and burdened with another child. | ||||||||||||
| 4/3 | 1836-01 (Girl) | Young, Marjory Fletcher | F | 03 August 1828 | 21 March 1836 | Young, Charles | Dead | July 1834 | Clerk – Custom House and latterly Coast Guard | Leith | Young, or Mungall, Margaret | Alive | Hamburgh Place, Leith | Young, Roger | Alive | Custom House | Bo’ness | Mungall, William | Dead | Merchant | Falkirk | 1 Canon Street, Leith | John (12); Margaret (9) [four other children now dead] | Renny,William | Dobbie, William; Monro, Alexander | Watchmaker; Notary Public | Falkirk | Father died leaving only furniture – now sold. ‘not a farthing remains’ of the money the mother brought to the marriage. Now destitute. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-07 (Girl) | Young, Marjory Fletcher | F | 03 August 1828 | 23 April 1835 | Young, Charles | Dead | 22 July 1834 | of the Custom House, Leith’ | Edinburgh | Margaret Mungall, relict of Mr Young, | Alive | Hamburgh Place, Leith | Young, Roger | Dead | Custom House | Grangemouth | Mungall, William | Dead | Merchant | Falkirk | with her mother at Hamburgh Place, Leith | one brother and one sister, but the former is twelve years of age, the latter upwards of ten years of age. | Waddell, William | Munro, Alexander | WS | Falkirk | The dependance of the relict was on the salary of her husband, and she receives no allowance from Government, or from any widows fund. She is totally destitute. [continued] 15 April 1835, the circumstances stated in answer to the 6th question in the schedule are known to me at the time – the destitution of the parent of the child is such that very recently a subscription paper was circulated to obtain contributions for support. THe effects of the late Mr. Young will not counterbalance his debts. THe grandfather of the child is unable to contribute to his support, having a large family and a limited allowance from the Custom House. signed James Duncan W.S. | Health certificate by Mr John Martin Surgeon Leith dated 13 April 1835 | |||||||
| 5/6 | 1836-01 | Mckenzie, James | Blank application form with letter attached, no name of pupil discernable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5/6 | 1835-01 | 18 May 1835 | letter with black seal addressed to John Hamilton WS, from a James ? Regarding a boy who is not named | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-03 (Boy) | Prentice, George Thomson | M | 18 December 1826 | 26 April 1834 | Prentice, James | Dead | Mason | Thomson, Helen | Alive | 2 Dunbar St | Prentice, James | Dead | Mason | Fountain Bridge, Edinburgh | Thomson, George | Alive | Carter | Dalry | 2 Dunbar St | St Cuthbert’s | Three brothers under 10 | Blair, John | Dalgleish, David | Cork manufacturer | 305 Canongate, Edinburgh | Mother a widow left destitute with five children – mother industrious and relying on 7s per month from the parish. | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-05 (Boy) | Harrison, John Gow | M | 28 December 1826 | 17 April 1834 | Harrison, John David | Alive | Jeweller | South College St, Edinburgh | Gow or Harrison, Grace | Alive | South College St, Edinburgh | Harrison, Henry | Alive | Manufacturer of hardware | Edinburgh | Gow, John | Dead | Painter | Edinburgh | South College St, Edinburgh – with parents | St Cuthbert’s | Two brothers under 10 | Smith, Alexander | Smith, Alexander | WS | Father has been unfortunate in business; family being supported by his father with ‘a small sum’ – ‘Family in very poor and diffucult circumstances’ | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-07 (Boy) | Fort, Peter | M | 7 February 1827 | 12 May 1834 | Fort, William | Dead | Dec. 1833 | Grocer | 10 Canning Place, Edinburgh | Leishman, Elizabeth | Alive | Grocer | 10 Canning Place, Edinburgh | Fort, John | Dead | Paper maker | Knaresborough | Leishman, Peter | Dead | Mason | Edinburgh | 10 Canning Place, Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | 13 siblings – 3 under 10 (Robert, Maria, James) | Greig, Alexander | Livingstone, Edward | Solicitor | 6 James’ Court, Edinburgh | Father died insolvent in Dec. 1833 leaving widow and 13 children. Mother carrying on grocery business with help from daughter (Margaret); daughter Ann has been in service, but is lame now and unable to work; David is an apprentice shoemaker; William is an apprentice tailor; Isabella is a servant with ‘a Miss Fleming’ but is not paid and will leave – will seek a new place; Edward, Lewis, Peter, Robert, Maria, and James all dependent. Due to husband’s involvency, the widow is unable to stock the grocery shop. | Certicate of birth (twins Peter and Robert – signed by midwife Isabella Dunlop); Certificate of health | |||||
| 5/7 | 1834-09 (Boy) | Denham, John Charles Fraser | M | 25 February 1827 | 15 May 1834 | Denham, John | Dead | Theatre Royal, Edinburgh | Foggo, Isabella | Alive | 5 High Terrace, Edinburgh | Denham, Robert | Dead | Printer | Edinburgh | Foggo, John | Dead | Clerk to John Dickson of Leith | 5 High Terrace, Edinburgh | St Cuthbert’s | No siblings | Goldie, Alexander | Ainslie, Robert | WS | 51 North Castle St, Edinburgh | Widow and child destitute | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-10 (Boy) | McBryde, James | M | 12 March 1827 | 12 May 1834 | McBryde, John | Dead | Wright | Glasgow | Linwood, Hannah | Dead | McBryde, James | Dead | Farmer | Blair | Linwood, John | Dead | Farmer | Freugh | 62 Argyle St, Glasgow – with his aunt Jane Linwood | St George’s, Glasgow | None alive | Donaldson, John | Watt, Robert | Iron monger | 79 Argyle St, Glasgow | Orphan; ‘those on whom he depends are not able without much inconvenience to support & educate him’. | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-11 (Boy) | Reid, William | M | 20 April 1827 | 13 May 1834 | Reid, James | Alive | Clerk | 2 East Broughton Pl, Edinburgh | Johnston, Margaret | Alive | 2 East Broughton Pl, Edinburgh | Reid, William | Dead | Baker | Dalkeith | Johnston, John | Dead | Notary public | Dalkeith | 2 East Broughton St, Edinburgh – with his parents | Three younger sisters | Turnbull, George | Scott, George | SSC | 12 Atholl Place, Edinburgh | Father lost his position in Register House when his employer died; successor introduced relatives of his own – has been unable to find ‘any thing but a little temporary & precarious employment quite inadequate for the support of his family’. | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-12 (Boy) | Metcalfe, George | M | 11 May 1827 | 14 May 1834 | Metcalfe, John | Dead | Stabler | Edinburgh | Metcalfe, Hannah | Alive | Sick nurse | 9 Earl Grey St, Edinburgh | Metcalfe, John | Dead | Gardener | Tockwith, Yorkshire | Stewart, Francis | Dead | Farmer | Calder, Nairnshire | 9 Earl Grey St, Edinburgh – with his mother | St Cuthbert’s | No siblings | Aytoun, Roger | Downie, Alexander | Writer, Sasine Office | 17 Keir St, Edinburgh | Child reliant on his mother who has been a widow for 7 years with no means of support except her labour as a sick nurse. | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-13 (Boy) | Thomson, Robert | M | 23 June 1827 | 1 May 1834 | Thomson, George | Dead | Sept. 1832 | Gun maker | Union Place, Edinburgh | Hardie, Mary | Alive | Elm Row, Edinburgh | Thomson, George | Dead | Hardie, Robert | Dead | Elm Row, Edinburgh – with his mother | South Leith | Two sisters under 10 | Gordon, J. F. | Littlejohn, Thomas | Confectioner | 33 Leith St, Edinburgh | Father died of cholera, insolvent, leaving family destitute. | |||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-16 (Boy) | Robertson, William | M | 15 April 1826 | 4 April 1834 | Robertson, William | Dead | Haberdasher | Kerr, Janet | Alive | Haberdasher | 204 Canongate | Robertson, William | Dead | Farmer | Orkney | Kerr, James | Dead | Farmer | Elie, Fife | 204 Canongate, Edinburgh – with his mother | One sistter under 10 | Finlay, G. L. | Kerr, James; Robertson, John | Grocer | 95 Nicolson St; 163 West Port | Father died leaving family insolvent; mother carrying on business. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonials for widow (2) | ||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-17 (Boy) | Sammons, George | M | 23 November 1827 | 31 March 1834 | Sammons, John | Dead | 19 July 1833 | Keeper of the Royal Institution | Edinburgh | Golding, Hanah | Alive | 104 Rose Street, Edinburgh | Sammons, John | Dead | Baker | Golding, Edward | Dead | Gardener | 104 Rose St, Edinburgh – with his mother | Three siblings under 10 | Jardine, Henry, Sir | Golding, Hanah | 104 Rose St, Edinburgh | Father died leaving family destitute – family living on charity | Certificate of birth | Mother has signed using a mark | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-18 (Boy) | Millar, John | M | 14 January 1828 | 14 May 1834 | Millar, David | Dead | July 1831 | Baker | Forfar | Craik or Millar, Ann | Alive | Forfar | Millar, Jamee | Dead | Craik, Charles | Alive | Kirk treasurer | Forfar | Forfar – with mother and material grandfather | Forfar | Two brothers and one sister all under 8 | Irvine, Patrick | Craik, David | Writer | 11 Duncan St, Drummond Place | Father died and ‘found to be in embarrassment, occasioned by loses in business’; one child born posthumously – mother in delicate health and depressed; materal grandfather supporting family as well as three unmarried daughters. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health; Testimonial for Charles Craik with 22 signatories | Cautioner is clerk to recomender | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-19 (Boy) | Wright, James | M | 31 March 1828 | 24 March 1834 | Wright, James | Dead | Lieutenant in the 24th Regiment of Foot | Campbell or Wright, Jane | Alive | Hope St, Glasgow | Wright, Alexander | Dead | Wine merchant | Edinburgh and Leith | Campbell, John | Dead | Lieutenant in the late 88th Regiment of Foot | Hope St, Glasgow – with his mother | Barony, Glasgow | One sister, Willelmina – under 10 | Bowie, John | Gray, Robert | Esquire of Glen Orchard | Glen Orchard | Hope St, Glasgow – with his mother | Certificate of health | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-20 (Boy) | Wallace, Andrew | M | 5 April 1828 | 4 April 1834 | Wallace, David | Dead | Tailor | Wallace, Anne | Alive | 29 India Place, Edinburgh | Wallace, Andrew | Alive | Tailor | 9 Brown St, Edinburgh | Wallace, John | Dead | 29 India Place, Edinburgh – with his mother | St Stephen’s | One sister under 10 | Pearson, Alexander | Wallace, Andrew | Tailor | 9 Brown St, Edinburgh | Father has died leaving family destitute. | |||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-22 (Boy) | Smith, William | M | 23 April 1828 | 29 March 1834 | Smith, William | Dead | Quarter master and pay sergeant, Royal Artillary | Lumsden, Jean | Alive | Servant | Smith, William | Dead | Farmer | Aberdeenshire | Lumsden, Gabriel | Dead | Builder | Leith | Trinity Pier – with his grandmother, Ann Robertson | North Leith | None – a sister died a year ago | Mowbray, John | Brown, Walter | Merchant | 41 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh | Mother is servant to the cautioner – no further details given | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-21 (Girl) | Lightbody, Davidson | F | 2 January 1829 | 6 May 1834 | Lightbody,William | Dead | Plumber | Edinburgh | Ballie, Mary | Alive | Working | Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh | Lightbody, James | Dead | Writer | Edinburgh | Ballie, William | Dead | Mariner | Leith | Mary King’s Close – with mother | High Kirk | Two sisters – 8 and 16 | Hunter, A. | Cathcart, David | WS | Gayfield House, Edinburgh | Mother a widow with 3 children to provide for; one sister 8, at school; one sister 16, in bad health and unable to work | Certificate of birth | ||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-23 (Boy) | Veitch, JohnTennent | M | 16 May 1828 | 17 March 1834 | Veitch, Andrew | Alive | Tacksman | Dalry | Hill, Helen | Alive | Looking for a situation | Veitch, Andrew | Dead | Dalry Mills | Hill, John | Alive | Farmer | Hermiston | 14 Warrington Crescent, Edinbugh – with one of the cautioners (Hunter) | One sister aged 10 November | Smythe, Robert | Ramsay, Charles Lockhart; Hunter, John, WS | WS | 29 Frederick St, Edinburgh | Father bankrupt and unable to support family; mother unsuccessful at finding a situation | Certificate of birth; Testimonials (8); Printed testimonials for Helen Veitch | |||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-26 (Boy) | Thomas, Richard Henry | M | 10 August 1828 | 6 May 1834 | Thomas, Robert | Alive | Clerk; letting rooms | Portobello | Walker, Fortune | Alive | Portobello | Thomas, William | Alive | Walker, William | Dead | Builder | Portobello – with his parents | Duddingston | Two brothers under 10 | Monypenny, Alexander | Livingston, William | Calenderer (operator of machine to smooth cloth or paper) | Glasgow | Father’s profession is as a clerk but he has been unable to secure a permanent situation – lets rooms in Portobello during the bathingn season but this is not enough to support family. | |||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-28 (Boy) | Wilson, George | M | 19 October 1828 | 25 March 1834 | Wilson, John | Dead | Joiner | West Port, Edinburgh | Wilson, Elizabeth | Alive | 77 West Port, Edinburgh | Wilson, Murray | Alive | Wright | Biggar | Pairman, George | Dead | Merchant | Biggar | 77 West Port – with his mother | West Kirk | One brother, 10, and one sister 10 last December | Combe, George | Fraser, William | Printer at Neill and Co. | 59 Lauriston Place | Family unprovided for at father’s death | Certificate of baptism; Testimonials (2) | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-29 (Boy) | Walker, John | M | 24 November 1828 | 11 April 1834 | Walker, Archibald | Alive | Gardener | 35 Jamaica Street | Walker, Helen | Dead | Jan. 1833 | Walker, Archibald | Dead | Gardener | Haddington | Walker, John | Dead | Flax dresser | Haddington | 35 Jamaica St, Edinburgh – with his father | St Stephen’s | Two sisters under 10 | Young, Alexander (and others) | Alison, William Pulton | MD | Heriot Row, Edinburgh | Mother died in childbirth leaving father with five children (one has since died); had a severe cold two years ago leaving him unable to work | Testimonials (2) | |||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-31 (Boy) | Dewar, David | M | 14 April 1829 | 29 April 1834 | Dewar | Dead | Coalgriever (mind overseer) | Whitehill | Collins, Mary | Alive | Rosewell | Dewar, James | Alive | Employment of Mr Wardlaw Ramsay | Tillcoultry | Collins, Thomas | Dead | Shepherd | Rosewell | One brother, 8, residing with this grandfather; two sisters, aged 1 and 2 – with their mother | Ainslie, Robert | Ramsay, Robert Wardlow | Esq | Whitehill | Father died falling down a coat pit at Whitehill – family left destitute | ||||||||||
| 5/7 | 1834-32 (Boy) | Stuart, Matthew | M | 18 May 1829 | 1834 | Stuart, Jame Brown | Dead | 4 Nov. 1831 | Medical practitioner | Stuart, Mrs | Alive | Crieff | Stuart, Willia | Dead | Manufacturer | Elgin | Valentine, James | Alive | Tanner | Kirriemuir | Crieff | Crieff | One brother under 10 | Russell, John | Murray, Matthew | Minister of the Gospel, Associated Synod of Original Seceders | Warwick St, Lauriston, Glasgow | Father was ill for a long time before death and unable to provide for family; family dependent on mother’s earnings and earnings of older children. Three sons and four daughters – one daughter has already died. One son, William, is already in the Institution. | Certificate of birth; Certificate of health |

