James Gilchrist

James Gilchrist, my husband’s 4th great-grandfather, remains another mystery for me. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to find records documenting his birth or parents. However, I did find records related to his marriage and the births of their five children. 

James married Jean Russell (parents unknown) on January 18, 1801, in the town of Falkirk, situated within the county of Stirlingshire, Scotland. Falkirk lies approximately 23.5 miles northwest of Edinburgh and 20.5 miles northeast of Glasgow.

James and Jean welcomed five children into their family: Margaret Gilchrist, Elisabeth Gilchrist, Jean Gilchrist, Ann Gilchrist, and Helen Gilchrist.

Margaret was born on September 16, 1801, in Falkirk. Her birth occurred approximately nine months after her parents’ marriage, suggesting that Jean likely became pregnant soon after their wedding. The parish records officially document her birth on September 20, 1801. Witnesses listed on the birth registry include William Durham and Daniel Miller. It is through this lineage that my husband traces his roots.

Elisabeth was born on December 22, 1802 in the town of Falkirk. Witnesses listed on the birth registry again include William Durham and Daniel Miller.

Between late 1802 and early January 1805, the Gilchrist family relocated to Airdrie, New Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland, which was approximately 17 miles away. During this period, James and Jean welcomed their third child, Jean, who was born on January 11, 1805. Her baptism took place on January 20, 1805. James pursued work as a weaver.

The Gilchrist family remained in Airdrie when Ann was born on April 1, 1807. Her baptism followed on April 12, 1807, and James continued his weaving profession.

After Ann’s birth in 1807, the Gilchrist family relocated approximately 27 miles to Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. It was in Kilmarnock that their fifth child, Helen, was born on April 12, 1809. Despite the move, James continued his work as a weaver. As a point of interest, Kilmarnock is the birthplace of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky.

The paper trail for James ends here, leaving the rest of his life shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate any records of him, or Jean, in the 1841 census, which was the first one recorded for Scotland. This suggests that he likely passed away before that year.

References

• Ann Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 651/Airdrie or New Monkland, National Records of Scotland, 1807.
• Elisabeth Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1802.
• Helen Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 597/Kilmarnock, National Records of Scotland, 1809.
• Jean Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 651/Airdrie or New Monkland, National Records of Scotland, 1805.
• Jean Russell, Old Parish Registers Marriages 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1801.
• Margaret Gilchrist, Old Parish Registers Births 479/Falkirk, National Records of Scotland, 1801.