James Durie

James Durie, son of George Durie and Mary Elisabeth Taylor, was born on April 26, 1824, in Inveresk with Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. George and Mary raised six children: William Durie, James Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, John Durie, and Robert Durie. 

James is my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather, with their nearest common ancestor being James’ daughter Jemima, my husband’s great-grandmother.

James was baptized on May 30, 1824, at Inveresk with Musselburgh, in a ceremony witnessed by John Paul and John Braidfoot. The parish, situated near Edinburgh, blended village and town life and was closely tied to the region’s coastal economy.

Birth and baptism record

James’ brother William enlisted in the military on February 13, 1837, despite being only 14 years old. I will share more about William’s life and service in my next post.

By 1841, the Durie family appears across three separate census pages. James’ father, George, was living alone at the West Pans Tollhouse, where he worked as a tollkeeper. The tollhouse—a small roadside cottage built by the turnpike trust—was designed for constant duty rather than family living. With its angled frontage and bay window, George would have monitored passing traffic and collected fees for carts, horses, and pedestrians. Its cramped interior explains why he lived there alone while his family remained nearby.

Mary and the children—James, Agnes, Elizabeth, John, and Robert—lived less than a mile away on High Street in Musselburgh. James, age 16, was recorded as an apprentice “c/wright,” almost certainly a coachwright. This trade, combining woodworking with ironwork, was a natural entry point into Glasgow’s expanding transport and engineering industries. William, the eldest brother, does not appear in the household, likely absent with his military unit.

George in the 1841 Scotland census

Elisabeth in the 1841 Scotland census

James and four of his siblings in the 1841 Scotland census

James married Jane Liddell Braidwood, daughter of Andrew Braidwood and Mary Liddell, on May 13, 1849, in Glasgow. At the time, James was working as an engineer. The couple welcomed nine children: Mary Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, George Durie, Jemima Durie, Andrewina Durie, John Durie, Robert Durie, and Jane Durie. Their first child, Mary, was born on September 14, 1849, with John Braidwood and John Durie serving as witnesses.

James and Jane in the Scotland marriage register

By 1851, James had transitioned fully into engineering, a natural progression from his coachwright apprenticeship. The family lived at 67–69 Carrick Street in the St. George civil parish of Glasgow. James’ sister‑in‑law, Jessie Braidwood, age 21, was also living with them, likely working as a boy’s clothing maker.

1851 Scotland census

James’ brother William, a private in the 72nd Regiment of Foot (The Duke of Albany’s Own Highlanders), died on April 8, 1853, and was buried at Sandymount Cemetery in Glasgow.

James’ father, George, died of apoplexy on February 10, 1857, at 53 Cadogan Street in the Blythswood district. He had worked as a cotton storekeeper and was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

In 1861, the Durie family lived at 62 Brown Street in the Clyde District of St. George Parish. James, age 36, was working as an engine smith—crafting and repairing engine parts during Glasgow’s industrial boom.

1861 Scotland census

Tragedy struck that spring when two‑year‑old Andrewina died on May 26, 1861, after six weeks of dothinenteritis (typhoid fever) and two weeks of “water in the head,” likely hydrocephalus. She was buried at Eastern Necropolis in Lair 4964, held by her maternal grandfather, Andrew Braidwood.

James continued working as an engine fitter/journeyman, and by February 6, 1863, the family was living at 22 Pitt Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, where their son Robert was born.

James’ mother, Mary, died two years later on July 13, 1865, at her Cadogan Street home at age 69. Despite searches of Southern Necropolis and other Glasgow cemeteries, her burial place has not yet been identified. A notice of her death appeared in The Herald on July 15.

Another loss followed on November 6, 1866, when James and Jane’s youngest daughter, Jane, died of croup after only two days of illness. Her burial location remains unknown.

By 1871, the family remained at Pitt Street in a two‑window tenement. James continued as an engine fitter, while daughters Mary and Jemima worked as warehouse girls. George was an iron turner, and the younger boys attended school. A Liddell family also lived at the address, possibly relatives of Jane’s mother.

1871 Scotland census

The Durie children began forming their own families in the 1870s. Elizabeth married John Alexander in 1873, and Jemima married James Athya in 1877. By 1881, the family had moved to 46 Lancefield Street in Barony Parish. James was still an engine fitter, and his son Robert had become a plumber. James’ grandson Thomas Alexander, age 8, was also living with them, and was attending school.

1881 Scotland census

James’ son John married Annie Frew in 1881 and had three children—James, Jane, and Annie. Sadly, baby Jane died before her first birthday, and his wife Annie died sometime after 1890.

In 1886, James and Jane were listed in parochial relief records when their daughter Jemima applied for assistance in Cambusnethan.

Robert married Mary Lochhead on February 15, 1889, with James recorded as a journeyman engine fitter.

In 1891, James and Jane lived at 99 Hotcross Street in Barony Parish with their widowed son John and grandchildren James and Annie. James, now a marine engine fitter, continued working well into his later years.

1891 Scotland census

James’ sister Elizabeth died on May 2, 1897, in Kelvin, Lanarkshire, after several months of declining health following what would now be understood as a stroke. She was buried in Lair 974 at Western Necropolis Cemetery. His sister Agnes died on August 22, 1900, in Helensburgh, Row Parish, and was buried in Lair 973 at Western Necropolis. She never married.

In 1901, James and Jane lived at 33 McIntyre Street in Barony Parish with their son John and his children. James, age 77, was still working as a marine engine fitter. His grandson James was apprenticed in the same trade, while Annie attended school.

1901 Scotland census

James died at home on December 13, 1902, from a cerebral hemorrhage and senile decay. His son John was the informant on the death register.

James in the Scotland burial register

James was buried on December 16 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Lair 384, compartment 13, at a depth of 10 feet. The lair, purchased by his son John, became a family resting place. Those buried with him include:

• Catherine Durie (granddaughter, died 1908)
• Jane Durie (wife, died 1908)
• Elizabeth Alexander (daughter, died 1911)
• Mary Durie (believed to be John’s daughter, died 1927)
• John Durie (son, died 1928)

 

Eastern Necropolis Cemetery burial register (see John on both line of both pages)

Lair 384 register

References

• Agnes Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 503/109, National Records of Scotland, 1900.
• Andrina Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 442, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Andrwine Durie, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1855–1861, image 236, FamilySearch.
• Daily interment books, December 1897-August 1912, cemetery records for Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, 1861-1995, film no. 008685206, image 333, FamilySearch.
• Deaths, Mrs. George Durie, The Herald, Glasgow, Scotland, July 15, 1865.
• Eastern Necropolis: Glasgow, Scotland, Cemetery Records 1900–1995, image 41, FamilySearch.
• Elisabeth Durie, Census 689/12/5, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 358, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/9 127, National Records of Scotland, 1873.
• Elizabeth Morris, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/9 551, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• George Durie, Census 689/9/1, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• George Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 86, National Records of Scotland, 1857.
• Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1850–1854, images 207–208, FamilySearch.
• Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records January 1882–March 1900, image 274, FamilySearch.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/12 176, National Records of Scotland, 1877.
• James Durie, Census 644/1 47/15, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• James Durie, Census 644/10 30/20, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• James Durie, Census 644/5 55/7, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• James Durie, Census 644/69/19, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• James Durie, Census 689/12/7, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• James Durie, Census 689/12/7, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• James Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, 1824.
• James Durie, Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564–1950.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Jane Braidwood, Old Parish Registers Marriages 644/1 Glasgow, National Records of Scotland, 1849.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 504, National Records of Scotland, 1866.
• Jemima Durie (or Athya), Cambusnethan. Parish Poor Law Records 1886–1887, image 180, FamilySearch.
• Jemima Durie, Census 644/5 55/8, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• John Durie, Census 644/10 13/10, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• John Durie, Census 644/10 17/3, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Mary Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 644/1 Glasgow, National Records of Scotland, 1849.
• William Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1821.
• William Durie, UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Admissions and Discharges, 1715–1925.
• Wm. Durie, UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Admission Books, Registers and Papers, 1702–1980. 

Elisabeth (Mary) Taylor

Elisabeth (Mary) Taylor, daughter of James Taylor and Elizabeth Low, was born on October 23, 1797, in the parish of Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. The congregation of Lady Glenorchie’s Chapel in Saint Cuthberts witnessed her baptism on November 6, 1797. Elisabeth is my husband’s 3rd great grandmother and their nearest common relative is her son, James.

Elisabeth had six siblings, all born in the parish of Saint Cuthberts: Helen Taylor (1788), James Taylor (1790), John Taylor (1791), James Taylor (1793), William Taylor (1795), and Isobell Taylor (1799). Her parents followed traditional Scottish naming patterns when naming their children. Their fourth child, born in 1793, was also named James. This choice was a way to honor the memory of their earlier son, James, who was born in 1790 and passed away on February 9, 1791. The first James likely died at home in Saint Cuthberts. The West Kirk Mortality Records Ledger from Saint Cuthberts Parish Church provides insights into James’s final resting place. Although the ledger is challenging to read, it appears that James was laid to rest north from Gilespis stone and east from the road, from the south ‘geat’ [possibly gate] to the east end of the Kirk. 

Birth register for Elizabeth (1797)

James in West Kirk Mortality Records Ledger,
Saint Cuthberts Parish Church (1791)

Elisabeth and George Durie, the son of William Durie and Mary Elizabeth Richardson, submitted their names for the Proclamation of Banns on January 16, 1820, in Inveresk, Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Unlike the record below theirs, this entry does not specify a date of marriage. They likely married within days or weeks.

Marriage register for Elisabeth Taylor and George Durie (1820)

John Paul (relationship unknown) acted as the cautioner for Elisabeth, while William Durie, likely George’s father, stood in as the cautioner for George. A cautioner was responsible for vouching for the couple’s intentions and financial stability, ensuring that the marriage proceeded as planned. If the couple failed to fulfill their obligations, the cautioner could be held accountable. George worked as a weaver, while Elisabeth’s father, noted as deceased on the record, was a slater—a specialist in installing and repairing slate roofs.

Elisabeth and George were blessed with at least six children: William Durie, James Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, John Durie, and Robert Durie. They welcomed their son William into the world on November 24, 1820. His baptism took place on Christmas Eve 1820 in the parishes of Inveresk and Musselburgh. The witnesses to this significant event were William Niel and John Paul. Unfortunately, this baptismal record is the only record I found for William. It is likely that he passed away during infancy. Meanwhile, George continued his work as a weaver.

Birth register for William Durie (1820)

Their son James, born April 26, 1824 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland, was baptized on May 30. Once again, John Paul was one of the two witnesses. The other was John Proiidfoot.

Birth register for James Durie (1824)

I have been unable to locate a birth record for Agnes, Elizabeth, John, and Robert. Instead, I turned to census records and death registers to piece together their birth information. Agnes was likely born around 1828, Elizabeth was born approximately 1834, John arrived about 1836, and Robert around 1839. All these events occurred in Edinburgh, within the parishes of Inveresk and Musselburgh.

In the 1841 Scotland census, Elisabeth appeared as the last entry on page 6, residing in Inveresk and Musselburgh within Midlothian. Her five children were listed on page 7. The family lived on High Street. James, aged 16, worked as an apprentice although the specific trade remains unclear due to illegible handwriting. Interestingly, George was absent from the household; instead, I discovered him living and working as a tollkeeper at the West Pans Tollhouse in the same area. 

Elisabeth and the children in the Scotland census (1841)

 

George in the Scotland census (1841)

In 1851, Elisabeth and George were living together again, residing at 230 Holm Street in the parish of Barony in Glasgow. At age 65, George had retired from work. Their household included four of their children: Agnes (aged 21) and Elizabeth (aged 17) both worked as milliners, John (aged 15) held a position as a junior clerk, and Robert (aged 12) was pursuing his studies as a scholar. A 26-year-old male named James McEwing also lived with them as a lodger, working as a bookkeeper. 

Durie family in the Scotland census (1851)

By January 1856, Elisabeth and George had moved to a new home at 53 Cadogan Street in Blythswood, Scotland. Their daughter Elizabeth exchanged vows with John Morris there on January 31. John, a bachelor, was employed as a photographic artist, while Elizabeth, a spinster, continued her craft as a milliner. Their union, solemnized after banns, adhered to the customs of the United Presbyterian Church. John’s father, Joseph Morris was still living, while his mother, Ann Martin, was deceased. The ceremony was witnessed by Archibald Robertson and Agnes Durie. Meanwhile, George had transitioned into the role of a storekeeper. 

Marriage register for Elizabeth Durie and John Morris (1856)

After 37 years of marriage, Elisabeth’s husband, George, passed away on February 10, 1857, at their Cadogan Street home. His sudden passing was attributed to apoplexy, an abrupt loss of consciousness that led to his death after one day. At age 70, George worked as a cotton storekeeper. He was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

Death register for George Durie (1857)

In the year 1861, Elisabeth still resided in the Cadogan Street home in Blythswood. A housekeeper, she ensured the smooth functioning of the household. Elisabeth was enumerated as 63 years of age, a difference of two years from her age in the 1851 census. Her 27-year-old daughter, Agnes, shared the same roof. A milliner, Agnes made hats and bonnets. The household also included Elisabeth’s two sons: John and Robert. John, aged 25, held the position of a clerk to an engine smith, a skilled worker responsible for working with engines, particularly steam engines. Robert, the younger son at 22, pursued a different path working as a muslin warehouseman.

Durie family in the Scotland census (1861)

Elisabeth passed away at her home in Blythswood from old age on July 13, 1865. Her son John, who was present at the time of her passing, served as the informant on the death register. My mind suggests that Elisabeth might have been laid to rest beside George at the Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow, however, her name does not appear in the cemetery register.

Death register for Elisabeth Durie (1865)

While Elisabeth is consistently listed as her name, the 1902 death register for her son James introduces another possible name. There, she appears as Mary Durie, Ms. Taylor (Deceased)—a departure from the familiar Elisabeth. I share this piece of information because it is essential to consider this discrepancy for other researchers tracing her lineage. 

Death register for James Durie (1902)

References

• Agnes Durie, Census 622/87/2, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• Agnes Durie, Census 644/6 12/22, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Apoplexy; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoplexy. 
• Elisabeth Durie, Census 689/12/5, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 358, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/6 28, National Records of Scotland, 1856.
• Elizabeth Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1797.
• George Durie, Census 689/9/1, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• George Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 86, National Records of Scotland, 1857.
• George Dury, Old Parish Registers Marriages 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1820.
• Helen Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1788.
• Isobell Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1799.
• James Durie, Census 689/12/7, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• James Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1824.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1790.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1793.
• James Taylor, Old Parish Registers Deaths 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1791.
• John Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1791.
• Robert Durie, Census 622/87/3, National Records of Scotland, 1851.
• Slater, Dictionary of Old Occupations, Family Tree Researcher; https://www.familyresearcher.co.uk/glossary/Dictionary-of-Old-Occupations-jobs-beginning-S6.html#Slater.
• William Durie, Old Parish Registers Births 689/Inveresk and Musselburgh, National Records of Scotland, 1820.
• William Taylor, Old Parish Registers Births 685/2 St Cuthbert’s, National Records of Scotland, 1795. 

Agnes Durie

Agnes Durie, daughter of George Durie and Mary "Elisabeth" Taylor, was born about 1830 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland. She was the second child of five—James Durie (born 1824), Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie (born 1834), John Durie (born 1836), and Robert Durie (born 1839). Agnes is the 3rd great-aunt of my husband with their nearest common relatives being her parents. 

I am unable to find her parents in the 1841 Scotland census but did find Agnes and her four siblings listed at the top of a census page, living on High Street in Inveresk and Musselburgh, Midlothian, Glasgow, Scotland. I found a George Durie living at Inveresk and Musselburgh, but he was at the top of the census page vs. the bottom and his wife Elisabeth was not with him.

1841 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

In 1851, Agnes and her family lived at 230 Holm Street in the Barony Parish of County Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Scotland. Agnes (21) worked as a milliner. Her father was enumerated with the occupation of “no business,” her brother John (15) worked as a junior clerk, and brother Robert (12) was a scholar. A 26-year-old male named James McEwing lived in the home as a lodger. He worked as a bookkeeper.

1851 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Agnes’ father George died of apoplexy at 53 Cadogan Street in the Blythswood District of Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 70 on February 10, 1857. The death register shows that he had worked as a cotton storekeeper. George was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

Death register for George Durie (click to enlarge)

In 1861, Agnes was living with her widowed mother and brothers John and Robert on Cadogan Street in Blythswood. Agnes worked as a milliner, her mother Elizabeth as a housekeeper, brother John was a clerk, and Robert a muslin warehouseman.

1861 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Agnes’ mother died at the same location as her father on July 13, 1865 at age 69. Her cause of death was recorded as old age.

Death register for Elizabeth Durie (click to enlarge)

In 1871, Agnes lived with her sister Elizabeth Durie Morris and nieces Elizabeth, Ann, and Susan in the Govan Parish of Glasgow, Scotland. Agnes worked as a dressmaker, Elizabeth a seamstress, and Anne was a scholar. 

1871 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

In 1881, Agnes lived with her sister Elizabeth and nieces Elizabeth “Lizzie” and Susan in the Barony Parish of St. Vincent, Glasgow, Scotland. Agnes, who worked as a dressmaker, was the head of the household. Her sister Elizabeth held the occupation of a “ladies cap maker.” Her niece Elizabeth was a mantle maker and Susan was responsible for household duties, however, it is not known if that meant in the home or elsewhere.

1881 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

The 1883 and 1884 electoral registers record Agnes living at 30 Breadalbane Street in Glasgow as a tenant and occupant. 

In 1891, Agnes still lived with her sister Elizabeth and nieces Elizabeth and Susan in the Barony Parish of St. Vincent, Glasgow, Scotland. The tables had turned and Agnes’ sister was now the head of the household. All four worked, probably together, making white muslin caps. 

1891 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

Agnes died at 11:30 a.m. of bronchial asthma and heart failure on August 22, 1900 at 30 West Clyde Street in Helensburgh, Row Parish, County of Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Her niece Elizabeth, daughter of her sister Elizabeth, was the informant on her death certificate. At the time of her death, Agnes lived with her niece at 30 Breadalbane Street in Glasgow. Agnes’ final resting place is unknown to me.

1891 Scotland census (click to enlarge)

References

• Agnes Durie, Census 622/87/2, National Records of Scotland, 1851. 
• Agnes Durie, Census 644/6 12/22, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Agnes Durie, Census 644/931/15, p. 15, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• Agnes Durie, Statutory registers Deaths 503/109, National Records of Scotland, 1900.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 358, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Elizabeth Morris, Census 644/932/16, p. 16, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• George Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 86, National Records of Scotland, 1857.
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962 for Agnes Durie, List of Female Municipal Voters, Burgh of Glasgow, 1882–1883.
• James Durie, Census 689/12/7, National Records of Scotland, 1841.
• Robert Durie, Census 622/87/3, National Records of Scotland, 1851. 
• Susan Morris, Census 646/123/3, National Records of Scotland, 1871.