PRELIMINARY REFORT Family of Robert MacLaren of Bainsford,d.1826 Robert Maclaren, Ironfounder in Glasgow, died in 1889, and his record of death reads - 1889 Kinning Park District, entry 175 Robert McLaren, Iron Founder. Married to Mary Jane Findlay. 1889, April Second, 9h.30 pm,. 5 St. Andrew's Drive, Pollokshields. M(ale) 72 years. (Parents) Robert McLaren, Baptist Minister,(deceased); Margaret McLaren, M. S. Shaw (deceased). (Informant) Robert Maclaren, junr. Son, Present. The description of Robert Maclaren's father as Baptist Minister is exceptionally interesting. It is doubted, in view of other evidence traced, if he were indeed so, but this was early confirmation of the tradition of descent from a Minister. Robert Maclaren and Mary Jane Finlay were married in Glasgow on 25th August, 1859. He is then described as forty years of age, an Iron Founder and Engineer, resident at 10 Abbot Yard Place, Laurieston (Blythswood District, entry 345). Mary Jane Finlay was then aged nineteen, daughter of John Finlay and his wife, Mary Adams. (Robert Maclaren was admitted to the Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow as son-in-law of John Finlay, Ironmonger and Smith). Most interesting is the description of the parents of Robert Maclaren in the 1859 marriage record as Robert McLaren, Sub-Manager of Carron Iron Works, and Margaret Shaw. The birth and baptism of Robert is recorded in the Falkirk Parish Register - 1817, March 2 MacLaren Robert lawl. of Robert MacLaren & Margaret Shaw born 4 current. N.B. The parents are Baptists. Other children similarly recorded are - 1810 Apr.15 MacLaren James Lwl. of Robert MacLaren & Margaret Shaw Born 19 Octr.1808 MacLaren Jean lawl. of Robert MacLaren & Margaret Shaw born 15 April,1810 N.B. The two children last Inserted have a Baptist to their father. 1812 Jan.3 MacLaren Margaret lawl. of Robert MacLaren & Margaret Shaw.Born 5 janry.1812. N.B.. This child has a Baptist to her father. No other children of Robert MacLaren and Margaret Shaw are registered, but this would be accounted for by the rebellious persuasion of the parents. They would be inserted in the Parish Register only at the special request of the father. The marriage of the parents is recorded at Falkirk 1807 Decr. 6th. Robert McLaren and Margaret Shaw both In this parish. I At the time of the 1841 Census the family is listed as follows; Bainsford, Falkirk Margaret McLaren Head (approx.age)60 Ind(ependent) Y(es,i.e.born in the county Janet 25 Y Jeanie 20 Y. Andrew 15 Smith App(rentice) Y Archibald 14 Y (Enumeration Book 27/p/9) In 1851 we find Bainsford Margaret McLaren Head W(idow)(aged)70 (born)Stirling,Falkirk. Janet Do. Daur.U(nmarried) 30 Do. Do. (380/Enumeration Book 1, Schedule 22) A search in Stirlingshire Sasines showed that Robert MacLaren himself acquired no property In the county between 1781 and 1826. 0n 20th September, 1822, however, Margaret Shaw, spouse of Robert McLaren, Clerk to the Carron Co. residing in Bainsford was seised in 7 falls of ground with the houses thereon, being part of the lands of Mungall, adjacent to Bainsford, parish of Falkirk, on a disposition by James Shaw, labourer, Bainsford, her father, which was dated 23rd April, 1806. James Shaw, Workman, Carron, was seised in this property on 18th February, 1765, on a Feu Contract between him and the Trustees of Michael Ramsay of Mungall, signed 13/15 March 1775. James Shaw's wife Jean Cockburn, was granted a liferent interest in the property. In another record of 1812, James Shaw is described as Feuar, Bainsford, and the name seems to have been attached to the house owned and lived In by Margaret Shaw, thus accounting for the description of Robert Maclaren as of Bainsford. In a search for relevant Wills or Testaments, that of Robert MacLaren was traced, though this very interesting document is not a testament testamentary, his estate being disposed under the terms of his Marriage Contract with Margaret Shaw. The relevant deeds were not recorded in the Stirlingshire Sheriff Court until 1864, as a result of the dispute with Andrew Liddell. A full copy of the deed is appended. Robert Maclaren is again described as sub-manager of the Carron Iron Co. and his date of death at Bainsford confirmed as 11th August, 1826. Details of the case against the estate of Andrew Liddell are given. The executry shows that Margaret MacLaren married William Law, Glasgow, Janet still lived at Bainsford; and the younger sons, Andrew and Archibald were Ironmongers in London. The full text of the Post-Nuptial Contract between Robert MacLaren and Margaret Shaw is also given. Note A: Shaw The. baptism of Margaret Shaw is recorded at Falkirk- 1781 lst April I Margaret Shaw laul.dau. to James Shaw & Jean Cockbrurn. wit(nesses) John Swourbay (?) and John Russell. Other children registered to the same person are : Janet, baptized 13 May 1770 Catherine, baptized 27 June, 1773 (witnesses Including a Robert 5haw) Jean, baptized 27 October, 1776. The marriage of the parents is not registered at Falkirk, suggesting that they came there from elsewhere. suggesting that they came there from elsewhere. NOTE B: ANCESTRY OF ROBERT M.ACLAREN Robert MacLaren is known to have been born about 1778, but there is no suitable baptismal entry recorded in the Falkirk Registers. So far there has been no indication as to his parish of origin or parentage. It Is suggested that the following lines of enquiry be pursued - (a) In the Contract between Robert MacLaren and Margaret Shaw (see photostat copy) the Trustees appointed are Andrew Liddell "our beloved Brother" and Andrew Renny "our Brother-in-law". It might be helpful to establish the relationship of Andrew Liddell in particular, if he was related to the MacLarens. Even if the wife could be a clue, and it is possible that he was a brother uterine of Robert MacLaren. (b) In view of the Baptist persuasion of Robert MacLaren it is likely that he was the son of a Baptist Minister, Records of Baptists are not easily available but the line of enquiry can be followed up. (c) Now that it is known that Robert MacLaren was sub-manager of the Carron Co., it would seem worth while to re-open that line of investigation. The records of the Company are now deposited in Register House, Edinburgh, and though not yet available to the public (being uncatalogued) access could probably be arranged. Report Robert MacLaren of Bainsford Andrew Liddell, brother of Robert MacLaren, died at Bardowie House, parish of Baldernock on 15 November 1854. So far no record has been found of his death (Baldernock has no burial records) and it is most unfortunate that he did not survive till 1855 when the registration of births, marriages and deaths became compulsory in Scotland. However he left a Trust Settlement which at first sight appeared very helpful. This Trust was recorded in the Books of Council and Session but is also quoted in the Stirling Sheriff Court Register of Inventories Volume 36 page 122. The following genealogical information was extracted: Andrew Liddell married twice. His first wife was Janet Goodsir and her sister Mary Goodsir 'now residing in Largo in Fifeshire' is mentioned in the Settlement. His second wife was Jessie Peddie. There is a reference to an ante-nuptial contract of marriage dated 2 November 1829, but it is unlikely that this document was registered officially as the source would normally be given. Details are given of the McLaren family. He speaks of' his deceased brother uterine Robert McLaren, Clerk at Carron Iron works, and his widow, Margaret Shaw or McLaren. The children are also mentioned: James Shaw Mclaren now at Pittsburgh or elsewhere in the USA, Robert McLaren Gas Tube Manufacturer in Glasgow, Andrew McLaren, merchant in London, and Archibald McLaren 'presently Clerk with the said Robert Mclaren,' Janet McLaren living with her mother at Bainsford, and Margaret McLaren wife of William Law formerly Shoemaker in Dunfermline and now or lately Farmer at Brunton in Linlithgowshire. Andrew Liddell also makes bequests to the children of the late Andrew Renny, Sawyer at Carron, and of his first wife, Margaret McLaren who was Andrew Liddell's sister uterine. The children are: Michael Bruce Renny, Smith at Carron Iron works, Andrew Renny, Smith in Glasgow, Margaret Renny, wife of James Scott sawyer at at Carron, Jean Renny wife of William Telford, weaver or blockcutter at or near Pollokshaws, Robert Renny now or lately smith at Falkirk Foundry, Isabella Renny wife of Moses Neilson at Grahamston, Phoebe Renny, wife of Boston Harley dresser of iron goods at Carron, and Jessie Renny widow of Andrew Stewart shoemaker at Grahamston. Andrew Renny's second wife was Margaret Stevenson (they were married in 1819). Bequests are also made to the sons of his deceased uncle, William Liddell, Baker in Airth. The sons are: William Joiner residing in Glasgow, Alexander, baker at Airth, and Andrew who was mentally deficient and resided with his brother Alexander. He also leaves money to the children of his aunt, Mrs Mary Liddell, by her second marriage with James Dunn, farmer in Airth. The children are: James Dunn, Baker in Tradeston, Barbara Dunn or Shoels, widow of the late William Shoels, Nailer in Alloa, and Christiana Dunn or Galloway, wife of William Galloway, Carter in Calton of Glasgow. Several of the Peddie family are mentioned: Mrs Catherine Hodge or Peddie, widow of the late William Peddie, Secretary of the Insurance Co. of Scotland, Wilhelmina and Susan Peddie, his sisters in law residing with their brother in Edinburgh, William and Alexander Peddie, his brothers in law, Mary Peddie, spouse of Charles Arthur Secretary to the Edinburgh and Leith Ga Co. The trustees appointed by Andrew Liddell were: Patrick Wilson, Architect in Edinburgh (who appears to have been married to a Catherine Peddie, with children Robert, Catherine and William Wilson) John McAndrew, S.S.C. in Edinburgh, an old and valued friend. William James Duncan, manager of the National Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh. William Lockhart, formerly merchant in Kirkcaldy, now residing at Birkenhead, Cheshire, and married to an Eliz. Peddie. David Smith, Shoemaker in Glasgow. Alexander Hastie, Merchant in Glasgow Hugh Moncrieff, Writer in Glasgow (or his partner Adam Paterson, Writer there). There are several bequests to charity including Baptist organisations. A bequest to William Auld, Pastor of the Baptist Church in Brown Street, Glasgow, was later cancelled in a codicil to the settlement. This settlement was dated 15 November 1848. The codicil is dated 26 April 1851 and was written at Plean House, Stirlingshire. Unfortunately Andrew Liddell and his wife were not at Plean House (Parish of St. Ninians) during the 1851 Census Schedules and an attempt to find him at Bardowie House in Baldernock and at some of the premises he owned in Glasgow was unsuccessful. This was a great drawback as the Census would have produced an age and parish of birth. ......... Andrew Liddell's first marriage was recorded in Glasgow in 1820: Andrew Liddell, Merchant in Glasgow & Janet Goodsir Parish of Largo, Fifeshire, Married 11th Jany by Mr. Anstruther Taylor, Minister of Carnbee. The second marriage was recorded in Glasgow and Edinburgh, which last is quoted: Mr. Andrew Liddell, Ironmonger, Residing in Argyll Street in the City of Glasgow and Miss Jessie Peddie Residing in No. 12 Windmill Street in this Parish, Eldest Daughter of Mr William Peddie, Secretary to the Insurance Company of Scotland, Residing there, have been Three times proclaimed in order to marriage in the Parish Church of Saint Cuthberts and no Objections have been Offered. Married on the Third day of Nov. current by Henry David Dickie Pastor of the Baptist Congregation in Pleasance. With the aid of the Census Schedules it was discovered that Andrew Liddell's uncle, William Liddell, married Margaret Boyd in Airth on 13 December 1793. James Dunn and Mary Liddell were married 30 April 1789 in Airth. William Liddell died in Airth and was buried on 4 June 1837, but the age is left blank. A search for the possible birth of Andrew Liddell or Robert MacLaren in Airth was not successful. William Liddell left a will but it was not helpful as the executors were William Boyd, Farmer in Airth Mill and Peter Boyd, Farmer, Westfield. The document gives his date of death as 31 May 1837 and his children (living in 1835 ) as Margaret, Ann, Mary, William, Alexander and Andrew. (Stirling Sheriff Court: Register of Deeds Vol. 29, page 227 and Register of Inventories Vol. 17, page 503). On 24 August 1854 Alexander Liddell, Baker, Airth, gives Peter Boyd as Power of Attorney as he is thinking of going to Australia. (Stirling Sheriff Court Register of Deeds Vol. 29, page 225). Glasgow Sasines (in their abridged version) were examined 1781 - 1860 and although Andrew Liddell was concerned in several property deals he does not appear to have inherited any of the property from relatives. Then Stirlingshire Sasines were examined 1781 - 1830 and a new possibility appeared. On 24 November 1797 Andrew Liddell, Schoolmaster at Bainsford, and Margaret Laurie his spouse were seised in 6 falls of ground which were part of the lands of Mungall (Stirlingshire Particular Register of Sasines Vol. 34, page 526). Margaret Laurie can sell the land after the death of her husband Andrew Liddell 'if she should be under the necessity of so doing for her own and the child or children procreated of the marriage between her and the said Andrew Liddell their support & upbringing but not otherwise'. This could be taken as an indication that she had children by a first marriage. On 19 October 1814 Andrew Liddell, eldest lawful son of Andrew Liddell, schoolmaster at Bainsford, and Margaret Laurie, is seised in the above land which he sells again on 15 January 1817. (Stirlingshire Particular Register of Sasines Vol 7, page 209, and Vol. 75, page 210). The birth of Andrew Liddell was entered in the Falkirk parish registers: 2Oth (December 1789) C. Andrew lawl, P. Andrew Liddell Margaret Lawrie W John Robertson Daniel Miller Born lst Current. The marriage of the parents did not take place in Falkirk but was eventually found in the parish of Larbert June 10th 1786 Andrew Liddle & Margaret Laurie both in this parish gave up their names for proclamation. No other children were registered in Falkirk to this couple up to 1797. While there is no proof that Andrew Liddell and Margaret Laurie were the parents of Andrew Liddell, Ironmonger in Glasgow, the known facts would seem to fit the case fairly well. Unfortunately, however, a possible first marriage of Margaret Lawrie and ... McLaren was not found in Larbert (though there is a gap in the marriage register 1768 - 1775) and the birth of a Robert McLaren around 1778 to such parents was hot registered in Larbert. Success in finding an entry would of course depend very much on whether the McLarens lived in the Stirlingshire area or simply came there, after the birth of their children, from, some other part of Scotland. 4