Ten Bonnet Lairds A `bonnet laird` was a farmer who physically worked his land ie he was not an absentee landlord relying on the labour of others. This file is a 10 generations line of William Orr, compiled from copy notes which seem to be extracts from the Cairn of Lochwinnoch, Andro Craefurd [ Crawford] […]

This is a black and white line drawing of a crest used by William Orr of Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, as a quality seal on fine linen that he produced. Click here for a link to the colour coats of arms. Other crests that have been used by Orrs A Lion passant, proper, resting dexter on […]

A local historian`s view The following extract from Elizabeth Anderson`s “History of Lochwinnoch” adds further to our knowledge of Orr. She resided (1993) at Warlock Gates Farm, Lochwinnoch and then a lady of mature years, she was an acknowledged authority on local history. ” You would perhaps note that Blair is still in the Kerse, […]

THE ORR ROOTS What the experts say. Edward MacLysaght states that the name derives from the parish of Orr ( Urr )  in Kirkcudbrightshire. It is also the name of an old Renfrewshire family and is most common in the west of Renfrewshire and in particular in the parish of Lochwinnoch. Mac Giolla Domhnaigh claims […]

Orrs residing in Beith Parish 1881Census  Name Address   Occupation Status Age Year born Place born Agnes 2&4 Whang St.   Grocer W 62 1819 Dalry Jessie Gibson 2&4 Whang St. Dtr   U 39 1842 Beith Agnes 2&4 Whang St. Dtr   U 23 1858 Beith Mary 2&4 Whang St. Dtr   U 23 […]

17th century Orr interments in the Greyfriars Kirk Yard, Edinburgh. Chr. Name   Date interred Spouse Father Note Margaret ORR 27 Aug 1661 Robert SALMOND   Spouse merchant at head of West Bow. John ORR 16 Mar 1666   Thomas ORR Son of Thomas Orr, brewer. Thomas ORR 19 Aug 1666     Brewer.   […]

A contemporary letter from Mary McCracken to her brother referring to the trial of William Orr. Cited in “The Life and Times of Mary Ann McCracken” by Mary McNeill. Sept. 27, 1797 We are informed [wrote Mary to Harry] that Bills of Indictment were found at Carrick Assizes against all the State Prisoners who are […]

Orrs residing in Lochwinnoch Parish 1881 Census. Name Address   Occupation Status Age Year born Place born Thomas Belltrees Farm   Farm servant M 42 1839 Lochwinnoch Margaret Belltrees Farm Wife   M 34 1847 Kilbirnie Thomas Belltrees Farm Son School U 15 1866 Lochwinnoch Janet Belltrees Farm Dtr School U 14 1867 Lochwinnoch Annie […]

Galloway in the seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Extracts from William Mackenzie ” The History of Galloway from the earliest period to the present time.” (1841). Mackenzie`s History is a very thorough review of Galloway  ( the county of Wigtonshire and the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright) from pre Roman times through to the early nineteenth century.  […]

Orrs residing in Wigtownshire 1881 Census. Jane  House Kirkcolm, Wigtown.   Dairy maid U 22 1859 Stoneykirk Ann 35 High St, Kirkowen, Wigtown   Washerwoman U 47 1834 Kirkcowan John Smallmuir, Kirkinner Wigtown   Farmer 153 ac M 59 1822 Mochrum Jane Smallmuir, Kirkinner Wigtown Wife   M 34 1847 Anwoth Jane Smallmuir, Kirkinner Wigtown […]

Orr properties in Lochwinnoch 1818. From “A General Description of the Shire of Renfrew. Geo Crawfurd 1710, updated Geo. Robertson 1818. Barony Lands Proprietor Valued  rent £   s   d Castlesempill Part of Sheills William Orr   10 10.1/2 Gavin & Risk Risk William Orr 45 6 8 Barr Part Westhills William Orr 29 […]

Orrs residing in Kilbirnie 1881 Census. Name Address   Occupation Status Age Year born Place born Andrew Townhead   Power loom twister M 41 1840 Kilbirnie Elizabeth Townhead Wife   M 38 1843 Port William,Wigtown Robina Townhead Dt Reeler U 17 1864 Kilbirnie Jane Townhead Dtr Winder U 14 1867 Kilbirnie Elizabeth Townhead Dtr School […]

Further Reading. I am often asked for information about books on certain topics and where they may be found. On this page I  am happy to list  books that I have come across that provide information. I would, however, make a distinction between historical information and data that might be useful to a family history […]

The parishes of Dumfriesshire  and the year Registers commenced in each parish Parish Year Parish Year Annan 1703 Kirkconnel 1742 Applegarth & Sibbaldie 1749 Kirkmahoe 1720 Caerlaverock 1749 Kirkmichael 1727 Canonbie 1693 Kirkpatrick Fleming 1748 Closeburn 1765 Kirkpatrick Juxta 1694 Cummertrees 1733 Langholm 1668 Dalton 1723 Lochmaben 1741 Dornock 1773 Middlebie 1744 Dryfesdale 1732 Moffat […]