1871 Census – Ayrshire

Robert and Sarah Ballantyne had moved from Gairloch to Girvan in Ayrshire by the time of the 1871 census. They lived in the part of Girvan called Newton Kennedy, which is near the harbour and traditionally had a boatyard. Robert is a shepherd and is age 36 and Sarah is now 39 years old.

They have eight children. James is 16 and Robert is 13. They seem to have been born in Coylton, Ayrshire, where their mother was born. They don’t seem to be at school.

The twins, Walter, my 2x great grandfather, and John are now ten years old and are both at school. They, along with Helen, who is nine, were born in Gairloch.

Jane is 6 years old and was born in St. Quivox, near Ayr.

Andrew is 4 years old and was born in Monkton, near Ayr.

Ann is only one year old and was born in Girvan, South Ayrshire.

They live in a house with four rooms that has at least one window. Sarah had extended family members who lived around Ayr, so it is possible she went to be with a family member for the birth of her children.

Newton-Kennedy was so named after the laird of Dalquharran, to whom the land on that side the river belongs. The train from Ayr ended its journey at Newton-Kennedy.

1881 – Robert & Sarah Ballantyne

Robert and Sarah Ballantyne, my 3x great grand parents, had moved from Newton Kennedy to Barbae Cottage, south east of Girvan in Ayrshire by 1881. Robert was working as a shepherd, most probably at Barbae Farm, and five of their children were still living with them, Andrew, 13, Ann, 11, Alexander, 8, Agnes 5, and Peter, 3 years old.