SCT-EDINBURGH-L Archives

From: Graeme Boocock <>
Subject: Helen Vair
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 18:44:49 -0400
References: <200409300300.i8U30ra7023842@lists5.rootsweb.com>
In-Reply-To: <200409300300.i8U30ra7023842@lists5.rootsweb.com>

Hi Katherine,

I don't know too much about Helen Vair. I know she married her first
husband, James Turnbull, in 1783, and that the banns were read at
Edinburgh Parish. Her father is listed as "Alexander Vair". She must
have been born around 1763 and definitely before 1766, but I haven't
found any matching record. I think I'm going to go search for other
Vairs in the area born to an Alexander Vair father. That might provide
clues.

Anyway, Helen & James had at least three children, also baptised at
Edinburgh Parish:
Margaret Anderson Turnbull b: April 16, 1784
Jean Turnbull b: September 3, 1785
William Turnbull b: November 11, 1787

Margaret must have died before 1797 because she is not mentioned in the
marriage contract for Helen Vair's second marriage to Alexander Ferrie
(m: January 2, 1797 at Canongate). There were then at least four more
children: Mary, Helen & Grizzel Ferrie (all born before 1797 and out of
wedlock), and Thomas Brown Ferrie (born 1801-1802). I haven't been able
to find and of the relevant baptismal records for these children. I
think there is a gap in the Canongate records here.

Incidentally, on Thomas Brown Ferrie's death certificate his mother's
surname is listed as "Vere".

Graeme.

This thread:

• Helen Vair by Graeme Boocock <>