Ancestry 

 

                        

McMath Genealogy

 

GEN I

William MCMATH was born in Scotland circa 1764. He was a Stocking Weaver in Portsburgh, Edinburgh and died in Scotland. He Married Janet PURDIE on the 27th June 1783 at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh. Janet was born on the 28th August 1763, West Calder, Midlothian to Robert Purdie, Carrier and Mary Walker. William and Janet had the following four children:

  

GEN II

  1. Robert MCMATH – Born on the 29th Feb 1784 in Biggar Lanarkshire, Scotland. He married Janet SCOTT on the 8th Aug 1819 in Arbroath, Angus. Robert was a Stocking Manufacturer and Spirits Dealer in Dundee and died on the 18th Dec 1845 at Blackscroft, Dundee, Scotland.

  2. William MCMATH– Born on the 10th Feb 1786 in Glasgow, Scotland. He was a Mason by trade and married Helen DOIG on the 21st May 1824 in Glasgow. Helen was born in 1799 St Vigeans to parents David Doig and Isobel Lorimer. William died on the 19th Nov 1837 at St Vigeans, Angus aged 51 years. William and Helen had the following five children:

    1. Unamed child - Born in 1828.
    2. Alexander Anderson McMath - Born on the 28th May 1828, Arbroath, Angus.
    3. George McMath - Born on the 19th December 1830, Arbroath, Angus.
    4. Margaret Adam McMath - Born on the 21st August 1833, Arbroath, Angus. Tow Spinner. Married William Gay in Auckland, New Zealand on the 7th June 1861.
    5. Helen Hastings McMath - Born on the 12th April 1836, Dundee. Flax Spinner Sifter.  

  3. Mary MCMATH – Born on the 24th May 1789 in Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland. No other details are known about Mary.

  4. John MCMATH– Born in 1795 in Scotland. He was a Stocking Maker by trade and married Janet ELLIOT circa 1820. He died on the 27th Dec 1834 in Hawick, Roxboroughshire, Scotland, aged 39 years, and is buried at St Mary’s churchyard in Hawick.  John and Janet had the following seven children:

    1. Margaret McMath - Born on the 3rd April 1820, Hawick, Roxburghshire.
    2. William McMath - Born on the 10th December 1822, Hawick, Roxburghshire. William went onto have children who started the Canadian and American branches of the McMath family. Married Rachel Laidlaw in 1849, Hawick. Died on the 18th July 1885 in Selkirk, Scotland.
    3. Robert Elliott McMath - Born on the 1st January 1824, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Moved to Australia in 1852 and established the Australian branch of the McMath family. Married Mary Ann Kelly in 1868, New Zealand. Died on the 24th September 1896 in Melbourne, Australia.
    4. Janet Purdie McMath - Born on the 3rd March 1826, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Married Alexander Bryson in 1849, Annan, Dumfries. Died on the 30th December 1873, Selkirk, Scotland.
    5. Agnes Pirie McMath - Born on the 15th October 1829, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Married James Hodgson in 1855, Hawick.
    6. Helen McMath - Born in 1832, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Married George Turnbull in 1852, Wilton, Scotland.
    7. Joan McMath - Born in 1835, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Married John Anderson in 1854, Hawick.

William is listed in the Edinburgh Post Office Directories as a Stocking Maker at Sciennes Street, Edinburgh for the years 1810 to 1822. After 1822 he disappears ....

Little is known about William and Janet McMath, but they both died before the census was taken in 1841.

 

GEN II

Robert MCMATH  - the oldest son of William MCMATH and Janet PURDIE was born on the 29th Feb 1784 in Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He married Janet SCOTT on the 8th Aug 1819 in Arbroath, Angus. Janet was born on the 8th Oct 1786 in Wilton, Roxboroughshire to John Scott and Betty Martin. Robert was a Stocking Manufacturer and Spirits Dealer in Dundee, and they had the following four children:

 

 GEN III

  1. Euphemia MCMATH – Born on the 23rd Nov 1819 in Arbroath, Angus. She was baptised on the 15th December in Arbroath and married John MILNE who was a Flax Dresser on the 11th Nov 1837 in Glamis. John was the son of Andrew Miln and Isobel Duncan. Euphemia died on the 23rd Aug 1861 from typhus fever at Blackscroft, Dundee aged 42 years, tragically her husband John died of typhus fever only 6 weeks later. They left 9 children. Their burial places are unknown.  John and Euphemia had the following 9 children:

    1. Robert McMath Milne - Born in 1838, Dundee. Seaman and China Merchant. Died on the 11th June 1893, Fife.
    2. Eliza Milne - Born in 1841, Glamis.
    3. Isabel Duncan Milne - Born on the 5th Feb 1841, Glamis.
    4. John Milne - Born on the 18th Apr 1843, Glamis.
    5. Janet McMath Milne - Born on the 23rd Jul 1845, Glamis.
    6. James Fud Milne - Born on the 23rd Apr 1848, Glamis.
    7. William McMath Milne - Born in 1852, Dundee.
    8. Jane Milne - Born in 1855, Dundee. Factory Worker.
    9. Andrew Milne - Born on the 1st Jan 1860, Dundee.

  2. William MCMATH – Born on the 13th Oct 1821 in Arbroath, Angus. William was a Ships Carpenter, Ship Wright and Night Watchman by trade and married Margaret DAND on the 14th Dec 1849 in Dundee. William died on the 6th Jan 1902 at the Parochial Hospital in Dundee. He died of a cerebral haemorrhage and pneumonia aged 80 years. William was buried on the 8th Jan 1902 at the Eastern Cemetery in Dundee, section FF, lair 298. He is buried with his wife Margaret who died on the 7th May 1902. William and Margaret had the following seven children:

    1. Jessie McMath - Born in 1851, Dundee. Died on the 21st Jan 1851, Dundee.
    2. Johann McMath - Born in 1853, Dundee.
    3. Jane McMath - Born in 1854, Dundee.
    4. David Dand McMath - Born on the 15th Jul 1855 Dundee. Married Annie Morris in 1886, USA. Died on the 16th Oct 1935, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, USA.
    5. William McMath - Born on the 17th Apr 1857m Dundee. Died before 1859.
    6. William McMath - Born on the 11th Aug 1859, Dundee. Carter by trade. Married Sarah McDonald. Newspaper report stated that Sarah stole a bed cover from he mother in law's house in Meadowside, Dundee, which was occupied by William McMath on the 24th AUgust 1882. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 7 days in prison. William made it clear that he woudl not be responsible for debts collected by sarah in another newspaper article dated 19th September 1892, 108 Murraygate, Dundee.
    7. Annie Dunsmore McMath - Born on the 16th Oct 1863, Dundee. Emmigrated to the USA on the 5th May 1903.

  3. John Scott MCMATH – Born on the 15th Apr 1823 in Arbroath, Angus. John was a Spinning, Flax and Jute Mill Overseer, and later to become a Bakers Shopman. He married Ann MORTIMER on the 11th Aug 1843 in Dundee. Ann was born on the 27th May 1821 in Dundee.John died on the 12th June 1896 in Dundee.

  4. Janet / Jessie MCMATH – Born on the 30th Dec 1824 in Arbroath, Angus. Janet was a Flax Spinner and Dressmaker and married James LAMOND, a Cloth Packer on the 26th Aug 1853 in Dundee. Janet died on the 12th Feb 1893 at Crescent Lane, Dundee. She died of chronic bronchitis aged 67 years. Janet was buried on the 15th Feb 1893 in the Eastern Cemetery, Dundee, section D, lair 285. She is buried with her husband James who died in 1874. Janet and James had the following five children:

    1. Donald Lamond - Born on the 28th Apr 1856, Dundee. Baker.
    2. Robert Milne Lamond - Born on the 1st Feb 1859, Dundee.
    3. James Lamond - Born on the 20th May 1861, Dundee, Ship Wright.
    4. Janet Scott Lamond - Born on the 13th Dec 1863, Dundee.
    5. Alexander Lamond - Born on the 18th Jun 1865m Dundee.

Robert and Jannet lived in Arbroath and then moved to the Blackscroft area of  Dundee. On the 1841 census they are listed as living at Blackscroft Creighton’s Land, Dundee. Robert died at Blackscroft on the 18th Dec 1845 of paralysis aged 64 years. He was buried on the 21 Dec 1845 at the New Howff Cemetery, Dundee, Plot 1356 Section A. Janet died at Blackscroft on the 31st August 1853 from inflammation of the bowels aged 72 years. She was buried on the 4th September 1853 at the New Howff Cemetery, Dundee, Plot 785, Section B.

Sadly the New Howff Cemetery was built on in the 1960’s and a car park now stands in its place.

January 1847 the Will & Testament of Robert McMath, Stocking Manufacturer & Spirits Dealer at Blackscroft, is read that he left Jannet £20 (in todays money).  Upon talking to a Scottish will expert, this was an inventory of Robert McMath’s estate. Robert died without making a will, and Janet was appointed by the court as executor. The inventory simply consists of Robert’s household furniture and possessions. This is unusual as the deceased mentions no debts or anything owing or owed, nor money invested in some form. Janet it would seem was in need of money.

 

GEN III

John Scott MCMATH– The third child and second son of Robert McMath and Jannet Scott was born on the 15th Apr 1823 in Arbroath. John was a Spinning, Flax and Jute Mill Overseer, later to become a Bakers Shopman in partnership with his son William trading as “John McMath & Son“ at 6 Blackscroft, Dundee. He married Ann MORTIMER, Mill Spinner, daughter of William Mortimer and Ann Malcolm, on the 11th Aug 1843 in Dundee. Ann was born on the 27th May 1821 in Dundee. They had the following eleven children:

 

GEN IV

  1. Janet MCMATH – Born on the 14th Oct 1843 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Died in 1853. Her burial place in unknown – but suspected to be buried at the Howff Cemetery.

  2. Ann MCMATH – Born on the 3rd Sep 1845 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Died before 1851. Her death date and burial place are unknown - but suspected to be buried at the Howff Cemetery.

  3. Euphemia MCMATH – Born on the 6th June 1847 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Euphemia was a flax mill worker and married John BREMNER in 1877. She died in 1926 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Euphemia and John had the following six children:

    1. Ann Mortimer Bremner - Born in 1879, Sutherland.
    2. John McMath Bremner - Born in 1880, Liverpool.
    3. William McMath Bremner - Born in 1881, Liverpool.
    4. Samuel McMath Bremner - Born in 1884, Liverpool.
    5. Ernest Bremner - Born in 1886, Liverpool.
    6. Margaret Ritchie Bremner - Born in 1889, Liverpool

  4. Robert MCMATH – Born on the 21st July 1849 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Robert was a Power Loom Mechanic and married Jessie FYFE on the 6th Aug 1874 in Forfar. He died on the 7th Feb 1929 in Forfar, Angus.     See Fyfe Genealogy.
     
  5. William Mortimer MCMATH – Born on the 2nd June 1851 at Blackscroft, Dundee. William did not marry and was a Master Baker with his father trading as “John McMath & Son” at 6 Blackscroft, Dundee. William died in 1925 and is buried at the Eastern Cemetery, Dundee section FF, lair 1036 on the 9th Sep 1925. He is buried with his father John and sister Elizabeth McMath.

  6. John MCMATH – Born on the 3rd Aug 1853 at Blackscroft, Dundee. John was an Iron Ship Builder and left for Australia when he was young. He did not marry and is believed to be lost at sea... upon further investigation we found that John left for Australia around 1883. He became a Cane Farmer in New South Wales, and as far as we can see did not marry or have any children. Sadly at the age of 45 he died as the following newspaper report states...   

    " The district coroner, Mr E. Ross, J P, held an inquest at the Ballina Hotel, on Monday, touching the death of John McMath, a farmer at Emmigrant Creek, whose body was found floating in the river at the western end of River Street on Saturday afternoon. McMath came into town early in the week by boat, and on Tuesday he was missed, but his boat was found by the police at Hogan’s Wharf tied up in the same was as moored by McMath. A search was made by no tidings of the missing man could be found. The river was dragged in the vicinity of the boar but without success. On Saturday afternoon the body was observed floating with the tide. A verdict of found drowned was returned. There was no evidence to show how the deceased fell into the water. Deceased was a middle aged man and has relatives in Scotland. "  

    Saturday 18th June 1898 - Northern Star, Lismore, NSW


  7. Mary MCMATH – Born on the 2nd Aug 1855 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Mary died on the 11th Sep 1859 at Blackscroft from water in the chest aged 4 years. The informant of her death was her aunt Euphemia Milne, and she is buried in the New Howff Cemetery in Dundee, Plot 378, Section B.

  8. Elizabeth MCMATH – Born on the 3rd Apr 1858 in Dundee. Elizabeth was a Shop Assistant, did not marry, and died on the 15th January 1937 of myocardial degeneration (old age).  She was buried on the 19th Jan 1937 aged 78 at the Eastern Cemetery, Dundee section FF, lair 1036. She is buried with her father John and her brother William McMath.

  9. Margaret MCMATH – Born on the 29th Aug 1860 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Jute Weaver.  Married James Simpson on the 28th Nov 1884 in Dundee. Margaret and James had the following eight children and emmigrated to Michigan, USA in 1913. Margaret died in 1944 aged 84 years, and is buried with her husband James at the Battle Creek Memorial Cemetery.

    1. John McMath Simpson - Born in 1886, Dundee. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1908. Machinist.
    2. Jane Ann Simpson - Born in 1890, Dundee. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1913. Waitress.
    3. William McMath Simpson - Born 2nd Feb 1891, Aberdeen. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1923. Enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces during WW1. Machinist. Died 21st Sep 1974.
    4. James Simpson - Born in 1894, Aberdeen.
    5. Samuel McMath Simpson - Born in 1896, Aberdeen. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1913. Machinist on the steam railroad.
    6. Grace Elizabeth Simpson - Born in 1899, Aberdeen. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1913. Died in 1932.
    7. Mabel R Simpson - Born in 1900, Aberdeen, Emmigrated to Michigan in 1913.
    8. Dr Robert S Simpson - Born 24th Aug 1904, Aberdeen. Emmigrated to Michigan in 1913. Physician.

  10. Samuel Mortimer MCMATH – Born on the 22nd Aug 1863 at Blackscroft,  Dundee. Samuel was a Van Driver and married Jemima KENNETH in 1897 in Dundee. Samuel died on the 27th September 1930 of myocardial degeneration (old age) aged 67 years. He was buried on the 1st Oct 1930 at the Eastern Cemetery, Dundee with his wife Jemima in section FF, lair 1037. Samuel and Jemima had the following two children:

    1. Jane McMath - Born in 1899, Dundee.
    2. Ann Mortimer McMath - Born in 1901, Dundee.

  11. Mary Ann MCMATH – Born on the 9th May 1866 at Blackscroft, Dundee.  Mary Ann was a Flax Spinner and married James MITCHELL in 1889. She died on the 10th June 1939 of myocardial degeneration (old age) aged 73 years. She was buried on the 13th June 1939 at the Eastern Cemetery in Dundee with her husband James in section FF, lair 478. Mary Ann and James had the following 5 children:

    1. Jane Roger Mitchell - Born on the 9th Dec 1889, Dundee. Emmigrated to NSW, Australia.
    2. James Mitchell - Born in 1893, Dundee. Died on the 25th Apr 1895, Dundee.
    3. John McMath Mitchell - Born in 1896, Dundee. Emmigrated to the USA.
    4. Ann M Mitchell - Born in 1899, Dundee. Emmigrated to NZ.
    5. Unamed child - Still born, buried on the 17th Aug 1908, Dundee.

John and Ann lived in the Blackscroft area of Dundee for over 50 years. John and William’s Bakery business was declared bankrupt in February 1885. Ann died on the 23rd Nov 1886 at 6 Blackscroft. She died of apoplexy (stroke) aged 65 years, and is buried with her sister Helen Mortimer and brother William Mortimer at the Eastern Cemetery in Dundee, section F, lair 114.

Blackscroft, Dundee

John died on the 12th June 1896 at 48 Constable Street, Dundee. He died from cardiac disease aged 71 years, and is buried with his son William McMath and daughter Elizabeth McMath at the Eastern Cemetery in Dundee, section FF, lair 1036. John was buried on the 15th June 1896.

 

GEN IV

Robert MCMATH – The fourth eldest child of John MCMATH and Ann MORTIMER was born on the 20th July 1849 at Blackscroft, Dundee. Robert was a Jute Mill Worker, Power Loom Mechanic and an Iron Turner. He married Jessie FYFE, factory worker and daughter to George Fyfe, Linen Manufacturer, and Mary Doig, on the 6th Aug 1874 in Forfar, Angus. Jessie was born in 1851 in Forfar, Angus.  They had the following children:

 

GEN V

  1. Mary Ann MCMATH ( Nancy ) – Born on the 3rd Nov 1875 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar. Mary Ann did not marry and was a Housekeeper, Nanny & Dressmaker. She died at 6 Canmore Street, Forfar on the 8th Feb 1943. She died of a cerebral haemorrhage aged 67 years, and is buried at the Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar, Plot A/488/1.


  2. Euphemia MCMATH ( Phem ) – Born on the 1st Nov 1877 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar. Euphemia did not marry and was a Teacher at the Forfar East Burgh School. She died on the 30th June 1948 in Cheam, Surrey, aged 71 years, where she lived with her sister Isabel.


  3. George Fyfe MCMATH – Born on the 7th Nov 1879 at 17 Backwynd, Forfar. Carpenter & cabinet maker. Married Agnes GELLATLY on the 28th July 1903 in Oakland, California. George heard of his uncle John's emmigration to Auistralia and decided to go out there to join him. George travelled to Australia via the US, when he heard about his uncle's untimely death. Because of this he stayed in Oakland, California and settled there in 1902. George died on the 22nd June 1953 in Oakland, California aged 74 years.


  4. Robert Fyfe MCMATH – Born on the 27th March 1882 at 17 Backwynd, Forfar. Robert was a Solicitor – McMath & Co, 79 Regent Street, Glasgow. Married Mary WYPER in 1915, Lanark. In 1942 he was struck off as a solicitor and was given 3 years penal servitude. Robert died on the 2nd July 1947 in Glasgow aged 65 years.


  5. Isabel Barry Fyfe MCMATH ( Belle ) – TWIN - Born on the 14th March 1886 at 17 Backwynd, Forfar. Headmistress at Lochgelly School. Married Forbes MASTERTON in 1915, Forfar. Forbes Masterton died in WW1 and Belle married again to Sidney MINNS. Belle died on the 17th Apr 1978 in Cheam, Surrey aged 92 years, where she lived with her sister Euphemia.  TWIN


  6. John Scott MCMATH – TWIN - Born on the 14th March 1886 at 17 Backwynd, Forfar. John died on the 7th Jan 1888 at 17 Backwynd,  Forfar. He died of measles with croupe aged 22 months. John Scott was buried at the Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar, Plot A/488/1.


  7. David Fyfe MCMATH – Born on the 24th Oct 1889 at 17 Queen Street,  Forfar. Captain in the Royal Field Artillery 1914-1919. Minister at St David’s Church, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow. Married Christina Jamieson CARGILL on the 6th August 1915 in Forfar. David died on the 4th Sep 1962 in Kirkintilloch aged 73 years.


  8. Charles Milne Fyfe MCMATH – Born on the 29th July 1893 at 17 Queen Street, Forfar. Shopkeeper. 2nd Lieutenant Tank Corps 1915-1919 France. Charles married Jessie McKinnon and was a shopkeeper by trade. Charles died on the 16th Jan 1941 in Droitwich aged 48 years, and was buried at the Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar, Plot A/488/1

After their marriage in 1874, Robert & Jessie lived at 17 Backwynd, Forfar. The road name was then changed to Queen Street and they lived here for over 30 years. Robert died on the 7th Feb 1929 at 6 Canmore Street, Forfar. He died of an aneurism of the aorta and angina aged 79 years. He is buried in the Newmonthill Cemetery, Forfar with his wife Jessie, Plot A/488/1.

McMath family in 1901 
Top row, left to right - Mary Ann, Robert, George & David
Bottom row - left to right -  Isabel, Robert McMath, Jessie McMath ( Fyfe ), Charles & Euphemia

Jessie died on the 23rd Feb 1936 at 6 Canmore Street, Forfar. She died of a coronary thrombosis aged 85 years. She is buried at the Newmonthill cemetery in Forfar with her husband Robert.

 

GEN V

David Fyfe MCMATH– the seventh eldest child of Robert McMath and Jessie Fyfe. David Fyfe McMath was born on the 24th Oct 1889 in Forfar and became a Minister at St David’s Church, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow. He married Christina Jamieson CARGILL (Ina), daughter of Alexander Cargill, Master Builder, and Jane Callendar, on the 6th August 1915 at Forfar. They had the following children:

 

GEN VI

  1. Ian Forbes MACMATH – Born on the 3rd July 1917 at Canmore Park, Forfar. Ian was a doctor and married Mary Jean BARRETT on the 1st Sep 1947 at Dunblane Cathedral. Ian died on the 10th June 2000 at Grantown on Spey aged 83 years.

  2. Ronald Alexander MCMATH – Born on the 27th September 1919 at Sorn, Ayr. Ronald served with the Royal Artillery in the 2nd World War and made Captain in 1946. Ronald was a solicitor - Wadell Paterson & McMath, Rutherglen and also the Burgh Prosecutor in Kirkintilloch. He married Margaret Banks. He died on the 1st Jan 1974 at Rutherglen, Glasgow aged 55 years, and was buried at the Daldowie Crematorium.

  3. Margaret Callandar Cargill MCMATH – Born on the 4th April 1922 at Sorn, Ayr. Margaret married Sydney LEIGHTON-SMITH on the 1st June 1942 at St David’s Church, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, and was married by her father the Minister David Fyfe McMath. Margaret died on the 25th Nov 1963 in Glasgow aged 41 years. Sidney died some time before, and their twin daughters Morag and Wendy were brought up by Margaret’s parents David & Christina McMath.


David went to school at the Forfar Academy, and later went on to St Andrew's University where he was awarded a Master of Arts in 1911, and a Batchelor of Divinity in 1914.
He trained to be a Minister and was licensed by the Presbytery of Forfar in 1914.

During WWI David was a Captain in the Royal Field Artillery 1914-1919. He joined the Gordon Highlanders in 1914 as a Combatant Officer and was awarded the Military Cross on the 31st July 1917.  In 1919 David was ordained and living at Kirkside House in Sorn, Ayrshire with his family. He was inducted to the charge of St David’s Church, Kirkintilloch in 1924, and was the Minister here for 36 years living at the Manse, Bellvue Road. Overall he was a Minster and Servant for 42 years, Baille at Kirkintillioch, and a member of the Town Council for 17 years, 


 “As an angler Mr McMath held the record for the heaviest salmon ever taken from the Forth ( 42 lbs ), and his skills at rug making was well known”.

"One of the most eloquent and engaging preachers the burgh has ever seen "

Wedding of Christina Jamieson Cargill and David Fyfe McMath

David died on the 4th September 1962 at Kirkintilloch, Glasgow. Ina moved to Wiltshire and resided in an old peoples home in Semington, so she was near to her son Forbes ( who lived in Trowbridge at the time ). Ina died in 1977 and was interred at Haycombe Cemetery, Bath.

 

FYFE GENEALOGY

 

GEN I

John Fife ( birth unknown ), married Ann Torn on the 5th June 1773 in Forfar. Ann was born on the 3rd Feb 1754 in Forfar to James Torn. John was a Maltman by trade in Forfar and with Ann had the following ten children:

 

GEN II

  1. James – born 19th February 1777, Forfar.

  2. Margaret – born 8th February 1780, Forfar.

  3. John – born 7th December 1781, Forfar. Linen Manufacture. Married Elizabeth Milne in 1806, and died on the 18th November 1845 in Forfar.

  4. Archibald – born 28th December 1784, Forfar. Died in 1789, Forfar.

  5. Robert – born 4th May 1786, Forfar, Died 12th December 1825, Forfar.

  6. Ann - born 1786, Forfar. Married John Easton on the 8th April 1809, Forfar. Ann died in 1851. Ann and John had the following three children:

    1. James - born 1810, Forfar.
    2. John - botn 1812, Forfar.
    3. Ann - born 1819, Forfar.

  7. Jannett – born 17th June 1788, Forfar.

  8. Alexander – born 19th December 1790, Forfar. TWIN

  9. Archibald – born 19th December 1790, Forfar. TWIN Archibald married Isobel Baxter on the 17th Sep 1814, Forfar. They had the following three children:

    1. Jane - born 1815, Montrose.
    2. John - born 1818, Montrose.
    3. Ann - born 1821, Forfar.

  10. George – born 16th November 1792, Forfar. Died 1794, Forfar.

  11. George – born 2nd December 1795, Forfar. Died 1834 in Edinburgh.

 

GEN II

John Fyfe was born on the 7th December 1781 in Forfar to parents John Fife and Ann Torn. John was a Linen Manufacturer by trade and married Elizabeth Milne on the 13th December 1806 in Forfar. Elizabeth was born on the 17th November 1779 in Forfar to parents Robert Milne and Elizabeth Roch. John and Elizabeth had the following ten children:

 

GEN III

 

  1. James – born 2nd September 1807, Forfar. Died 7th May 1810 in Tannadice.

  2. Robert – born 2nd September 1807, Forfar. Died 6th March 1812, Tannadice.

  3. Charles – born 5th October 1809, Forfar. Died 25th December 1869, Tannadice. Farmer of 460 acres at Nether Balgilo. Buried at Tannadice Parish Church.

  4. John – born 6th May 1811, Forfar. Linen Manufacturer. Died 24th November 1846, Tannadice. John married Isobel Black on the 9th July 1837, Forfar. John adn Isobel had the following child:

    1. David Whyte - born  16th Jan 1837, Forfar

  5. Elizabeth – born 11th March 1813, Forfar. Died 9th March 1816, Tannadice.

  6. Mary – born 11th March 1813, Forfar. Died 5th April 1818, Tannadice.

  7. George – born 10th March 1815, Fordar. Linen Manufacturer. Married Mary Doig on the 28th Feb 1845, died in Forfar on the 28th August 1878.

  8. Isabella Barry  - born 25th February 1820, Forfar. Died 18th March 1907 at Milne Hall, Forfar from senile decay. Isabella built Mylne Hall on land which he mother had inherited.

  9.  James – born 21st November 1822, Forfar. Died 1st March 1827, Tannadice.

  10. Janet – born 4th September 1816, Forfar. Died 24th February 1857, Tannadice. Married John Hood, and had the following children:

    1. John - born 1845, Tannadice.
    2. Isabella - born 1851, Tannadice.

Five out of John and Elizabeth’s ten children died under the age of six. The age of the industrial revolution led to over crowding and a dramatic rise in infant mortality.

In 1841, John and Elizabeth were living with their family at Backwynd in Forfar. John was listed as a Linen Manufacturer.

Elizabeth died on the 2nd June 1842 and is buried in Tannadice. John died on the 18th November at Tannadice Parish Church with his wife.

  

GEN III

George Fyfe was born on the 10th March 1815 in Forfar, to parents John Fyfe and Elizabeth Milne. George was a Linen Manufacturer and Cattle Dealer by trade and married Mary Doig, Linen Hand Loom Weaver, on the 28th December 1845 in Forfar. Mary was born on the 25th April 1823 to parents Charles Doig & Mary Hay. George and Mary had the following 10 children:

 

GEN IV

  1. John – born 1847, Backwynd, Forfar. John died on the 28th May 1859 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar of Scarlatina. His father George was the informant. Buried at Newmonthill, Cemetery Forfar.

  2. Charles – born 1849, Backwynd, Forfar. Charles died on the 26th December 1867 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar of Pulmonary Consumption. His father was the informant. Buried at Newmonthill, Cemetery Forfar.

  3. Jessie – born 1st August 1851, Backwynd, Forfar. Jessie was a factory worker and married Robert McMath on the 6th August 1874 in Forfar. Jessie died on the 23rd Feb 1936 in Forfar.   See McMath Genealogy.

  4. Elizabeth – born 1853, Backwynd, Forfar. Elizabeth died on the 7th June 1856 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar of Pneumonia. Her father George was the informant. Buried at Newmonthill, Cemetery Forfar.

  5. Robert – born 1855, Backwynd, Forfar. Law Clerk. Married Agnes Japp Fyfe ( daughter of David Whyte Fyfe ).

  6. George – born 8th May 1857, Backwynd, Forfar.

  7. Isabella – born 22nd October 1859, Backwynd, Forfar

  8. Mary Ann – born 7th April 1862, Backwynd, Forfar. Married to Rev W D Morris. Died 28th April 1906 at Hownam Manse, Kelso. Buried at Tannadice Parish Church.

  9. Thomas – born 20th May 1864, Backwynd, Forfar. Died on the 13th September 1865 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar of disease of the brain and convulsions. His father George was the informant. Buried at Newmonthill, Cemetery Forfar.

  10. Elizabeth – born 24th November 1866, Backwynd, Forfar. Died on the 27th December 1869 at 7 Backwynd, Forfar from Scarlatina. Her father George was the informant.  Buried at Newmonthill, Cemetery Forfar.

Five out of ten of George and Mary’s children died at a young age, again due to the high mortality rate of this time.

For over 30 years George and Mary lived at 7 Backwynd in Forfar. George’s occupations included a Warper, Cow Feeder and a Tow & Flax Weaver.

George died on the 28th August 1878 at 8 Backwynd, Forfar. He died of Bright’s Disease of the Kidneys aged 60 years. George is buried at the Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar, Plot A/488/1 with his daughter Jessie Fyfe and many McMath family members. Mary lived with her daughter Jessie and Robert McMath at 17 Queen Street, living on private means. Mary died on the 19th August 1908 at 13 New Road, Forfar, She died of a cerebral thrombosis aged 79 years and is buried with her husband at the Newmonthill Cemetery in Forfar, Plot A/488/1.

The gravestone at Newmonthill, Forfar reads as follows:

“George Fyfe, Manufacturer of Forfar, died 18th August 1878 aged 62, also his children John, Betsy, Isabella, Thomas and Elizabeth who died in infancy. Also Charles who died 1869, George who died 1877, Marianne who died 1906 and his wife Mary Doig who died 29th August 1908”.

We would love to hear from anybody who has any further information regarding our ancestors featured on the website, don't hesitate to contact us at   emily@macmath.net