Grosart

[Troupman]

Are any listers currently researching Grosart? I am particularly interested in the surname in Falkirk and surrounding areas. My line goes back to Thomas Grosart a Canal Agent on the Forth and Clyde Canal at Grangemouth and his wife Margaret Morrison both passing circa 1850 before registration,

I have come across two distinct families of Grosart in Falkirk and cannot link them - would be delighted if someone has already done this or proved that they are not related. The other family farmed at Bottom in Falkirk.

The surname although not popular is found in Stirlingshire, the Borders, and Ayrshire (more recently). I have collected a lot of data on the surname all Scottish lines but am most interested in the Falkirk branches

Any ifo or help would be greatly appreciated

Robert

[Hibee]

Hi Robert

Have you checked on here? http://freecen.rootsweb.com/cgi/search.pl

(Set year to 1841, and surname to Grosart)

Hibee

[AndrewP]

Hi Robert,

I have one Grossart who married into the Downs branch of my family tree.

Robert Downs (c1773-18??) married Jane Grossart (17??-18??) in 1799 in Falkirk parish. They produced three children that I know of: Janet Downs (c1806-1875), Mary Downs (c1809-1860) and Robert Downs (c1815-1867). That is as far as I have explored the Gros(s)art surname.

All the best,

AndrewP

[Currie]

Hello Robert,

Maybe you’ve already been down this track but here are summaries of some entries in the 19C newspapers for Grosarts connected to Falkirk. (most are available here http://newspapers.bl.uk/blcs/ )

Caledonian Mercury, October 13, 1834
William Grosart, Shoemaker of Falkirk, suffers burns to hands while trying to save a little girl whose clothes were on fire.

Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, September 14, 1848
Lengthy letter to Editor from Alexander B. Grosart, Falkirk.

Caledonian Mercury, May 7, 1849 & May 12, 1851
University of Edinburgh Prize and Honours won by Alexander B. Grosart, Falkirk.

Glasgow Herald, August 26, 1882
Accident at Mr Grosart’s school, Graham’s Road, Falkirk.

The Dundee Courier, October 01, 1883
Article about Alexander Balloch Grosart.

The Blackburn Standard, March 18, 1893
Biography of Dr Grosart including some brief information about his ancestors.

Also Dundee Courier, April 07, 1858
List of Masters and Mates who passed their exams March 1858 – Ordinary Master – Alexander Grosart, Grangemouth.

If any of those look particularly interesting I’ll see if I can expand them a bit.

Assorted odds and ends from a Google Books search http://www.google.com.au/webhp?complete ... 80e79b7bf1

Alan

[Troupman]

Alan


I had undertaken a bit of research in Newpapers (mainly Stirling Observer) and had found a few articles - death notices and articles about saving people drowning in the Canal. William Grosart who features in the 1834 article was a Shoemaker and also local correspondent for the Stirling Observer and that is why I believe the family featured in that paper. I must admit that I don't have the following which would be very helpful if you could access them easily:-

Caledonian Mercury, October 13, 1834
William Grosart, Shoemaker of Falkirk, suffers burns to hands while trying to save a little girl whose clothes were on fire.

Glasgow Herald, August 26, 1882
Accident at Mr Grosart’s school, Graham’s Road, Falkirk.

Also Dundee Courier, April 07, 1858
List of Masters and Mates who passed their exams March 1858 – Ordinary Master – Alexander Grosart, Grangemouth.

All three relate to Direct family.

The Dr A B Grosart family I have not as yet managed to tie in - he was born in Stirling but the family have strong Falkirk connections. I note that one article suggest he talks about his ancestors and that would be very very interesting to me. If possible could you provide more detail?

Many Thanks

Robert

[Troupman]

Dear Hibee

Thanks for the census link - I had already been though it with a fine tooth comb and noted all Grosart entries. The site is a wonderful resource and provides so much information to start your search of the actual records they list.

Thank you for responding your comments are greatly appreciated


Robert

[Troupman]

Andrew

I have not come across this Gro(S)sart conection before. I am concentrating very much on Grosart and not Grossart and note that for two very similar names that the families do seem to fairly consistently get it right in records - Do you have any idea of the parentage of Jane?? Did she pass post 1855??

I will keep a watching eye during my research and will get back to you if I come across any pointers to this family

Many Thanks

Robert

[AndrewP]

I have not come across this Gro(S)sart conection before. I am concentrating very much on Grosart and not Grossart and note that for two very similar names that the families do seem to fairly consistently get it right in records - Do you have any idea of the parentage of Jane?? Did she pass post 1855??

Hi Robert,

I have found no record of her past 1855 - I have looked for the deaths of her and her husband. They appear not to have survived that long.

I would recommend keeping an open mind regarding the spelling of names.

All the best,

AndrewP

[Troupman]

Andrew

Thanks for the prompt response - I have been checking all variations of the name including Grossart, Grozart, Grosier etc, and I have found evidence of an occasional straying. I had expected that the names would have been almost interchangeable and was ready for that but have found to my surprise that there is a level of consistency way above what could have been expected.

I have undertaken research on Laurie and have found that Laurie / Lawrie / Lowrie / Lowry Lourie and Loury can be used by the same families - I have even found births were the child is clearly listed as LAURIE and the Father as LAWRIE on the same certificate and am aware not to discount any information that presents because the name is not exactly what you would expect.

I will continue to look out for the Downs family during my research

Robert

[Currie]

Hello Robert,

I’ll post the text of the more interesting items on the forum. It would probably be easier with one if I sent you the image. Send me an email address via a PM if you like. I may not have time tonight.

All the best,
Alan