scots emigration to ireland

[douglas]

Is this something others have come across?

I have a James Tait, a Shepherd in Edinburgh in the 1851 census. No trace in the 1861 census then in the 1871 census his wife Elizabeth is shown as a widow and she and the family are back in Stobo. The family include George and Alexander, both born in Queens County, Ireland in around 1855 and 1858.

What would drive a Scottish family to move to Ireland in the 1800s?

Douglas

[Elwyn 1]

Some of the big Irish estates particularly encouraged Scots farmers and shepherds to work for them. They were considered knowledgable and skillful with animals and crops.

[Currie]

Hello Douglas,

In the Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Friday, November 7, 1856, there’s a report about a burglary at Prestonfield house, parish of Duddingstone, which mentions a James Tait who had found some evidence later produced in court. Maybe he’s yours.

“James Tait, a shepherd, residing in Buccleuch Street, was in the service of a flesher who had some parks let off Prestonfield House”.

Alan

[douglas]

Alan

It's a possibility.

If the trial was in Nov 1856, I wonder when the crime took place.

James had a son born in Ireland around 1855 (based on age at census), so maybe he decided the best course of action was to flee quickly or he may have got a sheep's head in his bed!

I see in the NAS that the trial papers are there. Yet another thing to follow up in a trip to Edinburgh.

Thanks

Douglas

[Currie]

Hello Douglas,

That was my first thought as well, that he had done a runner to get away from the crims. There were quite a few witnesses though, so he may have taken a busload with him. Of the accused, McCabe was set free, but May and Fitzclarence were both transported to Western Australia on the Lord Raglan in 1858.

The newspaper report covers a couple of columns, but James Tait’s info only covers one paragraph. He found the evidence in the park on 17th June 1856.

This link to the 19C newspapers still works viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15443
A search for James Tait shepherd will find it easily.

All the best,
Alan

[douglas]

I've now discovered James Tait's wife Elisabeth in the 1861 Census. She is living with her parents - John and Janet Williamson in Dysart. She has her son James with her but still no sign of her other sons, John, George and Alexander or her husband James.

Curious.

Douglas

[Hibee]

It was all part of the UK. Perhaps the famine caused unexpected employment opportunities.

Hibee