The MacCrae/Crea Family

The Family of Robert MacCrae and Elizabeth ??

NOTES:

1. The family of John and Agnes Fairman MacCrea is enumerated on Paterson Street in South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland in 1841 living with Alexander (55) and Elizabeth (50) Ray (sic) and their son Neth (8) Ray. Also in the household are some unidentified persons of different names including John Bruco (60) "Independent," Jas Wildridge (45) "Merchant Seaman," Ann Petro (14), and Ann Watson (50) "Indepedent Cork." According to this record, Alexander Ray was b. abt 1786 in Scotland and was a Plasterer. Elizabeth was b. abt 1791 in Scotland. ((Parish: South Leith; ED: 39; Page: 14 ; Line 570)

The Family of John MacCrae & Agnes Fairman

NOTES :

1. According to notes of grandson, Alexander Robert Black, "John MacCrae was a blacksmith, veterinary, a lay preacher and a irreconcilable Chartist. It is to be feared that he took a rather conspicuous part in the Chartist riots that followed the passage of the Reform Bill of 1832. He was a vehement and effective speaker in the Cart-tail Campaigns. Both in Scotland and in New York he seems to have had some reputation as a veterinary surgeon." John came to America with son, Robert, in 1849. Sarah with Agnes, Margaret and Mary came in 1851.
2. Agnes Fairman born in 1814, died of cholera in Edinburgh in 1849 leaving five children.
3. According to notes of son, Alexander Robert Black, "A splendid type of Scottish womanhood - progressive, great reader, gifted in music, a good draughtsman, clever at dressmaking, etc. She was born in Newbiggn, Scotland and became a staunch Presbyterian until about 1870 when she was turned to the Universalist faith on hearing a sermon by the Rev. A. J. Canfield, then preaching in the church on Fourth St. (Bedford Ave.) Brooklyn in the pulpit formerly filled by the Rev. Bernard Peters, uncle of Elizabeth Helmle Black (Alexander R. Black's wife). Her children all grew up in the Universalist church. She herself taught in the S.S. in her last years." She died of pneumonia at Fourth Division Street, New York.
4. Had no children.
5. Died in infancy.
6. According to notes of nephew, Alexander Robert Black, "Margaret MacCrae, like all the MacCraes had a good voice, was an enthusiastic reader and always cherished literary ambitions. She had several short stories in print, but the adversities of her family life prevented her from finishing the novel on which she worked for several years. A.B. is indebted to her for his first piano lessons, for early encouragement in writing, and for memories of her unfailing cheeriness of disposition."     
7. Louis de Bourgoyne was reputed to be of old nobility, which he refused to discuss. He came to America after the fall of Napolean and changed his name to "Burguin." Margaret and Louis had eight children. See this link.
8. Date of birth varies according to various records.