Family Group One - Charles Leys & May Fleming
"Don't Leys Me Out!"
Gordons o' Girnoc
'Camlet John'
The Girnoc Farms
Past Research
Location Map
Gordon Tombstones
Sources
Now it has been stated previously that Charles Leys, the patriarch of this group was the son of Francis Leys and Mary Gordon. Tombstone evidence secures that Charles father was Francis Leys:
"Here lies interred FRANCIS LEYS1 farmar (sic) at Inverarder d. October 1787 aged 75 as is also interred ELSPIT CLARK wife of CHARLES LEYS3 Aberarder d. 1st January 1888 aged 81. The above CHARLES LEYS3 d. 12th July 1904 aged 91."
This tombstone is the first of in a long row of Crathie Churchyard sentinels to this family. Francis Leys (c1712-1787), farmer at Inverarder (Glen Feardar, beside the Inn) is clearly remembered alongside Charles Leys of Aberarder who died aged 91 years in 1904. It would be easy to be confused here. This Charles Leys is NOT our patriarch; in fact he is the son of Charles Leys and May/Marjory Fleming. He is thus buried alongside his grandfather (possibly great-grandfather) Francis.
In fact there is no recorded tombstone remembrance to Charles Leys and May/Marjory Fleming, though it should be noted that one stone in the line was fallen and worn beyond reading. Was this their memorial? Or perhaps they too were buried with Francis and the stone-mason's chisel never quite reached commission?
So the father of Charles Leys was definitely Francis. But who was his mother? This is now far more speculative: the only IGI record of a Charles Leys being born to Francis is as follows:
Children of Francis Ley and Mary Gordon:
1) Charles Leys christened 20th February 1757
2) William Ley christened 7th October 1762 (only Francis Ley the father mentioned)
Francis Ley in Inver and his spouse Mary Gordon had a son baptised 20th February 1757 and named Charles. (Entered immediately after the above entry - Donald Gow alias Smith in Tilfagar and his spouse Margaret Gordon had a son baptised 10th November 1759 named Alexander- is there a connection then between Mary Gordon & Margaret Gordon?)
If this is the very same Francis Leys of Inverarder, he must have been 45 years old when son Charles was born. Unfortunately there is neither record of Banns for Francis Leys (to Mary Gordon), nor any record of further children born to them (beyond the Francis and William mentioned above.)
Simple arithmetic again nudges the eyebrow: if this was our Charles Leys born in 1757, he would have been, by the time of his marriage to May Fleming in 1797, already aged forty. Does this cast doubt? Yes prossibly. Though you may argue that he could have entered matrimony late; or then he may have been previously married and suffered to see his first wife die young?
Despite the uncertainty, the writer was (perhaps overly) inclined to 'accept' Mary Gordon as mother of Charles, for one reason: the previously rehearsed family-talk of the Gordon connection with John Brown's mother.
In this regard disappointment was around the corner, for in the search of the history of Inver Inn, the writer came upon Robert Smith's splendid book 'A Queen's Country' which had a chapter on the Leys family of Glen Feardar. In it Robert Smith talked of his correspondence with Dorothy Leys who for "ten years had worked together to put together a genealogy of the Deeside Leys." Robert Smith was fortunate to scrutinize the family tree which Dorothy had drawn-up "at the top of which there were two brothers - Charlie, the Blacksmith (the Charles that married May/Marjory Fleming), who was born in 1770, and James Leys, the Innkeeper, born in 1757."
So all this perhaps makes Mary Gordon a less likely mother. She is perhaps a generation out. Though feasibility would remain if the first born son Charles Leys (b1757) died in childhood and a later born son (as was so often the case) was christened as a further Charles. The writer realizes all too well that he is here 'making a story to fit.' So caution should be exercised.
Whatever this Mary Gordon did marry a Francis Gordon and together they had at least two sons. It seems out-of-order not to assume some clear link with the Charles Leys (who married May/Marjory Fleming in 1798).
The Crathie Parish Register completes the picture, informing us that several (it remains to be seen if not all) the children of Charles Leys and May Fleming were born at Balchlaggan in Glen Feardar.
Children of Charles Leys and Marjory/May Fleming (married 19th August 1797):
1) Margaret Leys born circa 1799 - died 2nd August 1876 (mother of John Brown)
2) Barbara Leys christened 7th February 1801 - died 1880 (married Donald Clark)
3) Helen Leys christened 22nd November 1802
4) Ann Leys christened 31st December 1804 (married William Stewart)
5) Mary Leys christened 12th September 1808 - died 1889 (married John Leys)
6) Francis Leys christened 18th September 1810 - died 1886 (married Mary Coutts)
7) Charles Leys christened 2nd August 1812 - died 1904 (married Elspit Clark)
8) John Leys christened 3rd July 1814 - died 1875 (married Margaret Rattray)
9) William Leys christened 4th April 1817 - died 1898 (never married)
10) Alexander Leys christened 12th April 1821 - died 1901 (married to May Gordon)
" 1801 February 7th Charles Leys in Belachlaggan and May Fleeming his spouse had a daughter baptised named Barbara.
" 1802 November 22nd Charles Leys Balchlaggan and his wife May Fleming had a daughter named Helen
" 1804 December 31st Charles Leys Balchlaggan and May Fleming his wife had a daughter named Catherine.
" 1808 December 12th Charles Leys Balchlaggan and his wife May Fleming had a daughter named Mary.
" 1810 December 27th Charles Leys Crofts and his wife May Felming had a son named Francis.
" 1812 August 2nd Charles Leys in Crofts of Aberarder and May Fleeming his spouse had a son baptised named Charles.
" 1814 July 3rd Charles Leys in Crofts of Aberarder and May Fleeming his spouse had a son baptised John.
" 1817 April 1st Charles Leys Croft of Aberarder and Marjory Fleming his spouse had a son baptised named William.
" 1821 April 12th: Charles Leys Croft of Aberarder and Marjory Fleming his spouse had a son baptised named Alexander."
1841 census - Crofts (of Aberarder)
Francis Leys, Male, age 30, Farmer, born in this County
May Leys (nee Fleming), Female, age 65yrs, born in this County (gives approx. birth date of c1776)
Alexander Ley, Male, age 20yrs, Independent, born in this County
Charles Leys, Male, age 5yrs, born in this County
Donald Lamond, Male, age 15yrs, Agricultural labourer, born in this County
Eliza Lamond, Female, age 20yrs, Agricultural labourer, born in this County
This parish record birth details and the 1841 census return confirms that Charles Leys and Marjory/May Fleming took flit from Balachlaggan, but moved but a short distance, to the neighbouring community: Croft of Aberarder: with the date for this relocation being sometime c1809. The census return also tells us that May Fleming lived beyond 1841, at which time she appears to have been a widow. Presumably then Charles Leys, her husband, died prior to 1841.
*Worthy of Note: John Gordon in Belachlagan had a child James baptized on the 20th March 1763
So the Gordons also made it to Balachlaggan!
There are at least TEN Crathie Churchyard tombstones to this family!:
Here lies interred FRANCIS LEYS farmar (sic) at Inverarder d. October 1787 aged 75 as is also interred ELSPIT CLARK wife of CHARLES LEYS3 Aberarder d. 1st January 1888 aged 81. The above CHARLES LEYS d. 12th July 1904 aged 91.
Here lie the remains of JOHN BROWN sometime farmer in Bush of Crathienaird died at Wester Micras 18th October 1875 aged 86 and MARGARET LEYS his wife died at Craiglourigan Cottage 2nd August 1876 aged 77. Also of their 5 children FRANCIS died 1st March 1831 aged 3, FRANCIS died 27th November 1849 aged 10, MARGARET died 12th December 1849 aged 14, CHARLES died 27th December 1849 aged 17, ANNE died 1st November 1867 aged 37. This stone is erected in affectionate remembrance of his parents, brothers and sisters by JOHN BROWN.
In memory of FRANCIS LEYS sometime farmer in Crofts, Aberarder, died Balchlaggan 27th May 1886 aged 75 years.
In memory of WILLIAM LEYS born Crofts, Aberarder 2nd April 1817 - died Bridgend of Bush, Crathie 21st May 1898
MALCOLM CLARK late farmer Balmore died 5th September 1845 aged 87 years, w, JANET McGREGOR died 1803; by son DONALD CLARK, age 55 years farmer at Belamore died 29th June 1878 aged 81 years (w. BARBARA LEYS died 14th July 1880 aged 80 years; son CHARLES CLARK died 29th May 1911 age 74 years - w. MARGARET TAIT died 6th March 1942 aged 84 years) Braemar
In Loving memory of JOHN LEYS died Bridgend of Bush, Crathie 26th December 1875 aged 61 years, his wife MARGARET RATTRAY d. 14th January 1895 aged 75 years. Their daughters EUPHEMIA ROSS LEYS d. 22nd August 1887 aged 19 years, ANNIE LEYS d. Khantore 12th September 1908 aged 66 years. Their son JOHN LEYS d. Greenock 26th May 1912 aged 59 years, MARJORY LEYS d. 7th December 1914 aged 59 years, MARY ANN LEYS d. 18th April 1935 aged 74 years.
(Beside the Coutts stones in Crathie) In Memoriam. MARY ANNE SMITH daughter of CHARLES SMITH Oaklands, Ballater died 27th January 1902 aged 32 years. MARGARET LEY his wife died 9th May 1904 aged 58. CHARLES SMITH died 19th April 1909 aged 81. Base: one line motto.
In memory of CHARLES LEY of the Oriental Bank Corp. who died from sunstroke at Maritchieatte in the Island of Ceylon 14th April 1878 aged 34 years. Base: This memorial has been erected by his friends in Haldumulle, Ceylon as a mark of esteem and affection.
This stone is erected in affectionate and grateful remembrance of JOHN BROWN the devoted and faithful personal attendant and beloved friend of Queen Victoria in whose service he had been for 34 years. Born at Crathienaird 8 December 1826 d. at Windsor Castle 27 Mar 1883. That friend on whoe fidelity you count, that friend given you by circumstances over which you have no control, was God's own gift. Well done good and faithful servant etc. (4 lines text).
In loving memory of HUGH BROWN Highland attendant to Queen Victoria for 7 years, 8th brother of JOHN BROWN the Queen's personal attendant d. East Lodge Balmoral 29 March 1886 aged 57 and of JESSIE McHARDY or BROWN widow of the said HUGH BROWN d. Ivy Cottage, Torphins 25 October 1911 aged 74. Bottom: 2 lines text.
Testaments and Inventories to this family:
" William Leys: 9/7/1898 labourer, residing at Pyperhole in the parish of Crathie and Braemar, d. 21/05/1898 at Pyperhole, intestate, brother of Barbara Leys or Clark Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
" Francis Leys: 10/2/1887 retired farmer, Aberarder, parish of Crathie and Braemar, d. 29/05/1886 at Aberarder, intestate, father of Mrs Mary Leys or Thain wife of William Thain a labourer Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
" Brown Hugh 5/5/1896 residing at Bridge Lodge, Balmoral, parish of Crathie and Braemar, sometime personal attendant to Her Majesty the Queen, d. 29/03/1896 at Bridge Lodge, testate, spouse of Mrs Jessie McHardy or Brown Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
" Brown James 3/11/1859 residing at Crathienaird in the united parish of Crathie and Braemar Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories; Brown James 30/12/1864 Farmer residing at Crathienaird Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories; Brown James 30/3/1868 residing at Crathienaird in the united parish of Crathie and Braemar Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
" Brown John 18/6/1883 esq, of Crathie, co Aberdeen, personal attendant to Her Majesty the Queen, d. 27/03/1883 at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, intestate Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
CHILD ONE: MARGARET LEYS (1799-1876)
Children of John Brown and Margaret Leys (married 25th August 1825)
1825: John Brown farmer Crathinaird and Margaret Leys Aberarder both in this parish were married on the 25th August after being proclaimed for one Sabbath
1. James Brown born 15th November 1825, C/B
2. John Brown born 8th December 1826, Crathienaird - died 27th March 1883
The Queen's Highland Servant
3. Francis Brown born 7th March 1828, C/B - died 1st March 1831
4. Anne Brown born 20th October 1829, C/B - died 1st November 1867
5. Charles Brown born 18th June 1831 C/B - died 27th December 1849
6. Donald Brown born 9th December 1832 C/B
7. Margaret Brown born 22nd December 1883 C/B - died 12th December 1849
8. William Brown born 18th March 1835 C/B
9. Francis Brown born 24th September 1836 C/B - died 27th November 1849
10. Hugh Brown born 21st December 1838 C/B - died 29th March 1886
(married Jessie McHardy 1st August 1863 in Strathdon) - see page54
11. Archie Anderson Brown born 6th September 1841 C/B
1828 John Brown ��. Margaret Leys �� Francis (too poor)
John Brown Crathienaird and Margaret Leys his wife had a daughter born 30th October 1829. Anne.
John Brown farmer Crathienaird and his wife Margaret Leys had a son born on the 18th June 1831 named Charles.
John Brown Crathienarid and his wife Margaret Leys had a son born 9th September and baptised 13 September 1832 named Donald.
John Brown Crathinaird his wife Margaret Leys had a daughter born 22nd December and baptised 28th December 1833 named Margaret.
John Brown Crathinaird and his wife Margaret Leys had a son born Wednesday 18th March and baptised Tuesday 26th March 1834 years named William.
John Brown Crathinaird and Margaret Leys his wife had a son born 26th September 1836 named James.
John Brown farmer Crathienaird and his spouse Margaret Leys had a son born Friday 21st December 1838 and baptised Wednesday 2 January 1839 named Hugh.
Margaret Leys
Widow of John Brown farmer (different hand - John Brown's mother)
Died 1876 August 2nd 8hr 40m am at Craiglourigan Cottage, Balmoral, Crathie
Female 77 years
Father: Charles Leys, farmer (D)
Mother: Marjory Leys m.s. Fleming (D)
Cause: Asthma of old age as certified by Alexander Proeit surgeon Crathie
Informant: Wm Brown, son present
John Brown
Retired farmer, married to Margaret Leys
Died on 11th October 1875 at 5.30am Micras, Glengairn
Age: 86 years
Parents: Donald Brown farmer (deceased) and Janet Shaw (deceased)
Cause: Astham of Old age; retention of urine (14 days)
Informant: Hugh Brown, farmer Bush (son)
Anne Brown
Single, Cottagers daughter
Died 1st November 1867 at 10.15pm at Bush Crathie
Age: 37 years
Parents: John Brown, cottager and Margaret Leys
Cause: Not recorded
Informant: William Brown (Brother)
1881 census - Bhaile Na Choile
Hugh Brown, Head, married, age 42 years, Servant born Crathie & Braemar
Jessie Brown, Wife, age 42 years, born Darnick, Roxburgh
Mary A. Brown, Daughter, Scholar, age 15 years born New Zealand
1851 census - Bush (next to Crathienaird and Ardoch)
John Brown, Head, married, age 60 years, Farmer 20a/100 a hill pasture - no labs, born Crathie
Margaret Brown, wife, age 51 years, born Crathie
John Brown, son, unmarried, age 24 years, born Crathie (before he was the Queen's Highland Servant)
Ann Brown, daughter, unmarried, age 21 years, born Crathie
William Brown, son, unmarried, age 16 years, scholar, born Crathie
Hugh Brown, son, age 12 years, scholar, born Crathie
Archibald Brown, son, age 9 years, scholar, born Crathie
VALUATION ROLL - COUNTY OF ABERDEEN: 1859-1860
Farm and Sheep Grazing, Bush
John Brown - Tenant & Occupier
�54-11-07
In the neighbouring farm of Crathienaird one finds the younger brother of John Brown. John and James Brown (our brothers) both became reasonably prosperous tenant farmers. They were the sons of Donald BROWN and Janet SHAW.
1841 census - Crathienaird
May Leys, Female, age 85yrs, Independent, born in this County
James Brown, Male, age 40yrs, Farmer, born in this County
Elizabeth Brown, Female, age 35yrs, born in this County
Margaret Brown, Female, age 15yrs, born in this County
May Brown, Female, age 12yrs, born in this County
1851 census - Crathienaird
James Brown, Head, married, age 54 years, Farmer 20a/100 hill pasture - 1 lab, born Glenmuick
Elizabeth Brown (nee Downie), Wife, age 52 years, born Glenmuick
Mary Brown, daughter, unmarried, age 22 years, born Crathie
George Christie, Farm servant, unmarried, age 20 years, born Aboyne
Ann Moir, Lodger, unmarried, age 24 years, born Keith
Mary LeysInnkeeper, mother/law, widow, age 93 years formerly an Inn Keeper, born Crathie
"By JAMES DOWNIE Tenant in Crathienaird in memory of his mother ELSPET COUTTS d. 25th June 1782 aged 62 and of JOHN DOWNIE d.29th? June 1775? Aged 25 and of 2 young children. The said JAMES DOWNIE d. 26th September 1819 aged 71. And his spouse MARY LEYSInnkeeper died 26th December 1851 aged 94."
VALUATION ROLL - COUNTY OF ABERDEEN: 1859-1860
Farm and Sheep Grazing, Crathienaird
James Brown- Tenant & Occupier
�36-02-08
James Brown of Crathienaird married Elizabeth Downie. The mother of Elizabeth Downie was the 1851 noctogenarian Mary Leys, Innkeeper
The longevity of Mary Leys - Innkeeper and full cousin of 'Camlet John'
This is the Mary Leys (1757-1851) who married James Downie tenant of Crathienaird. As per tombstone in Crathie:
"The said JAMES DOWNIE d. 26th September 1819 aged 71. And his spouse MARY LEYS died 26th December 1851 aged 94."
The IGI identifies just three daughters to James Downie and Mary Leys:
1) Mary DownieLoinveg christened 10th 1789 Ardoch, Crathie
2) Charlotte Downie christened 25th January 1791 Crathie
3) Margaret Downie christened 13th January 1792 Crathie
1789 James Downie in Crathynaird and his spouse Mary Ley had a daughter baptised 10th April 1789 Mary
1791 James Downie in Crathynaird and Mary Ley his spouse had a daughter baptised 25th January 1791 named Charlote.
1793 James Downie in Crathynaird and his spouse Mary Leys had a daughter baptised January 13th day and named Margaret
We can now add one other, for the Elizabeth Brown (wife age 52yrs in the above census) must have been Elizabeth Downie born c1799.
Now Mary Downie the first daughter of James Downie and Mary Leys was born at Ardoch. She married John Gordon of Loinveg her 'second cousin.'
The detail given here is deliberate: for this tells us that 'Camlet John' and Mary LeysInnkeeper (1757-1851) were FIRST COUSINS.
The Inn could only be the Inver Inn, where (we speculate) that her father Francis Leys was once the gentleman host.
To recap:
1) John Brown (1789-1875) married Margaret Leys (1799-1876)... parents of 'John Brown the Queen's Highland Servant.' In turn the parents of this Margaret Leys were: Charles Leys2 and May Fleming.
2) James Brown (born c1797 - died after 1851) married Elizabeth Downie (born c1799 - died after 1851). The mother of this Elizabeth Downie was the long-lived Mary LeysInnkeeper (c1757-1851)
The evidence so far leads to the likely conclusion that Charles Leys and Mary Leys the Innkeeper were brother and sister.
14th July 1748
Catanach Alexander Crathynaird a daughter Elizabeth at Crathynaird. Godfather: John McGrigor, there. Godmother: James Downie's relict, Lawsi (i.e. Mary Leys the Innkeeper)
Another Long-lived Leys - Another Innkeeper!
In the development of this account, the writer relied principally upon his wonderful Australian collaborator Sharon Jameson. Modern communication with e-mail allowed the writer to bounce theories off Sharon (and vice-verca). Progress as such was rewarding and could be shared. Yet technology with all its strengths could not match the wonder of the mind. Separated by oceans and thousands of miles, cerebration ran overdrive and when e-mails crossed it emerged that Sharon and the writer had retrieved from the depths, that same little nugget. It was the 'Innkeeper' - that struck those mental chords - for indeed it was an infrequent occupation (as scrutiny of the Deeside 1851 census will tell) and in the days long before proper egality, not the occupation of a woman.
So it was that the following death certificate was retrieved from the depths of an ever more burdersome Leys archive:
Janet Leys
Pauper - Widower of John Morgan, Mill Wright
Died 17th January 1883 at 5am
At Coldrach, Crathie
Age: 98yrs
Father: James Leys (D) - Farmer & Innkeeper
Mother: Margaret Leys m.s. Farquharson (D)
Death cause: Exhaustion from old age
Informant : John Edmonston, occupier (present)
1851 census - Balchlagan
Janet Morgan (Leys5), Head, Widow, age 69 years, Laundress, born Crathie
Charles Morgan, son, unmarried, age 23 years, Wright, born Glenmuick
Ann Coutts, Lodger, unmarried, age 61 years, Pauper (errand woman), born Glenmuick
This James Leys, described as both farmer and Innkeeper, and husband of Mgt Farquharson was (according to Dorothy Leys a contemporary researcher) an older brother of the Charles Leys (m. to May Fleming!)
So along with Mary Leys (1757-1851), we have so far her brother James (m. to Mgt Farquharson) and her other brother Charles (m. to May Fleming)... this ties in the 'Innkeeper' and all IGI details/tombstone details to date.
For further details on the family of James Leys and Margaret Farquharson please see section Five.
CHILD TWO: BARBARA LEYS (1801-1880)
Children of Barbara Leys and Donald Clark (married 6th June 1834)
1. Christian Clark born 10th April 1835 C/B
2. Charles Clark born 13th September 1836 C/B
3. Ann Clark born 12th February 1838 C/B
4. Francis Clark born 1st February 1841 C/B
MALCOLM CLARK late farmer Balmore died 5th September 1845 aged 87 years, w, JANET McGREGOR died 1803; by son DONALD CLARK, age 55 years farmer at Belamore died 29th June 1878 aged 81 years (w. BARBARA LEYS7 died 14th July 1880 aged 80 years; son CHARLES CLARK died 29th May 1911 age 74 years - w. MARGARET TAIT died 6th March 1942 aged 84 years) Braemar
Barbara Leys
Widow of Donald Clark (farmer)
Died 14th July 1880 at 8pm
At Belamore, Crathie
Age: 80yrs
Father: Charles Leys (D) - Farmer
Mother: Marjory Leys m.s.Flemming (D)
Death cause: Asthma of Old Age
Informant : Charles Clark - son (present)
1851 census - Balmore
Ann Lamont, Head, widow, age 64yrs, Farm 14a - no labs, born Glenmuick
Alexander Lamont, son, Unmarried, age 38yrs, Farm serv, born Crathie
William Lamont, son, Unmarried, age 35yrs, Farm servant, born Crathie
Isabella Lamont, niece, age 11yrs, born Crathie
Christian McHardie, Unmarried, age 31yrs, General servant, born Braemar
James McHardie, Unma rried, age 16yrs, Farm servant, born Crathie
Janet Lamont, Head, Unmarried, age 75yrs, Pauper (Ag lab), born Crathie
Elizabeth Lamont, sister, Unmarried, age 70yrs, Pauper (Ag lab), born Crathie
Donald Clark, Head, Married, age 53, Farmer 12a/20a hill pasture - no labs, born Crathie
Barbara Clark (nee Leys)7, wife, age 50yrs, born Crathie
Christina Clark, daughter, age 15yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Charles Clark, son, age 14yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Ann Clark, daughter, age 12yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Francis Clark, son, age 19yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
1881 census - Balmore (Farm) Crathie & Braemar
Charles Clark, Head, unmarried, age 45 years, Farmer 30 Acres Arable Employing 2 Men & 1 Woman, born Crathie
Margaret Tait, Servant (Domestic), unmarried, age 23 years, born Tough, Aberdeen
Charles Rattray, Married, age 57 years, Farm, born Crathie
William Leys6, Uncle, unmarried, age 64 years, Labourer, born
VALUATION ROLL - COUNTY OF ABERDEEN: 1859-1860
Farm and Sheep Grazing, Balmore
Donald Clark - Tenant & Occupier
�22-00-00
CHILD FOUR: ANN LEYS (born 1804)
Children of Ann Leys and William Stewart (married 21st August 1831 C/B)
William Stewart carrier and Ann Leys his wife his wife had a son ? June baptised 5 July 1845 (is this 1843?) named Charles
William Stewart carrier and Ann Leys his wife had a daughter born 13th June 1847 and baptised � July named Elizabeth
William Stewart ������. and Ann Leys his wife had a daughter born 28th May and baptised 3rd July 1850 named Ann.
1851 census - Bridgend Crathie
William Stewart, Head, Married, age 45yrs, Carrier, born Kirkmichael
Ann Stewart (nee Leys), wife, age 46yrs, born Crathie
James Stewart, son, Unmarried, age 19yrs, Carrier, born Crathie
Elspet Stewart, daughter, Unmarried, age 17yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
William Stewart, son, age 14yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Mary Ann Stewart, daughter, age 10yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Charles Stewart, son, age 7yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Elizabeth Stewart, daughter, age 3yrs, born Crathie
Ann Stewart, daughter, age 10mths, born Crathie
Margaret Cattanach, Head, widow, age 43yrs, Day labourer (pauper), born Crathie
Ann Rattray, daughter, age 14yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Alexander Rattray, son, age 13yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
Charles Rattray, son, age 11yrs, Scholar, born Crathie
James Rattray, son, age 8mths, born Crathie
CHILD SIX: FRANCIS LEYS (1810-1886)
Children of Francis Leys and Mary Coutts (married 16th November 1842)
1) Margaret Ley christened 12th August 1845 - died 9th May 1904 (married Charles Smith)
2) William Leys christened 27th May 1848
3) Mary Leys christened 8th March 1856 (married William Thain)
Francis Leys Crofter of Aberarder and Mary Coutts his wife had a daughter born 1st and baptised 12th August 1845 named Margaret.
Francis Leys in Croft of Aberarder and Mary Coutts his wife had a son born 22nd and baptised 27th May 1848 named William
Crathie Tombstones:
In memory of FRANCIS LEYS sometime farmer in Crofts, Aberarder died Balchlaggan 27th May 1886 aged 75 years.
(Beside the Coutts stones in Crathie) In Memoriam. MARY ANNE SMITH daughter of CHARLES SMITH Oaklands, Ballater died 27th January 1902 aged 32 years. MARGARET LEYS12 his wife died 9th May 1904 aged 58. CHARLES SMITH died 19th April 1909 aged 81. Base: one line motto.
Inventory:
Francis Leys: 10/2/1887 retired farmer, Aberarder, parish of Crathie and Braemar, d. 29/05/1886 at Aberarder, intestate, father of Mrs Mary Leys or Thain wife of William Thain a labourer Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories
Francis Leys
Farmer (retired) - widower of Mary Coutts
Died 27th May 1886 at 9pm
At Balchlaggan, Crathie
Age: 75yrs
Father: Charles Leys (D) - Farmer
Mother: Marjory Leys m.s. Flemming (D)
Death cause: Pneuumonia (5 days)
Informant : William Thain (son-in-law - present)
Mary Coutts
Married to Francis Leys, farmer, Crofts
Died on the 9th August 1868 at 1am
At Crofts, Aberarder, Crathie
Age 46yrs
Father: Peter Coutts - farmer (D)
Mother: Barbara Leys (D)
Death Cause: Gastric fever (3 weeks)
Informant: Francis Leys (husband)
Certified by Wm Marshall M.D
Notes:
Francis Leys married his cousin-germane: For Barbara Leys was the first daughter born to James Ley and Margaret Farquharson (who married 16th June 1781). This James Leys was the older brother of Charles Leys.
1851 census - Crofts
Francis Leys, Head, married, age 40 years, Farmer 9a - no labs, born Crathie
Mary Leys (nee Coutts), wife, age 29 years, born, Crathie
Margaret Leys12, daughter, age 8 years, scholar, born Crathie
William Leys, son, age 2 years, born Crathie
Elspet Morgan, General Servant, age 17 years, unmarried, born Glenmuick
Alexander McLaren, General Servant, age 12 years, born Glenmuick
1881 census - Balchlaggan P H
Francis Leys, Widower, Head, Farmer Retired, age 70 years, born Crathie
Mary Thain, Daughter, Married, Housekeeper, age 25 years, born Crathie
William Thain, Son-in-law, married, age 39 years, Labourer, born Kincardine O'Neil
Francis Thain, Grandson, age 3 years, born Crathie
William Thain, Grandson, age 32years, born Crathie
1881 census - Insch of Culter, Peterculter
William Leys, unmarried, Head, age 32 years, River Watcher born Crathie
Robert Stuart, unmarried, age 37 years, Lodger, River Watcher born Braemar
VALUATION ROLL - COUNTY OF ABERDEEN: 1859-1860
Farm and Sheep Grazing, Balnoe
John McKenzie**
�39-00-00
Crofts of Balnoe
Francis Leys
�16-00-00
Footnotes:
Margaret Leys
Married to Peter McKenzie
Died: 6th February 1875 Knocks Glenmuick
Aged 40 years
Father: Lewis Leys (D)
Mother: Margaret Symon (D)
Cause: Pneumonia (6 days)
John McKenzie (1771- 1863, Balnoe) and Elspet "Elizabeth" Mitchell (1778-1854). Their son Peter Mckenzie married Margaret Leys on the 21st June 1856 in Crathie. Margaret was the daughter of Lewis Leys & Margaret Symon (see page 48)
CHILD SEVEN: CHARLES LEYS (1812-1904)
Children of Charles Leys and Elspat Clarke (married 31st December 1835):
1) None recorded - though it is most likely that the Charles Leys (1844-1878) who died in Ceylon was a son.
Here lies interred FRANCIS LEYS farmar (sic) at Inverarder d. October 1787 aged 75 as is also interred ELSPIT CLARK wife of CHARLES LEYS Aberarder d. 1st January 1888 aged 81. The above CHARLES LEYS3 d. 12th July 1904 aged 91.
In memory of CHARLES LEYS of the Oriental Bank Corp. who died from sunstroke at Maritchieatte in the Island of Ceylon 14th April 1878 aged 34 years. Base: This memorial has been erected by his friends in Haldumulle, Ceylon as a mark of esteem and affection.
Elspeth Clark
Married to Charles Ley - Crofter
Died 1st January 1888 at 0.05am
At Middleton, Aberarder, Crathie
Age: 82yrs
Father: Malcolm Clark (D) - Farmer
Mother: Margaret Clark m.s. Flemming (D)
Death cause: Old Age & Debility (8 months)
Informant : Charles Leys (widower)
1851 census - Midleton of Aberarder
Charles Leys, Head, married, age 38 years, day labourer, born Crathie
Elspet Leys (nee Clark), wife, age 45 years, born Crathie
Margaret Fleming99, Mother/law, Widow, age 85 years, Farmer's widow, born Banffshire
Margaret Monroe, Visitor, age 14 years, scholar, born Crathie
1881 census - 5 Middleton
Charles Ley, Married, Head, age 68 years, Crofter, born Crathie
Elspeth Leys (nee Clark), wife, age 75 years, born Crathie
George Ross, Boarder, scholar, age 7 years, born Crathie
Was Margaret Fleming a sister of May/Marjory Fleming? If so Elspeth Clark married her cousin-germain Charles Leys.
CHILD EIGHT: JOHN LEYS (1814-1875)
Children of John Leys and Margaret Rattray (married 17th February 1842)
1) Annie Leys christened 4th July 1842 - died 1908
2) Margaret Leys christened 1st August 1844
3) Elizabeth Leys christened 20th July 1847 - died 1899 (married James Esson 5th December 1869)
4) William Leys christened 13th September 1849
5) John Leys christened 3rd August 1852
6) Marjory Leys christened 29th January 1855 - died 1914
7) John Leys christened 12th October 1857- died 1912
8) Mary Ann born circa 1861 - died 1935
9) Euphemia Ross christened 15th December 1867 - died 1887
John Leys Crathinaird and Margt Rattray his wife had a daughter born July 4th and baptised 29th named Anne
John Leys Bridge-end of Bush and Margt Rattray his wife had a daughter born 1st and baptised 16th August 1844 named Margaret.
John Leys in (looks like) New Houses of Bush and Margt Rattray his wife had a daughter born 20th and baptised 30th July 1847 named Elizabeth
John Leys in New Houses of Bush and Margaret Rattray his wife had a son born 13th September and baptised 8th 1849 named William.
John Leys in Bridge-end of Bush and Margaret Rattray his wife had a son born 3rd and baptised 28th August 1852 named John.
Crathie Tombstones:
In Loving memory of JOHN LEYS died Bridgend of Bush, Crathie 26th December 1875 aged 61 years, his wife MARGARET RATTRAY d. 14th January 1895 aged 75 years. Their daughters EUPHEMIA ROSS LEYS d. 22nd August 1887 aged 19 years, ANNIE LEYS d. Khantore 12th September 1908 aged 66 years. Their son JOHN LEYS d. Greenock 26th May 1912 aged 59 years, MARJORY LEYS d. 7th December 1914 aged 59 years, MARY ANN LEYS d. 18th April 1935 aged 74 years.
Erected by JAMES ESSON in loving memory of his wife ELIZABETH LEYS died 8th March 1899 aged 51; their daughter ANNIE ESSON died in infancy. Above JAMES ESSON died Belnacroft 4th February 1913 aged 72 years.
John Leys
Woolen weaver - married to Margaret Rattray
Died 25th December 1875 at 6pm.
At Bridge of Bush, Crathie
Father: Charles Leys (D) - farmer
Mother: May Leys m.s. Flemming (D)
Death cause: Pneumonia of both lungs (4 days)
Informant : William Leys (son - not present)
Margaret Rattray
Widow of John Leys, Woolen Weaver
Died: 14th January 1895 at 6.25pm
At Mains of Monaltrie, Crathie
Age: 75 years
Father: Alexander Rattray - farmer (D)
Mother: Elizabeth Duncan (D)
Died from: Sub-acute gastroenteritis (2 years); Exhaustion (from old age - 21 days)
Informant: Peter Robertson - Grandson (present)
Euphemia Ross Leys
House Maid (single)
Died: 22nd August 1887 at 00.05am
At Bridge of Bush, Crathie
Age: 19 years
Father: John Leys - Woolen Weaver (D)
Mother: Margaret Rattray
Died from: Phthisis (2 months)
Informant: John Leys (brother - present)
Elizabeth Leys
Married to James Esson, General Labourer
Died: 8th March 1899 at 9.10am
At Khantore, Crathie
Age: 51 years
Father: John Leys - Woolen Weaver (D)
Mother: Margaret Rattray (D)
Died from: Measles (10 days); Acute Bronchitis
Informant: James Esson (husband - present)
1841 census - Crathinaird
John Ley, Male, age 23yrs, Handloom Weaver, born this County
1851 census - Bridge End
John Leys, Head, married, age 37 years, weaver, born Crathie
Margaret Leys (nee Rattray), wife, age 31 years, born Crathie
Ann Leys, daughter, age 9 years, scholar, born Crathie
May Leys, daughter, age 7 years, scholar, born Crathie
Elizabeth Leys, daughter, age 4 years, born Crathie
William Leys, son, age 2 years, born Crathie
1851 census - Candicraig
Alexander Rattray, Head, widower, age 67yrs, Day labourer, born Crathie
Is this the father of Margaret Rattray?
1881 census - Hamlet of Bridge Of Bush (No 1)
Margaret Leys (nee Rattray), Widow, Head, Householder, age 62 years, born Crathie
Peter Robertson, Grandson, Scholar age 7 years, born Crathie
1881 census - Glassalt Sheill
Annie Leys, Head, unmarried, age 38 years, Housekeeper, born Crathie
Euphemia Leys, Sister, unmarried, age 13 years, Domestic Servant, born Crathie
1881 census - Wester Micras, Glenmuick Tullich & Glengairn
James Esson, Head, Married, Labourer, age 39 year, born Tarland
Elizabeth Esson (nee Leys), wife, age 33yrs, born Crathie
Margaret Esson, daughter, scholar, age 10yrs, born Crathie
Elizabeth Esson, daughter, scholar, age 7yrs, born Crathie
James Esson, son, age 4yrs, born Glenmuick
Jessie Esson, daughter, age 4mths, born Glenmuick
CHILD TEN: ALEXANDER LEYS (1821-1901)
Children of Alexander Leys and Mary Gordon (married 23rd March 1855)
Notes:
1) Alexander Leys was the last son of Charles Leys and May Fleming
2) Mary Gordon was the daughter of Nathaniel Gordon and Janet Coutts. She was born 9th April 1830 in Tombreck, Glenmuick, and died 15th February 1906 in Townhead, Crathie
1) Janet Leys christened 2nd January 1856 - died 1924
2) James Leys christened 11th March 1857
3) Margaret Leys christened 20th April 1859 - died 1931
4) Barbara Leys christened 19th May 1861
5) Michael Francis Leys christened 15th June 1863 - died Townhead 6th October 1870
6) John Leys christened 11th September 1865
7) Agnes Leys christened 22nd February 1868 - died Frogmore 14th Oct 1887
8) Charles Leys christened 23rd August 1870
9) William Brown Leys christened 7th March 1873
Crathie Tombstone:
Sacred to the memory of ALEXANDER LEYS b. Crofts of Aberarder - d. Townhead, Balmoral 6th July 1901 aged 80, his son MICHAEL FRANCIS b. Tombreck, Glenmuick- d. Townhead, Balmoral 6th October 1870 aged 7. His daughter AGNES b. Tombreck - d. Frogmore 14th October 1887 aged 19 and interred at Windsor. MARY GORDON wife of above ALEXANDER LEYS b. Tombreck - d. Townhead 14th February 1905 aged 75. 1 line text. Base: Their daughters JANET d. 15th February 1924 aged 68, MARGARET d. Ballater 28th September 1931 aged 72.
1841 census - Crofts (of Aberarder)
Francis Leys, Male, age 30, Farmer, born in this County
May Leys (nee Fleming), Female, age 65yrs, born in this County
Alexander Leys, Male, age 20yrs, Independent, born in this County
Charles Leys, Male, age 5yrs, born in this County
Donald Lamond, Male, age 15yrs, Agricultural labourer, born in this County
Eliza Lamond, Female, age 20yrs, Agricultural labourer, born in this County
1881 census - Easter Balmoral Cottages, Crathie & Braemar
Alexander Leys, Head, Married, age 59 years, General Labourer, born Crathie & Braemar
Mary Leys, wife, age 50 years, born Glenmuick
Janet Leys, daughter, unmarried, age 25 years, born Glenmuick
Margaret Leys, daughter, unmarried, age 21years, Housemaid (Not Employed), born Glenmuick
Barbara Leys, daughter, single, age 19 years, Kitchen Maid (Not Employed), born Glenmuick
John Leys, son, scholar, age 15 years, born Glenmuick
Agnes Leys, daughter, scholar, age 13 years, born Glenmuick
Charles Leys, son, scholar, age 10 years, born Crathie & Braemar
William Leys, son, scholar, age 8 years, born Crathie & Braemar
John Cattanach, Boarder, unmarried, General Labourer, age 24 years, born Glenmuick
1881 census - Wester Micras
James Leys, Head, married, age 24 years, Labourer, born Glenmuick
Margaret Leys, Labourer's Wife, age 29 years, born Ordiquhill, Banff, Scotland
Alexander Leys
Married to May Gordon
Died on the 6th July 1901 at 1.40pm
At Townhead, Crathie
Age 80yrs
Father: Charles Leys - farmer (D)
Mother: May Flemming (D)
Death Cause: Cardiac Failure
Informant: Charles Leys (son) - present
May Gordon
Widow of Alexander Leys, General labourer
Died on the 15th February 1906 at 5am
At Townhead, Crathie
Age 80yrs
Father: Nathaniel Gordon - farmer (D)
Mother: Janet Coutts (D)
Death Cause: Rheumatoid Arthritis; Lobar Pneumonia (3 days)
Informant: Minister of Crathie
Notes on WARDHEAD (section extracted from Donald Whyte's 'GORDONS in UPPER DEESIDE)
(I) JOHN GORDON in Bridgend of Muick, had at least two sons:
1. Nathaniel, of whom presently.
2. Francis, in Wardhead of Braichly, sometime in Inchmarnock, married and had issue:
(1) John, born Wardhead, bapt. 5.1.1769.
(2) Margaret, born Wardhead, bapt. 6.6.1771.
(3) Alexander, born Inchmarnock, bapt. 29.12.1776
(4) Jean, bapt. 4.4.1779.
(5) Helen, born Inchmarnock, bapt. 8.5.1781.
(6) Samuel.
(II) NATHANIEL GORDON farmed at Wardhead, and may have married Elizabeth Ogg. His children were:
1. John, born Cobleton, bapt. 23.3.1769.
2. Helen, born Wardhead, bapt. 21.4.1772, perhaps the woman who m. James Stewart, Glenmuick, 9.9.1797.
3. Alexander, born Wardhead, bapt. 6.8.1774.
4. Jean, born Wardhead, bapt. 28.6.1777.
5. Janet, born 21.2.1760.
6. James, of whom presently
7. Nathaniel, in Tombreck, who married Janet, 1794-1879 daughter of Peter Coutts and Margaret Coutts, with issue.:
(1) Margaret, born Bridgend, 7.4.1816.
(2) Jane or Jean, born Bridgend, 1.5.1819.
(3) James, farmer in AUCHOLZIE.
(4) Nathaniel, born Tombreck, bapt. 28.8.1823.
(5) Peter, born Tombreck, bapt. 28.9.1825.
(6) John, born Tombreck, bapt. 26.11.1827, went to Australia.
(7) Mary Gordon11, born Tombreck, bapt. 3.4.1830, who married 23.3.1855, Alexander Leys10, 1821-1901, son of Charles Leys and Mary Fleming. They were interred at Crathie, she having died at Townhead, 15.2.1906,leaving issue.
(8) Michael Francis, born Tombreck, bapt. 10.6.1832.
(9) Donald, born Tombreck, 4.7.1834, a shepherd.
(10) Charles, b. Tombreck, 15.12.1837.
(III) JAMES GORDON, born 1782, farmed at Bridgend. He married Janet, sister James Coutts, a schoolmaster, and had issue:
1. Jane, 1807-82, unmarried
2. Margaret, born Bridgend, bapt. 26.11.1809
3. Nathaniel, of whom presently.
4. James, born Bridgend, bapt. 23.10.1814.
5. Ann, 1821-86, unmarried
6. John, born Bridgend, bapt. 1.10.1825
(IV) NATHANIEL GORDON, bapt. 22.12.1812, farmed at Bridgend and died unmarried 11.6.1888. By his latter will he made bequests to his cousin, James Gordon in AUCHOLZIE, and his children; to Margaret Gordon, wife of Donald McPherson, sometime in Bridgend, later in Achallater; to Donald Gordon, shepherd in Crofts, and to several members of the Coutts family.
The GORDON STONES in GLENGAIRN CHURCHYARD
1. 1870. JOHN GORDON d. Lynnachoul, Glengairn 21st November 1854 aged 78, daughter JANE GORDON d. 18th January 1870 aged 50, widow ELIZABETH GRANT d. 30th January 1870 aged 82, son JOHN GORDON d. 31st December 1880 age 50, MAY GORDON d. 3rd September 1899 age 73, MARGARET GORDON d. 5th November 1901 age 76, ELIZABETH GORDON d. 29th October 1911 aged 83, by son JOHN GORDON.
2. By JAMES GORDON, Australia. Father JAMES GORDON, Glengairn, died Ballater 17th June 1864 aged 82, mother MARGARET McHARDY d. 29th September 1868 aged 80, sister MARGARET GORDON d. 21st September 1850 aged 21, JANET GORDON d. 18th May 1899 aged 80.
3. Fallen Stone: By NATH. GORDON, Tomb, 1782.
4. JAMES GORDON, farmer Bridgend of Gairn, d. 15th July 1832 aged 63. His widow JANET COUTTS d. 28th November 1862 aged 77; children, MARGARET GORDON d. 20th May 1827 aged 18, JOHN GORDON d. 24th January 1838 aged 13, JAMES GORDON d. 8th February 1839 aged 25, JANE GORDON d. 26th October 1882 aged 74, ANN GORDON d. 15th March 1886 aged 64, NATHANIEL GORDON d. 11th June 1888 aged 76.
5. Fallen Stone: 1823. ALEXANDER GORDON, sometime farmer Wand..head, parish of Glenmuick d. 1786 aged 52, his widow ELIZABETH OGG d. 1806 aged 6?, son JOHN GORDON d. �, ALEXANDER GORDON � Kincardine O'Neil d. 15.5.? (only child, ALEXANDER GORDON d. March 1823 aged ?, widow ELIZABETH d. Kincardine O'Neil 18th April 1854 age�)
6. Celtic Cross. DONALD GORDON born Tombeck, Glenmuick 16th July 1834, d. Borrowston, Kincardine O' Neil 23rd October 1912 age 78.
7. By JOHN GORDON, Ballarat, Australia; Father NATHANIEL GORDON, 1778-1850, mother JANET COUTTS, 1794-1879. Son, PETER GORDON b. September 1825 d. October 1839; son, NATHANIEL GORDON b. September 1823 d. April 1842; son, JAMES GORDON d. Auchoille 26th January 1907 aged 85 (children: JAMES GORDON, lost in the Polloch, February 1894 aged 25; JOHN GORDON sergeant IYHS, d. Pretoria 11th April 1901 aged 26; MARY GORDON d. 7th January 1903 aged 24; widow MARY McKENZIE d. Auchoille 8th January 1908 aged 62; son DONALD GORDON d. Forres 19th October 1953 aged 66)
CHILDREN of CHARLES LEYS and MAY FLEMING NOT DISCUSSED SO FAR:
CHILD THREE: HELEN LEYS (born 1802):
No Record of this Helen Leys has so far emerged. Did she die in infancy/childhood?
CHILD FIVE: MARY LEYS (1808-1889):
Mary Leys married John Leys (almost certainly a cousin): This family is described in detail in Section Seven.
Mary Leys
Married to John Leys, Woolen Weaver
Died 25th July 1889 at 10.55pm
Age: 80yrs
At Longhaven, Glengairn
Father: Charles Leys (D) - Crofter
Mother: ----- Leys m.s. Fleming (D)
Death cause: Senile Gangrene (1 month)
Informant : George Hanton, son-in-law (Pananich, Glenmuick)
John Leys
Woolen Weaver - Widower of Mary Leys
Died 27th July 1891 at 6.30pm
Age: 87yrs
At Loinahaven, Glengairn
Father: John Leys (D) - Crofter
Mother: Janet Leys m.s. Riach (D)
Death cause: Paralysis & General Debility (no regular medical attendant)
Informant : George Hanton, son-in-law (Easter Pannanich, Glenmuick)
CHILD NINE: WILLIAM LEYS (1817-1898):
This William Leys never married. In 1881 he was living at Balmore Farm with his nephew Charles Clark
William Leys
General Labourer - Single
Died 21st May 1898 at 10.00am
At Bridge of Bush, Crathie
Age: 81yrs
Father: Charles Leys (D) - Farmer
Mother: May Leys m.s.Flemming (D)
Death cause: Natural causes (seen after death)
Informant : Charles Clark - nephew of Burham, Strachan
1881 census - Balmore (Farm) Crathie & Braemar
Charles Clark, Head, unmarried, age 45 years, Farmer 30 Acres Arable Employing 2 Men & 1 Woman, born Crathie
Margaret Tait, Servant (Domestic), unmarried, age 23 years, born Tough, Aberdeen
Charles Rattray, Married, age 57 years, Farm, born Crathie
William Leys, Uncle, unmarried, age 64 years, Labourer, born
Crathie Tombstone:
" In memory of WILLIAM LEYS born Crofts, Aberarder 2nd April 1817 - died Bridgend of Bush, Crathie 21st May 1898"
Inventory:
" William Leys: 9/7/1898 labourer, residing at Pyperhole in the parish of Crathie and Braemar, d. 21/05/1898 at Pyperhole, intestate, brother of Barbara Leys or Clark Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories