Christina Kirby
CHRISTINA
KIRBY was born on the 9th May 1893 in 2 Barassie Street, Troon at 06.15AM (ref 590/2 47).She was the fifth of nine known children born to John Kirby and Elizabeth Taylor of Troon. Christina was named after her Grandmother, Christina Walker and presumeably her elder sister who died on the 9th March 1893, only two months previously. Naming children after deceased brothers has been considered bad luck but not so in this Christina case, as she led a full and characterful life.
Christina's birth was registered on the 27th of May 1893, by her mother Elizabeth Kirby no doubt because her father John, a Merchant Seaman was away at sea.
At the time of Christina's birth her older brother, Henry Taylor Kirby had already died as well as her older sister Christina Walker Kirby. Lucy Elizabeth Kirby who would have been 7 years old and Elizabeth Taylor Kirby probably 2 years old.
Her brother John Kirby was born on the 13th August 1895, however John died next year in 1896 of whooping cough, aged 1 year.
Mary Kirby was born on the 22nd of April 1897 when Christina was 4 year old
Jessie Wilson Kirby was born on the 1st of June 1899 when Christina was 6 year old
James Parker Kirby was born on the 1st of June 1901 when Christina was 6 year old on the 22nd of July 1901. However James died in infancy on the 28th September 1901 of Acute Lobal Pneumonia, for 2 Days
However, the biggest change in Christina's life would be the death of her mother Elizabeth Taylor on the 11th of December 1901 of Heart Disease, Mistral Steurosis and Regurgitation.
What happened to all the children after this point is not certain although it is claimed that their Auntie Christina, presumeably one of the Taylor Family, looked after them. This information came from Betty McTurk. However John Kirby seems to have distanced himself from them. He went to marry Jane Miller on the 31st July 1903. Jane knew John had children but seems to be unaware they were living in Scotland, almost under her nose.
It would appear the children had some problems and Christina whilst unmarried, had a child, William Kirby who was born on the 8th December 1910 at the Kyle Union, Poorhouse, Ayr at 11.50 AM (Ref 1910 578/1 882 Ayr). Unfortunately William died in infancy at the Kyle Union, Poorhouse, Ayr at 01.40 AM on the 15th December 1910 (Ref 1910 578/1 543 Ayr). William's name is interesting, as there are no other Williams in the Kirby Family, certainly in Scotland. So either this was the fathers name or a name after one of the Taylor family. The cause of death was Congenital Syphillis, Premature Birth and suggests that life was not easy at this time. Sadly the birth was registered by Christina on the 19th of December 1910, a week before Christmas. Her address at that time was 15 Boat Vennal, Ayr. This property by the river was inhabited by Ada Nokes or Sneddon, owned by James Sneddon, Salesman according to the valuation roll.
Christina was employed as a mill worker, the mills being large employers in Ayr at that time.
Christina married David Arthur Thomson a Coal Miner on the 6th of August 1915 in The Manse, St Quivox, Ayr. Church of Scotland. (Ref 1915 578/2). David aged about 27, was the son of James Thomson and Marion Aitken and living at 26 High Road, Whitletts, Ayr at that time. He was born on the 3rd of December 1888 in Whittlets, Ayr. Christina was living at 74 York Street Lane, Ayr.
On the 23rd of April 1920 Christina Kirby Thomson their only child was born at High Road, Whitletts, Ayr. at 4h0m pm (Ref 1920 578/2 24). Following the death of Mary Kirby, Christina's younger sister, Elizabeth Taylor McTurk Christina's niece was brought up with the family.
Her husband David died on the 18th of February 1965 aged 76. Somewhat surprisingly Christina aged 76 married Walter Shields Stewart on the 15th of April 1967 in Ayr (Ref 1967 578/155), son of Robert Stewart and Annie Shields. He was born in 1893. Christina was living at 26 High Road, Whitletts, Ayr. Walter had been employed in the Constabulary, Admiralty (Retired) and was living at 1 Camp Road, Crombie, Dunfermline.
Unfortunately nothing further is known about Walter currently.
Christina died on the 3rd of July 1969 and was buried in St Quivox churchyard, Ayr.
