William CRUICKSHANK^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

1808 - 1868  (59 years)

• Name	William CRUICKSHANK
  Born	9 Sep 1808	Bauds of Montbletton, Gamrie, Banffshire, Scotland   [8]
  Christened	18 Sep 1808	Gamrie, Banffshire, Scotland   [8]
  Gender	Male
  _UID	E537F8097FEDD611B6E8D531B5CE1D35E94E
  Died	8 Jul 1868	New Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland   [9]
  Person ID	I4983	YoungFamily
  Last Modified	31 Dec 2021

  
  

  Father	James CRUICKSHANK,   b. 1781/1791, of Hatton, Aberlour Parish, Banffshire, Scotland ,   d. Abt 1811  (Age 20 years)
  Mother	Margaret MCKENZIE,   b. Abt 1785, of Bauds of Montbletton, Gamrie, Banffshire, Scotland ,   d. Bef Jul 1868  (Age < 83 years)
  _UID	A2DC18B66AAEDA11B6EC444553540000217E
  Family ID	F1833	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Falconer SHEPHERD,   b. 3 Jul 1814, Rora, Longside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. 17 Jan 1894, Blackdyke, Kinknockie, Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland  (Age 79 years)
  Married	13 Mar 1834	Longside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland   [10]
  _UID	E637F8097FEDD611B6E8D531B5CE1D35EA5E
  Children	1. William CRUICKSHANK,   c. 11 May 1834, Longside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. Aft 2 Apr 1871  (Age ~ 37 years)   2. Alexander Massie ^ CRUICKSHANK,   b. 5 Feb 1836, Balmacassie, Ellon, Savoch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland   3. Helen CRUICKSHANK,   b. 14 Jan 1838, Balmacassie, Ellon, Savoch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. Jun Qtr. 1921, Fareham District, Hampshire, England (vol. 2b, p. 607)  (Age 82 years)   4. George Shepherd CRUICKSHANK,   c. 23 Jan 1840, Cruden, Aberdeenshire, Scotland   5. Elizabeth CRUICKSHANK,   c. 20 Sep 1843, Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. 22 Jul 1918, Aberdeenshire, Scotland  (Age ~ 74 years)   6. James Ralph CRUICKSHANK,   c. 20 Sep 1846, Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. 11 Jun 1911, Darlington, Durham, England  (Age ~ 64 years)   7. Robert Porter CRUICKSHANK,   c. 22 Jan 1851, Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland ,   d. 1916, South Africa  (Age ~ 64 years)
  Last Modified	15 May 2022
  Family ID	F1832	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  CRUICKSHANK, William (18 -68). b. Bauds of Montbletton, Gamrie, Banffshire, son of a gardener. He attended school aged seven to ten, then worked on a farm. Became a mole-catcher, working at the job in Scotland and England, and eventually starting in business in Ellon; moved to other places in Aberdeenshire, finally to Kinknockie, Old Deer. Charlie Neil, and other poems, chiefly in the Buchan dialect; by William Cruickshank. Peterhead: David Scott. 1869. 152 pp. Published for the author's widow. GMI [https://epdf.pub/mid-victorian-poetry-1860-1879-an-annotated-biobibliography.html] William Cruickshank, the poetical "mole-catcher", was born at Bauds of Montbletton, parish of Gamrie. He was a man of superior education, having, it is said, in his earlier years, views to one of the learned professions, but met with discouragement. He resided for some time at Ellon, then at Bogbrae, Cruden, and latterly at Kinknockie, parish of Ardallie. He died suddenly on the 9th July, 1868. His poetical effusions, "Charlie Neil and other Poems", were collected and published for the behoof of his widow, in 1869. The bards of Bon-Accord, 1375-1860. Electric Scotland. Biography of Peter Still. p. 483. https://electricscotland.com/poetry/bonaccord/050BardsOfBonAccordPeterStill.pdf -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gamrie, coast par., Banffshire, 17,041 ac., pop. 6756; contains Macduff; the ruins of the ancient church (St John's; said to have been founded 1004) are at the head of Gamrie Bay, # mile W. of Gardenstown. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- King Edward: Description of the parish (in 1875) King Edward The parish of King Edward is nowadays reckoned as belonging to Aberdeenshire, and the main article about it will therefore be found among the GENUKI Aberdeenshire pages. However, before the major re-alignment of parish and county boundaries which came into effect on 15th May 1891, a detached part of the parish (and of the county of Aberdeen) lay within the overall boundaries of Banffshire. The remaining articles on this page give details. Historical Geography Until 1st May 1891, a small detached part of the parish of King Edward (and of the county of Aberdeen) lay within the overall boundaries of Banffshire, surrounded by the parishes of Banff, Alvah and Gamrie. On that date, this detached portion was transferred from the parish of King Edward to the Banffshire parish of Alvah. Although it affects only a small number of places, this change does have implications for the civil Registers of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and for the Census. People in the affected locations will disappear from the records for King Edward, Aberdeenshire, and will re-surface in the records for Alvah, Banffshire. Records for other parish/county-based authorities such as the Poor Law may also be affected. Etymology The name of this parish has long been written King-Edward, but by people living in the district it is pronouned Kin-edart, or Kin-eddar, which is supposed to be derived from the Gaelic, and, if that were so, it would mean "the head point or end of the height." Boundaries The parish is bounded on the north partly by the Doveran, and the parishes of Banff and Gamrie; on the east by the parishes of Aberdour, Tyrie, and New Deer; on the south by the parishes of Monquhitter, and Turriff; and, on the west, partly by Doveran and the parish of Alvah in Banffshire. Extent The greatest breadth of the parish, in a direct line from south to north, measures 6½ miles from the burn of Luncarty, on the Turriff boundary, to the influx of the Gellymill burn with the Doveran, at Banff, including the interjecting portions of the parish of Alvah, which lies on the east banks of the Doveran; and the greatest length, also in a direct line from east to west, is from the hills of Bonnykelly, in New Deer, to the influx of the burn of King-Edward with the Doveran, and measures 9½ miles. The area of the principal portion of the parish is 17,564¼ acres, and of the lands of Montcoffer, the detached portion is 1,081¾ acres. Total area of the parish, 18,646 acres. Topography The surface on the eastern half of the parish is hilly, though none of the hills are of great height. The higher hills on the Gamrie, Aberdour, and New Deer boundaries present everywhere a bleak moorish appearance, and are interspersed with extensive tracts of peat moss. Some of the lower hills and valleys bordering the streams and mosses, and the lower moorland tracts around Byth and Millseat, to the woods of Craigstone, have, within the past 20 years, assumed a more cultivated appearance. The western division presents a very undulating surface, but is agreeably diversified by flat tracts along the streams, rising with easy slopes into swelling rounded knolls and hills, which are all either cultivated or covered with clumps of trees. The valley of the Doveran is skirted by steep banks rising one above the other into the hills of Corskie, Montcoffer, and the higher grounds on Eden and Luncarty, and with the graceful beds of the river winding through broad fertile haughs at the bottom of the richly wooded slopes of Eden and its old castle, the scenery is varied and beautiful--a well-wooded and highly cultivated strath appears with comfortable-looking farm steads. On the Montcoffer division of the parish, the hill tops are finely clothed with dark pine woods, and at the point where the channel of the river is narrowed by the lofty impending craigs of Alvah, a sombre-looking semicircular arch "the precipices abrupt," which are partially clothed by a fine variety of forest trees springing from the rents and crevices of the greywacke rocks. For nearly three miles below the craigs of Alvah the river winds lazily eastwards, through the grounds of Duff-house in many a tortuous maze, as if loath to leave its opener and fairer scenes, and at length falls into the Moray Firth at the seven arched bridge of Banff, about half-a-mile below the boundary of this parish. The tide flows up to the Rack-mill, about a mile and a-half from the sea, and the highest point on the Doveran, in this parish, is about 40 feet above sea level. The new church of King-Edward stands 230 feet, and the highest point on the range of hills bordering with Gamrie and Aberdour, on the east, is 710 feet above sea level. The hill of Luncarty is 338 feet, the Plaidy Railway Station is 248 feet, and Craigston Castle is about 286 feet above sea level. [Source: A New History of Aberdeenshire, Alexander Smith (Ed), 1875] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Old Deer Auchredie: Description of the parish (in 1875) Etymology The word Deer, which gives the name to the parish and the mother church of the Presbytery, appears in ecclesiastical aud other records to have been variously spelled, Deare, Dear, Diére: Dier, and Deer; but always of letters which, when spoken according to the ordinary rules of pronunciation, would have invariably produced the same sound. The story of the founding of Deer was discovered by a manuscript in the University of Cambridge, said to have been written by the monks of Deer, and to record the origin of the Abbey. Saint Colomba and Saint Drostane came together from Iona, and landed first at Aberdour, the ruler thereof gave them ground whereon to build a church--Aberdour being, according to this authority, the earliest Christian church in Buchan. The missionaries subseuently proceeded inland, seeking ground whereon to build another church; but the Maormor, or ruler of the district, was at first strongly opposed to them. About this time his son fell ill, and after trying in vain every remedy, he sought the advice and prayers of St. Drostane. The fervent prayers of that righteous man availing to the recovery of the youth, the Maormor's hostility was changed into friendship, and he freely granted land to the missionaries. St. Colomba having thus obtained a settlement for St. Drostane, was about to part from him, when noticing a tear on his cheek, he observed, "This shall be the place of tear"--that is Deer. Boundaries It is bounded on the north by the parishes of Strichen and Lonmay; on the east by the parishes of Longside and Cruden; on the south by the parish of Ellon; and on the west by New Deer. Extent The extreme length, in a direct line, from Earlseat, on the Cruden boundary, to Skillymarno, on the north Ugie, is about 10½ miles; and the extreme breadth, also in a direct line, is from the Hythie boundary on the north Ugie, to near the Brucklay Station on the Formartine and Buchan Railway, the distance is a little over six miles. The area of the Aberdeen portion of the parish is computed to be 24,627¼ acres; and the Banffsbire portion, at 2,812 acres; together, 27,439¼ acres. Topography The surface of the whole is undulating, presenting to the appearance of the eye of a spectator, a series of rounded hills, intersected by valleys and streams, which are of no great height or size. The south Ugie intersects the parish from the bridge of Baluss on the Longside boundary, to Overtown of Bruxie, on the New Deer; and the height of the river at this point is about 210 feet above sea level; and the distance from the sea, by the course of the stream, is 20½ miles. The church is 134 feet; the Wuddyhill is 291 feet; the house of Knock is 171 feet; and the square of Stuartfield is 160 feet. The hill of Trefynie, or King's Crown, is 405 feet; the hill of Dens is 548 feet; Slampton Hill is 418 feet; and the hill of Kinaldie is 368 feet. The hill of Skelmuir is 470 feet; and the hill of Kinknockie is about 450 feet. The moss of Annochie is 350 feet; the Kidshill is 352 feet; the Castle-hill of Benwells (planted) is 491 feet; the hill of Little Elrick is 421 feet; the hill of Balwark is 466 feet; and the hill of Clackriach is 410 feet above sea level. With the exception of the hills of Dens and the Windhills, Skelmuir, Aikeybrae, and the Castle-hill of Benwells, most of these hills are cultivated to the very tops, and the valleys are all either cultivated or planted. North of the Ugie, the ridges of Bruxie and the White Cow, which borders on New Deer and Strichen parishes, are of less altitude. The hill of Cairndale is 396 feet, the Knapperty-hill is 408 feet, and the highest part of the White Cow wood is 466 feet. The eastern portion of the parish, also north of the Ugie, is occupied by the policies of Pitfour and Aden. The bridge of Deer is about 130 feet; the south gate to Pitfour is 165 feet; the lake is 176 feet; the ruins of the Abbey of Deer are about 158 feet; the wood of Sappling-brae is 323 feet, and the Observatory stands 396 feet above sea level. In the north-eastern portion of the parish, lies the old parish of Fetterangus, which is in Banffshire, and comprehends the village of Fetterangus, the lands of Gavals, Cabra, and the Hythies. The higher ground within the Cairn Orchies race course is upwards of 400 feet; and the quarry between the race course and the shelters is 430 feet. The Hythies, which lie to the north-east of the north branch of the Ugie, are bare and uninteresting. The village of Fetterangus, with its old burying-ground, is about 224 feet above sea level; and the hills of Gaval, Cabra (324 feet), and Auchrynie (330 feet), presenting a very undulating surface, but are mostly cultivated, or planted. [Source: A New History of Aberdeenshire, Alexander Smith (Ed), 1875] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parish Of Gamrie By The Rev. Mr. Wilson Origin of the Name. It has long been a general report, and the prevailing tradition in this country, that, some time before the year 1004, in which the church of Gamrie is said to have been built, (and there is at this day the date 1004 on the steeple), that the Thane of Buchan pursued the Danes to the precipice or brow of the hill above the church, and there defeated them with great slaughter. Several of their skulls (most likely of their chiefs who had fallen in battle) were built into the church wall, where they remain entire: From hence it came to be called by some the Kirk of Sculls. In the Gaelic language, the word Kemri, from which, probably, Gamrie is derived, signifies running step, or running leap. And this derivation seems a natural one; because, from the situation of the hill, which is one of the highest on this part of the coast, and very steep on one side, it must have been a running skirmish, and very fatal to the vanquished. In some old registers, the name of the parish is written Ghaemrie. On the said eminence, above the kirk of Gamrie, at the east end of one of the most level and extensive plains in Buchan, are a number of vestiges of encampments, which at this day are called by the name of bloody pots, or bloody pits Situation, Extent, & c. The church and manse of Gamrie are built in a very extraordinary and romantic situation, on a sloping piece of ground in the middle of a hill, and not a mile from the town and harbour of Gardenstown. By two headlands, called Gamrie and Troup head, which project a considerable way into the sea, a beautiful bay is formed, where there is fine anchoring ground, and vessels can ride in safety. At high water, a person could fling a stone into the sea from the church; and looking out of it, it has the appearance, to a stranger, as if the sea washed its foundations. The church is built, after the manner of some very old edifices, with unslacked lime, and with very thick walls; and, although it has already stood for upwards of 700 years, it may, if the roof be kept in proper repair, last for hundreds of years to come. The north side of Gamrie parish is bounded by that part of the German Ocean called the Moray Firth; on the east by the parish of Aberdour; on the south by the parishes of Monwhitter and King Edward; and on the west by the river Dovern, which separates the parish of Gamrie from Banff. The parish stretches 9 1/2 miles along the sea-coast, which is a very bold one. It is almost a continued chain of stupendous rocks, in many places perpendicular, and 200 yards above the sea. It is between 3 and 4 miles broad. Gamrie parish lies in the county of Banff, presbytery of Turriff, and synod of Aberdeen. The soil, in many places, is very fertile, and in others as barren; and, though much has been done of late years, there is still great scope for improvement. The hilly ground is in general covered with heath, and in some places with a coarse kind of grass, on which sheep and young cattle are fed. Sheep, indeed, are very much banished from the parish. When Mr. Wilson fist came to the parish, there was scarcely a farmer who had not a flock; but now there are only two or three that have any at all. This is in a great measure owing to the introduction of sown grass, and the difficulty there is in winter herding, unless the practice was general. Sea Coast, and Fisheries. On this coast a variety of different kinds of fish are caught, viz. Ling, cod haddocks, whitings, turbot, skate, & c. with which this country used to be remarkably well supplied, and a considerable quantity of them, when dried, were carried to the Firth of Forth, and sold there. From the best information, it appears that the fishermen in this parish have sometimes received for their salt fish L. 250 annually. Of late years, the fishing has been so remarkably poor, (to what cause it is perhaps difficult to say, but most likely one principal reason is, the immense quantities of seadogs, a kind of shark, with which this coast has been infested), that there has hardly been fish sufficient to supply the markets at home. Of consequence, it is supposed they have risen much in value. Long after the present minister was settled in the parish, he could have purchased haddocks at one penny and three half-pence a dozen, which now cost a shilling to eighteen pence; and in proportion for other kinds of fish, and every other article of food. On this coast, great quantities of sea weed, called ware, are thrown up on the shore, which the farmers lay on the ground, and find very profitable in raising crops of barley. In this parish, it is laid on with a very sparing hand, owing to the steepness of the coast, and the bad access to the shore. Considerable quantities also of this sea-weed are cut off from the rocks, for the purpose of making kelp. At an average, about 30 tons are made annually, which sell from L. 3 to L. 5 a ton. On the river Dovern, which separates the parishes of Banff and Gamrie, is an exceeding good salmon fishery, the property of Lord Fife, which lets for L. 1000 per annum. The salmon are all cured in the town of Macduff. The pickled fish are all sent to the London market, and what are salted are generally exported to France and Spain. Mineral Springs, Quarries, & c. Near the sea-coast, and in the neighbourhood of Macduff, is a pretty good mineral spring, called the Well of Farlair, which has been useful in gravellish complaints. Of late years it has come into considerable repute, and a number of people resort to it annually. In this parish, upon the estate of Melrose, now the property of Lord Fife, is a very good slate-quarry. The quantity annually made has been various, depending on demand, and the number of hands employed. The slates are of a good quality, of a beautiful blue colour, not inferior to the Easdale slate, only thicker, larger, and make a heavier roof. Quarriers are commonly paid by the piece, which is certainly the best way for themselves and their employers. Common day-labourers usually receive from 7 d. to 9 d. a day in winter, and from 9 d. to 1 s. in summer. Natural Curiosities. Near the east end of the parish, and not far from the house of Troup, are three great natural curiosities. 1. A perpendicular rock of very great extent, full of shelves, and possessed by thousands of birds called Kittyweaks. These arrive in the beginning of spring, and leave it again towards the end of August, after they have brought forth their young. Some people are fond of eating the young Kitty's; but the shooting of them is a favourite diversion every year. The season for this is commonly the last week of July. Whither these birds go in winter is not known; most probably it is to some place upon the coast of Norway. 2dly, a cave, or rather den, about 50 feet deep, 60 long, and 40 broad, from which there is a subterraneous passage to the sea, about 80 yards long, through which the waves are driven with great violence in a northerly storm, and occasion a smoke to ascend from the den. Hence it has got the name of Hell's Lumb, i. e. Hell's Chimney. 3. Another subterraneous passage, through a peninsula of about 150 yards long from sea to sea, through which a man can with difficulty creep. At the north end of this narrow passage is a cave about 20 feet high, 30 broad, and 150 long, containing not less than 90,000 cubic feet. The whole is supported by immense columns of rock, is exceedingly grand, and has a wonderfully fine effect, after a person has crept through the narrow passage. This place has got the name of the Needle's Eye. There are in the parish several tumuli. Not many years ago, one of them, in the neighbourhood of Macduff, was opened' and there was found in it an urn, containing a considerable number of small human bones. Population. The population of the parish is nearly double since the year 1732. At the above period the parish contained 1600 souls, and now nearly 3000. About the years 1704 and 1705, it appears by the Registers that the number of births annually, at an average, were then 45; and, for several years past, they have not been under 60. The number of deaths cannot be ascertained so far back. About 30 years ago they were from 10 to 12, and for 7 years past nearly 20 annually. About 30 years ago there were from 12 to 14 marriages annually, and, for 7 years past, not less than 26. In this parish, many instances of longevity might be mentioned. It is only a few years since a fisherman in Macduff died at the age of 109; and there are living at present several persons 90 years old and upwards. Mr. Wilson is in his 97th year; and last autumn, at the conclusion of the harvest, the age of him, and the two servants that assisted in taking in his crop, amounted in all to 257; and it is worthy remarking that one of these has been his servant 50 years. Mr. Wilson was the first that introduced turnips and potatoes into the parish. He had a few of them in his garden, which the people in coming to the church used to look at as a great curiosity; and it was thought, at that time, that none but a gardener could raise them. It was long before the method of hoeing come to be thought of. Being sown thick, and handweeded, they came to no size. Another singularity deserves notice, viz. that, when he came to Gamrie, there was not a watch in church except the laird's and the minister's. Church. The minister's living is, communibus annis, L. 100 Sterling; the crown patron. The present incumbent was settled in the year 1732. He has been a widower for ten years past; has had 14 children; ten of whom (five sons and five daughters) he has lived to see well settled in the world. Poor. In such a popular parish, it is to be supposed there will be several poor, and accordingly between 50 and 60 receive charity out of parish funds; and of these the year 1782 added several to the list. The weekly collection at Gamrie and Macduff is at an average 14 s. L. 450, which is at interest, belongs to the poor of this parish. Rental. The valued rent of the parish is L. 5489: 6: 8 Scots. The present real rent, exclusive of fisheries, is nearly L. 1680 Sterling. Town, Villages, and Miscellaneous Observations. The principal causes of the increase of population are, the number of fishing towns on the coast, the breaking of large farms into smaller ones, the encouragement given by the heritors to improve waste ground, and their endeavouring to introduce a better mode of culture. The principal town in the parish is Macduff, the property of Lord Fife. In 1732 there were only a few fishermen's houses in Macduff, but now there are several well laid out streets, and 1000 souls in the town. The harbour, on which his Lordship has already laid out upwards of L. 5000, will, when finished, be one of the best in the Moray Firth. There are ten vessels from 60 to 120 tons burden, and 6 fishing boats, belonging to Macduff. Three of them are in the London trade, two in the east country trade, and the others trade most commonly to the Firth of Forth. Since the great increase of population in this part of the parish, his Lordship has erected a Chapel of Ease in Macduff, for the accommodation of the inhabitants, who are nearly six mile from their parish church, and gives a salary to a qualified clergyman to preach and dispense the ordinances of religion among them. On the east end of this parish, there are very near to one another two other small towns, Gardenston and Crovie, both the property of Lord Gardenston, and not far from his house at Troup. The town of Gardenston contains nearly 300 souls, and Crovie 100. In these two places are the same number of vessels and fishing-boats as in Macduff, only the vessels are of a smaller size. Lords Fife and Gardenston are the only heritors. Lord Fife does not reside in the parish, but one of his principal seats (Duff House) is very near it, being only about an English mile from Macduff. His Lordship has paid the greatest attention to the improvement of his estates, and the good of the country, by encouraging inclosing, binding his tenants to have yearly a certain quantity of their ground laid down in grass seeds. These regulations were highly proper and necessary some years ago, because people are led in chains by habit; and it is by slow degrees, and well digested plans, they are made to depart from established customs: But, now that the propriety of these regulations are seen, it would be difficult to make the farmers have such small quantities of turnip & c. as it was necessary at first to restrict them to. Lord Fife has also converted the whole customs and services (usually called bonnage) at a modern rate. This is of the utmost importance to the tenants. Not many years ago, many of them paid nearly one-half of their rent in fowls, eggs, sheep, & c. delivered in kind, and the labour of themselves, their servants, horses, in feed-time and harvest, carriage of peats, and many other works in the different seasons throughout the year, when called for; by which means they were often obliged to plough, dung, and harrow their landlord's ground, and lose the season for their own. Planting is a mode of improvement in which no person in this country has been more successful than the Earl of Fife. His Lordship has planted not less than from 7000 to 8000 acres on his different estates, which he continues yearly to increase; and at this moment the whole is in a very thriving state. An account of the various kinds of trees, and the method taken to rear them, will be seen in Young's Annals of Agriculture, and the Minutes of the Society of Arts and Commerce. The most considerable plantation in this parish is what is called the Tore of Troup. There are upwards of 600 acres planted with trees of various kinds, in a thriving state. These were reared chiefly by the direction of the late Mr. Garden of Troup, and begun by his grandfather. Mr. Garden, who is now succeeded by his brother Lord Gardenston, was unanimously elected member of parliament for the county of Aberdeen, during three succeeding sessions of parliament; he constantly resided at Troup, in this parish, excepting the time he attended parliamentary business, and paid great attention to the improvement of his estate, and the good of his country. He never gave a shorter lease than for a life; and to several of his tenants he gave very long leases, viz. a life, two nineteen years, and a life. He was not like many others, who, when they saw a tenant thriving, though he had too good a bargain, and would demand a very high rent at the next letting. It was his joy to see his tenants carrying on their improvements, and prospering by their honest industry. Nor, when any of his leases fell vacant, was it ever known that he did not prefer the tenant's own son, and continue him in the possession, if he was disposed to follow the same occupation with his father. And it may be safely said, that, owing to the encouragement given by Lord Fife and Mr. Garden, there are few tenants in the north of Scotland more thriving than in the parish of Gamrie. In the year 1782, when many others were not able to pay their rents, scarcity was not much felt except by the poorest class. The language spoken in this parish is the Scottish, with an accent peculiar to the north country. There is no Erse. The fuel used in the parish is partly coals and partly peats. The latter has of late years become very scarce; and coals are every day much more commonly used; which, owing to a partial and oppressive tax, cost very dear, and is a very great hindrance to improvement in this part of the country. It is certainly very unfair, and highly absurd, that this necessary article, which at any rate must be considerably higher in price to consumers in the North, from the expence of carriage, than it is to those on the other side of the Redhead, should also be loaded with a tax from which the southern inhabitants are exempted: And it is to be hoped the wisdom and justice of the legislature will soon provide a remedy, either by a total repeal, or by making the tax payable at the pit, which would thereby become general, and be much less partially felt. [Source: The Statistical Account of Scotland 1791-1799 Edited by Sir John Sinclair Volume XVI Banffshire, Moray and Nairnshire.]

  
  

• Sources

  [S133] Published Work, Various, (Various), Mid-Victorian Poetry, 1860-1879, an annotated bibliography, by Catherine Reilly, p.117, 2000. Excerpt Mid-Victorian Poetry, 1860-1879, an annotated bibliography, by Catherine Reilly, 2000. Mansell Publishing Limited, Wellington House, 125 Strand, London WC2R 0BB or 370 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017-6550. ISBN 0-7201-2318-6. CRUICKSHANK, William (18 -68). b. Bauds of Montbletton, Gamrie, Banffshire, son of a gardener. He attended school aged seven to ten, then worked on a farm. Became a mole-catcher, working at the job in Scotland and England, and eventually starting in business in Ellon; moved to other places in Aberdeenshire, finally to Kinknockie, Old Deer. Charlie Neil, and other poems, chiefly in the Buchan dialect; by William Cruickshank. Peterhead: David Scott. 1869. 152 pp. Published for the author's widow. GMI [Mitchell Library, Glasgow] Located on Google Books on WWW: http://books.google.ca/books?id=bzRDJeN4KxQC&pg=PA117&lpg=PA117&dq=place+called+bauds,+gamrie,+banffshire,+scotland&source=bl&ots=-LLTDGxZqv&sig=SypuJ72i_hf9aB6PBO5NCXoblFI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_oyWUN_wMMqFywGXkoGwCA&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=place%20called%20bauds%2C%20gamrie%2C%20banffshire%2C%20scotland&f=false [S133] Published Work, Various, (Various), Labouring-Class Writers' Project, School of Arts & Humanities, Nottingham Trent University, 2012. Cruickshank, William (d. 1868), of Bauds of Montbletton, Gamrie, Banffshire, gardener’s son, molecatcher (‘The Rhyming Molecatcher’), pub. Charlie Neil, and other poems, chiefly in the Buchan dialect (Peterhead, 1869). Ref Reilly (2000), p. 117, Edwards, 2 (1881), pp. 192-5. [S] Found on WWW: http://human.ntu.ac.uk/research/labouringclasswriters/DBoW/Poets_A2Z.htm#C [S133] Published Work, Various, (Various), One hundred modern Scottish poets: . . ., by David Herschell Edwards, pp 192-195., 1881. William Cruickshank, Better-known in the north of Scotland as "The Rhyming Mole Catcher," was born at Bauds of Montbletton, parish of Gamrie. His father was a gardener, but died when William was three years old, and his son was removed to Mill of Fishery, King-Edward. After passing several years in farm service, he commenced the business of a mole-catcher, and while pursuing this vocation he travelled through the greater part of Scotland and England, and ultimately settled down at Kinknockie, Old Deer. In 1868 he was engaged collecting the annual subscriptions from the members of the Buchan Agricultural Society - an occupation he attended to faithfully for many years - when he was suddenly taken ill, and died the following day. In 1869, Mr. David Scott, Peterhead, published, for the benefit of his widow, a volume of his effusions, entitled "Charlie Neil, and other Poems." The leading poem presents a fine but affecting picture of Scottish rural life - expressing the joys and sorrows of our peasantry, and the moral reflections arising from the many incidents in it are managed with not a little skill, and are equally worthy of the head and heart of its humble author. With the simple and touching eloquence of which our Scottish dialect is so susceptible it relates the history of a peasant from youth - from rural happiness to mendicity and wretchedness. "o'er the brae ayont the burnie, Stood a sweet but humble biel, Which, when he began his journey, Was the hame o'Charlie Neil. Whiles at ditchin', whiles at hedgin', Whiles at heather theekin' thrang, What ye wished him to engage in, Ne'er to Charlie Neil came wrang." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Washin', dressin', bakin', brewin', Lookin' after hens and kye, Makin', mendin', knittin', sewin', - Mony little jobs forbye." Here is an affecting picture, which speaks for itself - Nancy, wha with anxious feelin', Put the barinies to their bed, For the night set past her wheelin', Syne took up the Book to read. Near her chair the cruizie blinked; On her lap the Bible lay, Which her master had presented, To her on her weddin' day. On its title page was written By the parson she had serv'd - "This, a present most befittin', Nancy Skene has well deserv'd. "May the blessing still attend her Which this sacred Book holds forth; May its Author still befriend her, Prayeth Robert Sterlingworth." Dear in Nancy's estimation Was this sacred Book I trow; Aft her secret consolation, When her comforts else were few. Hark! a sudden noise like thunder, Bang the door gaed to the wa', Ower the threshold wi' a lounder Charlie on the floor did fa'. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frae that day, his wark neglected, Charlie's thrift began to sink, By nae principle restricted Deeper now relaps'd in drink. When he had a plack to squander Wife an' bairns were a' forgot; Charlie through the country wander'd, A poor, detested, ragged sot. Nance, through prospects maist bewilderin', Toil'd till she could toil no more To maintain her helpless children Wha were now increas'd to four. By her husband left distracted, Misery now was undisguised; Next for debts that were contracted, A' their furniture was seiz'd. Nance in rags, wi' features wasted, O' this place now took her leave; Four lang years she had possess'd it, - Little doubt her heart did grieve. One babe rested on her shoulder, At her side a girl o'four; Twa fine boys, wha were older, Hand in hand ran on before. Frae frequented roads they shifted, Cross'd ower mony a height an' howe, Mony a weary foot they lifted, Till the sun was wearin' low. They, twa braid pastures crossin', Reach'd the road amang the trees, Where the summer's openin' blossom, Scented sweet the evenin' breeze. Near the road a streamlet joukit, Where they drank as they had need; While poor Nancy frae her pocket Dealt the bairns a bit o' bread. As they here sat a' thegither. Pheobus sank frae out their sight; While the second boy said - "Mither, Hae we far to gang the night?" Nancy's heart at sic a question Heav'd as if 'twould burst her breast; Hidin' a that heart's oppresion, Only thus her words exprest: See na ye yon maukin budgin' On yon bonnie tufted lea? He wha finds for it a lodgin' Will provide for you an' me." "Twixt hope an' fear she now did swither, When the boys did shout an' say - "Look behind you, mither, mither; Father's comin' up the brae!" Nancy turn'd - she doubted sairly - An' gaz'd through the thickenin' mist; When to her surprise, her Charlie Stood beore her ere she wist. "Art thou, then, dear, helpless creature, Hooseless, hameless, here, alas! I, the basest wretch in nature Hae my family brought to this." Here he paus'd; could she deride him? This would useless be an' worse; Love even here forbade to chide him When assail'd by dark remorse. Nancy, at her sorrws winkin', Though they now were hard to sum, Said - Gin ye would cease frae drinkin' This might soon be a' owercome." Roun' his wife his arms he press'd., Kiss'd her soft though faded cheek; Rais'd his bairns an' them caress'd, While wi' grief he couldna speak. Found "One hundred modern Scottish poets: with biographical and critical notices" [full title] on WWW at: http://books.google.ca/books?id=LJAOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA192&lpg=PA192&dq=%22William+Cruickshank%22+rhyming+molecatcher&source=bl&ots=h180ZRIkHV&sig=xNZkWsLyy3wOPvm63qXQZeIDXDo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=RpKWUIHVKueXyAH0vIDoBQ&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false [S133] Published Work, Various, (Various), The Bards of Bon-Accord 1375-1860, [1840-1850], p 483, Unknown. in footnote *William Cruickshank, the poetical "mole-catcher", was born at Bauds of Montbletton, parish of Gamrie. He was a man of superior education, having, it is said, in his earlier years, views to one of the learned professions, but met with discouragement. He resided for some time at Ellon, then at Bogbrae, Cruden, and latterly at Kinknockie, parish of Ardallie. He died suddenly on the 8th July 1868. His poetical effusions, "Charlie Neil and other Poems", were collected and published for the behoof of his widow, in 1869. in the following context: "Again, the "Rustic Rhymes", 1842, is not mentioned in the autobiographic sketch at all; the dates of his first and second ventures are there given as 1839 and 1844, an evident slip for 1842 and 1844. By this time, however, he [Peter Still] had made acquaintance with Mathers, A. Angus, Thom, W. Cruickshank, * and other poets, with all of whom he carried on a large correspondence." Found on Electric Scotland on the WWW at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/bonaccord/050BardsOfBonAccordPeterStill.pdf [S27] 1841 Census, Scotland, General Register Office for Scotland, (U.S.A., Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah), #0101794, Buchan District, District #5, page 1, parish of Cruden, 7 Jun 1841. At Bogbrae, Crudon, Aberdeenshire: William Cruickshank, aged 30 years, agricultural labourer, not born in county; Falconer Cruickshank, aged 25 years, born in County; William Cruickshank, aged 7 years, born in County; Alexander Cruickshank, aged 5 years, born in County; George, aged 1 year, born in County; Helen, aged 3 years, born in County. [S28] 1851 Census, Scotland, General Register Office for Scotland, (U.S.A., Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah), Old Deer, Parish #228, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, ED 14, p. 10, Roll CSSCT1851_49, 31 Mar 1851. Household schedule #27, Pettymarcus, Old Deer, Buchan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: William Cruickshanks, head, mar, 41, Mole Catcher And Ag Lab, born Gamrie, Banffshire Falconer Cruickshanks, wife, mar, 36, born Longside, Aberdeen William Cruickshanks, son, single, 16, Apprentice Shoemaker, born Longside, Aberdeen Helen Cruickshanks, daughter, single, 13, Employed At Home, born Ellon, Aberdeen George Cruickshanks, son, single, 12, scholar, born Old Deer, Aberdeen James R Cruickshanks, son, single, 4, born Old Deer, Aberdeen Elizabeth Cruickshanks, daughter, single, 7, scholar, born Old Deer, Aberdeen Robert R Cruickshanks, son, single, 2 MO, born Old Deer, Aberdeen [S26] 1861 Census, Scotland, General Register Office for Scotland, (U.S.A., Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah), LDS #0103783, parish of Deer or Old Deer, 8 Apr 1861. Deer or Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Schedule No. 24, Kinknockie, William Cruickshank, head of household, married, 52 years old, molecatcher, born Gamrie Banffshire; Falconer Cruickshank, wfie, married, 48 years, born Longside, Aberdeen; Elizabeth Cruickshank, daughter, unmarried, aged 17 years, domestic servant, born Old Deer, Aberdeen; James R. Cruickshank, son, aged 14 years, scholar, born Old Deer; Robert P. Cruickshank, son, aged 10 years, scholar, born Old Deer; Helen Barclay, granddaughter, aged 1 years, born Old Deer. [S23] Old Parish Register, Scotland, General Register Office for Scotland, (U.S.A., Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah), G.R.O.Scotland, O.P.R. Births 155/0020 0482 Gamrie and MacDuff, 18 Sep 1808. 1808. CRUICKSHANK. William natural son to James Cruickshank, gardener at Hatton and Margaret McKenzie in Bauds [of Montbletton], was born Sept. 9th baptized 18th before witnesses Thomas Wallace and Robert Young in Bauds. [S19] District Registration of Death, Scotland, (Scotland, Edinburgh: Registrar General for Scotland), Parish of New Deer, Aberdeenshire, 1868, page 11, 9 Jul 1868. Decedant: William Cruickshank, molecatcher and labourer, married to Falconer Shepherd, aged 59 years, death occurred at 10:15 a.m. at New Deer. He son of James Cruickshank, gardener and Margaret McKenzie, both deceased. Reported by son, James Cruickshank, not present at death. Cause of death: (illegible) of 18 hours duration. Copy of original district registration of death purchased from http://www.scotlandspeople.com, in possession of Susan Young. [S23] Old Parish Register, Scotland, General Register Office for Scotland, (U.S.A., Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah), Longside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 13/03/1834, O.P.R. Marriages 218/00 0030 0290, 13 Mar 1834. 1834 13th March. Cruickshank and Shepherd. William Cruickshank in the Parish of Ellon and Falconer Shepherd in this Parish.