Using birth order to identify previous generations - the Muir family in Libberton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

[Oliver Russell]

Can anyone help me find my Muir ancestors in Lanarkshire, Scotland ? My ggggGrandfather was William Muir who died in Causewayend near Culter, Lanarkshire 13 April 1808. His wife was Grizzel Henderson who also died in Causewayend on 15 December 1807. Unfortunately the death register gives no information about their parents. They farmed at Wintermuir Farm near Biggar and from 1782 at Burnfoot Farm, Kilbucho, Peeblesshire. Sadly I have been unable to locate a marriage register entry for them. They had six children baptised between 1765 and 1782 in Kilbucho and the last two in Biggar. Their children were John, James, Janet, Thomas, Margaret, & William.

I believe that my ggggGrandfather William Muir was born about 1733 or 1734. I have found a William Muir baptised 17 September 1733 at Libberton, the son of John Muir and Margaret Young who were tenant farmers at Quothquan, Libberton, Lanarkshire I have not found Grizzel Henderson's birth but she might have been born to James Henderson and Janet Hunter in Glasgow in 1734 but this daughter has no christian name so that I cannot be sure that it is her.

I am seeking ways of establishing that my William Muir was the son of this John Muir. Libberton is not far away from either Kilbucho or Biggar. William and Grizzel named their first born son John and their second born daughter Margaret which fits with the naming custom of the time (first born son named for paternal grandfather, second born son for maternal grandfather, first born daughter for maternal grandmother, second born daughter for paternal grandmother). If Grizzel Henderson's parents are indeed James Henderson and Janet Hunter then this would fit - second born son was James, first born daughter was Janet.. Anyone have any suggestions. All ideas and suggestions welcome. Oliver

[tree]

Dear Oliver:

I have tried looking into this line a bit further myself, but am about as stymied as you are. I did find Mormon IGIs that referred to a William MUIR, "Born about 1750 ... of Wintermuir Farm, Biggar, Lanark, Scotland" and a Grizel HENDERSON, "Born about 1754 ... of Wintermuir Farm, Biggar, Lanark, Scotland." Neither one of these lists their parents. I do find several William MUIR/MUREs b. between 1730-1750 in Lanarkshire and only 1 or 2 in Peebleshire. I did find a Grizel HENDERSON Born: 3 May 1751 and Christening: 12 May 1751 in Skirling (Peebles), Scotland to Walter Henderson and Helen Young. I know 1750 and 1751 would have made them quite young to start having children, but ... ??? These are just some "musings" on this.

What you say in your initial note about the "traditional naming pattern" makes good sense, but ... these may not have been all of their children and/or they may not have followed the "traditional" pattern.

Sincerely,
Randy