This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/QdV.2ACIB/100.3 Message Board Post: Thought i would let you know my interest in James Fairbairn and also some of the info I have. James Smith Alexander Fairbairn born 3 November 1866 at 6 Roxburgh Street, Galashiels to George Fairbairn (Butcher) and Christina Moffat Smith. He had a brother George born 1865 and died 1885, also a sister Agnes born 1868. George Fairbairn and my great grandfather were half brothers (same mother - Mary Watson). I also have two books which blonged to George as he has written his name inside - George Fairbairn, Butcher, Galashiels 1864. I couln't find him in the 1871 census then found his wife who was a widow with the children at her parents in Muirkirk, Ayrshire and as I couldn't find his death and Christina had registered the birth of Agnes thought he may have gone abroad as my g grandfather and his brother were in Australia at this time. I trawled through the Galashiels newspapers and found his death had taken place at Monte Video in Uruquay on 17 October 1869. I do not know whether he had been in Uruquay or on his way back from Australia. I have stamps from Uruquay around this time. In 1881 James was with his mother at Muirkirk working as an apprentice joiner but by 1891 was working as a Butcher in High Buckholmside where my g grandfather had properties and a butcher,s shop. He ! was married in 1887 (aged 42) and James was a witness. James married Elizabeth Newlands in Edinburgh 10 June 1891 (Her parents belonged Galashiels) and she was found dead in the High Street in Selkirk at 4 a.m. on 18 Sepember 1897 but there is no report in the newspaper. By 1901 James is living in 30 Balcarres Street, Edinburgh (Butcher) with his second wife Mary (Age 34) born Buncle with his two daughters. I cannot find the marriage but have found four Marys who were born at Buncle so will have to check them out at Register House. I did not know about his daughter Christina - was she born in Scotland? and I could not find any deaths - did they go abroad. James is the only male descendent of George Fairbairn Snr and Mary Watson (his grandparents) and his g grandfather was also GeorgeFairbairn. My grandfather knew CowboyFairbairn (I think his name was James) and I wondered if he was related to the above James. Cowboy Fairbairn allegedly married an American hei! ress and he built a ranch style house near where I lived but have not seen it. I think he died late 70s or early 80s so will have to check this out. This is a bit long-winded but hope it helps and look forward to hearing what relation you are to James.