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Matthew Fleming STEWART (b 1836)

Matthew Fleming Stewart's birth was recorded in the parish register of Old Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The record read "Matthew Fleming, son lawful of William Stewart, Spinner at Duntocher & Janet Craig his wife, born 16th May and bapd 17th July 1836 by Revd Matthew Barclay." I have wondered if the middle name was inspired by a relation but am inclined to think that the name Fleming was inspired by Dr Alexander Fleming, minister of Neilston Parish Church who in 1826 began to preach to assembled parishioners in a tent erected in the church yard when church administrators required payment of seat rents. Dr Fleming continued his defiance of authorities in defense of the poor of the parish for eight years and was a celebrated Neilston parish figure as a consequence.

Matthew appeared in the 1841 Census with his family on New Street in Duntocher (Dunbartonsire). His age was given as 5 years (which would be correct in one month's time) and the record confirms that he was born in Dunbartonshire. He was still at home with his parents in 1851, but the family has moved from Duntocher to 29 New Sneddon Street in Paisley (Renfrewshire). Matthew's age was given as 15 (again, the age would be correct two month's later in the year) and he was now noted as being unmarried and employed as a cotton worker.

Six years later, on 27 Mar 1857, Matthew married Jane Kirk, a next-door neighbor, at her residence. James Aitken, minister of the North Church performed the Church of Scotland rites after publication of banns. Matthew signed his name in the register; Jane made her mark. Matthew lived at 6 Albion Street, Jane at 5 Albion Street, Paisley (Renfrewshire). This was a first marriage for both. Matthew's occupation was given as cotton spinner. The record also records the names and occupations of the couple's parents. The record notes that Matthew's father was deceased (He died in 1853.). Jane's parents are named as John Kirk, joiner, and Jane Kirk, maiden surname Lindsay.

The couple welcomed their first child on 11 Aug 1857. William Stuart was born at Jane's parent's residence at 5 Albion Street in Paisley. It is entirely possible that the couple resided there as well. No regular address was cited in the birth registration. In later years, this William would identify himself as William Kirk Stewart, but that was not the name recorded in his birth registration. Curiously, father Matthew was unable to sign his name to the record and instead made his mark, but he was present for the registration. Both father and child's names are spelled Stuart in the registry.

Jane Lindsay Stewart's birth followed two years later, on 09 Jul 1859. Her name was recorded on the registration as Jane Lind, but I suspect the child's middle name was meant to reflect his grandmother's maiden name, Lindsay. The birth occurred on West Street in the Calton district of Glasgow. I have not been able to determine what the link was to this address for this couple. It was Jane Lindsay's mother who went to the registry office to report the birth almost two weeks later.

A third child, John Kirk Stewart, was born on 15 Sep 1861 on Drumfrocker Road in Greenock (Renfrewshire). In the 1861 Census in April of that year, the couple were reported to be living in a single room with a window in the Cotton Mill Building on Drumfrocker Road. Presumably, John was born at home. On this occasion, it was John's father who reported the birth some two weeks later. At that time, Matthew signed his name and spelled it Steaurt.

Through all of these years, Matthew's occupation was listed as cotton spinner. There was little question that automation was slowly changing the prospects for men with this occupation. The circumstances and conditions under which this family lived in Greenock were almost certainly appalling. Just over a year after John's birth, on 12 Oct 1862, the childrens' mother, Jane Kirk died of typhus at the infirmary in Greenock. She was 27 years old. Matthew reported her death two days after its occurrence and signed his name, again spelling his surname Steaurt.

I would speculate that with Jane's death, Matthew moved to Paisley to live with his parents at 29 New Sneddon Street. That was the address listed when he married Robina Honeyman, a widow who had been living at the same address since at least 1851. The marriage was conducted at the Abbey Manse in Paisley by Andrew Wilson, a minister of Abbey Parish (Church of Scotland). Matthew was 27; Robina was 37. When the couple appeared in the 1871 Census living at 29 New Sneddon Street. Matthew was still a cotton spinner. Matthew's three children, William (age 14), Jane (age 12), and John (age 10) were listed as part of the household. In addition, James Lonie (age 19), Robina's son, lived with them. James was an apprentice tinsmith, William a dye worker laborer, and Jane a thread mill worker. John alone was still in school.

Robina died less than a decade later, on 23 May 1879 at 26 Glen Street in Paisley. The cause of death was bronco pneumonia (6 months). Her step-daughter, Jeanie Stewart reported the death the next day. On the death registration, Robina's first husband, James Lonie, was reported to be a cotton spinner (operative) while her second husband, Matthew Stewart, was reported to be a boatyard laborer. There is some possibility that, in recording the occupations of these two men, the registrar reversed the order. But it is also possible (and probably likely given his occupation recorded later that year) that Matthew by this time had ceased to work as a cotton spinner and had instead been forced to look for other work.

Matthew married again six months later, this time to Annie Gibb, a widow and thread mill worker, age 45, who lived near Matthew's parents at 24 New Sneddon Street in Paisley. The marriage took place on 10 Dec 1879 at 45 Oakshaw Street in Paisley according to rites of the Church of Scotland. At the time of marriage, Matthew gave his age as 42, his occupation as night watchman. He signed the register while Annie simply made a mark. When the Census was taken in 1881, just over a year later, Ann's age was recorded as 53. Ann's daughter Annie [Storrie] was also a member of the household along with Matthew's children, Jeanie (a spooler, age 21) and John (a bricklayer, age 19).

Matthew's son William had married Emma Arnold, a thread mill worker and spinster age 22, on 28 Dec 1877. William gave his occupation as ship's carpenter (journeyman). He was just 20. Frederick Charles Niven, minister of the North Parish Church of Paisley (Church of Scotland) performed the ceremony. The couple had four children over the years 1881 to 1893, Emma Arnold Stewart (b 1891), William Stewart (b 1884), Matthew Stewart (b 1888) and Robert Arnold Stewart (b 1893). The family emigrated to the United States in 1887 and settled in Elizabeth (Union) New Jersey.

Jane Lindsay (Jeanie) married Thomas Gilchrist, a plumber, on 02 Dec 1881 at her parent's address of 9 Victoria Street, Paisley. On that registration her father's occupation was still recorded as cotton spinner (journeyman). The couple had three children between 1883 and 1891, Robert Gilchrist (b 1883), Matthew Stewart Gilchrist (b 1885) and Thomas Lamb Gilchrist (b 1891). Thomas lived until 1921. Jeanie died of cancer in Largs (Ayrshire) in on 21 Jun 1930.

John Kirk married Jeanie McDougall, a thread mill worker and spinster age 23, on 25 Jun 1886 in Paisley. James Young, minister of the North Parish Church of Paisley (Church of Scotland) performed the ceremony. This couple remained in Scotland. John was a builder. They had at least seven children between 1887 and 1905, Matthew (b 1887), Archibald (b 1890), Margaret (1892), Marion (1895), William (1900) and Jean Miller (c1905). John died of senile decay on 04 Sep 1943 in Greenock, age 83.

Matthew and Annie appeared in the 1891 Census at 7 Victoria Street in Paisley. Matthew was 53, Annie 64. Matthew was working as a night watchman. Annie's daughter and her husband John Storrie, a ship blacksmith, together with their three children were also in the household. Matthew died a year later on 05 Jul 1892 at 3 Albert Street in Paisley. He was 55. His occupation was listed as cotton spinner (journeyman). His son John reported his death on the same day. The cause of death was fibroid phthisis [tuberculosis] (6 months). Ann Gibb lived on to marry again (to Thomas Smith) and died at age 85 on 10 Nov 1910 in Paisley.

Sources:

1836 Birth Record for Matthew Fleming Stewart: Citation: The National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers, 1836/Births/501/40/222. Content: Old Parish Register entry reads: Matthew Fleming Stewart: Matthew Fleming, son lawful of William Stewart, spinner at Duntocher and Janet Craig, his wife, born 16th May, baptised 17th July 1836 by Revd M[atthew] Barklay.

1857 Marriage Registration for Matthew Stewart (b 1836) and Jane Kirk: Citation: The National Records of Scotland. 1857/Marriages/573/3/19. Content: The Parish of Middle Church, Burgh of Paisley record reads: 27 Mar 1857, 5 Albion Street, Paisley married after banns of the Church of Scotland. [Groom] Matthew Stewart, age 21, 6 Albion Street, Paisley, cotton spinner, bachelor, parents: William Stewart (cotton spinner, deceased) and Janet Stewart maiden name Craig. [Bride] Jane Kirk, age 22, 5 Albion Street, Paisley, spinster, parents: John Kirk (joiner) and Jane Kirk maiden name Lindsay (deceased). Mathew signed. Jane made a mark witnessed by Andrew Patison and James Kirk. Marriage performed by James Aitken, Minr North Church. James Kirk, witness, John Kirk, witness. Registered 30 Mar 1857.

1864 Marriage Registration for Matthew STEWART (b 1836) and Robina HONEYMAN (b c1827): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1864/Marriages/559/1/103. Content: The District of Abbey, Burgh of Paisley record reads: 1864, 7 July, At Abbey Manse, Paisley, Church of Scotland rite. Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner (widower) (signed), 27, 29 New Sneddon, Paisley, Father: William Stewart, Cotton Spinner (dec); Mother: Janet Stewart ms Craig. Robina Honeyman (Andrew Wilson and Gweer (?) are witnesses to her mark) (widow), 37, 29 New Sneddon, Paisley, Father: John Honeyman, Private 42d Foot (dec), Mother: Catherine Honeyman ms McIntosh. Andrew Wilson, one of the ministers of the Abbey Parish of Paisley (signed). John McMillan and James Lonnie, witnesses. Registered 1864 Jul 9th at Paisley.

1879 Marriage Registration for Matthew STEWART (b 1836) and Annie GIBB (b c1828): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1879/Marriages/573//364. Content: The District of Paisley, County of Renfrew record reads: 1879 10 Dec, 45 Oakshaw St., Paisley, Church of Scotland rite. Matthew Stewart, Night Watchman, Widower (signed), 42, 9 Victoria Street, Paisley; Father: William Stewart, Cotton Spinner Journeyman (dec); Mother: Janet Stewart ms Craig (dec). Annie Gibb (A Montgomery Lanz and Andrew Pattison are witnesses to her mark), Thread Mill Worker, Widow; 45, 24 New Sneddow, Paisley. Father: Thomas Gibb, Muslin Warehouse Foreman (dec); Mother: Janet Gibb ms Young (dec). Andrew Pattison and Mrgret Wallace, witnesses. Registered 1879 13 Dec at Paisley.

1857 Birth Registration for William STUART (b 1857): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1857/Births/573/3/332 Content: The Parish of Middle Church, Burgh of Paisley record reads: [Births] Stuart, William, 1857, Aug 11th 8h 40m pm, 5 Albion St, Paisley, male, [Father:] Matthew Stuart, Cotton Spinner, [Mother:] Jane Stuart m.n. Lindsay. [Signed:] Matthew Stuart (his mark) Father (present). James Reid, Registrar, Witness, 1847 Aug 19th At Paisley. NOTE: Wiliam's mother's maiden name was Kirk. Her full maiden name was Jane Lindsay Kirk.

1859 Birth Registration for Jane Lindsay STEWART (b 1859).: Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1859/Births/644/3/998 Content: The Bridgeton, Glasgow record reads: [Births:] Stewart, Jane Lind (sic), 1859 July 9th, 12h 0m pm, West Street, Carlton, Glasgow, Female, [Father:] Matthew Stewart, Operative Cotton Spinner, [Mother:] Jane Stewart maiden name Kirk. [Signed:] Jane Stewart (her mark) Mother (present), John McGibbon, Asst Registrar, Witness, 1859 July 21st at Glasgow.

1861 Birth Registration for John Kirk STEWART (b 1861): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1861/Births/564/3/640. Content: The West Parish, Greenock, Renfrewshire record reads: [Births:] John Kirk Stewart, 1861 September 15th, 5h 30m pm, Drumfrocher Road, Greenock, Male,[Father: Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner, Mother: Jane Stewart m.s. Kirk, Married: 1857 March 27, Paisley, [Signed:] Matthew Steaurt (sic), Father, [Registered:] 1861 Oct 4 at Greenock, John Mislop, Registrar.

1841 Scotland Census, Household of William Stuart (b c1806): Citation: National Records of Scotland. Census 1841/501/00 008/00 031. Content: The 1841 Scotland Census of the Parish of Old Kilpatrick [Dunbartonshire], Duntocher, New Street on 06 Jun 1841 shows a household composed of (1) William Stewart, male, age 35, cotton spinner, born I[reland] (sic), (2) Janet Stewart, female, age 35, [no occupation], born in Scotland but not in Dunbartonshire, (3) William Stewart, male, age 17, cotton piecer, born in Scotland but not in Dunbartonshire, (4) Janet Stewart, female, age 14, cotton framer, born in Scotland but not in Dunbartonshire, (5) Susan Stewart, age 12, cotton framer, born in Dumbartonshire, (6) Agnes Stewart, age 8, born in Dumbartonshire, (7) Matthew Stewart, male, age 5, born in Dumbartonshire, (8) Alexander Stewart, male, age 4 months, born in Dumbartonshire. [Note: The place of birth for William Stuart, head of household, is almost certainly a simple enumerator error. It follows a household in which all members were born in Ireland.]

1851 Scotland Census, Household of William Stewart (b c1806): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1851/Census/573/59/7. Content: The 1851 Scotland Census of Middle Church Parish, Burgh of Paisley [Renfrewshire], 29 New Sneddon Street on 30 Mar 1851, shows a household (34) composed of (1) William Stewart, head, married, male age 43, cotton spinner, born Renfrewshire, Neilston Parish, (2) Janet Stewart, wife, married, female, age 42, housekeeper, bornRenfrewshire, Neilston Parish, (3) Susan Stewart, daughter, unmarried, female, age 19, cotton worker, born Dunbartonshire, Kilpatrick Parish, (4) Agnes Stewart, daughter, unmarrie, female, age 17, cotton worker, born Dunbartonshire, Kilpatrick Parish, (5) Matthew Stewart, son, unmarried, male, age 15, cotton worker, born Dunbartonshire, Kilpatrick Parish.

1861 Scotland Census, Household of Matthew Stewart (b 1836): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, Census/1861/561/3/4/12. Content: The 1861 Scotland Census of Greenock West, Renfrewshire on 07 Apr 1861 lists house 2, 1 room, Drumfrochar Road, Cotton Mill Building, with a household composed of (1) Mathew Stewart, head, married, male, age 24, cotton spinner, born Duntocher, Dunbartonshire, (2) Jane Stewart, wife, married, female, age 25, born Paisley, Renfrewshire, (3) William Stewart, son, male, age 4, born Paisley Renfrewshire, (4) Jane Stewart, daughter, female, age 1, born Glasgow, Lanarkshire.

1871 Scotland Census, Household of Matthew Stewart (b 1836): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, Census/1871/573/2/10/5. Content: The 1871 Scotland Census of Paisley, Paisley Middle, Renfrewshire on 02 Apr 1871 lists house number 29 New Sneddon, 1 room with window, with a household composed of (1) Matthew Stewart, head, married, male, age 33, cotton spinner, born Duntocher, Dunbartonshire, (2) Robina Stewart, wife, married, female, age 43, born Stirling, Stirlingshire, (3) James Lonie, stepson, unmarried, male, age 19, apprentice tinsmith, born Paisley, Renfrewshire, (4) William Stewart, son, unmarried, male, age 14, dye work laborer, born Paisley, Renfrewshire, (5) Jane Stewart, daughter, female, age 12, thread mill worker, born Glasgow, Lanarkshire, (6) John Stewart, son, male, age 10, scholar, born Greenock, Renfrewshire.

1881 Scotland Census, Household of Matthew Stewart (b 1836): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, Census/1881/573/46/12. Content: The 1881 Scotland Census of Paisley Middle Church (Renfrewhire) on 03 Apr 1881 shows a home at 9 Victoria Street with a household composed of (1) Matthew Stewart, head, male, age 43, watchman, born in Duntocher, Dumbartonshire, (2) Ann Stewart, wife, female, age 53, no occupation, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, (3) Annie Stewart, step-daughter, female, age 21, , unmarried, a spooler, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, (4) Jeanie Stewart, daughter, female, age 21, unmarried, a spooler, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire (5) John Stewart, son, male, age 19, unmarried, a bricklayer, born in Greenock, Renfrewshire.

1891 Scotland Census, Household of Matthew Stewart (b 1836): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, Census/1891/573/40/2/14. Content: The 1891 Scotland Census of Middle Church North, Paisley (Renfrewshire) on 05 Apr 1891 shows a flat (schedule 48) at 4 Victoria Street with a household composed of (1) Matthew Stewart, head, married, age 53, night watchman, born Dumbartonshire, Duntocher, (2) Annie Stewart, wife, married, age 64, born Renfewshire, Paisley, (3) John Storrie, boarder, married, male, age 32, employed as a ship blacksmith, born in Duntocher, Dumbartonshire, (4) Annie [Hughs] Storrie, wife of John Storrie, married, female, age 32, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, (5) Annie Storrie, daughter of John Storrie, female, age 8, scholar, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, (6) Jeanie Storrie, daughter of John Storrie, a female age 6, a scholar, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, (7) Jemmima Storrie, daughter of John Storrie, female, age 9 mo, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

1877 Marriage Registration for William STEWART (b 1857) and Emma ARNOLD (b c1854): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1877/Marriages/573/00/319. Content: 1877 Marriages, District of Burgh Parishes, Burgh of Paisley record reads: Twenty-eighth December 1877, Marshall's Lane School, Paisley, after banns … Church of Scotland, Groom: William Stewart, Ship Carpenter (journeyman), Bachelor; age: 20 years; res: 29 New Sneddon, Paisley; father: Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner (Journeyman); mother: Jane Stewart m.s. Kirk (dec.) Bride: Emma Arnold, Threadmill Worker, Spinster; age: 23 years; res: 27 New Sneddon, Paisley; father: James Arnold, Ship Fitter Journeyman; mother: Margaret Arnold m.s. Osborne (dec), Officiant: Frederick Charles Niven, Minister of the North Parish, Robert Paterson, witness, Jeanie Stewart, witness.

1881 Marriage Registration for Thomas GILCHRIST (b 1855) and Jeanie STEWART (b 1859): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1881/Marriages/573/00/518. Content: An 1881 Marriages, District of Paisley, County of Renfrew (p 259) record reads: 1881 Second December, 9 Victoria Street, Paisley, after banns … Church of Scotland, Groom: Thomas Gilchrist, Plumber, Bachelor; age: 26; res: 10 George Street, Paisley; father: Robert Gilchrist, Spirit Dealer; mother: Jane Gilchrist m.s. Lamb, Bride: Jeanie Stewart, Threadmill Worker, Spinster; age: 22; res: 9 Victoria Street, Paisley; father: Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner (Journeyman); mother: Jeanie Stewart m.s. Kirk (dec), Officiant: W. M. Metcalf, Robert Young, witness, Mary Gilchrist, witness, Recorded: 1881 Dec 3rd at Paisley.

1886 Marriage Registration for John STEWART (b 1861) and Jeanie MCDOUGALL (b c1862): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1886/Marriages/573/00/253. Content: An 1886 Marriages, District of Paisley, County of Renfrew record reads: 1886 Twenty-fifth June, 13 Moss Street, Paisley, after banns … Church of Scotland, Groom: John Stewart, Bricklayer (journeyman), bachelor; age: 24 years; res: 9 Victoria Street, Paisley; father: Matthew Stewart, Night Watchman; mother: Jane Stewart m.s. Kirk,Bride: Jeanie McDougall, Threadmill Worker, Spinster; age: 23 years; res: 1 Albert Street, Paisley; father: Archibald McDougall, Iron Turner (journeyman); mother: Margaret McDougall m.s. Bowes, Officiant: James Young, Minister of North Parish Paisley, Duncan Campbell, witness, Marion McDougall, witness.

1862 Death Registration for Jeanie KIRK Stewart (b 1835): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1862/D/564/3/583. Content: An 1862 Parish of Greenock, County of Renfrewshire death registration reads: Jeanie Stewart, married to Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner, [died] 1862 Oct 12, 4h 45m am, Infirmary, Greenock, female, 27 years, Father: John Kirk, Joiner. Mother: Jane Kirk ms Lindsay (deceased). [Cause:] typhus as cert by S I Caldwell, Surgeon, [Signed] Matthew Steaurt (sic) husband. Registered: 1862 Oct 14th at Greenock.

1879 Death Registration for Robina HONEYMAN Stewart (b c1827): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1879/Deaths/573//726. Content: An 1879 District of Paisley, County of Renfrewshire death registration reads: Robina Stewart, married to 1st James Lonie, Cotton Spinner (operative), 2 Matthew Stewart, Boatyard Labourer. 1879 23 May 7h 50m pm, 26 Glen Street, Paisley; Female, 52 years. Father: John Honeyman, Sergeant 42d Foot (?) (dec); Mother: Margaret Honeyman ms McIntosh (dec); [Cause:} Broncho Pneumonia, 6 months, James McDonal MBCSE; Informant: Jeanie Stewart, step daughter. Registered 1879 24 May at Paisley.

1910 Death Registration for Ann GIBB Smith (b 1825): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1910/Deaths/573/1/1174. Content: A 1910 District of Paisley, County of Renfrew death registration reads: Ann Smith, widow of 1st Michael Hughs, Weaver; 2nd Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner; 3rd Thomas Smith, Millworker, [Died] 1910 November Tenth, 11h pm, 43 Back Sneddon, Paisley, Female, age: 85 years, Father: Thomas Gibb, Weaver (dec), Mother: Janet Gibb m.s. Young (dec), cause: Cerebral hemorrhage, 15 days, as cert: R. S. Renman, MB, Informant: Annie Storrie, daughter, present. Recorded: 1910 Nov 11th at Paisley.

1892 Death Registration for Matthew STEWART (b 1836): Citation: The National Records of Scotland, 1892/Deaths/573/717. Content: An 1892 District of Paisley, County of Renfrew death registration reads: Matthew Stewart, Cotton Spinner (operative), married to 1st Jane Kirk, 2nd Robina Honeyman, 3rd Ann Gibb [died] 1892 5 July 3h 30m am, 3 Albert Street, Paisley; Male, 55 years. Father: William Stewart, Cotton Spinner (dec); Mother: Janet Stewart ms Craig (dec); [Cause:] Fibroid Phthisus, 6 mos, as cert by Thomas Matt MB; Informant: John Stewart, son, present, 2 Cleopatra Building, Springbank Road; Registered 5 Jul 1892.