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Sunday 31 May 2009

More new Batton information



This is the marriage certificate of Isabella Batton and Galeano Pepe who married at St Sylvesters in Staten Island, Richmond County, New York City on 5th April 1930.
This was kindly emailed to me by Andrea Batcho - Isabella married his grandmothers cousin.

Isabella 'Bella' Batton was the daughter of George Batton and Annie Armstrong.
She was born in 1907 in New York and married Galeano Pepe, son of Emanuele Pepe and Angelina Pistone.
George was born in Scotland in 1874 and moved to USA with his parents John Batton and Jessie Steel. John was the brother of our relative Andrew Batton.
Isabella and Galeano Pepe had 2 children - Diane (born Jan 1941) and Michael. Diane is currently living in Florida. Unsure of the location of Michael.

Small world.... and another branch of the Batton ancestry.

Friday 22 May 2009

TODAY : Batton's in Saintfield, County Down

Ian Paterson, husband of Doreen Batton has recently made contact with a lady who lives in Saintfield, County Down, Northern Ireland. He received a letter explaining her connection with Batton's who lived in Saintfield in 1910. Although this lady doesn't think her grandfather is a relation, both Ian and I think it's too co-incidental....... We were hoping this might be a missing link O:)

This is the information that Gladys Morrow has written to Ian :
  • Alexander Batton was born circa 1870 and married Jane Graham in 1897/8
  • They had one son, David born November 1899.
  • Alexander died in 1943. Jane died in 1940 and they are both buried in the Parish Graveyard in Saintfield. No grave marker.
  • Alexander and Jane Batton had a shop in Saintfield, until it closed in 1942/3 due to Alexander's failing health. He was blind for the last 20+ years of his life.
  • David always maintained that his name should have been spelled BATTEN. We don't know why.
  • David Batten died in March 1969 and left widow Edith and daughters Gladys and Daphne.
  • Gladys said she never heard her father or grandfather mention family.
  • Alexander's mother was a widow who married a James McMurray. They had one son named James, half brother to Alexander and a daughter who married a Savage. They had a son, Roland Savage, who was a well known Accountant in Saintfield. Roland died approx 20 years ago.

Hopefully when Ian and Doreen get the chance to visit Saintfield (they are planning to). Gladys has kindly offered them a tour of the local graveyards, village and surrounding areas. Inspector Clouseau at the ready!

Thanks again Ian.

Tuesday 12 May 2009

Obituary notice Lily Wyper

WYPER (ms Batton)

Peacefully at the home of her daughter in Darvel on 8th May 2009
Lilias (Lily) aged 92 years, of Newmilns, beloved wife of the late Snowey Wyper, a dearly loved mum, gran and great gran of the family.

More wedding photos ....


Pamela with her Dad, Bill Strachan.
Bill is the son of Maggie Batton and William Strachan.


Pamela and Karl above

Karl and Pamela below




Wedding photos


Wedding party - Pamela and Karl (dad Bill Strachan to the right of Pamela)

Baby Sam Strachan. Isn't he cute.......
Grandson of Bill & Alma Strachan.




Alma Strachan, wife of Bill.



Bill Strachan Jnr and baby son Sam.


Sunday 10 May 2009

1929 John Batton (son of Andrew) - Things are getting better!


SS TRANSYLVANIA
built by Fairfield Govan,Yard No 600
Port of Registry: Glasgow
On 23rd November 1929 John Batton and his wife Sarah (McCandlish) and their 3 children sailed from Glasgow to a new life in New York.
Their children Florence, Sarah and Bryan were with them.
John was the son of Andrew Batton and Lilias McGregor and the brother of my great grandfather George Batton.
He was the brother of Doreen's father Robert McGregor Batton.

Propulsion: Steam turbine
Launched: Wednesday, 11/03/1925
Built: 1925
Ship Type: Passenger Vessel
Tonnage: 16923 grt
Length: 578 feet
Breadth: 70 feet
Draught: 29 feet

Owner History:Anchor Line (Henderson Bros.) Ltd., Glasgow
1935 Anchor Line (1935) Ltd.
1939 The Admiralty
Status: Torpedoed & Sunk - 10/08/1940

Batton mode of transport in 1921


SS MASSILIA
built by Alexander Stephen & Sons Glasgow,Yard No 398 (this is the shipyard Billy Connolly worked in).
John Batton sailed on the SS Massilia departing from Glasgow on 9th February 1920 and arriving in New York 23rd February 1921. He was back in Scotland visiting family.
If you check on Ellis Island website you can see the original ships manifest.
John was the son of George Batton and Eliza Massey and brother of Andrew Batton.
He moved to USA with his wife Jessie and children George, Samule and Agnes in the mid 1880's.

Port of Registry: Glasgow
Propulsion: Steam
Launched: Thursday, 21/08/1902
Built: 1902
Ship Type: Passenger Cargo Vessel
Tonnage: 5353 grt Length: 400.6 feet (BP) Breadth: 49.2 feet
Owner History:Anchor Line (Henderson Bros.), Glasgow
Status: Arrived for Scrapping - 13/03/1930
Remarks: Scrapped at Bo'ness

Batton's method of travel in 1882



Jessie Batton, wife of John Batton, Robert Batton and children Agnes, Samuel and George sailed to a new life in America in 1882.
Aug. 27 1874 - State of Indiana launched for the State Line
Sept. 16, 1882 - Maiden voyage Glasgow - Larne - New York
May 05 1882 - Departs Glasgow - Larne - Arriving in New York May 16th 1882 at 02:00 morning - Also reported arrival on 1882-05-10
The State of Indiana, was built by Messrs. Thomas Wingate and Co., at Whiteinch, Glasgow, for the State Line, to be employed in the trade between Glasgow and New York.
She was launched with all her machinery on board, and completely fitted for sea, on Aug. 27, 1874, made a trial trip on Sept. 2, and sailed from Glasgow for New York, via Larne, Belfast, on the 5th, with a full cargo of goods and a large number of passengers. The hull was 330 ft in length, 36 ft. in breadth, and 28½ ft. in depth, with a burden of 2528 tons gross register, and was propelled by a pair of compound surface condensing engines, of 400-horse power nominal, indicating about 2000-horse power effective.
She was built under special survey, and was classed A 100, the highest description of the first class in the Lloyd's registry. In addition to a large cargo capacity, accommodation was provided for 80 first-class cabin, 30 second-class cabin, and 500 third-class or steerage passengers, besides the 109 crew members, including the officers. The cabin saloon was unusually spacious, and was elegantly fitted up, with large mirrors, a piano, and a library. Abundant light and ventilation was supplied by means of a large oval well in the centre, in addition to the usual side lights. The ladies' cabin opened off the saloon, and was very tastefully furnished in blue velvet, with decorations of white enamel and gold. There was also a large circular boudoir on deck for the exclusive use of the ladies, with large plate-glass windows, shaded with blue silk hangings and floored with encaustic tiles. From this apartment a private staircase lead to a promenade deck. There was a commodious smoking-room for gentlemen, with large windows and tiled floor. Adjoining the saloon was the chief steward's pantry, which was of extra large size, with all convenient fittings. Electric wires were led from the saloons and staterooms to that apartment; and it was in communication with the galley above by means of hoists. The staterooms were entirely separate from the saloon. They were spacious, well lighted, ventilated, and beautifully painted with white enamel and gold. Comfortable, well arranged baths and other conveniences were in that part of the vessel. The second cabins were roomy apartments, comfortably furnished as parlour and bedroom. The steerage accommodations were unsurpassed. Separate compartments were provided for single men, for married couples and families, and for single women. Cleanliness and good ventilation prevailed throughout, and in cold weather the entire ship was heated by steam. The captain's apartments, and also those of the officers of the ship, were amidships. The forecastle presented a special feature, being semicircular, with twelve doors leading by staircases to the tweendecks, the quarters of the sailors and firemen. It also formed a shelter in bad weather. Immediately over the captain's and officers' rooms were the bridges and charthouse, from which telegraphic communication was arranged with the engine department and wheelhouse, controlling all the movements of the ship.
Besides the usual donkey engines and steam-winches there were independent steam engines for steering, hoisting ashes, or working the anchors, so as to reduce manual labour. There were numerous life-boats raised on platforms to allow passengers to walk under them, and fitted with the approved patent lowering apparatus. The State of Indiana was the fourth vessel Messrs. Thomas Wingate and Co. built for the State Line, which then consisted of nine ships, the others having been built by the London and Glasgow Engineering and Ship-Building Company of Glasgow. Six of the vessels were similar in size, power, and style to the State of Indiana. They constituted the line to New York, and sailed regularly every Friday from Glasgow, calling at the railway wharf at Larne, near Belfast, on Saturday morning, to take on board goods and passengers. The ships sailed on the return voyage from New York every Saturday; they called at Larne to land passengers for Ireland and those who wished to avail themselves of the most expeditious route to England without going on to Glasgow. The other three vessels belonging to the company were employed in maintaining a monthly communication between Liverpool and New Orleans.

Saturday 9 May 2009

Burnhouse Cottages


Do any of you know where the location of Burnhouse Cottages was in Galston.
This is where John and Samuel Batton lived.

Observations on the Batton family history from old documents

Personal observations of the Batton family :

SIBLINGS OF GEORGE BATTON AND ELIZA MASSEY WERE :
Ø ELLEN/HELEN – BORN 1848 – Born Ireland
Ø SAMUEL –B ORN 1853 – Born Scotland?
Ø JOHN – BORN 1854 – Born Belfast
Ø ROBERT – BORN 1855 – Born Ireland
Ø ANDREW – BORN 1856 – Born Ireland
Ø GEORGE – BORN 1860 (Born Galston?)
Ø 1863 George Batton is in Tonaghmore, Saintfield
Ø 1867 – July, George Batton at daughter Ellen wedding in Saintfield

1872 – George Batton death certificate. Age is listed as ‘shows 65 years’ - When and Where died : 30th September 1872 at 08:45am – at Union Street, Newmilns. Father was William Batton.
Suffered from heart disease. Seen after death by Dr Davidson. As per report of F C Cross, Proc Fiscal. Death registered by son, Samuel Batton, Burnhouse Cottage, Galston.


Ellen/Helen Batton – Ellen Batton marries James Gordon in Saintfield Ireland in July 1867. Ellen’s father is showing as George Batton. Witness is Robert Massey. George also shows in the 1863 Griffiths Valuation in Tonaghmore, Saintfield. Neighbours are Alexander and Robert Massey. George Batton shows on every death certificate as being spouse of Eliza Massey.
o Ellen and James show in the 1881 Census in Riccarton, Hurlford. Their children are Elisabeth, Susan, W John – all born in Ireland. Children Alexander and George born in Galston and Hurlford. Is Alexander named after Eliza Massey’s brother or father and George after her own father?

Samuel Batton gets married on 26th April 1877 at 153 Gloucester Street to Isabella Anderson. He is already calling himself Paton now. One of the witnesses is Alexander Paton. Is this a relative? Is this linked with why Samuel calls himself Paton now and registers his children Paton.

o Samuel Paton first child is born on 6th August 1877 and is named George Crawford Paton and they are living at 153 Gloucester Street, Tradeston, Glasgow. Note that parents are David Anderson and Margaret Anderson previously Dinning ms Chalmers.
o 1881 Census – Samuel Paton living at 153 Gloucester Street with wife Isabella and 2 children, George and David. Two boarders also living there – Crawford Dinning (widower age 65 years) and William Dinning. Probably a relative of Isabella’s mother.
o Samuel advises that he is 30 and was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Year of birth circa 1850/1. Census taken in April 1881 so he would turn 31 in May if the US census info below is correct.
o 1900 US Census shows Samuel Batton, Bella Batton, George Baton and David Paton. Samuel is listed with birth date of May 1850 and was 50 last birthday. Bella birth is August 1849 and 50 last birthday. George is July 1877 and age 22 years, David is August 1879 and aged 20 years. Also living there is Margaret Anderson, sister. Born March 1845, age 55 and single. Place of birth of Samuel and mother and father is listed as Scotland!
o They advise they have all been living in USA for 15 years and arrived in 1885.

v John Batton, age 19, marries Jessie Steel on 21st February1873, less than 5 months after his father’s death. On the marriage certificate John’s address is listed as Burnhouse Cottages, Galston. So we know that both John and Samuel are living in this area. Children born Ironwork Square except Agnes, born Bowling Green Lane.
o On the 1920 Census John Batton lists that he was born in Ireland and that his father is English and Mother is Irish. Age is showing as 66 – born 1854. This matches the 1920 passport application and the Ship listing for 1921.


Robert Batton 1882 – I have found record of Robert Batton on 3 occasions. In 1881 Census in Galston Robert Batton lives with Jessie Batton. On Castlegarden website there is a listing showing that Robert Batton arrived in USA on 18 May 1882 on the ship State of Indiana. Jessie Batton and her 3 children are listed – George, Samuel and Agnes.
o On the 1881 Census for 11 Ironwork Square there is a Robert Baton, head, wife Jessie S Baton and children George, age 4 and Samuel age 4. Robert listed as born in Ireland. Was John Batton’s middle name Robert. Was he John Robert Batton? I thought this to be the case until I was the 1900 Census for Manhattan and the listing shows John Batton, Jessie Steel and their 7 children (2 born Galston, 5 born NY) – right at the bottom of the listing for the children is Batton, Robert – brother, born Ireland 1856. This proves that John Batton and Robert Batton were two different people.

Andrew Batton – lives in Ironwork Square until he moves to Douglas Water in Lanarkshire. Married Lilias McGregor from Riccarton. 1877 Marriage shows he lives at Ayr Road, Dalserf. His son George born in Brewland Street, Galston in 1879. Andrew was born in 1856 in Ireland.

George Paton 1950 Death certificate shows that he is George Paton (formerly Batton). His parents are George Batton and Eliza Massie. George marries twice, his first wife Margaret Eadie dies after almost 9 months of marriage. George has 3 children with his 2nd wife Janet Fyfe (d 2-Apr 1915)
o Sarah Fyfe Paton, marries William Ward Russell in 1917, Cambuslang
o George Fyfe Paton (d 24-Mar-1922 age 27, widow of Jeanie Arnott)
o Samuel Fyfe Paton (marries Helen Vernon in 1920 in Cambuslang)
o On the 1891 Census George Paton is living as a Lodger at 4 Park Street. He is living with the Fyfe family (William and Agnes and their children). Most probably they are relatives of Sarah’s. Listed that he was born in Galston and he is 25 years old. So born circa 1865/6.
o George and Janet Fyfe marry in July 1891 and George is listed as living at 4 Park Street. Janet is the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Fyfe. They name their children after their parents.
o Then again on the 1901 Census, George Paton Snr lists that he was born in Galston, Ayrshire whilst his family are all born in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire. They are living at 130 Vicarland, Cambuslang.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

My Grandparents - on both sides


I went to visit my Dad's only sister Margaret tonight to see if she had any old photos of my great grandparents as I've never seen them.
Whilst looking through the photos I came across this photograph showing my maternal and paternal grandparents.
Left is my maternal grandfather George Batton (died May 1976)
Middle is my paternal grandmother Mary Locke Crawford Murray (died Nov 1976)
Right is my paternal grandfather William Murray (died February 1975)
So between February one year and November the following year I had lost all of my grandparents. My maternal grandmother, Jean Docherty King Batton, died in 1951 so I never knew her.
I think that this photograph was taken on New Years Day 1967 (at the Murray family gathering in Hamilton). My grandparents lived in Ewart Crescent, Laighstonehall, Hamilton at the time of this photograph.