Census - John Filson .....

Bob Haining · Post by **Bob Haining** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:35 am

I've been searching for my Great-grandfather, John Filson and his siblings on the 1871, 1881 and
1891 census. I do have him on the 1901 census.

The first place I've found him is his marriage - 1877 in Dalmellington. There was a son born in
1879, in Dalmellington, but none of the family in the 1881 census. Also, a number of children born
in Dalmellington in the 1880's, but nothing in the 1891 census either.

The folklore is he was 10 or 12 years of age when he and his family (I'm told there were brothers)
emigrated to Scotland from either Ballymena or Newtownard in the mid 1860's.

Why is this family not showing up in any of the census? Am I missing something? Any help would
be greatly appreciated.

IanS · Post by **IanS** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:27 am

Hi Bob, Could this be your John in the 1881 census? Remember the Irish accent

Dwelling: 64 Lethan Hill
Census Place: Dalmellington, Ayr, Scotland
Source: FHL Film 0203594 GRO Ref Volume 586 EnumDist 6 Page 15
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
John FOWLSON M 23 M Ireland
Rel: Head
Occ: Ironstone Miner
Janet FOWLSON M 26 F Straiton, Ayr, Scotland
Rel: Wife
John FOWLSON 2 M Dalmellington, Ayr, Scotland
Rel: Son
Helen FOWLSON 1 m F Dalmellington, Ayr, Scotland
Rel: Daur
Helen FOWLSON W 56 F Ireland
Rel: Mother
Ann GIBSON M 38 F Ireland
Rel: Visitor
Occ: Solicitors Wife

There are also 7 entries for the surname PHILSON in the 1891 census for Dalmellington. (inc. 2 Johns, one over 30 yrs)

Bob Haining · Post by **Bob Haining** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:46 am

Hi Ian,

Thank you very much, I should have gotten the 1891 Philson, as that is how my Grandmother's
name (Marion Filson) was spelled on her marriage certificate.

I thought I'd tried that, but
checking my "previous searches" on ScotlandsPeople, I guess I didn't.

But how did you find "Fowlson"? I do understand the accent part, but .... Fowlson?? I'm sure
glad you got it.

Any idea for of any alternative spelling for the 1871 census? I've tried every combination I can
think of, including using soundex, but no luck.

Thanks again, that is another brick (make that two) out of the wall.

This has got to be the greatest site with the most helpful people.

IanS · Post by **IanS** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:30 am

Hi Bob, I found the 'Fowlson' entry on the 1881 census discs by entering Christian Name -John
Census County -Ayrshire
Census Place- Dalmellington.
Birth- Ireland

Got 94 entries, so it was just a case of scrolling through the list looking for any possibles. Fowlson stood out

You would have been able to find it on S.P. by using John F*lson, Ayrshire and Dalmellington.

For the 1871 census, I'd be sorely tempted to have a keek at 'John Wilson'
Ayrshire , Dalmellington. I think there are 5 entries which is just one credit. Thereafter look at the ages. On the 81 census there are 3 (not yours and born in Scotland)) with birth years approx 1854, 1856, 1861. See if there is an extra one on the 1871 census around the correct age group.
This doesn't take into consideration deaths, moving out of district etc. but it is one I would try if it were my own tree. Filson to Wilson, taking into account the Irish accent is not impossible

Bob Haining · Post by **Bob Haining** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 1:57 am

Hi Ian, thanks for the tip.

I gave “Wilson” a try, but no luck. Even tried Gilson and Gibson, but didn’t get anywhere. (The
reason for trying Gibson, found a marriage certificate on ScotlandsPeople for a Great Uncle,
Thomas Filson, but he was listed as Thomas GIBSON.)

I think I’ll move onto the Haining’s for a while and then come back after checking with a couple
of my Mother’s cousins that have a bit of knowledge of the older Filson’s.

Thanks again, all help is greatly appreciated.

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 11:10 am

I can just "hear" a broad Ulster accent saying FOWLSON, and could well believe it then being recorded as FILSON.

I'd be less certain how southern Irish accents would make it sound .........

David

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 11:15 am

DavidWW wrote:I can just "hear" a broad Ulster accent saying FOWLSON, and could well believe it then being recorded as FILSON.

I'd be less certain how southern Irish accents would make it sound .........

The parents were married in Dalmellington, so that doesn't help with the origin in Ireland............

David