The family often moved around Scotland, as their father was required to travel professionally in order to settle disputes. He died in 1862,[1] but left his widow with sufficient means to provide for the family.[6] After her father's death, Kate lived with her uncle, a minister of the Free Church of Scotland at Nairn;[7] he, more than anyone else, instilled in her the values of Christian socialism.[1] During this time, the rest of the family stayed with relatives in Dublin, where Kate later joined them.[6]