I came across this by chance and am amazed.
My name is Jane Bowie, I'm the daughter of the James Tait Bowie who died in Hawick in November 2005 (and a very fine person he was, still not over losing him). There are indeed still Bowies in Hawick (close relatives of mine), and as regards those of us who have moved away, our hearts, believe me, are still there.
I haven't had time to read in detail all your messages but will send this page to my two sisters who live very near Hawick who will also inform my aunts in Hawick.
There are many Bowies in the Wilton cemetary at Hawick, including my grandfather, Andrew Bowie (died 1947, blacksmith) and Lily Bowie née Douglas, his wife, and my greatgrandparents James Bowie and Mary Best (of Gladstone St, Hawick, as mentioned by Amanda) and my great uncle Thomas Bowie (never married). I'll sit down and try to work out where they all fit into your research.
I take a guess that we're speaking of the same Andrew Bowie in Amanda's list.
The municipal well in Drumlanrig St (I'll check) was known as Bowie's Well, I believe because the Bowie of that moment, being a blacksmith (what else?) drew his water there for the forge. The Bowies were always damn fine blacksmiths, and my grandfather Andrew Bowie paid dearly for it dying of lung cancer in 1947 in his early fifties.
My father was a veterinary surgeon (born Hawick, 1928, and he knew how to nail a shoe firmly onto a hoof), his father Andrew Bowie was a farrier, his father was James Bowie, apparently either a vet or a farrier, his father was apparently Andrew Bowie. The only male names of living Bowies in my near family that I know of are Andrew and James, we're speaking about a VERY traditional family. The close relationship between the Bowies and horses is renowned in the area. My father was something of a horse whisperer and my sister has the same gift.
The Bowies of Hawick that I know are a close knit clan and my father loved the town with all his heart. Just in case you're interested apparently the surname comes from "Bhuidhe", Gaelic for yellow or fair.
It would be lovely to hear back, I can try to get info regarding any questions you may have about exact dates and addresses.
To summarise, a Mr Bowie, Farrier, is mentioned. Could this be your Grandfather?
there is also Janet Bowie born 11th April 1853, baptized 24th Nov 1853, on the same page.
Yes, that's definitely my grandfather mentioned in the wonderful document written in pure Terie. It's interesting to note that he was given the title of "Mr", apparently he was considered "middle class" in the town despite being an artesan, and at some point was able to buy in partnership Dovemount Motors in Wilton. It was very hard for my grandmother when he died prematurely as he was a tremendous worker and had a big sense of responsibilty towards his family.
It's lovely to know there's what would be considered a "scandal" by certain Victorian elements, ie a son born to an unmarried mother and a father who did his duty by recognising him. Who knows what happened. Did they subsequently marry? Or not? Just human curiosity. Who knows.
There used to be a custom known in Scotland as "bundling" whereby the courting couple were allowed to share a bed at night - but fully clothed and with a bolster over the girl's legs - to allow them to get to know each other better and decide if a marriage was the case. You can imagine that not everyone managed to stay bundled and perhaps it was just too difficult for young Andy and Nell, feisty Borderers that they were.
I've been researching my family tree when I came across your message here in Rootschat.
If I am right George Edmondson and Joan Bowie are my g-g-grandparents. They had 8 children. One daughter was called Janet Edmondson b1883 who married a George Henry Cairncross b1884. They had a a daughter named Joan Bowie Cairncross b1910 who married a Richard David Wilkinson b1901 and they are my fathers parents. All these people were born, married and died (my father is still alive) in Hawick.
I don't have any info on any Bowies, apart from Joan, but I do have stuff on the Edmondson side. I will write it out first and check it to make sure its correct and it makes sense then post it here in the next few days.
PS Is Terie short for Terie Bus?
Isabella born approx 1826 married 1st William Turnbull,2nd John Ogilvie,she died 1897.
William born approx 1828,died 1888,single.
Walter born approx 1834 married Jane Anderson,1854,5ch,he died 1875.
Isabella Bowie,Joan's mother died Nov 18th 1876 age 76yrs, buried Nov 20th in the Auld Kirk Yaird,Wilton.
on the 1841 census the surname is recorded as Boe in Hawick.
look forward to hearing back from you,are you in Hawick or area?
I keep my Edmondson records seperate so will look through them again. If you would like any more Bowie info let me know.
Thanks for the info. It gives me plenty to work on. I only joined roots this weak and already I have been given lots of info on other branches of my family tree. Looks like I will be busy for a while.
I live in Galashiels, Selkirkshire. Its about 18 miles from Hawick. I was brought up in Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. My parents, grandparents and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins come from Hawick.
Whats your connection with Hawick?
Got some info on Edmondsons for you.
Isaac b c1820 in Coldbeck, Cumberland. Married to a Isabella Montgomery.
Joan Bowie b1910, m Richard David Wilkinson, d June 29 1999 Hawick.
This takes a direct line up to my grandparents.
Different census records shows the name spelled differently, Edmondson, Edmundson and Edmonstone.
1851 shows the name Johanna but on the 1861 & 1871 census records she is Hannah.
I want to do more research before I give you any more info. I hope to confirm what I have and find more stuff.