William McCrae, aged 25, fathered a child with 24 year old neighbour Margaret Hyslop in 1836 in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. This child was Annie McCrae. To go directly to Annie’s story follow this link . In 1841 William McCrae and his parents Robert and Elizabeth were living in the Castle area of New Cumnock, Ayrshire. The mother of his child was living ‘next door’. WIlliam Hyslop 40 Labourer Margaret Hyslop 20 Robert McRae 60 (63) Farm Servant Elizabeth McRae 60 (64) William McRae 25 (29) Labourer
1841 Census : Robert McRae : Castle, New Cumnock
New Cumnock - Auld Kirk (1659-1833)
The original parish church of New Cumnock was built on the Castle Hill in 1659. When a new parish church was built on the main road through the village in 1833 it became known as the Auld Kirk and survived as a burial ground. The ‘Auld Kirk’ has connections with Robert Burns and the Covenanting ministers and martyrs.