Colmonell, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

History
This account was written in 1838. The name of this parish may derive from the Latin word Columba meaning pigeon, because the woods abound with wood-pigeons.

Colmonell is the nearest town.

Craigneil is a particular fine ruin. It was built in the thirteenth century, and is said to be one of the hiding places of King Robert the Bruce. The Duchess deCoigny is the major land owner. The land was primarily used for, oats, wheat, barley, potatoes, turnips, sheep, cattle, horses, and swine.

The population in 1801 was1306. The population in 1831 was 2213.

The registers begin in 1759 but nothing was said of there accuracy.

Four-fifths of the whole population are of the Established Church. There are two Dissenting Congregations, one of Reformed Presbyterians, and another of Original Seceders. A few belong to the United Secession church, and about forty Roman Catholics

source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 5)

Established Church—Old Parochial Registers
Years Covered FHL Film Number Births: 1759–1854 1041335 item 4–5 Marriages: 1838–1854 1041335 item 4–5 Deaths: No entries

Condition of Original Registers— Index:For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library under “Databases on the Network.” Births: Corners of first few pages are wasted. After 1819, there are five pages containing irregular entries dated between 1781 and 1831. Marriages: No Records appear to have been kept prior to 1838. Source:Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Arnsheen
Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1850–1860 0304659 item 5 Other: Minutes 1641–1662, 1766–1769, 1786–1795, 1799–1816, 1822–1891 Disbursements, Collections, Cash Penalties 1641–1664, 1759–1815, 1845–1890 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/425.

Colmonell United Presbyterian Church, extinct by 1873
History— This congregation was formed by members of the congregation of Kilmaurs resident in and around Colmonell, who, on account of great distance from the accustomed place of worship, and presumed ability to support a minister among themselves, were formed under sanction of the Presbytery into a separate congregation in 1750. First church was built in 1755 the second was built in 1800. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Barrhill Free Church
History— Occasional services were arranged in this district in November 1843. In April 1844, it was united with Colmonell under one probationer. The people found this irksome, the two places being 7 miles apart. In 1849, it was sanctioned as a separate charge. The church was built in 1850, and the manse in 1851. The property was considerably improved in subsequent years. Membership: 1848, 120; 1900, 156. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source.

Records— The extent of pre–1855 records is unknown.

Colmonell Free Church
History— This congregation was formed at the Disruption. The charge was sanctioned in 1844; but for some years no minister was called, the probationer settled here having charge also of Barrhill. The original secession congregation at Colmonell joined the Free Church, and their minister, Dr. Laing, became minister of the United Congregation in 1853. The church was built in 1844, largely by gratuitous labor, and the manse in 1857. A new church was erected in 1898. The Reformed Presbyterian Church at Poundland, 2 miles away, was closed, and many of the members came to the Free Church. The interest on a legacy left by Mr. Davie was paid annually to the Sustentation Fund. Membership: 1855, 109; 1900, 107. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572.

Records— The extent of pre–1855 records is unknown.