Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Mauchline, Ayr, Scotland (#604)

History
This account was written in 1837.

The name of this parish was formerly spelled Machlein, or Machlene, or Machlin, and means the lake field or meadow.

Haugh and Auchmillan are the nearest towns.

Robert Burns resided here for nearly nine years.

The major land owners were Claud Alexander, Esq. of Ballochmyle; His Grace the Duke of Portland; Lord Glenlee; and Sir James Boswell of Auchinleck, Bart. The land was primarily used for, potatoes, cabbages, turnips, carrots, hay, sheep, and cattle. The population in 1755 was 1169. The population in 1831 was 2232.

The ancient parochial records are now lost. Sometime before the reformation, the Popish clergy perceived their interest declining, To prepare for the worst, they sold their lands in small parcels for ready money, and then departed, carrying with them all their money and effects, and the books and registers. The date of the earliest parish register is 17th January 1670. Till 80 years ago, they were most irregularly kept, being written mostly on detached leaves, so that they are almost useless.

Families belonging to the Established Church is 353. Families belonging to the Associate Synod is 83. There are three Roman Catholics in the parish.

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: 1670–1854 1041395 Marriages: 1670–1854 1041395 Deaths: 1753–1853 1041395

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: There are no entries December 1683–October 1684, January 1691–November 1698, November 1699–November 1701 and December 1709–December 1731. There is one entry between February 1757–1758. Mothers' names are not recorded until 1784. Marriages: Prior to 1783 the entries are either intermixed with the births or engrossed on occasional pages of the same register. No entries June 1683–October 1685, except one entry for 1696, March 1692–November 1698, December 1699–December 1701, November 1709–November 1731, December 1742–June 1746, December 1747–December 1749, and September 1756–August 1759. Separate record after February 1783. Deaths: There are burials only. There are no entries February 1757–January 1768 and May 1806–July 1834, except three entries 1807, 1809, and 1817. After January 1768 the entries are engrossed on occasional pages of the register of births and marriages. There are separate records from March 1783 on. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes and Accounts 1669–1699, 1701–1709, 1731–1783, 1812–1893 Burials 1763–1767 Baptisms 1838–1911 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/896.

Mauchline Burgher, United Presbyterian Church
History— The Rev. Mr. Auld of Mauchline, died about 1792 and was succeeded by Mr. Reid. Members of the established church, opposed to the settlement of Mr. Reid seceded from the parish church. They were joined in this movement by members of the secession congregations of Tarbolton and Old Cumnock and supply of sermon was afforded them by the Associate Burgher, Presbytery of Glasgow. They found difficulty in procuring a site for worship; the proprietors in the district were incensed at the idea of a dissenting chapel being built in the village. Having secured a piece of ground to build they came upon a rock when digging the foundation, which furnished them with a quantity of the material required in the erection, except that required for hewn work. A church built in 1796. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details may be given in the source, including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1834–1890 Managers' Minutes 1826–1860 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/772.

Mauchline Free Church
History— This congregation was formed of the members who "came out" of the parish church in 1843. They worshiped in the United Secession Church for a time. The church and manse were built in 1844. A new church was built 1884. The congregation was greatly indebted to Claud Alexander of Ballochmyle for sympathy and generous help. He gave a free site for the church. Membership: 1848, 245; 1900, 233. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1834–1925 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/771.