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Looking for relatives in Saltcoats

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2023 11:39 pm
by magrainger
I am visiting Scotland this July and would love to shout a pint to a relative or two! My great grandfather was Robert Taylor White b. in Saltcoats in 1860, died in Saltcoats July 2, 1931 at 11 Harbour St. in the house of Miss McBride (apparently within 100 yards of where he was born). He is buried in Ardrossan Cemetary. His daughter, my grandmother, was Ann White. She was born in Waden val Under, South Africa Apr 15, 1903. Robert White had worked on the Cape to Cairo railroad and married Annie Marie Keep who was born in 1873 in Australia, and died there Nov 18, 1904 in a buggy accident. These are a few names from records I have (relations are of my grandmother):
- Polly Harper her cousin. Married Allen Kerr. Their son Matthew Kerr. Allen died WWI, Matthew died WWII (both apparently named on Saltcoats War Memorial)
- Robert White's sister was Elizabeth Cummock (nee White)
- Used to visit a relative on Arran who kept a summer hotel at Whiting Bay.
- Jean Harper. She lived at 9 Park Road, Saltcoats
- 10 Windmill St (apparently my grandmother lived there while on a visit to Saltcoats)
- Granny Harper
- Corbett family name
- Sovereign Hotel, formerly Saracen's Head - Robert White may have been born there? White family owned it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. You can reach me at mag@mmasstudiio.com Thank you! Mary Ann Grainger

Re: Looking for relatives in Saltcoats

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2023 12:59 pm
by Penny Tray
Previously posted: -

CASUALTY OF WAR
2 JUNE 1918

Died on service, Sapper ALLAN RAMSAY KERR, (33), Corps of Engineers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of Matthew and Christina Kerr, Whiting Bay, Arran; and husband of Mary Harper or Kerr, 20 Sidney Street, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Word has been received by Mrs Kerr, 20 Sidney Street, Saltcoats, that her husband, Lance Corporal Allan R. Kerr, Signalling Section, R.E., was killed in action on 2nd June.

Lance Corporal Kerr was the only son of Mr and Mrs Kerr, Springhill, Whiting Bay. He served his apprenticeship as an architect in the office of Mr Hugh Thomson, Saltcoats, and was well known in the town. Of a bright, likeable disposition, he had many friends in the district, as well as in Arran, and deep regret will be felt at his death, while genuine sympathy will go out to his young widow and his parents.”