Turnbull Ancestry, Paisley, Scotland

This afternoon, I am posting information on Turnbull family history, as sourced from a grave-marker at Castlehead Church Burial Ground. This was probably erected around 1800 and marks the burial place of:

• James Turnbull, Baker in Paisley.
• Janet Moodie
• Robert Turnbull, who died January 1803 age 10 years.

Tombstone of Ammonius, Glasgow, Scotland

This evening, I am departing from my usual fare and reporting on a tombstone which dates from the 1st century AD. This can be viewed at the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow.

The tombstone dates specifically from around AD80-AD90 and was found at Ardoch Roman Fort, near Braco in Perthshire, central Scotland.

The inscription reads:

"To the spirits of the departed Ammonius, son of Damio, centurion of the First Cohort of Spaniards, of 27 years service. His heirs had this erected."

The Ardoch fort pre-dates both Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall and formed part of the very early Gask Frontier (AD 79-87) established during the Flavian period ( Emperor Vespasian and his sons). In essence Gask would have been a very exposed and isolated line deep in enemy territory.

Particular points of note in regards to Ammonius:

• Of Spanish origin. Roman army units were recruited from all parts of the Empire and as such a Spanish unit was not unusual.
• He served 27 years compared to standard term of service of 25 years. Centurions had the right to extend their service.
• He would have commanded a unit of 80 men.

The Ardoch fort is about 40 miles N.E. of Glasgow. Outlying parts of modern-day Glasgow were occupied during the Roman period, in particular during the time of the Antonine Wall (AD 139-165).

This ancient tombstone does serve to provide a direct link with an identifiable person in Scotland dating back about 1,925 years.

Provan Ancestry, Paisley, Scotland

This evening, I am posting information on Provan family history, as sourced from a memorial at Castlehead Church Burial Ground. This records the burial place of:

• Thomas Provan, Williamsburgh.
• Jean Cree, who died Aug 14th 1827.

Tytler Ancestry, Paisley, Scotland

This evening, I am posting information on Tytler family history, as sourced from a grave-marker at Castlehead Church Burial Ground. This is undated but adjacent stones would suggest erected within the band 1790-1810. It marks the burial place of:

• James Tytler, Wright in Paisley.
• Elizabeth Scott, spouse.
• Children of above.

Boyle Ancestry, Paisley, Scotland

This evening, I am posting information on Boyle family history, as sourced from a grave-marker at Castlehead Church Burial Ground. This was erected to mark the burial place of:

• William Boyle, Weaver, Storie Street, Paisley.
• Janet Shedden
• Children of above.

• William Boyle died Jan 16th 1845, age 85 years.
• Janet Shedden died Nov 4th 1840, age 78 years. 
• William Boyle died Dec 8th 1854, age 74 yrs.
• Ewing Watson died Jan 3rd 1854, age 68 years..