Henry James Kirby

HENRY JAMES KIRBY was born on the 10th of January 1911 at the Kyle Union, Poorhouse, Ayr at 4.00 AM, (Ref 1911 578/1 71). In February 1911 he was living at 30 King Street Ayr with his mother.

Henry's father was unknown however, by naming convention; it could be James Stevenson, Elizabeth Taylor Kirby's future husband. However he was given the Kirby name at Birth and was brought up by Jessie which makes speculation about the father doubtful. His birth was reported by his mother,  Elizabeth Taylor Kirby, on the 25th of February 1911.

Henry was a farm Labourer and the evidence is that he moved around Ayrshire a fair bit. In 1973, Harry, as he was better known was a general labourer.

He married Marion Spence Slimmon, a dairy maid, on the 4th of  January 1933 in Laigh Kirk Manse, Kilmarnock. He would have been about 22 years of age. He was employed as a dairyman and lived at 21 Berryhill Farm, Kilmarnock. Marion, his wife, was the daughter of John Slimmon and Jeannie Campbell. She was born 3 September 1910 at 275, Cronbury. 12.45 pm (ref 1910 577/2 95).

Despite being married and perhaps whist on war work Henry had at least one child in Stirling, possibly two. The woman who bore his child was  Ellen Miller Campbell. She was a Milk Bar Assistant.

His son was  Henry Gralton Kirby, who was born on the 26th of October 1941, at a Maternity Home in Stirling. at 09.30pm (Ref 490/826). Unfortunately Henry Gralton Kirby died on the 25th of December 1941, at Stirling Royal Infirmary at 09.30am (Ref 490/749) of Bronco Pneumonia. At this time their Residence was shown as  41B Bannockburn Road, Stirling. However Harry is shown as living at 113 Montrose Street, Glasgow, the address of his aunt.

The middle name of this child is very interesting as it is the married surname of his aunt Jessie Wilson Gralton (Kirby). Perhaps it was her that Henry James had been brought up by.

This episode had no visible effect on his marriage to Marion, who may not have even known about it.

Henry James Kirby and his wife lived for some time at a farm cottage at Skares near Cumnock. In 1973 they were living at Dykes Farm Cottage, Cumnock

His wife Marion died on the 27th of December 1973 16.10 hours of Reticulo Sarcoma at Ballochmyle Hospital, Mauchline (Ref 1973 682/117) and was buried in Section F 418 at Cumnock Cemetery. There is no headstone.

An empty space is all that can be seen in Cumnock Cemetery of the spot where both Harry and Marion were laid to rest.

It has been said that Harry was 'miserable, miserly and small' although this may have been an impression given it is not necessarily true. No doubt he was not the tallest of folk if he was like many of the other Kirby's.

Harry died on the 27th of July 1980.  The cause of death shown as Lyphostatic Pneumonia, Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema.

Harry was a great character and always on the move rarely staying anywhere for more than three months.

The informant on his death certificate was a friend, Thomas Richmond, of 11 Craigens Place, Cumnock. Both he and his wife were friendly with Harry. Sadly they are both deceased now too, however their children recall him as enjoying a good laugh. He loved winding up Mrs Richmond. They first met him when she worked in a cafe where Harry used to frequent after his wife died. Harry was not a wealthy man and dressed in Black baggy trousers and jacket, he always wore a flat cap. He had a black dog that went with him everywhere. The Richmond's helped get him an old age pensioner’s bungalow at 4 James Young Avenue, Cumnock through the council. He is recalled as a nice old man who lad lots of time for folk.

4 James Young Avenue, Cumnock

Harry had no children by his wife Marion as his only boy died as an infant yet another male Kirby line disappeared with him. As he had no known relatives the council cleared the house.

THANKS

Special thanks to the Richmond family and Mrs Black for information supplied. Also Jessie McNeill