Fairrie

Transcription from Fairrie tombstone in Irvine Churchyard

Here are deposited THE REMAINS OF JAMES FAIRRIE, SHIPMASTER, who died in 1740 aged 52 and MARION THOMSON his spouse who died in 1747 in her 52nd year. Likewise of eight of their children who were all cut off at an early period of life.

Here also rest the ashes of JAMES FAIRRIE, Merchant, son of the above, who died 22nd March, 1799 in his 69th year and of JEAN ROBINSON his spouse died 18th December, 1805, aged 72 years and of CHARLOTTE BANNATYNE, their daughter who died 30th December, 1804, aged 29.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints.

And of JANE, their second daughter, who died on 7th June, 1845 in the 88th year of her age, also AGNES FAIRRIE their last surviving daughter, who was born at Irvine 29th October, 1768 and died at Irvine, 8th November, 1855.

Endowed with many excellencies she practically exhibited the virtues of the Christian character. While ready at all times to assist her relatives, and ever foremost in works of charity, she also by the energy displayed in all her movements secured the regard and respect of the inhabitants of this Burgh, among whom she spent the greater part of her long and useful life.

The transcription was recorded in a notebook kept by Mary Colquhoun Macfie (1839-1911) who thought that Agnes's nephew, John Fairrie of London wrote the inscription and had the tombstone placed over the graves.