Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid

4 generations c1915 : Agnes McKenzie Fisher Conway, her g-grandaughter Violet Whitton, Violet's mother (standing behind) Jessie Milne Miller Whitton, Jessie's mother Marion McKenzie Conway Miller

Parents:

• Birth*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid was born on 14 March 1842 at Monkton & Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; Agnes Fisher lawful daughter of William Fisher and Marion McKenzie spouses was born at Prestwick 14th March 1842 and baptised by the Rev Mr Burns (recorded in 1845.)^1,2
• She was the daughter of William Fisher hand loom weaver cotton, engine driver and Marion McKenzie.
• (Bride) Marriage*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid married James Conway van driver, son of John Conway farm labourer and Jane Waugh, on 7 June 1861 at Dundonald, Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; 1861 marriages in the parish of Dundonald in the county of Ayr, ref 8; 1861 June Seventh, Troon, after banns according to the forms of the Free Church of Scotland; signed James Conway masons labourer bachelor, 24, ur Monkton, parents John Conway masons labourer and Jane Conway ms Waugh; signed Agnes Fisher domestic servant spinster, 19, us Troon, parents William Fisher lumper at Troon and Marion Fisher ms McKenzie (dec); signed A H Cowan minister, A T McClenaghan, Eliza Jane Kean, witnesses; registered 1861 June 12th at Dundonald, David Halbert registrar.^3,4
• (Deceased) Death*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid died on 14 December 1938 at 11 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, , at age 96 1938 Deaths in the District of Broughty Ferry in the County of Angus, # 112; Agnes Conway widow of James Conway, Commercial Traveller 1938 December 14th 8h 0m AM 11 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry female aged 96 years Father John Fisher (sic), carpenter (deceased) Mother Marion Fisher ms McKenzie (deceased) senility - age 96 9/12 cardiac failure as certified by David Mann MB, FRCS Ed informant Mary Conway daughter present registered 1938 December 14th at Broughty Ferry John R Dryden registrar.⁵
  

• Married Name: As of 7 June 1861, her married name was Conway.
• (Informant) Birth: She registered the birth of Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister on 30 May 1883 at 4 Rosebank Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1883 births in the district of St Clement in the burgh of Dundee; 406; Robert McKenzie Fisher Conway; 1883 May Thirtieth 3h 30m pm, 4 Rosebank Street Dundee; m; James Conway bakers' van driver, Agnes Conway ms Fisher, 1861 June 7th Troon; Agnes Conway mother; 1883 June 13 at Dundee Thomas Scott assistant registrar DS.⁶
• Event-Misc*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 7 June 1911 at Mathers Hotel, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .⁷
  

  

  

  Mathers Hotel Dundee
• Event-Misc: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 8 June 1921 at Masonic Hall, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, .⁷
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
• Photograph*: Agnes Fisher Miller and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid are in this photograph taken say 1922.⁸
  
• (Spouse) Death: Her spouse James Conway van driver died on 27 June 1923 at Blebo Craigs, Kemback, Fife, Scotland, ; 1923 Deaths in the Parish of Kemback in the County of Fife, # 6; James Conway, Farm Overseer (retired) married to Agnes Fisher 1923 June 27th 6h 0m PM Blebo Craigs, Kemback male aged 88 years Father John Conway, mason (deceased) Mother Jane Conway ms Waugh (deceased) intestinal obstruction 2 days as certified by J Macdonald MB & CM Informant James B D Duncan neighbour, Blebo Craigs Kemback registered 1923 June 28th at Kemback A J C Provan registrar.⁹
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid was mentioned in a newspaper article about James Conway van driver on 29 June 1923. DEATHS.
  CONWAY - At Blebo Craigs, on June 27th, James Conway, beloved husband of Agnes Fisher, in his 88th year. Funeral private. This the only intimation.¹⁰
• Photograph*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid is in this photograph taken in 1929 at Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , along with John Conway minister Church of SCotland, William Fisher Conway, James Conway commercial traveller, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister.¹¹
  

  Agnes McKenzie Fisher Conway with all her sons; sitting left John Conway, sitting right William Fisher Conway, standing left-right Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway, James Conway, Samuel Meney Conway; 1929, Blebo Craigs
• (Witness) Photograph: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid is in this photograph taken in 1929 at Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , along with Audrey Malvina Conway, Jane Hutchison Wilkie.¹¹
  

  L-R: Agnes McKenzie Fisher Conway, Audrey Malvina Conway, Jane Hitchison Wilkie Conway 1929, Blebo Craigs
• (Witness) Marriage: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid witnessed the marriage of Joseph Stanley Andrews Baptist Church minister and Hope Myra Morrison Conway chiropodist on Monday, 21 June 1937 at Baptist Church, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, ; 1937 marriages in the district of Hamilton in the county of Lanark, ref 162, 1937 on the Twenty-First day of June at Baptist Church Hamilton after banns according to the forms of the Baptist Church, signed Joseph Stanley Andrews Baptist Church Minister bachelor aged 25, 18 Mount Stewart Street Carluke, parents James Smith Andrews Baptist Church minister and Janet Andrews ms Lees; signed Hope Myra Morrison Conway chiropodist spinster aged 22, 13 Bent Road Hamilton, parents Robert Fisher Conway Baptist Church minister and Elizabeth Miller Conway ms Morrison; signed John Conway minister emetrius Free Church of England Bristol, signed Ruth Fisher Conway Chrystal Bank Hamilton, Douglas Cameron Smith 5 Manse Crescent Stirling witnesses; registered 1937 Jane 22nd at Hamilton James Frame registrar
  [and from photograph provided by their grand-daughter].^13,14
  

  Hamilton Baptist Church June 1937
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and Joseph Stanley Andrews Baptist Church minister, Hope Myra Morrison Conway chiropodist and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister was mentioned in a newspaper article about James Smith Andrews Baptist minister on 24 June 1937. DIES TWO DAYS AFTER
  SON'S WEDDING
  Former Dundee Minister After officiating at the wedding of his son only two days before, a former Dundee minister died suddenly yesterday.
  He was the Rev. J. S. Andrews, & wellknown Cathcart Baptist minister.
  Mr Andrews had not been feeling unwell, and his death in the early hours of be yesterday morning came as a great shock to the members of his household at 110 Merrylee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow
  Mr Andrews was 56 years of age. Almost three years ago he went from Dundee to Cathcart Baptist Church.
  The wedding of his son, Rev. J. t Stanley Andrews of Carluke Baptist Church, and Miss Hope Myra Morrison Conway, daughter of the Rev. R. F. Conway, of Hamilton, took place on Monday at Hamilton Baptist Church. Two minister uncles of the bride and the of bridegroom's father officiated.
  The wedding was attended by the bride's 96-year-old grandmother, Mrs James Conway, of Broughty Ferry.
  The funeral of Mr Andrews will take place to Kelso on Saturday.¹⁵
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver was mentioned in a newspaper article about Jeannie Conway on 23 May 1938. CONWAY - At Dundee, on 21st of May, Jeannie, daughter of Agnes Conway and the late James Conway, Blebo Craigs. Funeral private, no flowers.¹⁶
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver was mentioned in a newspaper article about Agnes Fisher Conway on 13 February 1939. CONWAY - Suddenly, on 12th February, Agnes Fisher Conway, daughter of the late James and Agnes Conway, Blebo Craigs, Cupar.¹⁷
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver was mentioned in a newspaper article about Agnes Fisher Conway on 15 February 1939. CONWAY - Suddenly, on 12th February, Agnes Fisher Conway, daughter of the late James and Agnes Conway, Blebo Craigs, Cupar.¹⁸

Census & Directory Entries

Member of Household	30 March 1851	They was listed as a member of the household of William Fisher hand loom weaver cotton, engine driver and Elizabeth Hendry in the 1851 census at Kirk Street, Monkton, Ayrshire, Scotland, . Agnes Fisher, daug, 9 scholar, Prestwick Ayrshire; William Fisher, head, mar, 39, hand loom weaver (cotton) Newton Ayrshire; Elizabeth Fisher, wife, mar, 34, weaver's wife, Ireland.19
Member of Household	7 April 1861	She was listed as a member of the household of George Oswald in the 1861 census at Orangfield House, Monkton, Ayrshire, Scotland, . Agnes Fisher, servant, 19, kitchen maid, Monkton & Prestwick; George Oswald, head, 46, collector of Inland Revenues, Glasgow; plus his 2 daugs and 1 son; plus Susan Anderson Montgomerie, 60, fund holder and 4 other Montgomeries, all visitors, with lady's maid, coachman & page; 10 household servants.20,21 Orangefield House Orangefield House c 1946 with 'air control tower' built on (Orangefield House was the forerunner of Prestwick Airport)
Spouse	2 April 1871	She was listed in the household of James Conway van driver in the 1871 census at Rail Gate House, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, . James Conway, head, married, aged 35, Rail Porter, born Ireland; Agnes Conway, wife, married, aged 29, born Ayrshire, Prestwick. Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver, John Conway minister Church of SCotland, William Fisher Conway, Jane Conway, Elizabeth Conway, Alexander Hamilton and John McCue were also listed in the household.22 Kilwinning Station [c2002]
Spouse	3 April 1881	She was listed in the household of James Conway van driver in the 1881 census at 7 Kinloch Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . James Conway, head, married, aged 45, Van Driver, born Ireland; Agnes Conway, wife, married, aged 39, born Ayr, Scotland. Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver, William Fisher Conway, Jeannie Conway, Elizabeth Conway, Agnes Fisher Conway, James Conway commercial traveller, Janet Meney Conway, Mary Fisher Conway howdie wife and John Conway farm labourer were also listed in the household.23
Spouse	5 April 1891	She was listed in the household of James Conway van driver in the 1891 census at 11 Dons Road, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . James Conway, head, married, aged 55, Van Driver, m employed, born Ireland, Co Down; Agnes Conway, wife, married, aged 49, born Ayrshire, Prestwick. Jeannie Conway, Elizabeth Conway, Agnes Fisher Conway, James Conway commercial traveller, Janet Meney Conway, Mary Fisher Conway howdie wife, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister were also listed in the household.24
Head of Household	31 March 1901	She was listed as head of household in the 1901 census at Lydox Mill, Dairsie, Fife, Scotland, . Agnes Conway, head, married, aged 59, housekeeper, born Ayrshire, Prestwick; Janet Conway, daughter, single, aged 24, sewing-maid, working on own account, born Forfarshire, Dundee; also in the household was Janet Meney Conway.25
Member of Household	31 March 1911	She was listed as a member of the household of Jeannie Conway in the 1911 census at Blebo Craigs, Fife, Scotland, . Agnes Conway, visitor, 69, mar 49 years, 11 children born, 10 still living, b Ayr Prestwick; Jeanie Conway, head, 43, single, monthly nurse, own account, Ayr Kilwinning; 2 rooms with windows.26
Tenant	1925	Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid was a tenant at House, House & Garden, Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , 1925 Valuation Roll, County of Fife, Parish of Kemback, Year 1920-1921 refs 206&7, house, & house and garden, Blebo Craigs; proprietrixes Misses Mary F. and Jeanie Conway, per John Pearson, 37 Castle Street, Tayport; tenant and occupier Mrs Agnes Conway; yearly rent or value £2 and £4 in 1925.27

Notes

• Residence: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver lived at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; Kilwinning is described in a directory published by Pigot & Co in 1837 as … an ancient and thriving little manufacturing town … 24 miles from Glasgow, 3 nw of Irvine, 4 ne of Saltcoats, the like distance s of Dalry, 10 nw of Kilmarnock and 5 from Ardrossan; situate on rising ground about 2 miles from the sea; stretching westward from the right bank of the Garnock, and approached through long ambrageous paths, skirted by beautiful fields. It consists chiefly of one street and bye-lanes, with a few rows of modern houses. The weaving and manufacture of gauzes, muslins, shawls, etc are carried on, to an important extent, for the Glasgow and Paisley markets, to which they are conveyed by the local agents. The agricultural produce of the parish is likewise considerable; and coals, which are obtained in abundance, are conveyed by a railway passing from east to west across the parish. …
  Kilwinning was the first place in Scotland where free masonry was established; it is said to have been introduced by the foreign architect who was employed in erecting the monastery here. The abbey is thought to have been built about 1140. Briefly, free masonry is accepted as having been born out of the guilds of craftsmen of the middle ages, in particular the masons. A mason often had to travel the length of the county to seek work. He had to prove his rank and ability to his prospective employer. This he did by showing that he was in possession of certain secrets that he had learnt from his guild.
  The Statistical Account written by the Rev. Archibald Blair Campbell in April 1842 describes Kilwinning in great ecclesiastical detail, but includes gems such as (describing the population of around 630 families in the town): There are three individuals deaf and dumb in the parish, two fatuous, and two blind. … There is no smuggling. Poaching is carried on to a small extent. He continues: The male inhabitants of Kilwinning are chiefly employed in weaving and mining; the females in sewing. The only individuals found necessary for keeping the peace are one of the county police and a sheriff-officer. … Formerly there were several stagecoaches, which passed through Kilwinning to Glasgow and other places, but they have all given up since the opening of the Glasgow and Ayr Railway, about two years ago, which affords the greatest facilities, both for travelling and the conveyance of goods, and farm produce.
  He is highly critical of the 27 licensed Inns or Alehouses in the parish – Their effect on the morals of the people, especially the miners and inhabitants of the town, is of the most pernicious description. In his conclusion he observes The inhabitants are, we believe, more industrious than they were towards the end of last century; but they are more extravagant both in regard to their clothing and mode of living, and it is to be feared, less contented with their circumstances. … The desire for luxuries is, in many instances, too prevalent, and a want of prudence, foresight, and economy, often appears. The inhabitants of the parish, in general, are intelligent and well informed, and many of them are exemplary in the discharge of all the duties of their station.^28,29
  
• Residence*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid and James Conway van driver lived at Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; Today, Troon is most famous for its golfing associations and as a holiday resort, but owes its origins to coal and the railways.
  In the Second Statistical Account written in 1841 by The Rev. Alexander Willison, The Rev. James Fleming, Troon, and The Rev. David Wilson, Fullarton, the village of Troon in the parish of Dundonald is described as having a population of 1,409 souls that appears to have been a significant rise over the previous count in 1831. The reason is to be ascribed to general causes; but particularly of late years to the erection of the harbour … and the consequent increase of its trade; and also to its becoming a favourite place of resort for sea-bathing quarters.
  The Account describes the turnpike roads from Irvine to Ayr and Irvine to Dalmellington, along with the Kilmarnock to Troon road as the roads in every direction are good. Indeed there are few parishes of equal extent so well accommodated in this respect. … In addition to these, there are parish roads in every direction kept in tolerably good repair, and affording every requisite means of communication. The only thing that the mounted traveller has reason to complain of is the abundance of tolls; but as the toll seems to be indigenous to the county, let us pay and pass on; for in this case we fear there is very little hope of writing them down. The harbour for depth of water and readiness of entrance, is one of the best in the neighbourhood. … A wet dock is in the course of excavation from the solid rock. There are two dry docks. … The trade is chiefly in coal and timber. Timber was imported; coal exported via the Kilmarnock railway.
  The Account also notes the harbour has a good lighthouse supported from its own funds. A Church (of Scotland) was built in Troon in 1837 – previously the parishioners had to travel four or more miles which would have rendered anything like a regular attendance upon ordinances altogether impracticable. Elementary schooling was available at a cost of from 2s to 4s 6d per quarter.
  Commenting on the arrangements for poor relief, the writers say that the good old spirit of Scottish independence, which once spurned the kirk-box, as almost worse than starvation, is fast dying away, and that few indeed now think it any degradation to have their wants so supplied. This is surely a symptom of change not for the better, and as it is, from accounts, very generally manifested, we trust it will meet with due consideration from those whose special business it is to provide and legislate for the poor. So, are things much different today, one wonders?
  All in all, these gentlemen seem fairly pleased with the progress made since the First Statistical Account some 60 or so years previously. Referring to the parish as a whole they say the condition of all classes, even the poorest, has very much improved. … An entire new town and harbour have risen up at Troon; two railroads have been constructed; common roads have been formed, and all much repaired; what were little better than mud-walls have given place to substantial stone and lime, and in many places to elegant architecture. The comfortable, but unstable, thatch has been supplanted by slate; the fertility of the soil, by a better system of culture, has been inconceivably improved. Money with all ranks is much more abundant; and all these things tell upon the comfort, as we would hope upon the gratitude, of those who enjoy them.³⁰
  
• Residence*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid lived on 7 April 1861 at Orangefield House, Monkton, Ayrshire, Scotland, ;
  Orangefield House has some significance in the Monkton area. Originally, it was built as Monkton House by Hugh Baillie around 1740. The design was by Samuel Neilson, a mason who sometimes made designs for country houses. Dr Baillie’s financial circumstances caused the rapid sale of the estate to James Macrae of Blackheath who had returned, enriched, after holding the position of Governor of Madras. The house was rebuilt and renamed later in the 18th century and it was this elegant and pedimented mansion that survived well into the 20th century. Various additions and alterations were constructed in the early 1900s with the house being converted to an hotel in 1933, following the building of Prestwick Airport on the former estate. The house was transformed into the terminal building with, incredibly, the control tower built through the roof! In 1966 the disfigured house was completely demolished to accommodate the taxi rank for the airport.³¹
  
• (Witness) Note for Web: She and Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver, John Conway minister Church of SCotland, William Fisher Conway, Jeannie Conway, Elizabeth Conway, Agnes Fisher Conway, James Conway commercial traveller, Janet Meney Conway, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister was mentioned with Mary Fisher Conway howdie wife in 1983. From the pen of Marion C Miller (1983) :
  
  Under the Rose
  
  'Under the rose, Kate, under the rose', my great aunt Mary would frequently whisper to my mother. Many years were to elapse before I understood that information imparted subrosa (under the rose) was only intended for tried, tested and trustworthy ears. At the advance of avid young listeners, X-certificate conversation would come to an abrupt halt. My great aunt would suck her teeth back into their normal position with a sharp, resounding and final click. As age had withered her fuselage, the teeth no longer fitted snugly into the contours of her mouth. With the porcelain in position she was quite unable to chew. Always allocated prime position next to my father at the head of the table, she removed her teeth just after grace and before demolition commenced. She was not given to secreting her discarded treasures in the folds of her lavender-laced handkerchief. No ... she was a forthright sort of person. Her teeth, both sets, were planted on her side plate where they glared relentlessly at my father, assaulting his appetite and inducing temporary anorexia.
  There was no wine at table in my childhood, and glasses for water or lemonade were only in evidence on high occasions. There was always a glass of water for great aunt Mary. No ... she didn't drink it ... but she liked to rinse her teeth before returning them to the ill-fitting aperture, when the repast was over.
  At that time we thought she must be very old, but she was in fact still in her lively seventies and had many a tale to tell. She had been an upper crust 'howdie' before trained midwives were commonplace. Entering the homes of the renowned and rich prior to the event, she supervised the birthing process, hurrying the event along with her own secret concoction of raspberry leaf tea. She would remain in residence for at least a month after delivery and often for much longer. If her departure was at all delayed there was every chance that there would be another child on the way soon to guarantee her continued employment.
  Great aunt Mary liked to dress in black and indeed it showed off her pure white hair to greatest advantage. She also used her sombre dresses as a backcloth against which she could display her many swinging chains of beads, multi-coloured neckerchiefs, and large brooches set with precious or semi-precious stones, all donated by thankful parents.
  'When I was with Sir Andrew and Lady X', she would commence and you knew you were about to have a glimpse of life in a society in which you were never likely to mingle. She had been accustomed to a life of refinement, but she was willing to share her treasured memories with those in humbler circumstances. But she was not all prim and proper. She loved a party and she could jangle her beads in a neat-ankled Charleston which left mouth agape. Nowadays she would have been accorded the title of 'great old swinger'.
  If we thought she was old, what of the ancient monument? Her mother was still alive and maintained in a state of semi preservation by another spinster daughter in a rambling house in the country. My great grandmother was open for viewing between the hours of 3 and 4pm. The old lady was like a mechanical toy which had seen better days, there being residual movement in her head, one arm and those searching piercing eyes where ambition still flickered. She might be desiccated almost mummified, but when her hand beckoned from within the folds of her many shawls the recipient of the gesture approached with a degree of trepidation and a touch of reverence.
  The eyes below the lace-capped head would search for evidence of her genetic contribution. These eyes had seen a lot of life. The offshoot of an immigrant Irish family fleeing from the potato famine she had been fortunate to find work as a "tweenie" in an Ayrshire mansion. Crossed with my great grandfather of similar peasant origin she was to produce a brood of thirteen children of whom nine survived. The unashamed ambition which hovered behind her eyelids had seen three of her sons launched into the ordained ministry. In her lifetime she had seen the strength of her genetic contribution raise her descendants from menial tasks in the dusty mills to solid middle class. As she started to fade into insignificance, her off shoots embraced the church, the law, medicine and commerce. She missed her hundredth birthday and her royal telegram only by a short head. If she knew her great-great-grandson whilst still a schoolboy had been selected because of his innate talent in communication to sit next to a royal prince at a private dinner ... she would have been pleased, but not I think surprised. I doubt whether she would have subscribed to the theory that the stars govern your fate ... I think she knew that she handed something on ... and if it's the blarney ... it's genetically dominant.
  What was it that reminded me of great aunt Mary ... it was a word association! It's quite a popular party game but the technique is also used by psychiatrists to probe the mysteries of the mind. You may reveal too much by a straight swift answer, so I always allow the word to linger in my cerebral pathways until multiple cross connections have suitably disguised my tortuous mental process.
  I know ... I was in the kitchen waiting for the beans to heat. Lovely to think that the good old 57s are enjoying a comeback in the high fibre diet. The radio was muttering away in the background, but I heard only one word 'ROOTS'. My first thought was teeth, because that canine has been gnawing away for months, then followed swiftly the thought of origins and ancestors ... finally there was the closing snap reminiscent of gnashing dentures and my brain had solved the equation Roots + Teeth = Great Aunt Mary.
  Sometime I must sweep some more of the dust from my cerebral computer and write more of my forebears ... or is it all too confidential? Could I perhaps just whisper it to a few of my friends ... 'Under the rose' of course.³²