THE MITCHELSON-THORRAT CONNECTION

Jacob Mitchelson was the eldest son of John Mitchelson and Mary Thorat. Although we don't yet know the names of John Mitchelson's parents, we do have some information about Mary's parents, John Thurot and Agnes Locke. The Old Parish Records are consistent in using the spelling "Thurot"; however, the descendants of John and Agnes are recorded under a series of different spellings, mainly Thorat, Thorrat, and Thurrat. John and Agnes Thorat (sic) both died in the year 1833, and are buried together at Kirkbean Cemetery, Kirkcudbrightshire.

There are a number of interesting twists to the Thorrat story, including the fact that Jacob and Mary Mitchelson raised with their own family a certain "John Mitchell Thorrat", son of William Thorrat and Janet McCardle. The evidence points to William Thorrat being Mrs. Mitchelson's younger brother. William Thorrat became a mariner. When the Census was taken in 1851, William Thorrett (sic), shown as Seaman Merchant Service, along with his spouse Janet and 2 young sons, were enumerated at 33 Clyde Street, Barony, Glasgow. However, it seems the family decided soon after this to move to Liverpool, and it is from an address in Liverpool that the letter below was sent. The letter tells of the death of William's wife, and asks his sister to forward the letter to her son, Jacob. Although we can only guess at the sequence of events, we know that by 1861, John Mitchell Thorrat was being raised by Jacob & Mary Mitchelson alongside their own children. You will see from John Thorrat's letters, below, that he regarded Jacob and Mary as his parents and the Mitchell children as his brothers and sisters. These letters were written between 1868 and 1875. Subsequently, John Thorrat married Ellen Girvan, a daughter of Jacob's sister, Agnes Mitchelson (Mrs. Hugh Girvan).

First, below, is the partial letter written from Liverpool and signed by William Thorrat. From its contents, it is evident that the William who wrote the letter was a brother to Mary Thorat (i.e. Jacob's mother). While no birth record has ever been found for William Thorrat, Census records reveal that he was born in Kirkbean, Kirkcudbrightshire, circa 1805. This letter is followed by the series of letters written by his son, John Mitchell Thorrat.

Part Letter -Undated ....... last month and I sailed the next morning at 4 o'clock in the morning. I thought she was getting better. I was away 17 days. When I came back, to my astonishment in coming home I found her laying dying. I came home on Monday and she died on the Wednesday night. Left me with a young daughter 21 days old, with not a shilling in the house but plenty of debt. The young child is at a dry nurse and likely to live.

Please to forward this letter to Jacob, your son. I hope you will send his address. Please write to me by return of post. I hope to have a letter from Jacob this week direct to me at 54 Darwin Street, North of Athol Street, North End, Liverpool. So, no more at present. I remain your distressed Brother William Thorrat. 
(Written at end in different hand-writing: My dear son and daughter. I received this letter today for to let you know this death and very sorry to hear about it.)


Correspondence from John Thorrat to Jacob and Mary Mitchelson

Dunlop, Sept 26 1868
Dear Father and Mother: I received your kind letter and was very sorry to hear that Jacob was so bad. It went to my heart like a knife when I read it but I intended to come down your way but we went the other road, and them that told you that I had no money, they were entirely wrong. And if you think that Jacob is no better, write and I will try come through, but you can let me know in your next letter all the rest of the word. No more at present but remain your son til death. J. Thorrat. Sincerely hope that Jacob will get better. Good night. Write soon. I heard that James Darrach had got his leg broke on Bran's work.

Care of William Howie, Corsehill Banks, By Stewarton, Oct 18, 1868
Dear Father and Mother. I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping this will find you all enjoying the same great blessing. Thank god for his kindness to us all.

I stopped in Glasgow til Saturday and begun work on Monday morning with William Howie at Stewarton. Andrew Cammeron sends his kind love to you all. I heard that Andrew Cammeron son is away to see Waddell. Let me know if Charles is at home or where he is. Danial Ferguson is always (togher) here stopping in the bothie. No more at present but remain your loving son til death. John Thorrat.

Care of John Menzies, 42 St. Mungo, Glasgow, Nov 07 1869
Dear Father and Mother. I take the pleasure of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping this will find you enjoying the same. I received your kind and welcome letter and was happy to hear that you was well.

The new company started last Monday. Brannan and Stewart went to them and I got Brannan Horse by order of Mr. Gordon. New company has new horses and new harness and lorries. I was down at Riddell (Mary's) one night and they are getting a little better but they are not altogether right yet. William Geddes sends his kind love to you all. I think you have great weddings and sprees in your side of the country. Tell Charles that he (toket) all at once. I little more to say at present but remain your son til death. J. Thorrat. Write soon.

Oct 07 1873
Dear Father and Mother. You must excuse me for not writing before this time. In fact I forgot who wrote last but I was quite well and I had nothing worth mentioning.

Dear Mother, I received your card and was highly pleased with it and also with Father's advice. I might have been better except of my many thanks for the card and advice. I happened with a misfortune. I got my foot put out of joint three weeks ago. It was out a week before I knew it was getting no better so I sent for a bone-setter so he put it in. It is getting better very favourable.

Give my kind love to all my brothers and sisters and tell William to be sure and write and send all the news. Hoping this will find you all enjoying the best of health and believe me to be your loving and affectionate son. J.T.

Care of W. Hornsey, 3 Argyle Place, Newcastle, Jan 12 1875
Dear Father and Mother and Brother. Your very kind and welcome letter safe to hand and glad to hear by it that you were all well as this leaves me in good health at present, thank god. And I can assure you I never was so well pleased at seeing a card in my life. You have all taken first class. I had little thought of getting such a handsome present so early this year and I cannot express my feelings into words to say how proud I am to say I have Father's card for I had Mother and William before. Father has taken well. Accept of my thanks for the same.

Dear Parents, I hope you will excuse me for being so long of writing. It has been nothing but work and sleep with me this year as far as it has gone. I had a very quiet New Year. I went out to work at 6 o'clock on New Year's morning. I did not get back to three o'clock on Saturday morning. Mother, you may depend I have been a good boy this year. I think the Dumfries people has forgot me altogether. I haven't had letter this long time. I think Charles Mitchell has also forgot me. Give my kind love to them all. I am very sorry I can't send you my card at present but hope I soon will. Wishing you all a happy new year and many returns of the season. Hoping this will find you all enjoying good health and believe me to remain your loving soon. John Thorrat.

Care of W. Hornsey, 3 Argyle Place, Newcastle, Feb 14 1875
Dear Brother and Parents. I received your very kind and welcome letter and proud to hear by it that you were all well as this leaves me at present, thank god. I was proud to hear that you did not let the old year pass away without having a good spree. I am happy to think that you all enjoyed yourselves so well. I should liked very well to have been there. I hope Miss Girvan enjoyed herself well. You can tell Miss Girvan she has forgot to answer my letter. You might be so kind as send me Miss Girvan address.

I was also glad to hear that Charles' wife and family were all well and that he had such good luck with his mare. I wish him great success. I am sorry that Mother's leg is so bad. It has been a long time ill. You say in your next letter if Thomas Lyle is still working with Scot. Dear Brother, it takes you a long time to post your letter after you write it but it is always welcome when it comes. I have got very bad cold I have had about three weeks. I think I am getting better. I will send you a paper this week. Give my respects to all my brothers and sisters. Hoping to hear from you soon and believe me to remain. Your loving brother, J. Thorrat. Good night.

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2009-02-08