Research on my mother's side of the family took me to Forres in Moray, where Alexander Bain Senior, a master shoemaker, was also the Lord Provost of the town in 1875, at the grand old age of 75. I have copies of various records of property ownership in the town and also uncovered the 'skeletons in the closet' regarding his wife, Marjory.
Marjory Bain was twice arrested in the 1840's. Once for stealing and once for beating a servant. Again I have copies of the court proceedings. Marjorie was held in the town jail on both occasions, which is now the records office where I found all the information! It is apparent from the records that Marjorie had something of a drink problem!!
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Extracts from the book, 'The Burgesses and Community of Forres'
'In town council affairs Provost Bain carried himself with dignity. He was a clear public speaker with marked powers of description.'
'Provost Bain had a good knowledge of general literature, his favourite authors being Pope and Cowper.'
'He was twice married and had five sons and three daughters. The Provost had a number of well known relatives in Forres and District - his brothers were R Bain, a shoemaker, Forres; James Bain, shoemaker, who died on 4th November 1879;John Bain, shoemaker, who died on 23rd December 1855 at the age of 79. He had a large family and many descendants. Two of Provost Bain's sons were Rev.James Bain, minister of Glenlivet; and Charles Bain, farmer, Burgie.'
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