Archibald Buchanan

Dates of birth/christening from "Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950," index, "FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XTVV-PXF : accessed 03 Jan 2013), Archibald Buchanan in entry for Archibald Buchanan, 14 Mar 1832; citing reference - 2:16D49HV, FHL microfilm 1041380."

Archibald appears in the 1841 census, aged 9, with his family in George St., Parish of St Quivox [presumably in Newton-on-Ayr].

Not yet found in the 1851 census.

In 1859 Arch and his bride Mary McEwan were married in Auckland, New Zealand (this fact appears on the birth record of their son, Walter Osborne Buchanan, on which Archibald's signature is 'Arch Buchanan'). Why did they visit New Zealand at that time? (All their children were born back in Ayr). Was it just to visit Arch's brother, William, who had emigrated to Auckland the previous year? Perhaps Arch invested money there.

In the 1861 census he is 29 and married to Mary (22) with an 8 month old son, Robert McCormick Buchanan. (If this child was named after Archibald's uncle and employer, Robert McCormick, why would that be the case when the uncle was still living?) Archibald is a bottler living at 86 High Street, Ayr.

In the 1871 census he is with his wife and family at 131 High Street, Ayr. Original not seen and there are some errors in the transcript. His children Robert (10), William (7), Archibald (5) and James (2) are living there. Also living there is William McEwan, a nephew, who is a law apprentice (i.e. his sister Margaret's son and his wife's half-brother).

In the 1881 census Archibald is living with his wife and six children at 2 River Terrace, Newton. Also living with them is an aunt, Lillias McCormack [sic] who is 80. Archibald is a Mineral Water Manufacturer and Wine & Spirit Merchant employing 12 Men and 8 Boys.

Aerated water manufacture

The method to carbonate water was discovered in 1767. In 1875, Robert BARR established an aerated water manufacturing business in Falkirk. (Possible link between this BARR family and the family of Marion BARR, Archibald's mother, not yet found). In 1887 Robert Fulton BARR, son of Robert, set up a soft drinks business in Glasgow. By then - i.e. in 1881 - the aerated water business which Archibald BUCHANAN took over, had been established beside the Golffields, presumably by Robert McCormick. This information tantalisingly from a snippet found online from a book called The history of Irvine: royal burgh and new town which cannot be viewed in full.

By 1883, Archibald's family was living at 13 River Terrace (this fact appearing on the birth record of their son, Walter Osborne Buchanan, in 1883).

A notice in the Edinburgh Gazette, April 12 1889 [online] states: "The testamentary trustees of the late Robert McCormick, aerated water manufacturer, Ayr, is now in sole right, as Residuary Legatee of the said deceased, of the Business of the Manufacture and Sale of Aerated Waters fomerly carried on by the said deceased and continued by his widow, the late Mrs Lillias Barr or McCormick; and that the said Archibald Buchanan is authorised to receive and discharge all debts due in connection with the said Business."

In the 1891 census the family is at 78 High Street, Ayr. There are two more children: Charles (9) and Walter (7). And a servant.

The Ayr Post Office General and Trades' Directory for Ayr, Newton, and Wallacetown for 1896-1897 lists Archibald Buchanan at 2 Bruce Terrace and, separately, Buchanan & Sons, Crated Water Manufacturers and Spirit Merchants, River Terrace. (See advt., outside of cover). Listed also is Archibald Buchanan, jun., wine and spirit merchant, Osborne Bar, 76 High Street.

In the 1901 census Archie and Mary are living at 2 Bruce Crescent, Ayr, with their daughters Lily (25) and Mary (22). He is an Aerated Water Manufacturer.

He died at home on 24 May 1909, aged 77. His son, Arch Buchanan, who was present, signed the death certificate.