THE Shirron branch of the family tree has revealed political and artistic branches. There is a strong Aberdeen connection although earlier Shirrons are thought to have come from the Turriff area

My grandmother, Jessie Jane Sievewright Shirron, born 13 March 1886, was one of six children born to James Shirron and his wife Helen Smith.

Jessie was quite a character and amongst other things became a Fishwife, a Midwife, a Laundress and still found time to have a shop selling second-hand clothes in Spring Garden, Aberdeen! She had 5 brothers - Arthur, James, Benjamin - who died in infancy, Fitzgerald and Hugh.

Her father James, born 11 November 1848 was a Merchant Seaman, Furniture Carter and Pawnbroker.

His father-in-law was Arthur Smith, a local Marine Artist of some renown. He painted scenes of ships around Aberdeen Harbour, some of which can still be seen in Aberdeen's Maritime Museum. He had a house painter and glaziers shop at the foot of Marischal Street.

The father of James, also called James Shirron, was born in Turriff 10 July 1820. Although his trade was that of a Tailor, he was also a known supporter of the Chartist Movement. The Chartists aimed to get all working men the right to vote. He had many speeches and letters published in the local press of his day. Sadly he died at the young age of just 28 years old.

A further generation back were his parents John Shirron, an Agricultural Labourer from Turriff, and Katherine McLeod.

Above and below: These photos are believed to be James Shirron and his wife Helen Smith. The photo is in the collection of Linda, one of their grandchildren.

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