William Ayson. 1762 - 1819

WILLIAM AYSON, father of the four Ayson pioneers who migrated from Scotland in 1853 and 1856, was born at Deeside, Scotland, on 1 September 1762 and was one of the two sons of Patrick Esson, who married Elspet Fraser.

 

At the age of 36 he joined the Scottish Army, (the Ross and Cromarty Rangers Regiment of Highland  Fensible  Infantry) in which he served for three-and-a-half  years when the Regiment was disbanded.   During that period the Regiment did mostly garrison duties with the exception of a short time spent in Ireland suppressing a threatened rebellion.

 

William was evidently a well-built man.   His height given in his Army Papers was 5ft 10in.   That he was robust and energetic is evidenced by the fine physique and health handed down to his descendants.

 

Three-and-a-half years after leaving the Army, William married Elspet Fraser, a daughter of Duncan Fraser of Braemar. (Note where the Duncan and Fraser comes in as a family name).    Elspet was born in 1777 at Mains of Inverary, Scotland.   She had a brother Hugh Fraser, who died in Spain during the Peninsular War, so it can be assumed that it was  in his  memory  that  the  name  Hugh Fraser was given to one of Peter Ayson's sons.

 

Peter  Ayson.   Born  at  Cray,  Glenshee, Scotland on 14 June 1807.

Margaret  Ayson  (Mrs James  Robertson ).   Born at Blairgowrie, on 4 December, 1809. William's first wife died on 27 May 1810.

 

Alexander Ayson born at Glenshee, Scotland on 24 May 1814.

James Ayson born at Glenshee on 20 August 1819.

Shortly after the birth of James, William died and his wife married again but had no further issue.   When she died some time afterwards her husband brought up the two boys.