Harrower Family Tree » Alexander Burgess (1808-1886)

Persoonlijke gegevens Alexander Burgess 

• Hij is geboren op 30 juli 1808 in Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bronnen 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Hij werd gedoopt op 7 augustus 1808 in Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bronnen 6, 7
• Beroepen:
• in het jaar 1861 Teacher of Music and Dancing, “Poute” of the People’s Journal in Bonnybank, Fife, Scotland.Bron 2
• in het jaar 1871 Musician, Choirmaster, Poute in Coupmyhorn, Bonnybank, Baintown, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 5
• in het jaar 1881 Teacher of Department, Parish School of Kennoway in Coupmyhorn, Bonnybank, Baintown, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 1
• in het jaar 1866 in Coupmyhorn, Bonnybank, Baintown, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 8
• in het jaar 1861 Musician & Teacher of Dancing in Bonnybank, Fife, Scotland.Bron 2
• in het jaar 1851 Labourer in Lalathan, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 4
• Woonachtig:
• in het jaar 1851: Lalathan, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 4
• in het jaar 1861: Bonnybank, Fife, Scotland.Bron 2
• in het jaar 1871: Coupmyhorn, Bonnybank, Baintown, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 5
• in het jaar 1881: Coupmyhorn, Bonnybank, Baintown, Kennoway, Fife, Scotland.Bron 1
• (Newspaper Article) op 6 augustus 1886: The Scotsman (1860-1920),.Bron 9
• (Book) in het jaar 1875: The book of Nettercaps: being poutery, poetry, and prose; by "Poute"..Bron 10
• (Informant at Death) op 2 augustus 1886 in Whins Quarry, Star, Fife, Scotland: Christina Nicholson Burgess, Daughter.Bron 11
• Hij is overleden op 2 augustus 1886 in Whins Quarry, Star, Fife, Scotland, hij was toen 78 jaar oud.Bronnen 9, 11

  Suicide by Drowning at Whins Quarry, Star, Fife.

  Oorzaak: Drowning (Suicide)

• Een kind van Alexander Burgess en Jean Dalrymple

Gezin van Alexander Burgess

Hij is getrouwd met Catherine Storrar.

Zij zijn getrouwd op 2 mei 1842 te Kennoway, Fife, Scotland, hij was toen 33 jaar oud.Bron 12

Kind(eren):

1. Christina Nicholson Burgess  1859-????
2. Alexander Burgess  1843-????
3. James Burgess  1845-????
4. Janet Burgess  1846-????
5. Jean Burgess  1848-????
6. Catherine Burgess  1850-????
7. Isabella Burgess  1852-????

Notities over Alexander Burgess

1. Article 2 -- No Title. (1886, August 6). The Scotsman (1860-1920),5. Retrieved December 6, 2011, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Scotsman (1817-1950). (Document ID: 1476834072).

2. http://www.is-that-you.com/trees/individual.php?pid=I167&ged=Holt#stories

Thanks to Malcom Holt

The Fife Free Press, Saturday August 7, 1886

Death notice: At Coupmyhorn, Kennoway, on the 2nd inst., Alexander Burgess, teacher of dancing.

Article:

CASE OF DETERMINED SUICIDE BY “POUTE” OF THE People’s Journal

No little stir, excitement, confusion and perplexity were called into action here and round this neighbourhood on Monday last, when it became known that Alex Burgess - well known as “Poute” of the People’s Journal - had left home without his coat, and not at all in dress for appearing publicly. The excitement grew stronger concerning the case as hours passed, and still he was amissing. He resided with a daughter - the youngest of his family - and her care for her father was great. Naturally, her feelings grew into grief’s lowest point when the well-known sound of her father’s footstep did not break the silence of the evening. Time passed on, and still he was absent. The worst fears were realised on Wednesday afternoon, when, on dredging an old, water-filled quarry on the farm of Newton of Markinch, near Star, his lifeless body was recovered. So determined had he been to extinguish the vital spark that a large heavy stone was attached to the body by means of a rope, thus effectually carrying out the suicide’s intentions. Throughout Fife the name of “Sandy Burgess” had been a popular reference in connection with the unique rhymes of “Poute” and equally so as teacher of dancing. Many of his pupils will read this sad and melancholy record of his demise with regret. He had been in a desponding state of mind for several weeks. He was in his 80th year. How rash at such an age!

The Fife Advertiser, Saturday August 7, 1886

SAD DEATH OF A FIFE POET

On Monday afternoon Alexander Burgess a teacher of music and dancing, residing at Coupmyhorn, Baintown, Kennoway, went out and not returning his friends became uneasy, gave the alarm, and a search party was instituted, who traced him to the neighbourhood of Whin’s Quarry, near Newton of Markinch, which is filled with water. It was thought advisable to have the quarry dragged, and the body was brought to the surface. On examining the body it was found that a violin bag filled with stones, was securely tied to the neck with a cord. Nothing unusual was observed in the conduct of the deceased. It may be mentioned that Mr. Burgess has contributed to the local journals for a number of years, under the names of “Poute” and “Droner”.

Another account say’s:- He went amissing on Monday; but his daughter who kept house for him, and assisted him in conducting his dancing classes, noticed nothing wrong that morning. He seemed happy and cheerful and humorous, as usual, up to almost the time when he left the house. She observed him go into the garden, as was his custom on fine days, to enjoy a smoke. About an hour afterwards he was found to have left the garden; but it was hoped that he would soon turn up. But as evening came and next morning dawned without any appearance or knowledge of him, it was felt that something was amiss, and a search was at once instituted. Inquiries were made for miles all around, with the result above stated. We need not say that much sympathy is felt for his family, and especially for Miss C.N. Burgess, who has been his comfort and stay ever since the death of his wife some years ago - all the other members of the family having left for other parts of the country or got married. Mr Burgess was one of the oldest teachers of dancing in Fife, and for fully half a century has conducted classes in various villages in the country. He was to have begun a class in East Wemyss on the very afternoon of the very day he disappeared and had the prospect of meeting many of his old friends there. In the different villages where he taught, he was a great favourite, and his services were often obtained, and freely rendered, to enliven some social meeting either with his violin, or by reciting or singing some original and mirth-provoking composition of his own. Being an excellent violinist, he was frequently engaged to supply dance music at house-balls in many of the country mansions, where also he was often employed to give private lessons in dancing to the younger members of the families. To the local newspapers he was for many years a frequent contributor - generally of grotesquely humorous poetry, and sometimes of prose. A volume of his productions was published a number of years ago. It forms a remarkable example of self-taught native talent, and is brimful of broad, quaint fun. The days of his pilgrimage were nearly fourscore years - certainly a remarkable age for one who was still able to pursue the profession of a teacher of dancing. His remains were buried yesterday in Kennoway Churchyard.

3. 2 August 1886 ? (Age 78) ?
Markinch, Fife, Scotland
Cause of death: Suicide
Show Details Note: Death record entry:

Parish / District Name - Number - Entry / Frame
Markinch / Fife - 447 - 65

Surname BURGESS Sex M/F M
Given names Alexander
Age 78 yrs
Occupation Teacher of Dancing
Date and time 2 Aug 1886 - body found on Fourth at 5:30 PM at Whin’s Quarry Markinch
Place Markinch
Residence
?(if different from above)?
Marital status Widower
name of spouse Catherine Storrar
Father’s name Alexander Burgess
if deceased Y/N Y
Father’s occupation Fenar ??
Mother’s name Jane Burgess
if deceased Y/N Y
Mother maiden name & occupation ms Dalrymple
Cause of death Drowning
Medical attendant
Informant’s name C.N. Burgess
relationship to deceased
Residence of informant
Registration place Markinch
Date 7 Aug 1886
Registrar’s name WF Haxton
RCE / other information See Reg. of Corrected Entries, Vol I, page 88 Aug 17th 1886
Show Details Note: Reg. of Corrected Entries, Vol I, page 88 Aug 22nd 1886

Name: Alexander Burgess, 78 years, Male, Widowed, Teacher of Music & Dancing
When & Where Died: 2 or 3 of August 1886, Pond known as Whin’s Quarry,
Newtown of Markinch
Residence: Baintown, Kennoway
Cause: Drowning, Suicidal
Procurator Fiscal’s office, Cupar

4. The Book of Nettercaps, Being Poutery, Poetry, and Prose. By Alexander Burgess (1806-1886), “Poute,” of The Leven Saat Pans (Dundee: Printed at The Advertiser Office, Bank Street; 1875).

5. BURGESS, Alexander, (Poute, pseud.) (1807-85). b. Lalathan, Fife. Educated at the parish school of Kennoway. Choirmaster, an accomplished musician, and a successful teacher of dancing. Known as 'The Fife Paganini', his fame as a violinist was only local. He drowned at Whin Quarry, Starr, Fife. The book of Nettercaps: being poutery, poetry, and prose; by "Poute". Printed Dundee: Advertiser Office. 1875. viii, 92 pp.
Cover-title is Poutery, poetry & prose. GMI

6. FIFE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY JOURNAL, NEW SERIES No 34 Summer 2015
The Book of Nettercaps, Being Poutery, Poetry, and Prose. By Alexander Burgess (1806-1886), “Poute,” of The Leven Saat Pans (Dundee: Printed at The Advertiser Office, Bank Street; 1875).
Alexander Burgess was a native of Kennoway, dancing master; he committed suicide by drowning in 1886. One copy seen is inscribed in pencil opposite the title page, “From P Kennedy to James Kennedy.” On the black forward end paper, there has been written in pencil, and difficult to make out due to the black paper - “Received from Robert W Crombie Auld, New York City, Christmas Day, 1922., being a gift from the Library of the late James Kennedy, Auld`s friend & mine (signed) James D Law. I have the second edition of “Poute`s” book [published by Westwood of Cupar in 1890], and this is a great prize”
Another copy has a large number of extras. This was a presentation copy to D H Edwards of the Brechin Advertiser Office, publisher of Modern Scottish Poets (16 vols, 1880-1897). Gummed on the front pastedown is the presentation inscription: “To D H Edwards, With the Author`s sincerest esteem & regards. Lift thy horn on high - May 3 1875.” On the forward end paper opposite is written: “With Poute Esq M.P.`s kind regards, to all the friends of his much respected and esteemed friend, D H Edwards. Coupmyhorn, July 26 1875;” there is also a newspaper clipping of his “determined suicide” in August 1886: “He went amissing from his house at Coup-my-horn, where he resided with his youngest daughter - his wife having predeceased him a few years ago - without his coat, as if he did not intend going far. His continued absence caused alarm; and search was made for him in several quarters. At length his lifeless body was found in an old water-filled quarry on the farm of Newton of Markinch to the west of Star. He had been observed on the road near the quarry prior to his entering the water, which he seem to have done by wading until in about four or five feet of water. His fiddle-bag, with stones in it, was fastened with a rope to his body; thus showing his determination to carry out the act of self-destruction. He was known far over Fife as a teacher of dancing, and had only made arrangements for opening a class at Wemyss on the evening of the day in which he disappeared. He was in his 79th year. On Friday his remains were interred in Kennoway burying ground. The funeral was numerously attended. It is said that the act was the result of a fit of melancholy induced by some one having found fault with his violin playing on the previous Saturday,”
A newspaper clipping, probably from the same newspaper and published the following week, gives some details of his life: “The deceased was born at Lalathan in 1806, and during his earlier years was engaged as an outdoor worker in the summer time, varied by handloom weaving in winter. At an early periond he exhibited a marked taste for music, dancing and poetry. He became so skilful on the violin that his friends induced him to give up manual work altogether, and commence as a dancing master. This was upwards of half-a-century ago, and during that period Mr Burgess had a most successful career, having taught classes in the different villages of the County with much acceptance. He may be said to have been a general favourite with old and young, being of a couthy, amiable disposition, and of exuberant spirits and sprightliness. There is also a newspaper clipping of his life, from the People`s Journal (and probably published at his death), written by the Editor, W D Latto (a native of Ceres), which reveals that Poute`s connection with the Journal dated as far back as 7th September 1861; and a review of his later book, published by Alexander Westwood & Son in 1890; there is also a report on “Poute - A Local Humourist” from the Leven Advertiser and Wemyss Gazette of 18 Nov 1924
Also with the book are 2 original letters written by Alexander Burgess to D H Edwards. The first is dated Coupmyhorn, 15 Jan 1878, and goes as follows:
“My dear Mr Edwards, Wishing you all the amenities of the New Year and that Mrs Edwards and family sprouts may be long spaired to see our ball make many revolutions around its orbit. I cannot express how much I think of your mindfulness of me in not forgetting to send me a copy of your neatly got up Almanacs. I am sorrow [sorry] that I have nothing better to send you than a copy of the one I have sent you on former occasions, I mean of course the issue for [18]78. I see that Mr Innes and you has [have] not been at the same shop this year, as your insides are different - I mean of course the Almanacs. Mr Innes takes the way to take the market. He says that upwards of 12,000 have been sold. He gives 500 prizes fo the value of £130, and whoever purchases an Almanac has a chance of one of the prizes, I have always been an unlucky dog, although I have always bought a number of copies. Mrs Poute, however, is a little more fortunate. One year she obtained a prize - a volume called The Christian Year; this year she had the luck to get another volume, “Supper`s Poetical Works.” The highest prize was about £8 value. I think you may do worse than try something of a similar sort yourself. It cannot exactly be called a lottery, as you get the value for your money in the book itself, as either of the Almanacs is well worth their price. Excuse me, it is only a work in passing. You was telling me that you were engaged in compiling a work at the present time. You are truly an enterprising and versatile genius, and ought to be encouraged. As soon as it emanates, send me a copy, and scart me down in the meantime as one of your subscribers as long as ye`ve mind, It is not everyone that like you can say that he is his own printer, binder, and publisher. I think a great deal of your artistic taste, and skill in each of these departments, and I hope your energy will turn yet to good account.
As for me I am getting on the sore and yellow leaf, as people get old their perception loses its clearness, memory becomes unfaithful, clouded, and dull. Although I try to be as (jocular) and humorous as I can, still there is not that boyancy of spirit as in the long ago, I cannot help it, and must submit to give place to younger intellects, to look on, and console myself with the reflection that “I`ve seen the day.” One thing: I shall ever be proud and well pleased to hear or receive any thing from you; I know that it is a bother to write a letter by snatches; when interrupted by playfull Poute pulling at your coat-tail, or attending to customers; but when you have a few moments to spaire at night after auditing the ledger please write a few lines to your old Poute. I have every communication in safe and careful keeping that ever I have had the honour of receiving from you. Indeed, I have a pride - it may be a sort of weakness - in preserving the correspondence of literary friends. I ought to have wrote you long ago, but although I have been apparently procrastinating, be assured that I have not been forgetful. I had nothing of note to communicate, and it would only have been writing for its own sake to have troubled you. I may occasionally send you a Fife paper if you are not an agent. With best respects to Mrs Edwards and your noble self - not forgetting the other members of the family, I remain, Mr Edwards, your most obed, Servant (in which Mrs Poute joins me), Alex Burgess, Poute”
The second letter is dated Coupmyhorn, 30 September 1879. “My very dear Mr Edwards, I am in receipt of your interesting note, and am delighted with the important intelligence which it reveals. Although you may consider me remiss or careless I often think of you. Every scrap from your pen as well as the book which I have from you are in safe keeping and by me highly prized. Seventy Nine is a year which so long as I am spaired to live I will never forget. . As the day of my birthday and the day of my marriage it will ever be memorable. Four months ago it pleased God to take from me my beloved partner in life [Janet Gold], which to me has been a heavy loss indeed. Since the tender bereavement I have been sad and cheerless indeed. But what can I do? It becomes my duty to bow, and with meek submission to hear the rod and him that hath appointed it. I know all this; still it is hard to bear the final parting, when those who for a long period of years have been bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, with all the other ties and endearments of a loving wife are taken from us to that cold and silent house appointed for us all.
“I have five girls and a son [who became a gardener in England]. The son and oldest girl are married; the other girls are all in place in Edinburgh, save the youngest who lives with her old parent to minister to his comfort in his declining years.
“Since the bereavement I have done little - indeed nothing - with the pen save a letter now and then to a friend. And now, as you are over head and ears engaged with your new enterprise, I shall not plague you with many remarks nor worry you with much paper. I am happy - very happy - to hear from yourself that you are prospering in the world; assuredly it gives me much pleasure to hear this. And what is more - I am sure you deserve it. I think a true motto is: “Deserve success and your will command it.” God helps them best, who help themselves. Another thing I can see in this, you do not seem to have been disobedient in the command recorded in Gen.1.22., seeing that you have already the responsibility of bringing up five “ladies!” I hope you will have - to make things square - the happiness of adding a (d) to the middle of the next five to mak` them “laddies.”
“I have been bothered all this year nearly, with a sprain or pain in my heel bone. Had it not been that the seat of the rascal is in a place where I have much exercise, I would have inclined to set him down for the gout! But that is surely too much of an aristocratic complaint to cleave to such a one as I. At all events it has unfitted me from following my profession, as save one fortnight or so I have done nothing at all in my line. Although I can make a shift to walk, I am unable to spring or to lift my corporal corporation of 13½ stone(s) upon it.
“But to business - will you solicit me to write something introductory for your new enterprize. Now really, Mr Edwards, I do not consider myself qualified. In conscience I really do not, for such a thing as that. I merely write light pieces for amusement, and have not the education to write with that polish or refinement which would please your taste. If any thing from me takes. I am sure that it is on account of my oddness of expression and not owing to any thing else. I only wish that I could write to please myself.
“Besides you did not instruct me what my theme should be or how to write. I never have had the comfort of seeing a “Brechin Advertiser,” consequently I do not know what principles it advocates, or its nature - whether an old going Whig - a moderate Liberal - Tory, or what. But please send a copy to me as you say, and after I know its creed, I shall with all the willingness and frankness if my nature, if you desire me, write any small scrap, if it can be of any service to you. I suppose that I have said enough, and with wishing you much success, believe that I am very sincerely, yours (signed) Alex. Burgess”

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