The Shirres Family History

 Alexander Shirreffs and his family

The Full Family Tree

The Shirres in Aberdeen

"Departed Worthies"

Having an unusual surname is a mixed blessing. Incorrect spelling and pronunciation (especially when others tell you how to say your name) is irritating, but on balance it is pleasing to have such a distinctive name. It is especially useful in researching family history. I have often wondered about our unusual family name, but it was only when I begun to study the Shirres family history that I realised just how rare the name is. This family history is the story of Alexander Shirreffs (who died in Aberdeen in 1837) and his offspring. Alexander had 5 children and 30 grandchildren of the 54 Shirres's born in Scotland last century. Yet now there seem only to be 11 who carry the Shirres family name; myself, my brothers, our wives and children and my third cousin, once removed in New Zealand. My children, Stephen and Judith are the only Shirres's to be born in Scotland this century.

As my researches progressed the emerging story of Alexander and his sons David Loggan, William and James gives a fascinating insight on the values and mutual family support of the time. I have been fortunate in finding (with the considerable assistance of my wife Kate) much written reference material, although little about Alexander himself. The most significant find was "Sailing Ships and Sheep Stations" by Christian Selina Shirres (1891 to 1983) of New Zealand which is in the rare book section of the Aberdeen reference library. The tailpiece of this book states;

"1 incorporate this letter because it is an example of the ease with which families can lose contact with one another, and therefore all the more necessary, I feel1 that at least the Shirres descendants will know something about their forebears and the cradle of their race."

It is to continue this tradition that I’ve produced this webpage. It is written for the next Shirres generation in the UK, Stephen, Judith, Andrew, Gillian & Riccardo and our relatives in Australia and New Zealand who we were fortunate to meet in 1999.

If anyone has any further information on the Shirres family or requires any further information. I would be delighted to hear from them. Please contact me at david.shirres@virgin.net.

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Thanks

David Shirres Linlithgow, Scotland