Esther Cowan
Biography
Born: 31 March 1783 — Langholm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Baptised: 6 April 1783 — Langholm, Dumfriesshire
Died: 4 August 1856 — Langshawburn, Eskdalemuir, Dumfriesshire, Scotland (aged 73)
Buried: Eskdalemuir Churchyard, Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Family
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | James Cowan (baker) |
Spouse | John Murray (1779–1849) (m. 21 May 1806, Ewes, Dumfriesshire) |
Daughter | Jean Murray (1810–1839) — m. Francis Telfer, emigrated SA |
Life Summary
Esther Cowan was born on 31 March 1783 in Langholm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, the third daughter of James Cowan (a baker by trade) and Jean Hinshelwood. She was baptised on 6 April 1783.
On or after 21 May 1806, Esther married John Murray in Ewes, Dumfriesshire. John was a widower — his first wife Janet Little had died earlier that year. John and Esther settled at Langshawburn in Eskdalemuir parish, where John worked as a shepherd and agricultural labourer.
Esther and John had at least ten children together, including Jean (who married Francis Telfer and emigrated to South Australia in 1838), Pultney Malcolm Murray (who also emigrated to SA and became a prominent colonist), and William Murray (who also emigrated to SA).
After John's death in 1849, Esther continued living at Langshawburn. She died there on 4 August 1856 at age 73 and was buried at Eskdalemuir Churchyard alongside her husband.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 Mar 1783 | Born — Langholm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland |
21 May 1806 | Married John Murray (1779–1849) — Ewes, Dumfriesshire |
1810 | Daughter Jean born — Eskdalemuir |
1 Apr 1849 | Husband John Murray died — Langshawburn |
4 Aug 1856 | Died — Langshawburn, Eskdalemuir (aged 73) |
1856 | Buried — Eskdalemuir Churchyard |
Sources
- Source: FindAGrave memorial 31324827 — Esther Cowan (1783–1856), citing Eskdalemuir Churchyard with headstone inscription photograph. Accessed 26 July 2026.
- Source: WikiTree profile Cowan-7830 — Esther Cowan (1783–1858). Accessed 26 July 2026.
- Source: Scotland's People (OPR 839/1) — Esther Cowan baptism 6 Apr 1783, daughter of James Cowan & Jean Hinshelwood, in Langholm, Dumfriesshire, via FindMyPast transcription cited on WikiTree. Accessed via secondary source.
- Source: WikiTree profile Murray-30104 — John Murray, confirms marriage and children. Accessed 26 July 2026.
Tags
Spouse
- John Murray (1779 – 1849)