The baptism of Charles Brownie was recorded in the Midmar (Aberdeenshire) Parish Register, in an entry dated 7^th January 1722:

Robert Brownie & Agnes Christie in Shielbrae had a Son Baptized, named Charles

This implies that Charles was born in either late 1721 or very early 1722.

The marriage of Charles Brownie to Elizabeth Barron was likewise recorded in the Midmar Parish Register, in an entry dated 4^th January 1752:

Charles Brownie, Parish of Touch & Elizabeth Barron here, were Contracted in Marriage and Consd. (consigned) Pledges thereto

Charles Browny was ‘in Tilliriach’ when the baptism of his son, Robert, was recorded in the Tough (Aberdeenshire) Parish Register on 7^th November 1752.

Charles Brownie was ‘in Hebetie’ when the baptism of his daughter, Mary, was recorded in the Midmar Parish Register on 1^st December 1765.

According to the family gravestone (Monumental Inscription No 120, The Kirkyard of Cluny, compiled by Sheila M. Speirs, published by Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society, first published 1991, 2008 reprint, p. 13), ‘Chas Brown’ died on 9^th May 1797, aged 87, implying a birth year of c. 1709. Whether this was inaccurate information provided at the time or else a defective transcription, it emerges from other evidence that his actual age was 75.

Forebears

Robert Brownie and Agnes Christie were recorded in the Midmar Parish Register of Marriages, in an entry dated 20^th April 1719:

Robert Brownie in the Parish of Kinerny and Agnes Christie Consigned Pledges for Marriage.

Robert and Agnes were in the ‘Parish of Kinnernie’ when their son John was baptised in 1720; in Shielbrae when son Charles was baptised in 1722; and in Overshiel when daughter Isobel and son Robert were baptised in 1724 and 1725 respectively, all as recorded in the Midmar Parish Register of Baptisms.

According to the inscription on the family gravestone (supra), which records three generations of the family, Robert Browny died on 26^th August 1737, aged 50, implying a birth year of c. 1687, and Agnes ‘Crysty’ died on 19^th January 1751, also aged 50, implying a birth year of c. 1700:

Of ROBERT BROWNY and his wife. Here ly the bones at rest Who of a married state of life The dutys all exprest With God sincere, With neighbours just They lived from vice unstained By precept and example they Their sons to virtue traind. ROBERT BROWNY d. 26 Aug. 1737 aged 50; AGNES CRYSTY d. 19 Jan. 1751 aged 50. CHAS BROWN d. 9 May 1797 aged 87, ELIZABETH BARRON his wife d. 17 Mar. 1803 aged 83. ROBERT BROWN d. 7 Aug. 1835 aged 84, BARBARA URQUHART his wife d. 1 Apr. 1844 aged 84.

Brothers and Sister

Charles was the second of four known children. The baptism of of his elder brother, John, was recorded in the Midmar Register of Baptisms on an unspecified date in July, 1720; that of younger sister and brother, Isobel and Robert, on 8^th January 1724 and 13^th July 1725 respectively.