Farmer of 100 acres

[katiemay]

I am researching Alexander Walker born 1791 Rayne, Aberdeenshire, who is shown on the 1851 Census as being a "farmer of 100 acres" in Chapel of Garioch, Aberdeenshire. He died in 1858, and it appears that his wife, Janet Bisset Walker, took over running the farm. She is shown in 1861, 1871, and 1881, as a "farmer of 55 [54] acres". Admittedly, her son lived and farmed with her...but how common would this be for a woman to hold this position in that time period?
Thanks for any insight anyone can provide on this.
As well, another question. She lived outside of Oldmeldrum - Little Cattie. I've tried to find some info on it, but have been unsuccessful. Has anyone heard of it?
Again, thanks.
KatieMay

 

[jay]

To answer your first question, it was not unusual for a widow to take over her deceased husband's business as she may not have had any other alternative of earning a living.

Jay.

 

[davelambert271]

Little Cattie Croft, Oldmeldrum

 

[katiemay]

Thanks, Jay.
I thought that was probably the case. Janet was younger than her husband, too, and had young children when he died...
KatieMay

 

[katiemay]

Yes, this was the only info I could find online re: Little Cattie. Lovely home.
YouTube had a video tour through it. On that you could make out a bit of the surrounding land. Beautiful.
Thanks.

 

[gibbo]

If he had a will that would give insight into it. Maybe it was the son who actually inherited the property

 

[gibbo]

1870 would have been a hard time for Janet. Her farm had foot and mouth.
The article isnt real clear to read.

Little Cattie ........ Meldrum ........ Mrs Walker

 

[katiemay]

Yes, this disease would have made things difficult.
Very interesting.
Great information, Gibbo!
Thanks!

 

[gibbo]

Yes, this disease would have made things difficult.
Very interesting.
Great information, Gibbo!
Thanks!

Your welcome

 

[gibbo]

I've been amusing myself with your ancestors

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Thursday, March 21, 1895
PARISH COUNCILS .
Nominations of candidates
Aberdeenshire
Meldrum, Landward [3] W Ritchie Balc?, James Walker, Little Cattie, etc etc

---------------------------

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Wednesday, April 10, 1895
Aberdeenshire Parish Councils
The enumeration of votes for the rural parishes in Aberdeenshire took place in the County Hall Aberdeen, on Wednesday. The following is a list of successful candidates in each parish.

Meldrum [5]
Alexander Alexander, Ardfork 31
David Thomson, Ladyleys 20
James Walker, Little Cattie 19
Robert Reid, Bel?? 18
W Sutherland, Little Kilb?? 18