Biographical notes

Elizabeth was one of five of the children of Elizabeth Downie and John Pettigrew who married and, in the Census of 1841, the resulting families are all living in Content Street, Wallacetown. No record of a marriage between Elizabeth and James can be found in the St Quivox Parish Records, but there is a record of the birth of all four children in the St Quivox Parish Registers. The facsimile of the entry for Elizabeth, their first child, states that Elizabeth (Senior), is the natural mother, which is a clear indication that James and Elizabeth were not married. This is substantiated in the 1841 Census where Elizabeth is listed as Independent and living alone in Content Street with her four children who are listed with their father's surname.

In the 1851 Census Elizabeth Pettigrew (Senior), and Isabella Park have not been traced and Elizabeth Park had married Thomas Lauder. Robert and brother Alexander Park are living with their Grandmother (Elizabeth), Uncle (Alexander Pettigrew) and Aunt (Mary Pettigrew), in Content Street.

In the 1861 Census Alexander Park is living with his sister Elizabeth Lauder at 13 Content Street. Occupation of Mason.