With abolition, former slaves and their descendants were free to work wherever they chose and some travelled to Britain. One who made it to Ayrshire was born on a Jamaican estate owned by the Hamiltons. With the consent and approval of his parents Alexander Waters was brought to Ayrshire by Col. Hamilton to get an education and a trade. Although the intention was for him to return to Jamaica he decided to settle in Scotland.
When he died in 1894 the Ayr Advertiser printed an obituary on Thursday 6 September describing him as 'an interesting figure' and gave information about his life.
As a young boy Alexander went to Newton Academy and later became a mason and builder. He married Elizabeth Monteith in 1858, Coylton parish.
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Alexander Waters proclamation of marriage. [AA/CH2/810/16] |
He settled on the Sundrum Estate where he was employed as mason and builder for many years. All the while Alexander corresponded with his family in Jamaica who sent him tobacco seeds. Alexander planted these and he somehow managed to grow tobacco successfully at Woodhead and enjoyed an occasional smoke. He was held in high regard by his estate employers, colleagues and the community at large. He is described as being tall, with a 'somewhat military bearing' and was of a kindly and genial disposition. His funeral at Coylton was attended by a large company paying their respects.
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Sundrum Castle circa 1920 [AA/DC/23] |
The obituary for Mr Waters shows that by the end of the nineteenth century both opportunities and attitudes had improved from the days of slavery.