The Groom may kiss the Bride

Around 1890, Annie Gillies (~ 33 years old) travels by ship to Chile to marry Alexander Cameron, who would be around 26 years old. Going to South America by ship was a risky proposition in the 19^th century. The number of shipwrecks around Cape Horn is legendary, and it was because of weather that most ships from Europe departed in December or January (midst of winter and related storms in the Northern Hemisphere) so they could catch a window of good weather in the Southern Hemisphere's summer. Gustav Verniory's passage in 1889 took about 40 days (pages 24 – 45). In reading his narrative I can imagine a lonely woman making this passage, surrounded by tough men on their way to find their fortune.

I wonder about the bride and groom:

1. Had they met in Scotland?

2. Was the Santa Catalina home ready?

3. Was Annie anxious about coming to a savage land? (whenever I think about this I imagine the scenes of Meryl Streep when she arrives in Kenya to meet her husband in the movie “Out of Africa”)

4. Did Annie feel like a spinster?

5. What were Alexander's feelings about marrying an “older” woman.

There is so little we know, that one is left with plenty of room to fantasize. We do know that sophisticated Annie brought her British manners, sense of propriety, table etiquette, dish set, silverware, an organ, probably sheet music, and any item (tools or seeds) that Alexander would have requested.

I have collected two different versions of their wedding. The first version (handwritten by Granmita Agnes) states they married in Traiguen. The second version (handwritten by my mom, Rhoda) states they were married on board by the Captain of the ship when she arrived in Talcahuano. A marriage certificate or a little bit of research at the Chilean National Archives would settle this point. I personally favor the second account since it sounds a bit more romantic.

I can imagine a nervous Alexander waiting at the docks, waving his hat in excitement at the sight of Annie. Once all the logistics of tying a ship to the dock are completed, and the descending passengers have left (3 - 4 hours?) FINALLY Alexander can come on board and hug his fiancée. A few friendly passengers are rounded up as witnesses, and the Captain in his Scottish accent completes the marriage vows and announces “The Groom may kiss the Bride.” The sounds of champagne bottles expelling their corks were mixed with sailor cheers, as the Captain introduces Alexander and Annie Cameron to the small but boisterous crowd.

From Talcahuano, the Camerons take the train to Traiguen, a day long trip in 1890. Early next day, Annie's belonging were loaded into an oxen-pulled cart and they would spend a long day making their way to Santa Catalina. This type of travel is well-suited for conversation, so I am certain Alexander received all the latest news from home, while Annie saw for the first time the enchanting beauty of southern Chile, peeking through the luscious hardwood forests at a half a dozen snow topped volcanoes.

I am posting all known photographs where Alexander and Annie are together. I can do this since there are so few. As always I welcome comments and stories. Next blog will deal with the fruits of their marriage.

Annie Gillies (b.1857 ;d 1952) wife of Alexander Cameron

From photographs, photograph annotations, census data and extant correspondence I conclude the following:

Annie was the daughter of Walter Urquhart (b. 1820; d. 6 June 1902) and Annie Gillies (b. unkown; d circa 1872). Walter Urquhart (photo right) and Annie married on the 29^th of July of 1853.

Their daughter Annie was born in 1857. Tragically, Annie’s mother died from some unforeseen event around 1872 (perhaps influenza epidemic so common at the time) and therefore her father Walter Urquhart became a widower. Annie Urquhart went to live with her uncle and aunt, Donald Gillies (her mother’s brother) and Mary Urquhart (her father’s sister.) For reasons I do not understand Annie Urquhart becomes Annie Gillies.

In the home of Donald and Mary Gillies, Annie is raised with four cousins, whom she logically considers as her brothers and sisters:

-John Gillies (the disappeared one in the “Urquhart Last Will and Testament”)

-Mary Gillies (picture at left and right)

-Margaret Gillies (picture at left)

-Henry Gillies (picture at right)

The Last Will and Testament of Walter Urquhart makes reference to Annie Gillies (who receives preferential inheritance) and the other children of Donald Gillies.

The hypothesis that Annie Gillies is the daughter of Walter Urquhart has some problems. For example:1) Annie is around 15 years old when her mother dies, 2) Annie changing her last name, etc. but this theory offers the simplest explanation to the few remaining known facts. I welcome comments that challenge this point of view.

Around 1890, Annie Gillies (~ 33 years old) travels by ship to Chile to marry Alexander Cameron, who would be around 26 years old.