Help with apparent dead end

[nelmit]

Thanks Annette for the info. from the Mitchell.
I was aware of Ellen/Helen's baby as I've seen her with Jane and her family on that 1891 Census entry. I've so far managed to follow Anne/Annie (the one I'm descended from) and some of her siblings through some marriages, deaths and censuses.
As I'm fairly new to genealogy I've pretty much been sticking to these main records. I know there are lots of untapped resources out there - burial records, kirk session records, poor relief, etc., but I haven't even begun to make use of them. I only discovered GenesReunited, IGI and Freecen a month or so ago!
I made enquiries some time ago about using the Mitchell for my research but was told it wouldn't be of much use to me as a lot of my ancestors were from Ayrshire rather than Glasgow. Can you tell me how I go about accessing records there?
Thanks,
Donna.

Hi Donna,

To access the indexes you need to go to The Mitchell Library at Glasgow, that's how I know about Helen.

Would you like me to have a look at Helen's application and transcribe it for you? You can also contact the archives by phone or email and they will send you a copy. The application number is DHEW 17/3/45 96946.

regards,
Annette

[Ayrshire tattie]

Annette,
I was thinking of visiting the Mitchell myself. I'm in Glasgow regularly. Do I have to book like I do at Park Circus? What's the best day/time to visit, or doesn't it matter? With the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock I've been told it's best to go on Wednesdays when they have an archivist on duty.
Thanks,
Donna.

[nelmit]

Annette,
I was thinking of visiting the Mitchell myself. I'm in Glasgow regularly. Do I have to book like I do at Park Circus? What's the best day/time to visit, or doesn't it matter? With the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock I've been told it's best to go on Wednesdays when they have an archivist on duty.
Thanks,
Donna.

No you don't have to book Donna and any day is fine.

They are up to full staff at the moment so there shouldn't be any problems. What you can do is phone ahead and ask them to look out the record with the reference number I gave you. It will be waiting for you when you arrive. The last number is the page of that volume that will show Helen's application.

There was nothing else obvious for the family, as I believe William was living at Ayrshire by this time, but these might be worth a look just in case.
William Barr born 1835, Glasgow applied 1892. DHEW 15/4/14 page 4245
William Barr born 1838, Glasgow applied 1893. DHEW 17/368 page 4245
Even less hopeful was one from a Mrs Barr in 1863. DHEW 14/18 page 17679

The Mitchell Archives might also hold records for The Catholic Orphanage if you can find more info about it.

Let us know how you get on.

Regards,
Annette