Alexander Paterson married on 25 August 1871
Flora Ann Gordon O'Leary Leach
born in September 1842 in Campbelltown Ardersier

The 1881 census of Ardersier shows Alexander & Flora living
at No 7 Stuarton Ardersier. Alexander 39 years is head of the house, a carter with his wife Flora 35 years  and children
John Leach Paterson 8 yrs, Catherine 2yrs & Mary 7 months
Also listed is Flora's mother
 Catherine Leitch 64 years born in Holland
(Note that Leitch later became Leatch)

Alexander & Flora's son John  became a teacher at the Ardersier school.
He married Ellen Gray & moved to Kinlochleven.They had children Helen, Flora, Walter & John

Catherine married Arnold Brownson in 1902

"Alexander was a presenter at the United Free church in Ardersier leading the singing as there was no organ. His daughter Mary sat at his feet, she also had a beautiful voice.  Alexander died at aged 56 of throat cancer, he smoked a clay pipe. The family had little money and the family had to sell the piano & grand father clock to a niece Lina Leatch to pay for his funeral."
 

"After Alex, my grandfather's death my Granny, Flora, made ends meet by walking to Fort George Barracks to collect the officer's uniforms. She took them home to wash, starch and iron & then walk back to The Fort return them.  Every piece was scrubbed by hand and scrubbing board and the iron had to be heated on the fire. What a job in days of yore"

From Family History by Catherine Marie Brownson written for her brother John's 90th Birthday.

Anyone who has visited ardersier will realise that this is no short walk

From the inscription right
Alexander & Flora also had twins
Alexander Ross & Flora Ann, both died in infancy.

 Mary died aged 7 yrs & 8 months

LINK TO UNKNOWN HPOTOGRAPHS