J M Barrie (1860-1937)

Playwright and novelist

J M Barrie moved to England in the 1880s and found fame as a journalist and playwright. His best-known works are 'The Admirable Crichton' (1902) and 'Peter Pan' (1904). The latter was first performed on stage on 27 December 1904. He died in London in 1937 and was buried in the family grave in Kirriemuir. His birthplace is now a museum run by the National Trust for Scotland.

Birth in 1860

James Matthew Barrie was born on 9 May 1860, the son of David Barrie, linen manufacturer and Margaret Ogilvie. The entry in the statutory register of births for Kirriemuir in the county of Forfar (modern day Angus) gives the place of birth as The Tenements.

Birth entry for J M Barrie (35 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1860/299/100

1861 to 1881 Censuses

In 1861 James M Barrie, aged 11 months, was enumerated at the same address with his family. In the census record for Kirriemuir he is described as a 'manufacturer's son'.

1861 Census record for J M Barrie (27 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1861/299/4, page 18

In 1871, James M Barrie, aged 10, a scholar, was living in the Glasgow district of Milton with his sisters Sarah and Mary. The latter is recorded as temporary head of household)

1871 Census record for J M Barrie (18 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1871/644-7/76, page 27

In 1881 James Barrie, 21, student, was a boarder at 3 Great King Street in the district of St Andrew, Edinburgh.

1881 Census record for J M Barrie (20 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1881/685-2/81, page 2

Marriage in 1894

James Matthew Barrie, aged 36, married Mary Ansell on 9 July 1894. The statutory register of marriages for Kirriemuir gives his occupation as author.

Marriage entry for J M Barrie (40 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1894/299/22