If you increase the transparency of the map to show the current google maps view it is just possible to see the outline of the southern end of the ruined farm house. The original was a long narrow building. I believe Nethertown may well have been a small farm sublet from Corsencone. Certainly there is no individual property listed for ownership by the Marquis of Bute.
1841 Netherton, James Reid 56, farmer, Elizabeth (Spence) 53, John 12, Margaret 23, Agnes 15, Wilhelmina 10, John Riddle 3 and baby John Riddle
1851 James Reid 66 and wife Elizabeth 63 farming 30 acres. With them Wilhelmina 20, John Riddle grandson 13, John Riddle grandson 10, and James Riddle grandson 5.
James and Elizabeth retired to Mansfield.
1861 Netherton John Spence (nephew of Mrs Reid above) 39 farmer of 30 acres wife Margaret (Sloan) 41 8 children, David 15, James 14, Margaret 11, Peter 9, William 8, Jean 5, Archibald 2 and baby George. Agnes McCormick 15 is their domestic servant.
In 1871 John Spence 48 and his family are living at Kaimshill Cottages, Riccarton, and he is listed as being a domestic servant, and in 1881 he is a widower, and retired farmer living with his daughter Margaret Stewart in Auchinleck.
No records after this date so far.
Scotlands Places 1855/57 quotes the authorities for spelling of Barney Hill etc. (close to both farms) as John Spence senior of Corsoncone, and John Spence junior at Nethertown.
Nethertown farm itself is described as a farmhouse on the boundary of New Cumnock, about 30 chains east of Consoncone farm, the property of the Marquis of Bute.
Valuation Roll no entries (KM)
