In the 1841 census in Old Cumnock there were 89 girls between 10 and 15 recorded as servants. (1841 census accessed on freecen.org.uk) In the 1841 census, the age of persons over 15 was supposed to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5. So someone recorded as 15 could be between 15 and 19. Many were living at home but a significant number were working on farms. There were 10 male servants aged 10-15(19) but only 2 working on farms.
including
She may be the daughter of Thomas Morrison blacksmith at nearby Glaisnock Smithy in which case she was 20.
Agnes Baird 15 was working at Taiglim lofts for farmer John Whitefield
Marion Samson 15 and Agnes Adamson 15 were working at Waird for John Kay
Agnes Smillie 15 and Mary McCosh 10 were working at Milzeoch for Andrew McLanachan
Agnes Hunter 15 and Barbara Gray 15 were working at Borland Mains for James Weir
Agnes McFadyen 11 was working at Auchingibbert for James Dalgliesh
Agnes Downie 10 was working at Knocknaib for William Hamilton
Agnes Johnstone 15 and Jean Smilie 12 were working at Longmore for James Love
Barbara Broadfoot 15 was working for John Weir at Hayholm
Elizabeth Forsyth 15 was working at Grimgrew for John Boyd
Elizabeth Vallance 15 at Hindsward (may be a family member)
Elizabeth Ferguson 15 at High Garleffan for John McKerrow
Elizabeth Howatson 15 at Hollowsholm, Lugar
Helen McBride 15 at Crosshill for John Mitchell
Isabella McCrone 15 and Jean Henderson 15 at Garlaff for James McKerrow
Jane Wilson 10 at Crosshill for Robert Steel (she was his granddaughter)
Janet Templeton 15 and Janet McCartney 10 at (Low) Watston
Janet Gall 15 at Dettingen for George Campbell
Janet McMichael 15 and Marion Weight 10 at Midtown for John McKnight
Janet Smith 15 and Jean Samson 14 at Low Damulloch for Robert Swan
Martha McKenrick 15 and Jean Cameron 15 at Longhouse for James Richmond
Margaret Burns 15 at Skerrington for Hugh Andrew
Rebecca McMurray 14 at Knocktirra for Alexander Hamilton
Rebecca Simson 14 at Shankston for James Arthur
also
Penelope Howat 9 at Clocklochar for George Findlay
