AN American minister has come into possession of the effects of a man who emigrated from Dalry almost a century ago.

The Rt Rev Ian Adkins, of New York, now hopes he can find trace descendants of the late John Cairns to pass on the items.

He writes: “I have come into possession the effects of the late John Cairns, born in Dalry in 1898, emigrated to the United States in 1923 or thereabouts, and regrettably perished here in 1953.He was a boarder with my great-grandmother, the late Agnes Macreadie Harvie Mitchell, also formerly of Dalry, widow of Robert Barrie Mitchell also of Dalry. Upon Mr. Cairns’ death, Mrs. Mitchell’s sons carefully saved what they could of Mr. Cairn’s papers. If a living relative can be identified, I would happily transmit to him or her Mr. Cairns’ effects. I do not believe he ever married or had issue. His next of kin was supposed to have been one William Cairns, residing at 8 Carsehead Row, Dalry, and he had a sister, Margaret Wright, then residing at 17 Vernal St., Dalry. The attached photograph is of Mr. Cairns from 1931. If anyone may be found who can take possession of Mr. Cairns’ papers, I may be contacted at adkinsijl@gmail.com.