ONTARIOHISTORY.ORG.
SANQUHAR KIRKYARD,
DUMFRIESSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Partially transcribed and formatted for this website by Charles Dobie, 2004.
The complete book is 297 pages, consisting of 264 pages of history and ending with the Index to Graves and
Appendix, both of which are completely transcribed below. Passages from the history pages have been transcribed and
appended to the appropriate grave transcription.
The graves are listed and numbered in the order published. Please use the word search facility of your browser to find particular surnames.
All "Mc" names have been changed from the published "M' "
to facilitate word searching. (M'Call has been changed to McCall, etc).
LIST OF THE GRAVES IN SANQUHAR KIRKYARD
Copied from the list approved by the Heritors.
The numbers correspond to the figures shown in the
engraved Plan of the Kirkyard.
The names given are heads of families.
- James Otto, Newark.
- Sacred to the Memory of James Otto, who died at
Newark, near Sanquhar, on the 14th of January,
1849, and of Susan Barker, his wife, who died at
Newark, 17th April, 1880, aged 81 years.
- Margaret Crichton Barker, daughter of James Otto and
wife of David Barker, died at Woodlands, 16th April, 1877, aged 35 years.
- James Otto, Newark, Sanquhar, was a younger
brother of Provost Otto, and appears to have settled in
Sanquhar about the same period as the latter, for the
Burgh books record that he was admitted a burgess of
Sanquhar on January 24, 1797; he is described as a
tobacco manufacturer, and the grandson of a burgess.
He carried on the business of tobacconist in the house,
No. 2 Church Road, and afterwards in the house, No.
75 High Street. Latterly he gave up the tobacco
factory and took to farming, and was tenant of Newark
up to and for many years previous to his death in 1849.
He owned much house property and land within the
burgh and, in conjunction with Mr John Halliday of
the Post Office, had coal pits on their joint property
which were carried on successfully for many years.
Messrs Otto and Halliday were also partners in the
quarry at Gallowsbrae known as the "Town's Quarry."
In addition to Newark Mr Otto farmed the lands of
Friars' Carse, at that time possessed by his sister-in-law,
Mrs Crichton, widow of Dr James Crichton; he
also farmed Garryhorn in the district of Carsphairn.
- John London Kerr, joiner.
- Wm. Hamilton, collier.
- John Kerr, baron officer.
- Gavin Lindsay, gamekeeper, Crawick Mill.
- Wm. Oliver, shepherd, Glenmaddie.
- John McConnel, tile worker.
- John Austin, quarryman.
- James Reid, weaver.
- Trees – No room for burial.
- Thomas Kerr, gamekeeper.
- Thomas Rae, Raefield.
- Tree – No room for burial.
- Gilbert Grier.
- Jamies Baird, Yochan Bridge.
- Stones and trees – No room for burial.
- William Halliday, teacher.
Robert Glendinning, Kingsburn.
- William Halliday, late teacher in Sanquhar, who died
19th January, 1836, aged 19 years. Epitaph composed by himself –
- Whatever might be his faults, the youth here laid
Ungrudgingly the debt of nature paid;
Without a sigh resigned what God him gave,
Convinced of brighter worlds beyond the grave.
- This interesting headstone stands against the Kirkyard
wall at the bottom of the slope west of the
church, but is almost entirely obscured by another
stone reared right in front of it. William Halliday
lived at the Townfoot, where he kept school for a year
or two. He died of consumption.
- James Broadfoot, tailor.
- John Sharp, carpet weaver.
- Tree – No room. for burial.
- Robert Broadfoot, dyker.
- , 23, 24. Trees – No room for burial.
- Robert Thomson, blacksmith.
- Janet Ingram.
- Trees.
- Thomas Dempster.
- James Thomson, Crawick Mill.
- through 35. Trees.
- William Henderson, Thornhill.
- Elspeth McMichael.
- James Stoddart (formerly in Castle).
- James Morrison, coal agent.
- Wm. Purdie, carter.
- John McClatchie, Newtown.
- Stones.
- William Neilson, Eliock.
John Corson, late in Knockenhair.
- John Callander, miller.
- John Black, Brockhohn.
- Andrew McMillan, joiner.
- Thomas Gray, flesher.
- Nesbit Gray.
- Archibald McCall, Crawick Mill.
a. Robert Kirk, farm servant.
- Unknown.
- Wm. Templeton, shepherd.
- Andrew Mushet.
- Samuel Lindsay, Crawick Bridge.
- , 55. Unknown graves.
- Edward Penman, shoemaker.
- Wm. Scott, weaver.
- James Laurie, shoemaker.
- James Kirk, constable.
- James Hunter.
- David Gemmel, Mennock.
- Wm. Austin, Blawearie.
- Sacred to the memory of William Austin, Blawearie,
Sanquhar, who died near Stafford, on the 2nd day
of April, 1858, aged 33 years. Also, his daughter
Ellen, who died in London on the 7th day of
February, 1856, aged 16 months. Also his
daughter Jane, who died at Blawearie, Sanquhar,
on the 1st day of June, 1858 aged nearly 6 years.
[See also grave No. 505].
- George White, late in Auchengruith.
- Walter Greenshields, shepherd.
- John McMurray.
- David Tennant, dairyman.
- Robert Broadfoot, dyker.
- Robert Broadfoot, dyker.
- Thomas Barker, coalmaster.
- In Memory of Robert Barker, who died 16th June,
1793. Also Ann Barker, his wife, who died 23rd
May, 1802. Also their grandchildren, Robert
Barker, who died on the 8th of August, 1796, aged
2-1/4 years; and Mary Barker, who died on the 16th
day of the same month, aged 4-3/4 years, children of
John Barker.
- In Memory of Thomas Barker, late in Bridgend, who
died the 30th of October, 1825, aged 65 years.
Also of Thomas Barker, his son, who died on the
third of March, 1831, aged 24 years. Also Quintin
McAdam Barker, who died at Rio de Janeiro on the
2nd December, 1839, aged 35 years. Also Robert
Barker, late Captain in the 20th Regt. of Foot,
who died here 23rd Feb., 1840, aged 42 years.
Both sons of the late Thomas Barker, senior. Also
of Thomas, son of Quintin McAdam Barker, who
died at Bridgend 27th May, 1843, aged 1-3/4 years.
Also Sarah Johnstone, wife of the said Thomas
Barker, who died 31st October, 1852, aged 84
years. Also William Barker, son of the said
Thomas Barker, who died in Australia, 25th
March, 1855, aged 52 years.
- In Memory of Mary Barker or McAdam, widow of the
late Quintin McAdam of Waterside, who died the
12th of June, 1832, aged 69 years. Also of Sally
Barker, daughter of the late Thomas Barker,
Bridgend, who died 12th October, 1875, aged 80
years. Also of Ann Barker, his daughter, who
died at Newark, 28th December, 1878, aged 85 years.
- In Memory of James Battaley, who died on the 13th of
May, 1811, aged 81 years. And of Esther, his
wife, who died on the 24th September, 1802, aged 69 years.
- The four tombstones with the above inscriptions
commemorate a family which did much to promote local
industries, and the members of which were ever forward
in all schemes for the welfare of the community,
a trait that, happily, has descended to their offspring
of the present day. The graves are at the foot of the
slope on the south-west of the Kirk, and are neatly
surrounded by a low stone wall with iron railing.
The only record of the advent of the Barkers to Sanquhar
district is at the present time somewhat obscure,
but it is understood that Robert Barker, who was a
native of Derbyshire, came in the exercise of his calling
as a mining engineer to the Greenside Mine in
Paterdale, in Westmoreland, sometime in the middle of
the eighteenth century. There is a record extant that
he was married in 1757 to Ann Dobson, a daughter of
the proprietor of Grassethowe, in the parish of Barton,
Westmoreland. At a subsequent period he came to
Leadhills to superintend the mines there. Ultimately
Robert Barker tenanted some farms near Sanquhar,
and also became lessee of the collieries, a position which
he must have occupied at the time when Sir Walter
Scott's Dandy Dinmont refers to "a' the colliers in
Sanquhar" in "Guy Mannering." He was a member
of Sanquhar Town Council from October 5, 1774, till
September 30, 1776, and also from October 2, 1780, till
September 29, 1783; and he held the office of burgh
treasurer from 5th October, 1789, up till the time of
his death in 1793. Robert Barker possessed great
energy and considerable culture and knowledge and
literary taste, and left an extensive library of scientific
and other works. . . . .
- Robert Laurie, weaver.
- Robert Laurie, weaver.
- Provost Thomas Scott.
- In Memory of Janet Cook, wife of Thomas Scott, who
died 1st July, 1848, aged 23 years. Also Janet
Scott, his daughter, who died 20th April, 1849,
aged 21 months. Also Jane McQueen, his wife,
who died 20th June, 1877, aged 46 years. Also
the above Thomas Scott, who died 27th April,
1898, aged 76 years.
- Thomas Scott, a native of the burgh, was a weaver
and one of the last to work at the hand-loom in Sanquhar. . . . .
He was elected to the Town Council on 1st December,
1868, was made a Bailie the following year, and had a
Magistrate's seat till November 7, 1871. He was again
elected on November 4, 1873, when he was again made
a Bailie, and sat as such till 5th November, 1878, when
he was raised to the Provostship, and held the dignity
till November 1, 1881. He was once more a Councillor
from November 4, 1884, till November 1, 1887. Provost Scott,
while he was in the Council, gave careful
and conscientious attention to his public duties, and
he was held in high esteem by the community. . . . .
Provost Scott was three times married, his third wife
being Agnes Borthwick, widow of Alexander Lindsay,
and he was survived by her (now deceased), and a
daughter, by his second wife, Agnes, wife of Mr Forbes
Ross Tweddel, Provost of Sanquhar.
- William Kerr, foreman, Drumbuie.
- Alexander Taylor, Crown Inn.
- Unknown.
- Robert Dalgliesh.
- Robert Rae, dyker.
- Angus Harkness, shoemaker.
- Alexander Russell.
- Samuel Kerr, shoemaker.
- David Oliver, dogger.
- Thomas Lorimer, teacher, Wanlockhead.
- John Hope, farmer, Castle.
- John Fallows.
- David Muir, dairyman.
- Margaret McCall, Newtown.
- William McCall, shepherd.
- Barney McKen, besom maker.
- Thomas Weir.
- Walter Chisholm, shepherd.
- In Memory of Walter Chisholm late shepherd in Barr,
who died the 12th August, 1830, aged 44 years.
- Pastorial Brethren ! shed the tribute tear
O'er him you lov'd, to social virtue dear;
Hope views him still, – to brighter regions gone
'Mong Christ's redeemed flock around the throne.
Also Isabella Chisholm who died at Sanquhar, 2nd
December, 1842, aged 71 years.
- This is one of thie few tomb-stones with a poetical
epitaph. The lines are from the pen of James Kennedy,
and are printed in one of the volumes published
by him. Walter Chisholm was of the same stock as the
Chisholms in Mennock. He is said to have been of
powerful physique, and excelled in all athletic sports.
- Alexander Turner, weaver.
- Joseph Gleneross, dyker.
- No room for burial.
- John Stoddart, shoemaker.
- Robert Symington, Crawickbridge.
- David Graham, tailor.
- Thomas Templeton, shepherd.
- Gavin Wilson, shoemaker.
- , 100. Unknown graves.
- David Walker, Burnsands.
- Logan Rae, Crawickmill.
- Unknown.
- William Milligan, miner.
- Robert Kerr, Thornhill.
- John Muir, Newtown.
- Arthur Laing, painter.
- James Stitt, drainer.
- Unknown.
- Alexander Williamson, Rose Cottage.
- John Kerr, spade-maker.
- John Sharp, shepherd.
- , 114. Unknown.
- Hugh Reid, weaver.
- William Clark, carpet weaver.
- , 118, 119. Too steep for burial.
- James Kerr, postmaster.
- Unknown.
- James Henderson, precentor.
- James Kerr, collier.
- James Ingram, Conrick.
- David Tait, thatcher.
- John Glencross, dyker.
- No room.
- Robert Forsyth, carpet weaver.
- John Scott, Flowerbank.
- Adam Stitt, Ryehill.
- David Campbell, Wanlockhead.
- Jeremiah Dobson, weaver.
- James McMichael.
- Mrs Wilson (late Mary Kerr).
- Andrew Kerr, shoemaker.
- Mrs McIntyre, Townfoot (formerly John Kerr, Mavisbank).
- Thomas McDuff, late in Heuklands.
John Kerr, Connelbush.
- Hamilton Stewart, carpet weaver.
- William Glencross, woodman.
- Archibald Bennoch, Glengenny.
- Robert Colvin, Townhead.
- William Blair, Euchan Mill.
- James Fulton, farm servant.
- McMillan, collier, Crawickmill.
- Thomas Harkness, grocer.
- William Ferguson, Whitecleuch.
- John Shankland, Knowe.
- William Geddes, officer of excise.
- Thomas Grierson.
- Samuel Hiddleston.
- Thomas Johnstone.
- Thomas Haddow, collier.
- Hugh Haddow, collier.
- Thomas Carson, engineman.
- Joseph Wilson.
- Alexander Simpson, shoemaker.
- John Gibson, innkeeper.
- Robert Stitt.
- William Tennant, schoolmaster, Forfar.
- James Craig, Crawickmill.
- John Halliday, merchant.
- In Memory of John Halliday, died 10th June, 1807,
aged 65 years. Jean Kennedy, his wife, died 17th
October, 1832, aged 88 years. Andrew Halliday,
surgeon, their son, died 1st March, 1805, in the
Island of Timor, Asia, aged 27 years
[See Royal Navy Surgeons From Sanquhar]. Mary
Broom, wife of John Halliday, merchant in Sanquhar,
died 12th August, 1810, aged 24 years.
John Halliday, merchant in Sanquhar, died 16th
January, 1858, aged 84 years. John Halliday,
their son, died 14th June, 1811, aged 11 months.
- For close upon sixty years John Halliday was the
leading merchant in Sanquhar. He was a native of
Annan, and came to our burgh towards the close of
the eighteenth century. His name appears as a witness to
a disposition to William Broom, of date April
5, 1797, where he is described as a "merchants clerk."
He was entered a burgess of Sanquhar on the 12th
day of September, 1800, when he commenced business
as a provision dealer and general merchant in the old
shop in the High Street – the well-known Post Office.
A good business man and strictly conscientious in all
his dealings, he stocked only the best of commodities,
and early secured an extensive connection, which he
maintained as long as he lived. . . . .
John Halliday married Miss Mary Broom, the eldest
daughter of William Broom, merchant in Sanquhar;
they had one son and one daughter; the son died in infancy;
the daughter – Janet – became the wife of the
Rev. David Murray Croom, minister of the South U.P.
Church, Sanquhar, and latterly of Portsburgh U.P.
Church, Edinburgh. Mrs Halliday died in 1810 at the
early age of 24 years. John Halliday attained a vigorous
old age, and passed away in 1858, aged 84 years.
At his death the Crawick Mill Carpet Works were
stopped. . . . .
A grandson of John Halliday, being the eldest son
of his daughter Janet, who was the wife of the Rev. D.
M. Croom, is Sir John Halliday Croom of Edinburgh,
a distinguished physician, and the recipient of many
public honours. Sir John got his knighthood at King
Edward's coronation in 1902.
- A. C. Bramwell, Blackaddie.
- Sacred to the memory of Archibald Campbell Bramwell,
who died at Blackaddie, 9th December, 1884,
aged 56 years, and Isabella Commelin, his wife,
who died there 6th March, 1904, aged 77 years.
Harriet and Isabella, their twin daughters, who
died in infancy. Thomas Archibald, their son,
who died 15th January, 1876.
- The name of Bramwell has long been a familiar one
in Sanquhar. The family is of English extraction, and
records are extant showing that they had been connected
with the lead mines of the north of England for
many generations. In the beginning of the eighteenth
century Hugh Bramwell came to Scotland from
Northumberland to manage the lead mines at Strontian
in Argyllshire. He was a man of handsome presence,
always carefully attired, and was familiarly known as
"Hugh with the siller buttons." He had a brother
named Aaron, who appears to have settled in the
Sanquhar district about the same period, and mention
is made of him as being resident in Mureside of Sanquhar
in 1718. Aaron Bramwell is described as "tacksman of the
coalworks at Halbertcragg, belonging to the
Earl of March," in a disposition to him of certain
houses and lands in the Royalty of Sanquhar of date
July 23, 1724.
Hugh Bramwell had a son, also named Aaron, who
left Strontian and settled in Leadhills; the latter's
wife was Flora McPhie. The eldest son of Aaron and
Flora Bramwell was John; he was of an adventurous
nature, and joined the 4th Fencible Regiment of Foot
– Duke of Cumberland's Own – as a gentleman
volunteer. He fought in the American War of Independence,
and rose to the rank of Captain. On the
return of his regiment from America he was presented
with the freedom of the burgh of Dundee. Captain
John Bramwell was twice married; firstly, in Edinburgh
on 3rd June, 1788, to Miss Margaret Campbell
of Kincharkin in Glenorchy; and secondly to Miss Janet
Burton Urquhart. He was long resident in Inverkeithing.
By his first marriage Captain Bramwell
had two sons – John and Aaron. The latter went to
sea, and ultimately settled in India, where he owned
an estate and was an indigo planter. He died in 1838.
John Bramwell, the eldest son, was born at Inverkeithing
in 1796. He chose thie Army as his profession,
and he had a commission as ensign in the 92nd Regiment –
the famous Gordon Highlanders. He joined
the regiment in Ireland, and shortly afterwards was
called with it into active service, when, on the 1st of
May, 1815, he sailed from the Cove of Cork for
Flanders; and from the 28th May till the 16th June
was stationed in Brussels . . . .
(He was wounded, which) disabled him for
further service, and he retired from the army with
the rank and pay of a Lieutenant and a well-earned
medal. Lieutenant Bramwell settled in Nithsdale, and
in 1816 married his half-cousin, Agnes, daughter of John
Bramwell, then manager of the lead mines at Wanlockhead,
and took up his abode at Knowehead – a residence
behind the house now known by that name and
the site of which is marked by some fine old trees. In
1820 he removed to Blackaddie, where he remained
until 1854, when he purchased the estate of West
Gallaberry in Kirkmahoe parish, where he resided till
his death on the 18th of June, 1881, aged 85 years.
His wife had predeceased him on July 30, 1856, aged
62. Both are buried in Kirkmahoe Kirkyard.
Lieutenant John Bramwell took an active part in the
public life of Sanquhar. He was for some years a.
member of the Town Council, and was Treasurer of the
Burgh from Oct. 4, 1830, till Oct. 1, 1832, an office
which had also been held by his father-in-law, who had
been in the Council for many years.
He had a family of four sons and three daughters,
– John, Robert, Aaron, and Archibald Campbell,
and Isabella, Margaret, and Jane.
John, the eldest son, was engaged in banking in
Melbourne, and afterwards was manager of a bank in
London, where he died. He has several descendants.
Robert Bramwell was a Captain in the Mercantile
Marine service. He died in 1884. His wife was Mary
Watson. He left one son – William Bramwell of Mowbray, Cape Town, and several daughters.
Aaron Bramwell died in 1904 in San Francisco, leaving several descendants.
Isabella Bramwell died young.
Margaret and Jane were both unmarried; they resided at Gallaberry,
and latterly at St. Helen's, Sanquhar. Margaret died in 1890, aged 70 years, and
Jane in 1904, aged 77. Both are buried with their
parents in Kirkmahoe.
Archibald Campbell Bramwell, the youngest son of
Lieutenant Bramwell, was born at Blackaddie on the
25th August, 1827. On his father's removal to Gallaberry
he continued at Blackaddie, and remained there
as long as he lived. He was one of the pioneers of
scientific agriculture, and, in addition to Blackaddie,
held the farms of Glenmaddy and Carooside, as well as
part of the lands of Castle Mains and the Sanquhar
Glebe, also large tracts in Galloway. He was keenly
interested in educational matters, and for several years
had a seat at the Sanquhar School Board. His wife,
Isabella, was a daughter of John Commellin, banker in
Dumfries. They are survived by two sons John and
Robert, and five daughters.
- Hugh Brown, weaver.
- William Ingram, weaver.
- Alexander Dyer, Wanlockhead.
- John Howat, tailor.
- John Kerr, blacksmith.
- Robert McMath.
- George Broadfoot, Newtown.
- Gilbert Clarkson.
- David Campbell, quarryman.
- John Ferguson, Goosehill.
- John McWhirr, carter.
- John Rowan, Crawick.
- James Cook, agent.
- Thomas Scott, gardener.
- Thomas Glencross, Eliock.
- George Ingram, weaver.
- Joseph Black, railway porter.
- Marion Blackwood.
- John Hyslop, draper, Dudley.
- James Moffat, Gateside.
- Sacred to the Memory of Francis, son of James Moffat,
Gateside, Kirkconnel, who died 5th August, 1856,
aged 8 years. Also of Agnes Rae, his wife, who
died 14th January, 1891, aged 77 years. Also of
the above James Moffat, who died at Gateside,
25th January, 1893, aged 79 years. Agnes Janet
Moffat, their daughter, who died 4th April, 1905,
aged 52 years. Thomas Moffat, their son, who
died 13th March, 1886, aged 58 years. Adam
Moffat, their son, who died 7th December, 1886,
aged 42 years. Mary Moffat, wife of Robert
Gourlay, who died 17th December, 1877, aged 32 years.
- Mr James Moffat came from Glencairn, of which
parish he was a native, to the farm of Gateside in 1837,
and occupied it till his death in 1893. He was a
spirited, enterprising agriculturist, and was one of the
pioneers of the improvement of land in Upper Nithsdale. . . . .
- Archibald Gilmour.
John Baird, Glenim.
- Joseph Ewing, druggist.
- Thomas Thomson, Glenim.
- In Memory of Robert Lorimer and Agnes Galt, his
spouse. Also, of four children of Thomas
Thomson, Glenim, viz., Robert, John, James, and
Janet. Erected by the said Thomas Thomson.
- The family of Thomson here commemorated were
for a long period tenants of the sheep farm of Glenim
on the Queensberry estate, and in the eighteenth
century were considered to be wonderfully "bein" and
well-to-do. The Lorimers, of whom a century ago
there was quite a clan in Upper Nithsdale, were also
in comfortable circumstances. An old headstone
belonging to the latter family lies in front of the
monument; it is very much worn, and some of the
lettering is entirely gone. It records that "Here lyes
William Lorimer in Connelbush, who dyed March 23,
17[ ], aged [ ]. Also Isobel H[ ]ston, his spouse,
aged [ ]. Erected by Robert Lorimer, their son."
Thomas Thomson was the son of John Thomson, and
succeeded his father in the tenancy of Glenim. His
wife was Janet Lorimer, a daughter of Robert Lorimer,
farmer in Connelbush, and his wife Agnes Galt, whose
names are recorded on the monument. Thomas
Thomson died in 1812. He left a son, James, who
carried on the farm, and there was a daughter, Jean,
who was the wife of Provost Hamilton. James
Thomson farmed Glenim from his father's death up
till 1830, and latterly, in addition, carried on business
as a banker in Sanquhar. He inherited a considerable
amount of property in the burgh from his father that
brought in a yearly rental of over £60, and altogether
he was believed to be wealthy. He was one of the
many farmers in Upper Nithsdale who benefited by
the "breaking of the tacks" on the Queensberry
estate. . . . .
- D. Collins.
Andrew Muir.
- John Muir, collier.
- John Cameron, drainer.
- James Pearson, Littlemark.
- Samuel Allison, weaver.
- Adam Allison, weaver.
- Rev. Thomas Ballantyne.
Rev. John Goodlet.
- Here lies the Rev. Mr Thomas Ballantyne, ordained
minister of ye Associate Congregation at Sanquhar,
September 22nd, 1742. Died 28th February, 1744,
aged 30. The first of the Associate ministers who
died after renewing our Solemn Covenant.
[Poem omitted].
- Here lyes the body of the Rev. Mr John Goodlet, who
was ordained minister of the Associate Congregation of Sanquhar,
March 22, 1749, and died February 2, 1775, aged 52 years.
- The Associate Church of Sanquhar, known at the
present day as the South United Free Church, is the oldest dissenting
congregation in Nithsdale. . . . . the Rev. Thomas
Ballantyne came to Sanquhar in 1742, as the chosen pastor of the Society.
. . . . and (his) early death was much lamented. . . . .
The Rev. John Goodlet was the second minister (and) . . . .
he died after twenty-six years' faithful service. His daughter, Mary Goodlet,
married Christopher Anderson, colliery manager, Sanquhar,
and latterly tenant of the farm of Spango, which
is still held by their descendants.
- David Rae, Crawickmill.
- Archibald McLeish, Eliock.
- James Black, weaver, Crawickmill.
- –. Forsyth.
- James Russell, Crawickmill.
- James Campbell, Knockenjig.
- Samuel Whigham, draper.
- In Memory of Charlotte Scott, spouse of Samuel
Whigham, who died 17th February, 1838, aged 22
years. Also Samuel Scott Whigham, his son, who
died 2nd April, 1843, aged 5 years. Also Marion
Harkness, spouse of the said Samuel Whigham,
who died 14th January, 1863, aged 42 years. Also
of the said Samuel Whigham, who died 12th September, 1880, aged 71 years.
- Samuel Whigham was a draper, occupying premises
in the High Street. He was also a merchant's agent,
engaging weavers for the manufacture of various cotton
and woollen materials. The weavers received the yarn
from him with instructions as to pattern, and were
paid on completion of the web. His dealings with them
were fair and straightforward, and when the falling
away of the hand-loom industry began he exerted himself
to the utmost to secure as many webs as he could for Sanquhar.
He was a long time in the Town Council, to which
he was first elected on the 6th November, 1849; on
March 15 the following year he was made a Bailie in
room of David Oliver, clogger, who had resigned, and
he was a magistrate till November 7, 1854. He was
again returned on November 4, 1856, and was again
made Bailie. He was elected Provost on November 2,
1858, and kept office till December 16, 1862, when he
resigned and retired from the Council. After a lapse
of nine years he was again elected, and sat as a Councillor
from November 7, 1871, till November 4, 1879. . . . .
Provost Whigham is survived by two daughters –
Annie, wife of the late Archibald Hair, Sanquhar, and
Maggie, wife of the late David Sharp, Dumfries.
- James Kirkhope, grocer.
- Unknown.
- James Dalgliesh, Upper Dalpeddar.
- Alexander Wightman, South Mains.
- Sacred to the memory of Alexander Wightman, farmer,
South Mains, who died on the 5th December, 1851,
aged 89 years. And of Jean Bell, his wife, who
died on the 3rd March, 1855, aged 80 years. Also
of Helen Ingram, wife of John Wightman, farmer,
South Mains, Sanquhar, who died on the 16th
March, 1875, aged 53 years. Also of John Wightman,
farmer, South Mains, who died 20th August,
1881, aged 61 years. Also of Margaret Wightman,
eldest daughter of the above, who died on the 18th
September, 1887, aged 39 years. Also of John,
youngest son of the above John Wightman, who
died at Lewiswyn, [Saskatchewan] Canada, on the 18th April,
1907, aged 45 years.
- The name of Wightman is well-known in farming
circles in Nithsdale. Alexander Wightman, previously
to his tenanting the farm of South Mains, had for a
long period occupied the farm of Dalpeddar. He is
spoken of as being well skilled in agriculture, and in
farm management was much in advance of his times.
. . . .
He laid the foundation-stone of the Free Kirk built in
Sanquhar in 1844. Alexander Wightman's name appears
as a member of the Sanquhar Curling Society on
December 15, 1791, and he was a skip and took a. keen
interest in ice play as long as he lived. Of a humorous,
good-natured disposition, he had a great fund of anecdote,
and his company was much sought after. He died
at the advanced age of 89 years. . . . .
John Wightman succeeded his father in the tenancy
of South Mains. He was a skilful agriculturist, took
great interest in the Sanquhar Farmers' Society, and
was a frequent prize-taker at the annual Cattle Show.
He was a deacon and one of the trustees of the Free
Kirk. . . . . His wife, Helen, was the daughter
of James Ingram, farmer in Conrick, and Margaret
Dryden, his spouse.
John, the youngest son of John Wightman, when
quite a youth, went out to Canada, where he joined
his eldest brother, Alexander, who had been there for
some years. He died at Lewiswyn and is buried at Kutawa [Saskatchewan].
Of the family of John Wightman, farmer, South
Mains, there survive two sons – Alexander in Canada,
and James, tenant of South Mains; and four daughters
– Jane, wife of Robert Nivison, Hampstead, London;
Janet, wife of the late Wm. Fingland, Glasgow; and
Misses Mary and Helen at South Mains.
- Daniel Taylor, shoemaker.
- –. Dalzell.
- Lieut. J. B. Arnaud, French prisoner.
- In Memory of J. B. Arnaud, aged 27 years, Lieutenant
in the French Navy, prisoner of war on parole at
Sanquhar. Erected by his companions-in-arms and
fellow-prisoners as a testimony of their esteem and
attachment. He expired in the arms of friendship,
19th November, 1812.
- John Merrie, shoemaker.
- John Halliday, carter.
- , 210. No room.
- Rev. Robert Simpson, D.D.
- In memory of Helen, daughter of Robert Simpson,
minister, Sanquhar, who died on the 29th June,
1828, aged 13 months. George died in April, 1839,
aged four months; James died in August, 1846,
aged 17 years; Janet died on the 5th February,
1851, aged 25 years; and Robert on the 1st of May
following, aged 27. John died 5th June, 1854,
aged 22. Also the above Rev. Robert Simpson,
D.D. , minister of the North U.P. Church,
who died 8th July, 1867, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and forty-eighth of his
ministry. Also Jean Faulds, his widow, who died
at Beith on the 23rd of June, 1879, in her 81st year.
- No name is more revered throughout the district of
Upper Nithsdale than that of Dr Simpson, the historian
of the Covenanters.
Robert Simpson was a native of Edinburgh, but early
in life was taken to the parish of Stobo, in Peebleshire,
where he was brought up under the care of his grandparents.
He got his elementary education at Stobo
Parish School, and afterwards went to Edinburgh
University, his intention at first being to become a
minister of the Established Church of Scotland. But
a change came over his views, and he threw in his lot
with tlhe secessionists, and studied at the Theological
Hall at Selkirk under Dr George Lawson. On receiving
licence to preach he was called to Sanquhar, and was
ordained minister of the North United Presbyterian
Church on the 16th May, 1820. . . . .
- Daniel Gibson, tinsmith.
- –. Maxwell.
- John Lindsay, Crawickmill.
- George Milligan, Meikle Carco.
- John Tennant, dairyman.
- John Wilson, baker.
- Thomas Graham, blacksmith.
- James McMillan, Wanlockhead.
- Francis Murdoch, mason.
- James Williamson, Dalpeddar.
- John Blackley, mason.
James Little, draper, London.
- Sergeant John Wilson.
- Thomas Laurie, mason.
- Archibald Brown.
- Robert Williamson, Barr.
- Alexander Williamson, Burnfoot.
- Here lyes Alexander Williamson in Burnfoot, who departed
this life in August, 1709, aged 74. Also,
Marion Haining, his spouse. Also, James Williamson in
Burnfoot, who departed this life Nov. 3d,
1740, aged 73. Also, Janet Cunninghame, his
first spouse, and Catherine Wilsone, his second
spouse. Erected by David Williamson, Burnfoot.
- Here layes Margrat Crichton, spous to the said
David Williamson, who dyed the 18 of Feb., 1747, aged 38.
- Alexander Williamson was a Covenanter. He is the
subject of a delightful chapter in Dr Simpson's "Traditions
of the Covenanters"; and the thruch stone which
marks his grave – opposite the west door of the kirk –
is of special interest from the fact that the inscription
was renewed, with others in the kirkyard, by Old
Mortality. Alexander Williamson belonged to a family
which for several generations had owned a small estate
on Crawick water, known as Castle-Robert, but in later
times named Corsebank. At the Covenanting period
he was tenant of Cruffell, a solitary abode near the
head of Euchan . . . .
His son James, who succeeded to the tenancy of
Burnfoot, held also the farm of Glenglass. According
to his will, of date Sep. 8, 1739, he left two sons,
Alexander and David; and six daughters, viz.:–
- Marion, the eldest, described as being in Drumbuie;
- Mary, wife of David Hair in Conrig, one of the Bailies of Sanquhar;
- Jean, wife of Adam Menzies of Troloss;
- Isobel, wife of Thomas Turnbull in Whitehall;
- Ann, wife of John Williamson in Gateside; and
- Rachel, the youngest daughter.
- In Memory of David Williamson, who died at Burnfoot,
7th March, 1759, aged 60 years. Also, Nicholas
Lorimer, his second spouse, who died at Spoth,
11th Dec., 1795, aged 78 years. Also, James
Williamson, their son, who died at Spoth, 15th
April, 1810, aged 56 years. Also, Alexander
Williamson, their son, who died at Sanquhar, May,
1840, aged 81 years. Also, Janet Williamson,
relict of Robert Rorrison, who died at Sanquhar,
28th August, 1861, aged 75 years. Also, of
William Rorrison, their son, who died at Eliock
Grange, 9th May, 1896, aged 77 years.
- David Williamson in Burnfoot was the son of James
Williamson, and the grandson of Alexander the Covenanter.
He was held in much esteem throughout the
district, and at his death almost the whole countryside
turned out to his burial. The funeral was long remembered,
and is still spoken of as the most impressive
cortege in the annals of Upper Nithsdale. . . . .
- George McMichael of Moat.
David McMichael.
- In Memory of John McMichael, who died 8th May,
1856, aged 74 years. Elizabeth Williamson, his
spouse, died 11th April, 1856, aged 65, Barbara,
their daughter, died at Quebec, Lower Canada,
13th Sept., 1860, aged 42. Robert, their son, died
16th Feb., 1867, aged 36. William, their son, died
14th October, 1876, aged 56. Margaret, their
daughter, died 1st March, 1879, aged 57. Elizabeth McMichael, wife of David McMichael, died
18th January, 1899, aged 71 years. Also, the said
David McMichael, who died 27th Sept., 1910, aged
86 years. James McMichael, thieir son, who died
at Liverpool, 2nd July, 1910, aged 46 years.
- In Memory of George McMichael of Moat, who died
at Sanquhar, 6th May, 1882, aged 66 years.
- John McMichael was a farmer. For nine years he
was tenant of the farm of Ladyland, in the parish of
Kirkbean, and afterwards he for many years tenanted
the farm of Spoth on Crawick water. Latterly he was
engaged in the cattle-dealing business in Sanquhar. He
was sprung from the famous Covenanting family of the
McMichaels in Durisdeer parish. His wife, Elizabeth
Williamson, was the daughter of James Williamson in
Spoth, who was the son of David Williamson in Burnfoot,
the son of James who was the son of Alexander
Williamson, the Covenanter of Cruffel; she was, therefore,
the great-great-grand-daughter of the Covenanter.
The offspring of John McMichael and Elizabeth
Williamson have thus a double strain of Covenanted
blood in their veins. Thomas McMichael, their eldest
son, was for some years a clerk in a lawyer's office in
Dumfries and afterwards in Glasgow. George McMichael
of Moat was another son. Early in life he went into
England, and for many years was resident in the town
of Leighton Buzzard, . . . . He purchased the estate of Moat in Auldgirth, and in 1856
returned to Sanquhar, where he had property in houses
and land. . . . . He was in the Town Council from
Nov. 4, 1879, until his death in 1882.
David McMichael, younger brother of the above
George, was also for many years in England and in
the Isle of Man. . . . . He came back to Sanquhar
upon the death of his brother George, whom he succeeded
in the life-rent of Moat and the property in the
Burgh. . . . . His wife, who was a native of
the Isle of Man, predeceased him in 1899. The death
of his son, James, who was a steward on the Atlantic
liners, was a sad blow to the old man; it cut him up
greatly, and he died two months later. He is survived
by one son – John McMichael, resident in Liverpool,
and one daughter, Margaret, wife of Mr Richard
McKinlay, resident in Sanquhar.
- George Williamson, Glenwhargen.
- No room.
- Robert Johnston of Wamphray.
Robert Sharp, shepherd.
- In Memory of Robert Johnston, late of Sanquhar,
formerly of Lethonhall, parish of Wamphray, who
died 22nd September, 1813, aged 81 years.
- [Sixteen pages of history plus two photographs devoted to this family].
- William Starling, carter.
- Rachel Hair.
- The tombstone of Rachel Hair is one of the
most interesting memorials in the Kirkyard. It is in
the shape of two coffins, lying side by side – a full
grown person's and a child's, cut in one slab of free-stone,
the smaller coffin being to the right of the
larger. Carved upon the larger coffin is a cross, with
the arms encircled by a nimbus, the shaft extending the
full length of the stone, also the letter "H"; upon the
small coffin there is incised the letter "R." The shaft
of the cross tapers to a point, and on this account has
been supposed to represent a sword. This memorial,
there is reason to believe, is absolutely unique; it is
well worth the attention of the antiquary. The tradition
is that the letters represent the initials of a person
named Rachel Hair. The story connected therewith is
a pathetic one. The stone commemorates a tragic event
that occurred during the troublous times of the
Commonwealth when military were frequently in the
district. A company of English soldiers was billeted
in the burgh, and a bad feeling had arisen between
them and the townspeople, a state of matters that one
night culminated in a fight, in which the husband of
Rachel Hair took a prominent part. Hearing the uproar,
and fearful of harm to her helpmate, the unfortunate
woman, with her babe in her arms, rushed into
the High Street, where she saw her husband hotly
pressed. All too reckless of her own or her child's safety,
she fearlessly thrust herself between him and his
assailants, with the result that she was cut down by a
sword stroke, meant for her husband, that killed both
herself and her offspring.
- William Campbell, weaver.
- James Tweddel, weaver.
- John Duff, letter carrier.
- Robert Russell, merchant.
- William Russell, web agent.
- Robert Muir, collier.
- William Lorimer, farmer.
- Child's grave.
- William Thorburn, Mennock.
- Samuel Hyslop, farmer.
- George Carlow, weaver, Crawickmill.
- Unknown.
- Alexander Hastie, Limecleughfoot.
Alexander Turnbull.
- Rev. William Ranken.
Major-General McAdam.
- In Memory of the Rev. William Ranken, late Minister
of Sanquhar, who died 7th October, 1820, in the
70th year of his age and 36th of his ministry.
- In Memory of Margaret Ranken, only surviving
daughter of the Rev. William Ranken, Minister of
the Parish of Sanquhar, wife of David McAdam of
the Royal Marines, who died 17th April, 1820,
aged 26 years. And of Ranken McAdam, their
only child, who died at Chatham in 1830, aged 10
years. And of the said David McAdam, sometime
Colonel Commandant in the Royal Marines,
afterwards a Major-General in Her Majesty's Army,
who died at Edinburgh, June, 1859, aged 70 years.
- The Rev. William Ranken was licensed by the
Presbytery of Kirkcudbright in 1778, and was ordained
minister of Sanquhar in 1785. An eloquent preacher . . . .
- Rev. Thomas Montgomery.
- In Memory of Mary Brown, wife of the Rev. Thomas
Montgomery, Minister of this Parish, who died 21st
April, 1843, aged 50 years. Also of the Rev.
Thomas Montgomery, who died at Glasgow, 3rd
June, 1861, aged 68 years.
- Mr Montgomery was the successor of Mr Ranken,
and was ordained on the 5th June, 1821. It was
principally through his exertions that the present
church was built in 1824, and he also succeeded in
getting a new manse, the present residence of the
minister. The Parish School was built at the same
time. At the Disruption, in 1843, Mr Montgomery's
ambiguity and vacillation made a big diminution in
the adherents of the Established Church. At first he
sided with the non-intrusionists, and it was confidently
believed that he would throw in his lot with them; but
when the great secession took place he changed front
and stuck to the Auld Kirk. His conduct at that
critical time was the subject of much animadversion.
No doubt the death of his wife had great effect, happen-
ing at the time it did, for his original ardour for the
protestors was almost entirely due to her influence. Mr
Montgomery never regained his former popularity, and
the Rev. John Inglis having been appointed his helper
and successor in 1845, he left Sanquhar and was seldom
in the church again. Like his predecessor, Mr Montgomery
wrote a description of the parish for the "New
Statistical Account," published in 1835.
- Rev. Thomas Shiels.
- In Memory of the Rev. Thomas Shiels, late Minister of
Sanquhar, who died 8th February, 1708, in the
78th year of his age, 53rd of his ministry.
- The Rev. Thomas Shiels was the first minister settled
in Sanquhar after the Revolution. He had been
ordained minister of the neighbouring parish of
Kirkbride in 1655, and officiated there until 1662,
when, on account of his adherence to the Covenant, he
was deprived of his living along with four hundred
ministers in other parts of Scotland. He was on the
Continent during the troublous times that succeeded;
but after the Revolution, in 1689, he returned to
Kirkbride, and remained there until he was translated
to Sanquhar in 1693. He is said to have been related
to the Rev. Alexander Shiels, who wrote "A Hind let
Loose," a book published in 1687 that brought its
author much notoriety. . . . .
- John Gilmour, carrier.
- George Carson.
- George Wilson, shoemaker.
- John Hyslop, web agent.
- John Sharp, Crawickmill.
- James Anderson, shepherd.
- James Hoatson, watchmaker.
- James Menzies, drainer.
- Samuel Shankland.
- Thomas Shankland, ostler.
- James Hannan, wood forester.
a. J. B. Johnstone, Holestane.
- James Orr, schoolmaster.
- Sacred to the memory of James Orr, who for upwards
of twenty years filled the office of parochial teacher
at Sanquhar with great ability and success. He
died 25th September, 1861, aged 57 years. His
friends and pupils erected this monument as a
token of their affection and a memorial of his worth.
- In Memory of the family of the late Mr James Orr,
Parochial Teacher here – Andrew Watters,
who died 10th March, 1859, aged 91 years. James
Campbell, who died 30th April, 1864, aged 27
years. Thomas Montgomery, who died 9th Oct.,
1868, aged 23 years. John, who died 10th Jan.,
1879, aged 39 years. They all died trusting in a
Glorious Resurrection. [Inscription on back of monument.]
- A pleasing memorial this. Mr James Orr, who
belonged to Ayrshire, was appointed to the parish
school in 1841, upon the retiral of Mr John Henderson.
Mr Orr was an erudite scholar, a gentleman of sterling
probity, and a painstaking and successful teacher. His
curriculum was more comprehensive, and was more
thoroughly carried out than had been the case with any
of his predecessors, and after a year or two of his
energetic regime the fame of "Sanquhar Academy," as
the school was then sometimes named, extended far
beyond the bounds of Nithsdale. . . . .
Outside the school Mr Orr took a warm if inobtrusive
interest in the affairs of the town and parish, and in
social circles his ready wit and brilliant conversation
made his presence ever welcome. A notable feature of
his character was his habitual chivalrous courtesy and
graceful pleasantry to the ladies. Mr Orr was a short,
stout built man. His end came with an impressive
suddenness; he had retired apparently in the best of
health, but died in the early hours of the morning. His
death was bewailed by the whole community.
- Alex. Borthwick, shepherd.
- James Tweddel.
- Janet Currie.
- William Hyslop, Windyedge.
- Robert Lindsay.
- John Milligan, carter.
- David Henderson, tea merchant.
- Peter Brown, saddler.
- Robert Wylie.
- John Rigg, Crawick Forge.
- In memory of Mary Rigg, aged 4 years; also, Sarah
Rigg, aged 3 years, children of John Rigg of
Crawick Forge; also of Elizabeth Gray, his spouse,
who departed this life upon the 24th of October,
1821, aged 70 years; also of the said John Rigg,
who died the 1st April, 1833, in the 83rd year of
his age; also of Jane Hair, wife of James Rigg,
who died in May, 1857, aged 28 years.
- John Rigg was a great friend of the poet Robert
Burns. A native of Dalston, in Cumberland, he came
to Sanquhar in 1774, following Mr Robert Barker when
the latter came from Greenside, in Westmoreland, and
became lessee of the Sanquhar coal fields. Mr Rigg,
in the year named, erected the forge at Crawick Bridge,
a work primarily established to supply shovels and the
working-gear required for the coal pits, and which is still
to the fore. A clever workman and a good business
man, John Rigg early secured a name for the excellence
of his handicraft, and agricultural implements as well
as tools for the colliers were made at the Forge. . . . .
- David Russell, Crawickmill.
- Walter Templeton, shepherd.
- Footpath.
- Robert Glencross, dyker.
- Alexander Weir, cabinet-maker.
- Also of Agnes Weir, spouse of Lawrence Christie of
Paisley, who died 16th July, 1854, aged 75 years.
Alexander Weir died 22nd Oct., 1881, aged 73 years.
- This tombstone marks the resting-place of an author
and clever scholar – Alexander Weir. The stone is
erected with its face against the west wall of the kirk,
so that the inscriptions to other members of the family
are lost, and the back, with lettering as above, only is
seen. Alexander Weir, or "Sandy" Weir, as he was
generally called, was a cabinet-maker to trade, and
worked at the bench for many years. . . . .
- John Dickson, Crawick Bridge.
- James Hume, farm servant.
- John Campbell.
- David Grierson.
Mary Kerr, Crawfordton.
- Archibald Weir, Wanlockhead.
- William Inglis, Knockenjig.
- John Anderson, Spango.
- In Memory of
John Anderson, Crawickmill, who died 5th August,
1801, aged 63 years. Also of Margaret Dobie his
spouse who died 18th May, 1811, aged 76 years.
Also of William their son who died at Meikle Carco
on the 7th August, 1829, aged 61 years Also of
Christopher their son, who died at Pennyland 30th
November, 1845, aged 68 years, and his wife Mary
Goodlet, who died 16th August, 1842, aged 68
years. Also of Martha Hamilton, spouse
of Adam Anderson, who died at Bailieston
14th January, 1859, aged 53 years. Also
of Adam Anderson who died at Piper City,
Illinois, 15th October, 1887, aged 77 years. Also
of Margaret Anderson who died at Centre Marshall,
Illinois, 22nd April, 1880, aged 69 years.
- In Memory of
Martha McCall, spouse of John Anderson, farmer,
Spango, who died 24th August, 1838, aged 30
years. Adam, their son, died 9th October, 1838,
aged 3 years and 6 months. Also of John Anderson
who died 26th May, 1892, aged 84 years. Also of
Georgina Mackay Anderson who died 24th Novem-
ber, 1884, aged 31 years. Also of Mrs Jessie
Messer Anderson who died 25th October, 1902,
aged 55 years. Also of William Anderson, son of
John Andersen, who died at Ballarat, Australia,
9th December, 1908, aged 75 years. Also
Christopher Anderson, son of John Anderson, who
died 3rd July, 1911, aged 79 years.
- The family of Anderson has had a long and very interesting
connection with Sanquhar and Crawick
Water, and in the first half of the last century was
intimately associated with the coal mining industry.
The family originally came from the upper ward of
Lanarkshire where John Anderson was born in 1738.
He spent his early years in Leadhills, where he married
Margaret Dobie of a family long connected with the
lead mining there. Somewhere about 1760 he settled
in Sanquhar, and was employed in some subordinate
charge in the coal mines carried on by Mr Barker and
Mr McNab, and was at his death in 1801 in the employment
of the latter. Christopher Anderson, his son, was
a remarkable man, and was well-known in the district
as the blind colliery manager. Christopher lost his
eyesight at the age of twenty-one as the result of a
dastardly assault by an opponent, who from behind the
shelter of a house corner, struck him in the face with a
thorn bush. Although thus early blinded he did not
lose heart, but most courageously faced his misfortune.
He obtained employment at the collieries, and through
the energy of his character, his natural abilities, and
assisted by the devoted help of his wife, a daughter of
the Rev. John Goodlet of the Anti-Burgher Congregation of
Sanquhar, he rose rapidly, and finally became
manager and part owner in the concern. He succeeded
so well that in 1816 he took the lease of Meikle Carco
farm in Crawick Water, which he held until 1838, when
he took the farm of Spango, the tenancy of which has
ever since remained in the family. . . . .
- Thomas Halliday, Crawickmill.
- William Wilson, shepherd.
- William Duff, joiner.
- Thomas Tweddel, baker.
- James McNaught.
- James Kerr.
- William Crosbie.
- Ramsay McGie.
- John Laurie, farm servant.
- Robert Dow.
- James Wilson, Castle.
- James Hunter, Dinninrig.
- Thomas Inglis, carrier.
- John Henderson, schoolmaster.
- In Memory of five children of John Henderson and
Nicolas Leslie, also of Mrs N. Murray, her mother,
and relict of the Rev. James Leslie, Kilmarnock.
Also of the said Nicolas Leslie who died 16th May,
1829, aged 66.
- The John Henderson whose name is recorded on this
modest headstone was for 56 years the headmaster of
thie Sanquhiar Parish School. He was an accomplished
scholar, a fine linguist and mathematician, and he excelled
as a teacher. He came to Sanquhar in 1785. . . . .
Mr Henderson was elected to the town Council on
October 3, 1791, and he was a Bailie from September
30, 1793, till October 2, 1797; on September 30, 1811,
he was again a Councillor, and was Bailie from October
5, 1812, till October 3, 1814. The Burgh records show
that he had a brother, James, resident in Leadhills,
who was admitted a burgess of Sanquhar in April, 1793.
John Henderson, schoolmaster of Sanquhar, died in
1842, having filled the post for the long period of 56 years.
- Rev. Andrew Thomson.
- In memory of the Rev. Andrew Thomson, for 39 years
minister of the General Associate Congregation,
Sanquhar, who died 27th September, 1815, aged
72. Also of Margaret Comrie, his wife, who died
in December, 1811, aged 62 years. Also of Jessie
Thomson, their daughter, who died 1st June, 1851,
aged 65. Also of their youngest son, John Thomson,
farmer, Townhead, who died 24th August,
1855, aged 65. Also of Mary Thomson, their
daughter, who died 28th May, 1862, aged 77. Also
of Elizabeth McCall, spouse to the said John Thomson,
who died 10th November, 1872, aged 80.
- The Rev. Andrew Thomson was the third minister of
the Doun-the-Gaite Kirk. He came from Howgate, near
Penicuik, and was ordained on 22nd August, 1776. He
was a faithful pastor . . . . thirty-nine years in all. . . . .
One of Mr Thomson's sons was the Rev. Dr Thomson
of Balfron; and a grandson (son of John Thomson,
farmer) was the well-known Rev. Andrew Thomson,
D.D., who for upwards of fifty years was the minister
of Broughton Place United Presbyterian Church in
Edinburgh. Dr Andrew Thomson was born in Sanquhar,
and received his early education at the Parish
School, and all his long life he kept a warm feeling
towards the place of his birth; he died in 1901, aged
86 years, having survived both his wife and their only
son by three years, the latter being Shieriff Comrie
Thomson, who died within a month of his mother in 1898. . . . .
- William Kerr, merchant.
- William Gillespie, mason, Euchan.
- Michael Hunter, grain dealer.
- Unknown.
- John Taylor, Sanquhar Castle.
- In Memory of William McKay, who died 26th June,
1773, aged 50 years. He was many years overseer
of the mines in Wanlockhead and tenant of Sanquhar
Castle. Also Agnes Farchar, who died 22nd
March, 1797, aged 62 years, his spouse. Also of
Robert Taylor, their grandson, who died 31st Dec.,
1835, aged 49 years. He was tenant of Sanquhar
Castle. Elizabeth Thompson, his spouse, who died
14th Dec., 1866, aged 79 years. Robert, their
third son, who died 4th Dec., 1826, aged 9 years.
- In Memory of John Taylor, who died 14th October,
1806, aged 53 years. He was many years overseer
of the mines in Wanlockhead, and tenant of Sanquhar
Castle. Katherine Forbes Mackay, his spouse,
who died 8th March, 1837, aged 78 years. John
Taylor, surgeon, Royal Navy, who died 23rd Sept., 1826, aged 36 years
[See Royal Navy Surgeons From Sanquhar].
Mary Hamilton, his spouse,
who died 10th December, 1858, aged 65 years; and
their two children, who died in infancy. George
J. Taylor, second son of Robert Taylor, who died
18th December, 1869, aged 53 years. Also, John
Taylor, his oldest son, died 13th July, 1875, aged 61 years.
- John Taylor was the overseer of the Lead Mines at
Wanlockhead, and his name will be familiar to Burns
students as the person to whom the bard addressed the
verses beginning "With Pegasus upon a day," on the
occasion when he required his mare's shoes frosted. . . . .
John Taylor, in addition to
his duties as overseer of the lead mine, engaged also in
agriculture, and was tenant of the farm of Castle Mains
for many years. He interested himself in the affairs
of Sanquhar burgh, and was a member of the Town
Council from Oct. 4, 1784, till Oct. 2, 1797, and was
one of the Bailies during the last two years he sat at
the Council Board. He was no ordinary man, and he
belonged to no ordinary family. His father, Robert
Taylor, and his grandfather, John Taylor, after whom
he was named, are buried in the graveyard of Leadhills.
The tombstone there marking their resting-place is
much sought after by visitors, for it bears a remarkable
inscription, which is as follows:– "Sacred to the
memory of Robert Taylor, who was during many years
an overseer to the Scotch Mining Company at Leadhills,
and died May 6th, 1791, in the 67th year of his
age. He is buried by the side of his father, John Taylor,
who died in this place at the remarkable age of 137
years." This old patriarch lived at Gold Scars, near
Leadhills. He was born at Aldstone in Cumberland,
and being only four years of age when his father died he
was early put to work in the mines. He worked as a
miner in various parts of the country, but finally settled
dovm at Leadhills in 1733, working regularly at the
lead mines there till 1752, having spent upwards of a
century in unceasing toil. . . . . . He died in May, 1770.
His wife was Isobel Hunter, daughter of Robert Hunter
in Stanhope, of the family of Hunter of Polmood. For
some time previous to his death he had been confined
to his bed, and possessed hardly any of his mental or bodily faculties.
A daughter of "Old John" married into the Bramwell family,
and an arm-chair that belonged to him
is carefully preserved at Blackaddie by her descendants.
John Taylor was succeeded in the tenancy of the farm
of Sanquhar Castle by his second son, Robert. The
eldest son, William, was a Lieutenant in the East India
Company's service at Madras, and died unmarried in 1808.
A brother of John Taylor was that James Taylor,
whose name will for ever be associated with the invention
of the steamboat. . . . .
- John Muir, mason.
- Thomas Laurie.
Alexander Callender.
- William Clark.
- James McCall, carpet manufacturer.
- Mungo Thompson.
- George Hunter, joiner.
- David Turnbull, collier.
- Samuel Harris, collier.
- Thomas Love, collier.
- In Memory of Thomas Love, coal miner, who died 2nd
May, 1885, aged 57 years. Also Angus Love, his
son, who died 6th April, 1889, aged 21 years. Also
Samuel H. Love, his son, who died 17th March,
1897, aged 21 years. Also Robert E. Love, his son,
who died 24th May, 1904, aged 32 years. Also
Douglas Love, his son, who died at Vancouver,
British Columbia, 13th August, 1907, aged 28
years. Also Margaret Charters, his wife, who died
17th April, 1910, aged 76 years.
- [Also see grave No. 354].
- George Osborne, druggist.
- William Kerr, carpet weaver.
- John Kerr, spinner.
- Charles Howat, joiner.
- Alexander Moffat, Wanlockhead.
- William Dobson, mason.
- Thomas Broadfoot, collier.
- John Loudoun, baker.
- William Dick, farmer.
- John Wilson, brickworker.
- John Hyslop, dairyman,
- Unknown.
- James Miller, baker.
- Thomas Pollock.
- William Laurie, carpet weaver.
- William Kerr, ship steward.
- Francis Watt, merchant.
John Boyd, miner, Crawick.
- William Turnbull, blacksmith.
- Alexander Stewart.
- James McMillan, farm servant.
- John Paterson, Mennock Bridge.
- Henry Wilson, blacksmith.
- Robert Brown, tailor.
- Rev. J. McMorrin, Thornhill.
- James Hamilton, quarryman.
- Footpath.
- William Hyslop, maltster.
- Samuel Hyslop, quarryman.
- Andrew Hyslop, quarryman.
- George Inglis.
- Mungo Wilson, merchant.
- Archibald Hamilton, engineman.
- William Inglis.
- Walter Fingland, shoemaker.
- Hugh Harris, collier.
- James Watson.
- William Laughleson, shoemaker.
- John Turnbull, miner.
- James Blackwood, Spoth.
- William Brown, flesher.
- George Brown, carter.
- Thomas Love, flesher.
- In Memory of Robert Love, son of Thomas Love, who
died 23rd July, 1854, aged 18 years. Also Alexander
Love, his son, who died 7th February, 1855,
aged 12 years. Also James Love, his son, who died
13th March, 1871, aged 38 years. Also Robert
Love, his grandson, who died 19th August, 1882,
aged 25 years. Also the said Thomas Love, who
died 23rd October, 1885, aged 83 years. Also
Gavin Love, his son, who died 2nd November,
1885, aged 45 years. Also Elizabeth Wilson, his
wife, who died 4th March, 1886, aged 76 years.
Also John Love, their son, late teacher, Cairn
School, who died 6th March, 1911, aged 60 years.
- [See also grave no. 312].
The first of the above family in Sanquhar was Robert
Love, or "Robin" Love as he was usually called. He
was a Highlander, belonging to the Clan Macgregor, and
was related to the famous Rob Roy. The Macgregors
were a much oppressed clan. Known as the "Children
of the Mist," they were regarded as the most ferocious
of the clans, and were styled "lawless limmers" in the
old Scots Parliament. Their lands were taken from
them, and their very name ordered to be suppressed.
So stringent was the law concerning the attempt to
utterly blot out the clan that the clergy were liable to
deprivation and banishment should they dare to give
the name Macgregor to any one at baptism. Thus it
was that Robin Love's forebears had been forced to
give up their ancient patronymic. . . . .
Robin Love's wife was Janet Smith. They had a son,
John, who was admitted a burgess and freeman of
Sanquhar on September 12, 1800, and carried on business
as a flesher. John's wife was Elizabeth Kirkwood,
a descendant of the Rev. James Kirkwood, who was
curate of Sanquhar Kirk in the times of the Covenanters . . . . . John Love
and Elizabeth, his wife, had two sons – John and
Thomas. John married Margaret Pever, and they had
a family of three sons and five daughters, of whom only
one survives, viz.:– James Love, for many years in
business as a flesher in New Cumnock, but now retired
and resident in Annan. The other members of John
Love's family were: – John Love, shoemaker; Thomas
Love, coal miner, whose name is recorded on the tombstone;
Elizabeth, wife of James Menzies; Agnes, wife
of Robert Smith; Mary, wife of Samuel Harris; and
Maggie and Rosie, unmarried.
The above Thomas Love married Margaret Charters,
of the parish of Durisdeer, and they had a family of
eight sons and three daughters. Their sons Angus and
Robert Elliot, both died as the results of accidents in
the mines. Surviving members of Thomas Lovers'
family are: – John Love, Sanquhar; Thomas Charters
Love, farmer in Canada; ex-Bailie James Love, Sanquhar;
Alexander Love, Bradford; and Mary, wife of
Andrew Sloane, New Cumnock. Two daughters deceased were
Margaret, wife of George Blackwood, New
Cumnock, and Euphemia, wife of the late James Brown, Kirkconmel.
Thomas Love, the younger son of John Love and
Elizabeth Kirkwood, followed the occupation of his
father, a flesher, and until a year or two of his death
he dressed all the carcases for the fleshers in Sanquhar.
His wife was Elizabeth Wilson, the daughter of James
and the grand-daughter of Gavin Wilson (see pages referring to Matthew McIver),
and they had a family of nine sons and two daughters. Gavin Love, their son,
who died in 1885, was a soldier in a cavalry regiment,
in which he was a rough rider; he was many years in
India. John Love, a younger son, was the victim of a
lameness which compelled him to use crutches all his
life. He was a schoolmaster. He was pupil teacher and
afterwards assistant to Mr Laurie in the Crichton
School for a period of fourteen years. In 1879 he was
appointed master of the Cairn School in Kirkconnel
parish, a post he held for thirty years, retiring on pension
in July, 1909. He . . . . died less than two years afterwards.
He was unmarried, and resided in Buccleuch Road with his sister Ann.
Deceased members of Thomas Love's family, not mentioned on the tombstone,
were Thomas, who died in
Dumfries, and Francis, died in Hawick; also Elizabeth,
wife of the late Jeremiah Ingram. There survive at
the present day – William Love, resident in Kirkconnel,
and David Love and Miss Ann Love, resident in Sanquhar.
- John Kerr, joiner, Mennockbridge.
- James Inglis, Crawick.
- Frank Martin.
- Footpath.
- James Kennedy, teacher.
- In memory of John and William, sons of James Kennedy, teacher, Sanquhar.
John was born 8th September, 1804, and died 3rd July, 1809.
William was born 9th May, 1802. He died 7th January, 1829.
- Also of Mary Graham, his spouse, who died 13th January, 1842, aged 77 years.
- Also the said James Kennedy, who died 25th June, 1862, aged 91 years.
- Sarah Forsyth, widow of James Kennedy, who died 8th August, 1891, aged 75 years.
- James Kennedy was born in the parish of Wamphray,
in Annandale, at Kilbrook, a farm which had long
been in the possession of his family. He received a good
education, and early in life opened a venture school in
the burgh of Annan or immediate neighbourhood, and
there it was he got married. This school, however, was
not a success, and early last century he removed to
Sanquhar, where he remained the rest of his life. He
opened school in the lower chamber of the Council
House, and at one time also taught in a house in the
Queensberry Square. As a teacher depending entirely
upon his own efforts for a living, Mr Kennedy all
through his long life had a hard struggle to make ends
meet. He published several volumes of poetry, all of
which yielded some pecuniary gain, but quite inadequate
to the cost and labour involved. Each of his publications
was carefully preceded by lengthy and deliberate
canvassing tours all over Dumfriesshire, the Stewartry,
and the Upper Ward of Clydesdale; and throughout
this wide district he was well known as the "Sanquhar
Poet." . . . .
- Thomas Stoddart, baker.
- Margaret Smith, milliner.
William Stewart, surfaceman.
- John Love, shoemaker.
- Betty McLeod.
- William Henderson, stationer.
- John Henderson, Townfoot.
- John Laurie, roadman.
- William Johnston of Roundstonefoot.
- In memory of Susanna McAdam, spouse of William
Johnston of Roundstonefoot, who departed this
life 27th September, 1812, aged 66 years. Also
of the said William Johnston, who departed this
life the 7th of October, 1820, aged 87 years. And
of Susan, eleventh child and eighth daughter of
the above-mentioned William and Susanna Johnston, who died on the 29th Oct., 1881, in her
hundred and second year.
- William Johnston was a native of Annandale. He
came of an ancient stock; his estate of Roundstonefoot,
on Moffat Water, had been in possession of his family
for many generations, and his forebears frequently
figure in the public records as taking active part in the
oft-recurring clan feuds and border forays of olden
times. . . . .
- John Turnbull, blacksmith.
- John Russell, coachman.
- John McCron, Raefield.
- William Slimmon, Allansdale.
- William Russell, Mennockbridge.
- Ninian Williamson.
- Provost John Lorimer.
- Provost J. Lorimer and J. Williamson, erectors. In
memory of their children, 1791.
- [See also grave No. 185].
The table tombstone with the above quaint inscription,
which was not only composed but carved by
Provost Lorimer, is at the east end of the kirk, close
to the headstone of Alexander Williamson, who lived
at Cruffell, and to whom the Provost and his wife were
both related. The older stone, much defaced, lies in
front of the ornate monument of the Glenim Thomsons,
into which family a descendant of William Lorimer married. . . . .
- Provost James Braidwood.
- In Memory of James Braidwood, who died 18th Oct.,
1814, aged 7 years. Also, of John, who died 26th
Aug., 1816, aged 17 years, sons of John Braidwood.
Also Jean Lorimer, his spouse, who died 5th
Feb., 1823, aged 42 years. Said John Braidwood,
who was first Baillie and then Provost of Sanquhar,
left that place for Newmains in 1838, and
died there on 24th January, 1861, aged 81, and
was interred beside several members of his family
in his own burial ground at Cambusnethan.
- John Braidwood was a merchant in Sanquhar. His
wife, Jean Lorimer, was a daughter of Provost Lorimer.
He became a member of Sanquhar Town Council on
Sep. 30, 1816, and was one of the Bailies from Oct. 5,
1818, till Oct. 3, 1825. At the election on Nov. 5,
1833, being the first by qualified voters under the new
Reform Act, he was elected one of the Councillors, and
on Nov. 1, 1836, was elected Provost, which post he
resigned on May 24, 1838, when he left Sanquhar for
Newmains, where he resided until his death. His son,
James Braidwood, was a successful merchant in Leith.
He married in 1839, Mary Wright, daughter of Mr
George Wright, Edinburgh. . . . .
- a. Robert Williamson, Bank of Yochanhead.
- Here lyes the corps of Alexander Williamson, who
lived at Cruffell, and departed this life July 30,
1746. Erected by David Williamson, his son.
- This stone is reared against the east wall of the kirk,
and commemorates one of the sons of Alexander
Williamson, the Covenanter. Like his father, he was
a man remarkable for his piety, and his headstone also
is said to have been renewed by Old Mortality.
- In Memory of Robert Williamson, who died at Bank
of Yochanhead on the 24th March, 1809, aged 75
years. Also of Margaret Gemmel, his spouse, who
died the 28th February, 1809, aged 72 years. Also
of Andrew, Alexander, John, and James Williamson,
their sons. Erected by William, David, and
Robert Williamson, their sons.
- [See also grave No. 556].
- William Wilson, shepherd.
- Robert Gray, collier.
- Andrew Gibson, cooper.
- James Scott.
- Thomas Affleck.
- James Young.
- William Milligan.
- William McQuat, shepherd.
- Thomas Brown.
- George Lorimer, dyer.
- Peter Cannon, drainer.
- George Paterson, joiner.
- John Hastings, mason.
- Charles McIver, quarryman.
- In Memory of Charles McIver, who died 16th September,
1899, aged 77 years. Also Bridget McIver,
his daughter, who died 1st October, 1877, aged
18 years. Also Janet Cringan, his wife, who died
26th June, 1906, aged 80 years. Also the children
of James McIver. Mary Jane McIver, who died
28th February, 1903, aged 5 years. Also Agnes,
Bridget and Helen who died in infancy.
- [Also see graves No. 474 & 475].
Another son of Charles McIver was Charles, who died
16th September, 1899, aged 77 years. Like his brothers
he was a cooper, and worked many years at his trade in
Glasgow, but he came back to Sanquhar and was employed
as a quarryman. . . . . His wife was Janet Cringan, and
they are survived by their son, Mr James Mclver, resident in Queensberry Square.
- Jeremiah Dalziel.
William Bryden.
- George Gall, drover.
- Edward Bryden, Queen Mary's Road.
- Robert Bell.
- James Russell.
- John Dobson.
- David Gilmour.
- Robert Wallace.
- Matthew Johnstone.
- Daniel Craig, Barr.
- Robert McMillan.
- James Kerr.
- John Kerr.
- Samuel Fallows.
- –. Addington.
- Walter Scott, cattle dealer.
- Alex. McGaughie.
- Andrew Walker.
J. Steel.
- Thomas Broadfoot.
- John McCall, carpet weaver.
- William Cunningham, watchmaker.
- In Memory of William Cunningham, watchmaker, who died 16th December, 1840, aged 73 years.
Also Isabella Blackley, his spouse, who died 13th
January, 1853, aged 71 years. Also, Alexander,
their son, died 11th October, 1822, aged 5 years.
Also Alexander, their son, died 3rd January, 1841,
aged 18 years. Also George, their son, who died
3rd May, 1901, aged 72 years.
- William Cunningham was a native of the city of Glasgow.
He came to Sanquhar in the year 1803, with
a view to starting business as a watch and clock-maker,
should things be to his liking. Trade was brisk at the
time, and he got promise of considerable support.
Accordingly on the 23rd January, 1804, he
took out his burgess ticket, and being admitted a freeman of the Incorporation of
Hammermen, acquired all the rights and privileges of
a free burgess, with freedom to carry on his trade. He
opened a shop in the High Street, somewhere near the
Corseburn. He was a skilful and painstaking workman,
and in course of time had a large trade connection, not
only in Sanquhar, but in all the neighbouring parishes.
The records of the Hammermen show that he took a
keen interest in the affairs of the craft; he was
frequently in office, and remained an active and
zealous guild brother until the incorporation ceased to
exist in 1838. Those who knew him described him as
a little man, very active on his feet. His wife, Isabella
Blackley, was the daughter of John Blackley, mason,
and his spouse, Mary Thomson, both of old Sanquhar
families. They had a family of three sons – William,
John, and George, and four daughters – Mary, Martha,
Margaret, and Catherine. Of William [see grave No. 582].
John removed to Glasgow; his wife was named Kellock,
and they had two daughters, of whom one survives and
has a shop in Crossmyloof, Glasgow. George, who was
a watchmaker, was also long resident in Glasgow; he
was never married. Mary and Martha died spinsters.
Margaret became the wife of William Main, and their
son is Mr Robert Main, ironmaster, Stevenston.
Catherine married William McFarlane; she still survives, and is resident in Manchester.
[Also see grave No. 582].
- Robert Anderson.
- James White.
- Walter Blyth, gardener.
James Sinton, bookbinder.
- William Wilson, Kirkconnel.
- James McKie.
- William Whigham, weaver.
- Samuel Howat, nailer.
- William Lorimer, farm servant.
- John Kerr, Newtown.
- Thomas Drape.
- John McKendrick, weaver.
- James Tweddel, draper.
- In Loving Memory of William Tweddel, weaver, who
died 24th Feb., 1871, aged 81 years. Also of
Margaret McKendrick his wife, who died 19th
May, 1867, aged 73 years. Also of James
Tweddel, draper, his son, who died 12th Sep.,
1901, aged 76 years. Also Margaret Derby, wife
of the above James Tweddel, who died 6th May,
1911, aged 88 years.
- [See also graves No. 573 & 687].
- John McAdam.
- Andrew Hunter, Windyedge.
Thomas Stitt.
- Archibald Muir, collier.
- Adam Walker, wood forester.
- James Hoatson, Crawfordjohn.
- Robert McWhir.
- James Halbert.
- Laidlaw Harris.
- Jean Menzies.
- James Dargavel.
- William McQueen.
- William McWilliam.
William Parke, Temperance Lecturer.
- J. P. Willison, Dalpeddar.
- Jamies Kerr, Corseburn.
- William Fallows.
- Unknown.
- William Robinson.
- James Dalzell, cabinet-maker.
- James Glencross, World's End.
- George Brown.
- Joshua Dawson.
- Tree.
- Robert Halliday.
- William Hastie.
- George Watson.
Sergeant George Freeman.
- Rev. William Logan.
- In Memory of the Rev. William Logan, Minister of
the Free Church of Sanquhar. Born 1798, died
2nd Feb., 1863. His son James died June, 1847,
aged 17 years. His daughter Anna died Nov.,
1848, aged 9 years. His daughter Eliza died in
Lesmahagow in 1826, and his daughter Anna in
1835. His son David died 10th June, 1911, aged 73 years.
- The Rev. William Logan was the first minister of
the Free Church in Sanquhar. He was a native of the
parish of New Kilpatrick in Dumbartonshire, where his
father was a farmer. He studied at Glasgow College,
and, passing his examinations in 1820, joined the New
Seceders, and was called to Lesmahagow, where he
continued to minister until 1844, in which year he was
called to be the first minister of Sanquhar Free Church.
He remained in Sanquhar all his life thereafter. . . . .
- Alex. Hamilton.
- In memory of Alexander Hamilton, who died at Bridge of Allan, 27th April, 1856,
aged 58 years. Also of Catherine Scott Hamilton, his second daughter,
who died at Bridge of Allan 8th May, 1853, aged
20 years. Also of Janet Hamilton, his daughter,
who died at Sanquhar, 15th Oct., 1866. Also of
Matilda Auld, his wife, who died at Sanquhar,
26th June, 1867.
- In Memory of Matilda Auld Hamilton, born at Sanquhar,
29th March, died 11th April, 1869. Alexander
Hamilton, born 17th July, 1870, died at Edinburgh, 28th June, 1880. Annie Matilda, born
23rd August, 1872, died at Sanquhar, 16th March,
1882, children of the Rev. Stevenson Smith and Helen E. Smith.
- Adjoining the grave of the Rev. Wm. Logan, first
minister of the Free Church in Sanquhar, are the graves
of the children of his successor, the Rev. Stevenson
Smith, and of Mrs Smith's parents and sisters.
The Rev. Stevenson Smith, from Glasgow, was
ordained minister of the Free Church in Sanquhar in
September, 1863, and held the charge for twenty years,
when he resigned and removed to Edinburgh, where he
died in 1884. . . . . His wife, Helen E. Hamilton, who survived
him till 1904, was a daughter of Alexander
Hamilton, a native of Sanquhar, many years a merchant
in London, and afterwards resident in Stirling, and
Matilda Auld, the only daughter of Alexander Auld,
a successful South American planter, who early last
century returned to his native country, after having
amassed a considerable fortune. Alexander Auld was
the proprietor of the farm of Carcoside, which descended
to his daughter; ultimately it became the property of
the Duke of Buccleuch. . . . .
- Hair family.
- A. H. 1660.
- Here lyes William Hare, who dayed ye 12 of May, 1726,
aged 63. Helen M'Al, [McCall] his spus. Ninian Hare,
ther son. Elizabeth For[ ] his spus.
- This burial place belongs to Mary Campbell. Erected
by William Porteous and Mary, his spouse 176[ ].
- In Memory of Archibald Hair, died in 1789, and of
Dorothea Bramwell, his wife, who predeceased
him. Also of John Hair, their eldest son, who
died in 1830, and of Isabella Fergusson, his wife, who died in 1846.
- In Memory of Archibald Hair, M.D., late Surgeon to
the Royal Horse Guards. Born 31 October, 1785.
Died 14 December, 1869.
- In affectionate remembrance of John Hair, farmer,
Greenhead, who died 4 July, 1879, aged 81 years,
and Helen Scott, his wife, who died 26 May, 1867,
aged 67 years. Also of Archibald, their son, who
died in Natal, 8 December, 1875, aged 37 years.
And George Hair, their grandson, who died at
Greenhead, 14 October, 1871, aged 9 years.
- In loving memory of James Hair, who died 15 April,
1874, aged 84 years, and of Agnes Ritchie, his
wife, who died 22 May, 1862, aged 70 years. Also
of Isabella, their daughter, who died in Sept.,
1837, aged 20 years, and of James their son who
died in Australia 26 June 1878, aged 46 years.
- In affectionate remembrance of John Hair who died 24
June 1881 aged 68 years. Also of Susan McCron
his wife who died 18 Dec. 1884 aged 72 years.
Also of John their son who died 8 March 1862,
aged 24 years. Also of Gilbert their son who died
6 March 1882 aged 37 years.
- In loving memory of Archibald Hair who died 31 Oct.
1887, aged 65 years. Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God.
- The burial place of the Hairs contains the oldest
dated tombstone in the Kirkyard – a plain headstone
with the initials A. H. and the year 1660. The family
is one of the very oldest in Upper Nithsdale. For
many generations they possessed the lands of Glenwharry
in Kirkconnel parish, and their names often
appear in the public records of the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries. At a later period they owned
the lands of Carcoside, Knockenstob, and Orchard on
Crawick Water, as well as property in the Burgh of
Sanquhar. Throughout the eighteenth century, and
up to quite modern times, the Town Council was seldom
without some member bearing the name of Hair,
and in the affairs of the Incorporated Trades they were
likewise prominent.
John, the eldest son of Archibald Hair and Dorothea
Bramwell, was familiarly known as "Laird Hair." He
was a mason, and was the progenitor of two generations
of builders who had an extensive connection in Nithsdale
and whose work is characterised by much neatness combined
with solidity of structure. He was noted as a
curler, a recreation in which some of his descendants
have also excelled. Laird Hair and his father were at
different periods members of the Town Council. Laird
Hair died in 1830 at the age of seventy years.
Archibald Hair, M.A., M.D., the Laird's
eldest son, entered the medical service of
the Army in 1812 as assistant surgeon to the
43rd Regiment, and he saw much of the later
stiff fighting in the Peninsula, for which he received
the war medal with four clasps for the battles of
Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, and Orthes. He also served
in America, and took part in the action before New
Orleans. . . . . Dr Hair was appointed Head
Surgeon to the Royal Horse Guards in 1826, and he
held the post until his retirement from the Army in
1843. . . . . (He) lived and died a bachelor.
John Hair, farmer in Greenhead, was a younger
brother of the Doctor. His wife, Helen, was a daughter
of John Scott of Flowerbank, Sanquhar. In his
younger days he was associated as an architect with his
brothers in the building trade; but latterly he went in
for farming, and had tenanted Greenhead for many
years previous to his death in 1879. He was survived
by two sons – John and Thomas, and three daughters –
Grace, wife of Mr Thomas Laidlaw, Stewarton;
Euphemia, wife of the late Mr James Lawrie, Glasgow;
and Charlotte, wife of Mr Thomas Stoddart, Sanquhar.
John Hair, the eldest son of John in Greenhead, was
born in Sanquhar on January 27, 1825. He received
a liberal education, and at the age of nineteen he went
up to London, where he obtained an important post in
the Pay Office of the Court of Chancery, a position
from which he was able to retire upon a handsome
pension at a comparatively early age. . . . .
(He) died at Hampstead on the 26th February, 1912, at the
advanced age of 87 years. His body rests with generations
of his forefathers and kinsmen in Sanquhar Kirkyard.
He left a large fortune. He had entered the
matrimonial state four times; his fourth wife outlived
him only a few weeks. He is survived by three sons
– John Hugh Hair, resident in Elgin, and Allan
Hair, M.D., and Archibald Hair, in London; and two
daughters – Miss Agnes Hair, London, and Janie Hair,
wife of Dr Verling-Browne, Sutton.
James Hair, who died in 1874, was a son of Laird
Hair and brother of the Doctor. Like his father he
was a mason, and, in partnership with his brothers,
he carried out many building contracts. He tenanted
the lands of Corse and had his residence at Corseburn.
He was long a member of the Town Council, being
first returned on Oct. 2, 1815, and he sat as a Bailie
from Oct. 2, 1826, till Oct. 1, 1832, from which date
onwards until his death he was known as "Bailie
Hair." . . . .
John Hair, who died in 1881, was a son of the Bailie.
Hie was also a builder. He had the misfortune to lose
one of his legs, and latterly carried on business as an
ironmonger in premises in the High Street. He was of
a jovial, good-natured disposition, and, notwithstanding
his loss of limb, maintained a wonderful heartiness of
spirit up to the last. His son, Archibald, was long
schoolmaster of Durrisdeer.
Archibald Hair, who died in 1887, was a younger son
of the Bailie. He went out to Australia in the time of
the gold rush, and there he was fairly successful. On
returning to Sanquhar he opened a grocery business
which he carried on at the same time with his building
and mason work. He was a keen curler, a capital skip,
and an excellent player. He was elected to the Town
Council on Nov. 1, 1881, and the following year he was
made Dean of Guild, which office he held at his decease.
His death was tragically sudden. He had been superintending
the repair of some building in the burgh,
when a faintness seized him as he was coming off a
scaffolding, and falling into the arms of one of the
workmen, he was carried home and died almost immediately.
Archibald Hair was of a quiet, unobtrusive
disposition, very obliging and kind-hearted, and he was
respected by the whole community.
He is survived by his wife – Annie Whigham,
daughter of the late Provost Samuel Whigham, and
three daughters – Minnie, wife of the late John Young,
stationer, Sanquhar; Agnes, wife of Gavin C. Fergusson, Glasgow;
and Miss Maggie Whigham Hair, stationer, High Street, Sanquhar.
- John Cook, Lochan.
- Robert Stoddart, baker.
- William Thorburn.
- Thomas Shaw, draper.
- J. R. Wilson.
- William McCririck.
- In memory of William McCririck, late Deacon of the
shoemakers, who died 12th April, 1802, aged 38
years. Also of Margaret and Jean, his children,
who died in infancy. Also of Agnes McKenrick,
spouse to the said William McCririck, who died
the 11th September, 1813, aged 60 years. Also of
Elisabeth, daughter of William McCririck, who died
14th January, 1845, aged 19 years. Also
of the above William McCririck, who died
3rd January, 1859, aged 66 years. Also of Janet
Smith, his wife, who died 29th April, 1880, aged
84 years. Also of Bryce McCririck, their son, who
died 24th December, 1895, aged 70 years. Also of
Margaret McCririck or Pownall, who died 19th
July, 1896, aged 63 years.
- The McCriricks have been located in Upper Nithsdale
for many generations. The family for a long period
owned the estate of Cairn, in Kirkconnel parish; their
name is still perpetuated in the farm of "McCririck's
Cairn," where was the abode of the Lairds, and in the
hill also named McCririck's Cairn, on the borders of
Dumfriesshire and Ayrshire. Originally the family
hailed from Galloway, and the name is generally supposed
to have been taken from the barony of Rerick, in
the Stewartry; . . . .
- William Fingland.
- In Memory of William Fingland, who died 29th May,
1858, aged 62 years. Also of Elizabeth Kerr, his
spouse, who died 22nd March, 1877, aged 74 years.
Also of James Fingland, clothier, their son, who
died at Sanquhar, 20th October, 1889, aged 62
years. Also of Jane Wilson, wife of the above
James Fingland, who died 4th September, 1896,
aged 68 years.
- In his day there was no more loyal Sanquharian than
James Fingland, clothier. The son of William Fingland,
tailor, he came of an old Sanquhar stock, and
was born and passed all his days in the burgh. Fond
of outdoor recreation, he was a keen curler and bowler
and an enthusiastic member of the Volunteer Company,
being one of the first to join the corps on its
formation, and ultimately holding the rank of
Sergeant. He ever took an active interest in the town's
business. He was elected to the Town Council on
November 7, 1865, and was Burgh Treasurer from
November 2, 1869, till November 7, 1871. He
sat as a Councillor from November 5, 1872,
till November 5, 1878. Returned again on
November 4, 1884, he was made Senior Bailie,
and was elected Provost on 1st November, 1887, and
held the office till January 4, 1889, when he resigned. . . . .
Provost Fingland's wife, Jane, was the daughter of
John Wilson, Colour-Sergeant of the 16th Regiment of
Foot. They had two sons – William, deceased, and
John, resident in Glasgow; and one daughter – Elizabeth,
deceased, wife of Mr Walter Scott, resident in Canada.
- James Fingland.
- Thomas Drife.
- Janet Halliday.
- Robert Nivison, colliery manager.
- In memory of Robert Nivison, Overseer, Coalworks,
Sanquhar, who died 16th December, 1862, aged 68
years. Also of Jean Nivison, his daughter, who
died in infancy. Thomas, his son, died 15th
February, 1836, aged 7 years. Samuel, died 8th
July, 1846, aged 15 years, and William, died 11th
June, 1852, aged 25 years. Also Agnes Aitkien,
his spouse, died 16th February, 1867, aged 76 years.
- In Loving Memory of John Nivison, Colliery Manager,
Sanquhar, who died 14th November, 1898, aged 74 years.
- Robert Nivison was a native of Wanlockhead. On
leaving school, where he was an apt scholar, he was put
to work in the lead mines, and he married and had a
family of sons and daughters born to him in the
"lanely wee toun." While his family was still young
he removed to Sanquhar, and was employed by Mr
George Whigham as banksman at one of the Drumbuie
pits. Upon the death of Mr Whigham, in 1842, he was
appointed general overseer of the coal works, which at
that time consisted of two pits at Drumbuie, one at
Crawick Bridgend, and another at Cairnburn. . . . .
Robert Nivison was survived by his wife, to sons – James and John, and
a daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of John McCririck. . . . .
John Nivison is survived by his wife – Jessie Hair, of the old Sanquhar stock;
five sons – Robert, James, William, John, and Samuel; and two daughters –
Agnes and Annie.
- John McCririck.
- James Nivison.
- James Dryden.
- Thomas McKinlay.
- John Crichton of Skeoch.
- The Crichtons of Crichton Hall, Sanquhar, were of
the same stock as the Crichtons of Carco. Their burial
place – No. 465 – enclosed by a freestone wall with iron
railing, contains three monuments, one of pyramid
shape and two of the ordinary table type. With the
exception of the one name "Crichton," which is cut
on the front panel of the central monument, these
tombstones bear no inscription. They were erected in
the lifetime of John Crichton of Crichton Hall, and
were meant to carry records of his own family and
of his paternal and maternal ancestors; but when he
died, in 1834, nothing was done; and not until forty
years after his death was the name of Crichton incised
on the pyramid. In the eighteenth century the family
had a prominent position in Sanquhar. John Crichton,
clothier, was one of the three Ballies on Oct. 18,
1718, and for fifty years thereafter he took a leading
part in the government of the Burgh, and was Provost
from Sep. 30, 1734, till Oct. 4, 1742, and again from
Oct. 1, 1744, till Sep. 30, 1765, on which latter date
he made way for his son James. Altogether he was
Provost for 29 years, being the longest period of service
in the list of the Provosts of Sanquhar. His wife was
Violet Lorimier, a daughter of John Lorimer, who was
described at his death in 1729 as being resident "in
Eliok," and they had three sons, viz.:– James, John,
and Alexander. James Crichton, the eldest of these
sons, was a writer; he married Margaret Orr, the
daughter of James Orr, town-clerk of Sanquhar, whose
spouse was Mary Logan of the family of Knockshinnoch.
James Crichton was the first of the family to occupy
the dwelling-house, situated near the Council House,
afterwards known as "Crichton Hall," and which was
previously the property of James Orr, his wife's father,
upon whose death, in 1758, he was appointed to the
post of town-clerk. In 1765 he was elected Provost in
room of his father; and held office for seven years.
And here it is curious to note that in those days it was
competent for the town-clerk to be also a member of
the Town Council and a Magistrate. James Crichton
died in 1793, leaving two sons, John and James, and
a daughter Margaret; his widow, Margaret Orr, survived
him till 1814. John, the elder of the above two
sons of James Crichton, was born 29th May, 1763; he,
also, was a writer, and on his fathers resignation of
the post in 1789 he was appointed town-clerk, and held
the office till 1807, when he resigned. He married
Barbara Kennedy of the family of Knocknalling, and
by her had an only child, Margaret, who died unmarried
on June 21, 1826. John Crichton died
intestate 8th February, 1834, and his widow on 9th
March, 1842. James Crichton, the brother of the last-named
John, was born 21st April, 1765. He was a
medical doctor, and early in life went out to China,
where he continued to reside a great many years, and
after having acquired a large fortune, he returned to
Sanquhar in 1808; the following year he purchased
the estate of Friars' Carse; and in 1810 he married
Elizabeth Grierson, daughter of Sir Robert Grierson,
the fifth baronet of Lag. They had no family, and
hie died at Friars' Carse in 1823. Margaret Crichton,
the sister of John and James, was born May 19, 1776;
she was the first wife of James Otto in Newark, near
Sanquhar, and died without issue 18th June, 1839. . . . .
- William Kirkhope.
- Suicide – Name unknown.
- James Kerr.
- John Kerr, miller.
- William Sloan, Windyedge.
- Archibald Williamson, Crawickmill.
- James Inglis, weaver
- William McCririck.
- Charles McIver.
- In Memory of Bridget McGown, spouse of Charles
McIver, who died 3rd July, 1841, aged 58 years.
Also of the said Charles McIver, who died 18th
November, 1850, aged 76 years. Also of William,
son of John McIver, who died 6th July, 1844, aged
2 years. Also of Catherine, his daughter, who died
22nd January, 1866, aged 21 years. Also of Mary,
his daughter, who died 1st May, 1875, aged 21
years. Also of Jane, his daughter, and relict of
Robert Morrison, who died 14th December, 1877,
aged 41 years. Also of Mary Kerr, his wife, who
died 18th June, 1881, aged 66 years. Also of the
said John McIver, who died 3rd November, 1890, aged 80 years.
- In Loving Memory of William Broadfoot McIver (son
of John), merchant, Glasgow and West Africa,
who died at sea off Madeira, 19th March, 1883,
aged 36 years. Also of his infant son, Alexander
Paton, who died 9th February, 1883. Both interred in Funchal Cemetery.
- Matthew McIver, cooper.
- In affectionate remembrance of Matthew McIver,
cooper, who died 16th September, 1905, aged 93
years. Also Agnes Wilson, his wife, who died 14th
August, 1889, aged 77 years.
- The name of McIver has been a familiar one in Sanquhar
for over a century. The family is of the stock of the
well-known Highland clan of that name. An ancestor
emigrated from Scotland to the North of Ireland at the
time when King James the Sixth was forming his colony
of Scottish settlers in the province of Ulster, and he
there took a farm which was in the hands of his descendants
for several generations. Towards the end of the
eighteenth century these descendants consisted of John,
Matthew, and Charles McIver, also a Miss McIver, who
were all residing at Banbridge.
Charles McIver, whose name is recorded on the tombstone, was the son of John
McIver, who was a medical doctor. Charlie, as he was
familiarly called, was of an adventurous spirit. Unlike
the generality of Ulstermen, he desired to see Ireland
independent of Great Britain; and, much to the annoyance of his father,
he joined the forces of the rebel army in the rising of "ninety-eight." After that
short-lived outbreak he became a marked man, had to keep in hiding, and came over to
Scotland. . . . .
Charlie did not return to Ireland. He made his way
into Nithsdale; found a wife in Closeburn; got married
at Terregles, and finally settled in Sanquhar, finding a
livelihood at draining, road making, and contract work
of that description. He was of a lively disposition,
fond of fun, and much addicted to practical joking; but
he latterly developed into a quiet,
sedate citizen, and was a member of the Town Council
from November 25 1839, until within twelve months
of his death in 1850.
John McIver, Charlie's eldest son, was a cooper, and
carried on business in the court opposite the Cameron
monument known as the "Cooper's Close." He was
in partnership with his younger brother Matthew, and
they did a large trade, which, however, dwindled considerably
in later years owing to the introduction of
zinc and other metal utensils in place of those made of
wood. John was of a retiring nature, and seldom took
part in public affairs; but he was for a short time in
the Town Council, and at an election in which he was a
candidate there ensued a situation quite without precedent
in the municipal history of Sanquhar. John
McIver entered the Town Council on December 28,
1869, along with Robert Hyslop, a weaver, whose residence
was in Back Lane, now called Simpson's Road;
the pair were elected in room of Thomas Waugh and
Thomas Shaw, who had resigned. . . . .
(John McIver's) son, William Broadfoot McIver, was in business as a
merchant trader in West Africa; he was very prosperous,
but was cut off at the early age of 36 years.
Matthew McIver, the second son of Charles, served
his time to the weaving, but later he became a cooper,
and, as stated above, was in partnership with his brother
John. He carried on the business for some years after
John's death, and was a wonderfully active man for his
years, but old age finally compelled him to give in. For
a few years before he died he resided at Dinninrig with
his daughter Bridget, widow of Thomas Kerr, gamekeeper,
and he died there. His wife, Agnes Wilson,
was the daughter of James and the grand-daughter of
Gavin Wilson; the latter was a native of the Carse of
Gowrie, and came down to Nithsdale to instruct the
farmers in the use of the swing plough when it was first
brought out; Gavin's wife was Elizabeth Thomson, and
their son James was married to Betty Laurie, daughter
of Robert Laurie, schoolmaster at Leadhills.
Mr Matthew McIver, J.P., of Roddings, is a son of
Matthew, and when the latter was alive it was no uncommon
thing to see together four generations all bearing the
same name; these were – old Matthew; his son,
the Laird of Roddings; his grandson, Mr Matthew
McIver, insurance superintendent, Dumfries; and his
great-grandson, the latter's little boy.
Another son of Charles McIver was Charles . . . .
[See grave No. 388 for Charles (Charlie) McIver].
- James Crichton, innkeeper.
- Robert Blackwood, miner.
- James Corson.
- James Clark.
- Jonathan Clark.
George Ballantyne, merchant.
- John Wilson Macqueen, Bank Agent.
- In Memory of William Otto, surgeon, Sanquhar, who
died 8 June, 1819, aged 55 years, and of Sarah
Ellison, his wife, who died 30 March, 1829, aged 68 years.
- In Memory of John Otto, surgeon, Pathhead, Midlothian,
who died on 5 February, 1872, aged 66 years.
- In Memory of John Wilson Macqueen, Bank and Law
Agent, Sanquhar, who died on 22 February, 1861,
aged 62 years. Of Sarah Ellison, his infant
daughter, who died on 22 March, 1831. Of Jane
Otto, his widow, who died in Edinburgh, on 1
April, 1883, aged 80 years. Jessie Macqueen,
their daughter, died in Edinburgh on 26 January,
1889, aged 55 years.
- William Otto was born at Leadhills, where his father,
a native of Germany, held a situation in connection
with the lead mines. He was resident in London for
some years, but owing to his health he returned to his
native district towards the close of the eighteenth
century, and settled in Sanquhar, where he practised
his profession of surgeon. Wonderfully skilful in the
treatment of diseases, his services were in demand, not
only in Sanquhar, but in all the neighbouring parishes. . . . .
- Samuel Wilson, mason.
- Peter Laing painter.
- William Russell.
- William Murdoch, mason.
- Abraham Crichton.
Dr James McLeod.
- Here lies William Crichton of Gareland, aged 103 years.
Also William Crichton, his son, aged 84 years.
Abraham Crichton, late Provost in Sanquhar, aged
50 years. Also Grizel Maitland, spouse to the
above Abraham Crichton, aged 80 years.
- The stone bearing the above inscription lies on the
south side of the kirk, near the east end. It is broken
in half, and, moss-covered and neglected, has been
lying so for many years. Gareland, or Gairland, is an
out-of-the-way farm near the head of Spango Water.
For a lengthy period it was owned by the above family,
an offshoot of the Crichtons of Sanquhar Castle, and
they also possessed considerable property in houses and
lands in Sanquhar burgh. The Abraham Crichton
commemorated as above took an active part in the
affairs of our town. He was Provost from 1714 to 1718,
and wag prominently connected with the measures taken
by the authorities to repel the Rebellion of "the
Fifteen." . . . .
- Hugh Baird.
- John Brown, blacksmith.
- Robert McKendrick.
- In memory of Robert McKendrick, who died at Sanqubar,
17th December, 1874, aged 55 years. In Life
beloved, in Death lamented. Also Margaret
Clarkson, wife of the above, who died 27th March,
1904, aged 83 years.
- The family of McKendrick is one of the very oldest
in Sanquhar. The name is found a long way back in
connection with the Burgh, appearing in deeds of the
16th and 17th centuries, and is among the names in a
list of Sanquhar parishioners of date 15th July, 1548.
The name is variously spelt M'Conryg, Makenrik,
M'Kennerick, and M'Kenrick, the introduction of the
letter "d" being quite a modern usage.
The John McKendrick whose grave is marked by the
small stone bearing his name and the year of his death [grave 490 below]
was the ancestor of the present day generations in
Sanquhar bearing the name of McKendrick. He was
the son of Robert and Janet McKendrick. He married,
on 16th September, 1775, Mary Milligan, daughter of
Thomas Milligan, Sanquhar, and had a family of three
sons – Robert, John, and Thomas, and four daughters –
Marion, Janet, Mary, and Margaret. The three
brothers, Robert, John, and Thomas McKendrick, were
all in the Dumfriesshire Militia, and did duty with the
regiment in various parts of the country Robert, the
eldest, had the rank of drill sergeant; . . . . His wife was a Scott, a
kinswoman of the late Provost Thomas Scott. John
McKendrick, the second son of the above John, was
born 6th May, 1785. He was a weaver, and followed
that occupation after the disbanding of the Militia.
His wife was Janet Blakely, second daughter of John
Blakely, mason in Sanquhar, and Mary Thomson. . . . .
John McKendrick and Janet, his wife, had
a family of three sons–John, Robert, and William, and
five daughters–Mary, Marion, Catherine, Janet, and
Martha. Robert McKendrick, the second son, was a
weaver; he married Margaret Clarkson, daughter of
Robert Clarkson, Sanquhar, and they had a family of
seven sons and two daughters, who, with the exception
of the fifth son, Robert, all survive, viz. –
John McKendrick, Corseburn, Sanquhar; Thomas Cook
McKendrick, proprietor of the Sanquhar Laundry;
David McKendrick, Temperance Hotel, Sanquhar;
William McKendrick, house factor, resident in Glasgow;
Robert McKendrick, joiner, Sanquhar; James
McKendrick, J.P., Bailie in Motherwell; Joseph
McKendrick, Burgh Treasurer, Sanquhar; Margaret
McKendrick, wife of Jacob Murdoch, Sanquhar; and
Jessie McKendrick, wife of James McCall, Pyetscleuch,
Sanquhar. . . . .
[Also see grave No. 66 in the new section below].
- John McKendrick. [1850].
- Robert Whigham of Hallidayhill.
- In Memory of George Whigham, who died 1783, aged
78 years. And Margaret Hamilton, his wife, who
died 25th January, 1774, aged 67 years. Also
Janet McMorine, his widow, who died January, 1784.
- In Memory of Robert Whigham, Esquire of Halliday
Hill, Provost of Sanquhar, who died 7th January,
1815 aged 79 years. And Elizabeth Kennedy, his
wife, who died 22nd July, 1822 aged 56 years.
Also, Margaret, their eldest child, who died 7th
August, 1795, aged 4 years. Also Robert, their
third child, who died 22nd January, 1795, aged one
year. Also Elizabeth, their sixth child, who died
26th June, 1817, aged 17 years.
- In Memory of George Whigham, Esquire of Halliday
Hill, who died at Burnfoot, 8th January, 1842, aged
49 years. Also his wife, Jane Anderson, who
died at Burnfoot, 6th February, 1854, aged 62
years. Also Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, who
died at Allanton, 14th December, 1830, aged 13
years. Also Robert Whigham, Captain 70th Regiment
and Lahore Light Horse, their only son, born
January 16th, 1831. Died at Benares, Bengal,
October 10, 1859, and was buried in the Cantonment Burying Ground there. Also Jemima Lucy
Maxwell Whigham, their eighth daughter, born
10th December, 1827, who died at Burnfoot, 13th
November, 1880. Also Elizabeth Whigham, their
tenth daughter, born 26th July, 1833, who died at Burnfoot, 25th March, 1884.
- The complete family of George Wigham is as follows:
- Robert, who entered the Army, held a Captain's
commission in the 70th Regiment and Lahore Light
Horse, and died in India at the early age of 28 years in 1859.
- Jane Finnan, married B. Rigby Murray, J.P.,
D.L., of Parton, Kirkcudbrightshire, youngest son of
George Murray of Ancoats Hall, Manchester. She died at Parton, 30th May, 1891.
- Barbara, married Robert Irving, J.P., of Plumdon, Annan,
formerly of Cove. She died 18th May, 1903.
- Mary, married James Kennedy, J.P., of Sundaywell, long resident at
Brandleys, and the first captain
of the Sanquhar Company of Rifle Volunteers. She
died at Dumfries, 25th March, 1905.
- Lilias, married Patrick V. Dudgeon, son of General Patrick Dudgeon.
- John Anne, married Frederick McConnel, J.P. of
Robgill Tower, and subsequently of Blackyett, Ecclefechan.
- Margaret Kennedy, married John Lawson Kennedy, D.L., J.P., of Knocknalling.
She died 25th April, 1905.
- Jemima Lucy Maxwell, died at Burnfoot, unmarried, 13th November, 1880.
- Helen G. E., married Rev. H. Bowen Cooke, Rector of Darfield, Yorkshire.
- Elizabeth, died at Burnfoot, unmarried, 25th March, 1884.
- Sacred to the Memory of George Frederic McConnel,
who died at Burnfoot on the 23rd of September,
1850, aged 4 years.
- In Memory of Barbara Kennedy, widow of John Crichton,
Esquire of Skeoch and Floors, who died 9th
March, 1842, aged 74 years.
- The above inscriptions are incised on marble tablets
let into a freestone screen that encloses the burial place
of the family of Whigham, lessees of the coal fields, and
long resident at Burnfoot.
The name of Whigham is found a long way back in
the annals of Sanquhar. Originally the name was spelt
Wigholme, and is so found in our earliest Sanquhar registers. . . . .
[Many pages of family history].
- James Whigham.
- Edward Whigham.
- In Memory of Edward Whigham, late Provost of Sanquhar,
who died 3rd October, 1823, aged 73 years.
Also, Jane Osborne, his wife, who died 6th
October, 1846, aged 88 years. Also, Jane Brown,
wife of Edward Whigham, junior, late merchant
here, who died 15th February, 1871, aged 74 years.
Also of the said Edward Whigham, who died 28th
December, 1874, aged 81 years.
- Edward Whigham, Provost of Sanquhar, was a native
of Leadhills. He came to Sanquhar when he was a
boy, and, while still a young man, obtained a lease of
the principal hostelry in the town – the Queensberry
Arms, or "New Inn," as it was at that time called
on account of its having been recently reconstructed
and partly rebuilt. Known at the present day as the
Queensberry Arms Hotel, and, colloquially, as "The
Inns," the house of which Edward Whigham became
the host, was one of the best known taverns and coaching
houses between Dumfries and Glasgow. If reliable
data could be obtained it would probably be shown
that it is one of the very oldest licensed places in the
country. . . . .
[Another son of Edward Wigham] John died on the 19th September,
1857; Robert, a younger brother, who had settled in
Glasgow, died some years later. There was another
son of Provost Edward Whigham, named George. He
was an assistant surgeon in the service of the Hon. East
India Company upon the Bombay establishment. He
died in 1836.
- John Young, Knockenhair.
- Unknown.
- James Kerr.
- Samuel Kerr.
- John McCall, Kiln.
- Samuel McCall, Ulzieside.
- Rev. James Reid.
- Christina Lindsay: In Affectionate Remembrance of
my father, the Rev. James Reid, for thirty-four
years Minister of the South United Presbyterian
Church here, died at Lanark 9th Feb., 1849. Also
of my mother, Janet McCall Reid, who died at
Ridge Park, Lanark, 21st January, 1880, aged 78.
- The fourth minister of the South U.P. Church was
the Rev. James Reid. He came from Newmilns, and
was ordained on the 10th of January, 1816. He
ministered with much acceptance and success for twenty-one
years, when failing health obliged him to have a
helper; and on January 10, 1838, the Rev. David
Murray Groom, from Perth, was called as his colleague
and successor. . . . .
Mr Reid's wife, Janet McCall, was a daughter of John
McCall, farmer in Castle-Gilmour (also named Auchengruith),
Sanquhar, and Margaret Jamieson, his wife.
Mr Reid died at Lanark in 1849, and his widow there
in 1880. They had an only child, Christina, who
became the wife of Mr Charles Lindsay of Lanark. . . . .
- John McCall, Auchengruith.
Mrs William Barker.
- William Broom of Penbreck.
- In Memory of William Broom, Esquire of Penbreck
and Carco Mains, who died 3rd July, 1825, aged
79 years, and Janet Johnstone, his wife, who died
12th March, 1802, aged 41 years. Also of John
Broom, their son, who died 10th March, 1802,
aged 14 years. Janet Broom, their daughter, who
died 9th August, 1818, aged 19 years. Jane
Broom, their daughter, who died 5th May,
1845, aged 49 years. William Broom,
their son, who died 6th June, 1869, aged
79 years, and of James Broom, Esquire of Dalwhat,
their son, who died 5th October, 1871, aged
73 years. Margaret Broom died at Dalwhat, 28th
September, 1891, aged 94 years.
- William Broom of Penbreck and Carco Mains was a
merchant in Sanquhar, and was entered a burgess in
1786. He owned much property in houses and land
in the burgh. He died in 1825, and was succeeded in
his lands by his eldest son William, who carried on a
drapery business. William Broom was elected Provost
on October 1, 1832, and was the first dissenter to fill
the chief magistrate's chair in Sanquhar; he held office
till Nov. 1, 1836, and was against [sic] Provost from Nov. 6,
1838, till November 6, 1840, when he resigned because
the burgh officer, John Donaldson, had been continued in
office contrary to his wishes, and he sat as a Councillor
till November 5, 1844, when he retired from the
municipal government. . . . .
Mr James Broom, brother of the Provost, was a successful merchant in Glasgow,
with an extensive connection in the United States . . . .
Neither Provost Broom nor his brother were married. Sisters of the Provost were
Mary, the wife of Mr John Halliday, of the Post
Office, and Katherine, wife of the Rev. William
McCall of Caitloch. Another sister, Miss Margaret
Broom, who died at Dalwhat in 1891, at the advanced
age of 94 years, was the last of the family.
- David Crichton, Crawick Mill.
- James Symington
- Adam Austin, Blawearie.
- In memory of William Austin, who died at Leadhills,
1st March, 1817, aged 45 years Also of Agnes
Coupland, his wife, who died 26th October, 1840,
aged 56 years. Also of the children of Adam
Austin, viz.– Archibald, who died 13th November,
1841, aged 3 months; Helen, who died 5th
January, 1846, aged 3 months; James, who died
15th December, 1856, aged 21 years; Robert, who
died at London, 16th April, 1864, aged 37 years:
also Janet, who died at Liverpool, 24th February,
1872, aged 32 years; also, of Hellen Slimmon, wife
of the said Adam Austin, who died 15th December,
1884, aged 83 years; also of the said Adam Austin,
who died 10th March, 1885, aged 82 years. Adam
Austin, son of the above, died 6th May, 1899, in
Philadelphia, U.S. of America.
- [See also grave No. 62.]
William Austin, who died at Leadhills in 1817, was
the head of what is now a fairly large and widely-scattered
progeny. He was connected with the lead
mining industry, and met his death by accident in one
of the mines. His widow, left with a family of three
sons and four daughters, removed to Sanquhar, and
succeeded in giving them all a good education and a
respectable start in life. Adam Austin, the eldest son,
was the best known member of the family. He commenced to
earn his own living as a carter when quite
a youth, and by patient industry and a conscientious
care of his customers' interests, he, in course of a few
years, secured a good connection, and latterly became
one of the leading contractors in the district. . . . .
At the present day there survive of Adam Austin's
family – Mr John Austin, long resident in London, now
in Manchester; Mr Edward Austin, Kansas City,
United States; Mrs Margaret Austin or Barbour, Great
Yarmouth; and Miss Agnes Austin of Blawearie, Sanquhar.
The above John Austin has a son, William
John Austin, and two daughters, Florence Elizabeth,
wife of Tom Wilson; Gorton, Manchester, and Miss
Ellen Martha Austin, resident in London. Mrs
Barbour has one son, Mr Adam Austin Barbour,
teacher, and two daughters, Misses Ellen and Mary
Barbour, all resident in Yarmouth. Another son of
Adam Austin was Archibald, who died in Philadelphia
in 1902; he is survived by three sons – Edward, Harry,
and Archibald, and two daughters – Ellen (Mrs
Shiflet) and Annie, all resident in the United States.
- William Wilson, bookseller.
- In Memory of William Wilson, late Bookseller in Sanquhar, who died 4th January, 1908,
aged 77 years. Agnes McCririck, his wife, died 7th April, 1910, aged 81 years.
- In memory of William Wilson, who died 3rd march, 1859, aged 18 months.
- Also of Adam Pyle, horsedealer, who died 2nd
June, 1859, aged 44 years. Also of Margaret
Lauder, relict of above Adam Pyle, who died 30th
May, 1864, aged 56 years. Thomas McCririck
Wilson, son of William Wilson, died 10th
January, 1863, aged 13 months.
- This is the burial place of (the author's) parents. William
Wilson was the son and only child of Robert Wilson
and Margaret Lauder, and was born in the High Street
of Sanquhar on the 31st of October, 1830. His forebears
on both sides had long been located in the Sanquhar
district. Robert Wilson was a native of Wanlockhead,
and was the son of William Wilson there.
They were direct descendants of Matthew Wilson, who
in the seventeenth century migrated from Allendale in
Northumberland and settled in Wanlockhead, where in
1691 he obtained a nineteen years' lease of the lead
mines, which he worked with much success; one of the
old workings still bears his name. . . . .
- David Somerville.
- Jacob Murdoch, builder.
- William Harper, Breconside.
- James Stewart.
- James Brown, weaver.
- William Brown, sexton.
- William Robertson, Crawickmill.
- No room.
- James Reid.
- James Halliday.
- John Thomson, Carco.
- James Hamilton, saddler.
- James Sloan, tinsmith.
- James McCall, Pyetscleugh.
- Thomas Allison, army pensioner.
- William Blackwood.
- Alex. Harvey, watchmaker.
- James Black, burgh officer.
- John Murray, shepherd.
- John Wilson, Castlebrae.
- William Wilson, Nether Farding.
- John McNae.
- John Slimmon.
- James Slimmon.
- Samuel Cook.
- Alexander Giffen.
- John Hunter.
- George Clennell.
- In Loving Remembrance of Thomas George Clennell,
who died 5th November, 1868, aged 11 months.
Also of George Edward, who died 20th October,
1871, aged 3 months. George Clennell, father of
the above, who passed away 23rd December, 1900,
aged 71 years.
- George Clennell was a native of the county of Durham.
He came to Sanquhar in 1852 as manager of the
Brick Works erected in that year by Robert Dickenson
of the Consett Fire Brick Manufactory, Shotley-Bridge,
Durham. Ultimately he became sole proprietor of the
works. . . . .
Associated with Mr George Clennell in the management of
the Brick Works was his brother, Mr Joseph
Clennell, now resident at Rabey Villa, almost a nonagenarian,
but still hale and hearty . . . .
George Clennell some years before he died sold the
Brick Works to a Mr Brodie, who carried them on with
success for several years; Messrs Isherwood Brothers
afterwards owned them, and latterly Mr Scott; now
they are the property of the Sanquhar and Kirkoonnel
Collieries Company. Mr Clennell left Sanquhar in
1889, and for some years was engaged in the wholesale
wine trade. He died, as his tombstone states, on the
23rd December, 1900, at the age of seventy-one. His
wife was Miss Sarah Elizabeth Pearson, Bradford. She
died in London in 1908. They had a family of 3 sons
and five daughters.
- Thomas Moffat.
- John Carnochan.
- Peter Haddow.
- James Haddow.
- John Hamilton.
- Captain James Hamilton.
- Sacred to the memory of James Hamilton, Esquire,
Provost of Sanquhar, and Captain in the Nithsdale
Volunteers and Local Militia Corps, who died the
26th April, 1815, aged 45. Erected by a few friends
as a mark of their highest esteem. 1816.
- Sacred to the memory of Robert Hamilton, eldest son
of James Hamilton, who died in the West Indies,
1827, aged 29 years.
- In memory of Jane Thompson, wife of James Hamilton,
who died 18th August, 1853, aged 83 years. Also
four children, who died in infancy. Also of Jane
Hamilton, their daughter, who died on 7th
November, 1867, aged 64 years.
- In memory of John Hamilton, formerly merchant in
Glasgow, who died at Crawick Cottage on 16th
January, 1876, aged 75 years, and Marion Crichton,
his wife, who died at Sanquhar on 28th April, 1875,
aged 63 years; and James and Janet, their children,
who died in infancy, and were interred in Glasgow
Necropolis.
- The monument with the above inscriptions is at once
the largest and most eminent sepulchral erection in
Sanquhar Kirkyard; it stands close to the footpath
leading to the west entrance of the kirk, and cannot fail
to arrest the attention of every visitor to the ancient
field of graves.
James Hamilton, or, as he sometimes signed his name,
"James Abbot Hamilton," was a native of Sanquhar,
and was born in the year 1770. His father, Robert
Hamilton, was for some time in Newport Pagnell, in
Buckinghamshire, and was cousin to Provost Robert
Whigham of Sanquhar; his mother was a Sanquhar
woman of the name of Witherington, "a lineal
descendant," says Dr Simpson, "of one of the heroes
of Chevy Chase," . . . .
James Hamilton entered the service of his relative,
Provost Whigham, merchant, as a clerk in 1786, where
an elder brother, William, was also employed. Later
on, he went in for farming. He married, in 1792, Jean
Thomson of Glenim, and on the wedding day he
gallantly carried off his bride on horseback before him
from Glenim to the farm of Drumbuie, of which, at that
time, he was tenant. He resided there until 1796,
when he removed to Crawickmill, and afterwards to
the Holm. In 1798 he commenced the business of
carpet making at the "Factory" at Crawick Bridge,
an industry begun in a small way that quickly increased,
and was successfully carried on for sixty years. Mr
Hamilton ever took an active interest in the affairs of
Sanquhar Burgh. He was admitted a burgess of
Sanquhar on the 4th February, 1799, and at Michaelmas,
the same year, was made a member of the Town
Council, sitting as a Councillor until October 5, 1801,
when he was elected Dean of Guild, an office he held
until the Michaelmas election of 1806, when for a time
he retired. In February, 1812, he and Hugh Workman,
residing at Drumlanrig, were elected Councillors "in
room of the Earl of Dalkeith and the Marquis of
Queensberry, resigned"; and on 5th October, 1812, he
was elected Provost, which honourable position he held
till his untimely death. His name appears on the
burgess rolls of the burghs of Dumfries and Annan.
His father, Robert Hamilton, was also for some time
a member of Sanquhar Town Council, and his brother
William was for many years one of the Bailies. Provost
Hamilton was a good business man, and was a useful
member of the Council; his establishment of the carpet
manufactory was a great help to the district. But it is
in his connection with the Volunteers that he is now
best remembered. The original corps of Volunteers in
Sanquhar was formed in August, 1803; it was one of
the companies of what was known as the "Nithsdale
Battalion of Volunteer Infantry." . . . .
- John McCall, Crawickmill.
- Robert Wallace, dyker.
- Josiah Lorimer, teacher.
- James Thorburn.
- George Young, Mossholm
- Thomas Walker.
- David Wilson, Dalbeattie.
- Sacred to the Memory of David Wilson, a native of
Dalbeattie, and late tea dealer, Dartford, Kent,
who died at Sanquhar Castle on the 8th March,
1841, aged 35 years.
- Like many who in days gone by engaged in the tea
business, David Wilson made an early fortune. He
had retired from business, and occupied a cottage near
the Castle. He was fond of sport, and had permission
to shoot over certain ground in the neighbourhood. He
was not particularly observant of the fourth commandment,
and more than once had scandalised the towns-folk by shooting
on Sundays. One Sabbath morning he
was out with his fowling piece; something went wrong,
and he was in the act of examining the gun when it
went off; the charge lodged in his chest, and he died
the following day. For a long time David Wilson's
untimely end was held out as a warning to all breakers
of the Sabbath.
- Thomas Johnstone.
- James Hunter, shepherd.
- John Lindsay.
- Robert Hunter.
- James Edgar, saddler.
- Thomas Ritchie.
- Thomas Thomson, Holm.
- Daniel Tod, baker.
- In Memory of Marion Stewart, spouse of Daniel Tod,
Sanquhar, who died 8th August, 1849, aged 46
years. Also Margaret Rae, spouse of the said D.
Tod, died 10th February, 1862, aged 28 years.
William, their son, died 17th April, 1859, aged 11
months. Also the above Daniel Tod, died 14th
January, 1876, aged 75 years. Beloved, Lamented.
- Daniel Tod was a native of the Upper Ward of
Clydesdale, and served his apprenticeship as a
baker in the town of Lanark with a tradesman
of the name of Purdie. He came to Sanquhar when quite a youth, and set up business on his
own account. He was a good baker, and for over half
a century made loaves, shortbread, scones, and bawbee baps for the townsfolk . . . .
He left one son, William Rae Tod who has had a successful business career in the city of
Edinburgh.
- Provost John Williamson.
- In Loving Memory of Margaret Paterson Gibb, wifie of
John Williamson, merchant, Sanquhar, who died
on the 16th August, 1879, in the 60th year of her
age. Also of the said John Williamson, who died
at Sanquhar on the 22nd April, 1881, in the 68th
year of his age. Also of their third son, John
Williamson, who died on the 9th January, 1851,
aged 22 days. Also of their second son, Thomas
Gibb, who died at Toronto, Canada, 6th September,
1904, aged 59 years. Yea though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for Thou art with me.
- [See also grave No. 374a].
Robert Williamson, who died at Bank of Yochanhead
in 1809, was a direct descendant of Alexander
Williamson, the Covenanter of Cruffel, and his tombstone
is erected against the east wall of the Kirk close
to that of Alexander, one of the Covenanter's sons
(vide page 121), who in all likelihood was his grandfather.
His eldest son, William, was the tenant of t'he
farm of Thirlesholm in Kirkconnel parish, and, latterly,
manager and part proprietor of the Crawick Mill
Carpet Manufactory. William Williamson died on the
17th March, 1840, and is buried in Kirkconnel Kirkyard.
John Williamson, the son of William, carried
on business as a draper and bookseller in the premises
in High Street now occupied by Miss Hair, and
he succeeded his father as the wool buyer for the
Carpet Works. He was genial and courteous to his
customers, did an extensive business, and was well-known
and respected throughout the whole neighbourhood. For
many years he took a prominent part in
municipal matters, and was one of the most public-spirited
Provosts the town has ever had He first
became a member of the Town Council on November
1, 1842, when he was appointed Burgh Treasurer,
holding that office till November 8, 1850, when he succeeded
his father-in-law, Mr Thomas Gibb, as Provost,
and was chief magistrate until November 5, 1858, when
for four years he sat as a Councillor, being again elected
Provost on December 16, 1862, and holding office till
November 6, 1866; the next two years he had a Councillor's seat, finally retiring in December, 1868, after
a period of twenty-six years' municipal service. . . . .
Provost Williamson's wife, who predeceased him,
was Margaret Paterson Gibb, daughter of Provost
Gibb. They left a family of three sons and four
daughters. The sons had been settled in Canada for
many years, and after their father's death their sisters
joined them. Of the Provost's family there now survive –
William, a publisher in Toronto; Henry, an
accountant and auditor; the Misses Catherine, Sarah,
and Margaret, and Mrs John Frank of Victoria, B.C.
The second son, Thomas, went to Canada after years
in China; he was a public accountant, often called in
by the Provincial Government to clear up difficult
Country and Township accounts; he died in Toronto in 1904.
- a. Provost Thomas Gibb.
- In Loving Memory of Jane Anderson, wife of Thomas
Gibb, farmer, Castlebrae, who died on the 28th
January, 1865, in the 80th year of her age. Also
of the said Thomas Gibb, who died on the 29th
April, 1872, in the 79th year of his age. Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord.
- Thomas Gibb was a native of Greenlaw in Berwickshire.
He came to Sanquhar some time in the twenties
as butler in the service of Colonel Veitch of Eliock. A
few years later he became landlord of the Queensberry
Arms Inn, succeeding James McGlashan, the previous
innkeeper, who had been drowned in the Nith while
watering horses. In those days, when coaches were
daily passing between Carlisle and Glasgow, the Inn
was generally well filled with travellers, and the
"Inn's Close" was a constant scene of bustle. Mr
Gibb had a large posting establishment, and he horsed
the coach between Sanquhar and New Cumnock – the
stiffest run between Carlisle and Glasgow. He was a
courteous and obliging host, got on well with the coach
passengers, and was a general favourite. He took a
zealous interest in the Burgh's welfare; he entered the
Town Council on November 5, 1839, when he was
elected one of the Bailies, and on November 18 the
following year he was raised to the Provostship in room
of Mr William Broom who then resigned. . . . .
- Adam Black, mason.
- William Morrison.
- James Beattie.
- George Kerr.
- Dr William Kay.
- In memory of John Ann Samson, daughter of William
Kay, surgeon, Sanquhar, who died 26th April,
1856, aged twenty months. Of David Kay, who
died in infancy. Of Margaret Kay, who died 22nd
September, 1872, aged 22 years. Also, of Janet
Samson, wife of the said William Kay, who died
28th November, 1891, aged 72 years. And of the
said William Kay, who died 31st August, 1905,
aged 86 years. Of William Kay, their son, who
died 19th May, 1905, aged 48 years. Of Alexander Kay, their son, who died 22nd June, 1906,
aged 58 years.
- Dr Kay was a native of Ochiltree parish in Ayrshire.
He came to Sanquhar in 1841, shortly before the death
of Dr Thomson, at whose decease he acquired the
greater part of the latter's practice. It was early discovered
that in Dr Kay the community had in their
midst a man of no ordinary stamp. Skilful in his profession,
his abilities were soon noticed, and his services
were engaged by all classes. For the long period of
62 years – till just two years before he died –
he practised as a physician and surgeon in the parishes of
Sanquhar and Kirkconnel, and often beyond, and for
many years he was the best known medical man in
Upper Nithsdale and its immediate confines. . . . .
William Kay, the son, who predeceased the Doctor,
had for many years been resident in South Africa,
where he died. Alexander, the eldest son, who survived
his father by a little over a year, had been
educated and trained to the law, but failing eyesight
compelled him to abandon his profession, and, while
still a young man, he returned to the paternal roof,
where he remained until his death. His knowledge of
legal matters was very considerable, and his advice was
frequently sought by parties unfortunate enough to
be entangled in the meshes of the law; to these his
counsel was freely and gratuitously given, and more
than one would-be litigant had reason to be thankful
for his kindly, cautious warning.
Dr Kay was a warm admirer of Robert Burns, and
he was proud of a relationship to him – his uncle,
William Lees, of Mauchline, having been married to
Janet Armour, a sister of "Bonnie Jean," the wife of
the poet. Dr Kay is survived by two sons – Charles and
James, resident in America, and two daughters –
Misses Eliza and Jessie, resident in Sanquhar.
- James Lawrie.
- Gavin Lindsay, Holm.
- Archibald Dickson, shepherd.
- Tramps and Casuals.
- Andrew Williamson.
- Robert Wilson, builder.
- –. Ballantyne.
- George Ballantyne.
- John Stoddart, plater.
- David Lockerbie.
- Robert Robertson.
- John Tweddel.
- In Loving Memory of John Tweddel, who died at
Sanquhar, 22nd August, 1890, aged 62 years.
Much loved and deeply regretted. Elizabeth
McMichael, his wife, who died 25th April, 1896,
aged 69 years. Though lost to sight to Memory dear.
- [See also graves No. 421 & 687].
- William McMath.
- John Lockhart.
- No name.
- Alex. Macintosh.
- No name.
- B. Arnot, spinner.
a. John Friendship.
- David Murdoch, tailor.
- Samuel Gibson.
a. James McCall.
- John Cunningham.
- In Memory of John Cunningham, watchmaker, who
died at Sanquhar, 26th March, 1901, aged 50 years.
William, his son, who died at Sanquhar, 14th
April, 1887, aged 13 years. Also Margaret Whigham,
his wife, who died at Preston, 18th May,
1906, aged 56 years.
- William Cunningham succeeded to his fathers business
in Sanquhar; [see grave No. 409] he was a good workman, and like his
father had a wide business connection. . . . .
(He) lived all his days in Sanquhar,
and died at the age of 67 years on the 27th August,
1880. His wife was Margaret Combs, a cheery old
woman, who survived him till December 2, 1883. They
left three sons – Alexander, John, and George, all
watchmakers, and two daughters – Jane and Sarah.
John continued the business in Sanquhar; Alexander
and George removed to Moffat, and are resident there;
Jane, now deceased, was the wife of Robert Wilson of
Kirkpatrick's Coachworks, Old Cumnock; Sarah, widow
of Thomas Ferguson, resides in Castle Street, Sanquhar. . . . .
John Cunningham's wife was Margaret, daughter of John Whigham, weaver, Sanquhar,
and they are survived by two sons and two
daughters, viz.: – John and Alexander, both resident in
Sanquhar, the latter carrying on the business; Jessie,
wife of Edward Watson, resident in Preston, Lancashire;
and Margaret, wife of Thomas Glencross, resident in St. Andrews.
The trade of a watchmaker and jeweller now carried
on by Alexander Cunningham in the High Street is the
oldest established business in the burgh. . . . .
- a. D. Murray.
- Joseph Carruthers, solicitor.
- James Laurie, schoolmaster.
- Sacred to the memory of James Laurie, Graduate of the
Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, Headmaster
of the Crichton School from 1846 to 1879, who died
13th September, 1902, aged 97 years. His former
pupils and fellow-townsmen erected this monument
in grateful remembrance of his distinguished success
as a teacher, and of his readiness on every
occasion to place his medical skill gratuitously at
the service of all.
- Mr James Laurie was a native of Dunscore, and
received his early education at Burnhead School in that
parish. With the intention of following a medical
career he proceeded to Edinburgh University, where
he took his diploma as a surgeon. He practised some
time in his native parish, and was one of the small
heroic band of doctors who so courageously attended
those stricken with cholera morbus in the dreadful
visitation of that fearful malady to Dumfries in 1832.
But he did not seem to have taken kindly to making his
living as a doctor, and not long after his leaving College
he received an appointment as schoolmaster at Burnhead,
where he himself had been taught. He there
came under the notice of Mrs Crichton of Friars'
Carse, widow of the founder of the Crichton School,
and, when in 1846, the mastership of ths school became
vacant through the death of Josiah Lorimer, he was
offered, and accepted, the post which he held with conspicuous
success for 33 years. . . . .
The death of his wife, Agnes McMillan, was a great
blow to Mr Laurie. She died July 3, 1884, aged 74
years. They had been an affectionate couple, and he
missed her greatly. They had two daughters – Mary,
married to Mr Archibald Hair, for many years schoolmaster
at Durisdeer; and Jessie, now deceased, who
became the wife of Mr R. W. Carson, F.E.l.S., headmaster
of Sanquhar Public School, and who succeeded
Mr Laurie in the mastership of the Crichton School
upon his retirement in 1879.
- William McCririck, Crawickmill.
- Andrew Thomson, Knockenjig.
John McCall, station auditor.
- William Lindsay, plater.
- James Graham, clothier.
- Peter Turnbull, blacksmith.
- Adam Hamilton, burgh officer.
- Barney McCaw.
- James Farrow, mason.
- William Kerr, ironmonger.
- James Sharp, barber.
- Matthew McIver of Roddings.
- William McLatchie.
- John Laurie, Dalgoner.
- John Carson.
- Thomas Robertson.
- John Crichton, Crawickmill.
- Thomas McGaughie.
- Thomas Glencross.
- Alexander Morrison.
- Thomas Kirkhope, flesher.
- Thomas Waugh
- Robert Brown.
- William Young, flesher.
- Robert Spence, carter.
- John L. Muir, miner.
- John Paterson, Craigdarroch.
- John Colvin, farmer.
- Thomas Black, Mennock.
- John Maxwell, farm servant.
- William Brodie.
- No name.
- John Kerr, Eliock.
- John Burns, shepherd.
- Thomas Crichton, Newtown.
- James McCaw.
- William McKendrick, Crawickmill.
- No name.
- William Tomkins.
- John Black.
- William Cotts.
- No name.
- William Gray.
- No name.
- Robert McCririck.
- Peter Laing.
- William Wilson, Crawickmill
- Adam Reid, Carco.
- John Ferguson, dyker.
- Thomas Ferguson, innkeeper.
- No name.
- Alex. Lewis.
- James McKnight, Glasgow.
- John Brown.
- Robert Sloan, draper.
- John Broadfoot, dyker.
- James Fingland Wilson, joiner.
- James Brown, Kirkconnel.
- No name.
- William Hunter, South Mains.
- David Fraser.
- William Lockhart.
- Stewart Nivison.
- James Stitt.
- John Tinto, shepherd.
- Walter Scott Smith.
- David Hamilton.
- No name.
- No name.
- No name.
- Thomas. G. Mathiesion.
- Robert Dalgliesh, Ulzieside.
- Thomas Torrance, drainer.
- No name.
- No name.
- John Halliday, farm servant.
- No name.
- No name.
- John Glencross, dyker.
- John Todd, tailor.
- Robert Drife.
- George McMurdo, Crawickmill.
- William Grierson, shepherd.
- John Brown, Eliock.
- John Cook, wood forester.
- James McQuat, shepherd.
- William Dargavel, farm servant.
- James Rigg, Crawick Forge.
- James Hyslop.
- Thomas Stobbs, senior.
- Edward Dalziel.
- James Love.
- Joseph McGowan.
- No name.
- Archibald Lindsay.
- Thomas Black, Mennockbridge.
- James McCall, Pyetscleugh.
- No name.
- David Dobson.
- Thomas Wilson, Cogshead.
- No name.
- Rev. W. D. Veitch of Eliock.
- William Douglas Veitch of Eliock, Clerk in Holy Orders.
Born 5th August, 1801. Entered into Life 4th September, 1884.
- Here wait a Glorious Resurrection the mortal remains
of Douglas D'Arcy Wilberforce Veitch. Born 1st
October, 1845. At rest 18th March, 1883.
- The family of Veitch originally came from France. . . . .
[With nine pages of family history].
- J. C. Pendrigh, chemist.
- William Tweddel.
- In affectionate remembrance of Clara Smith, beloved
wife of William Tweddel, who died at Sanquhar
31st August, 1884, aged 28 years. Also of
Barbara Borthwick, his mother-in-law, who died
at Sanquhar, 20th April, 1890, aged 56 years.
Also of the above William Tweddel, who died at
Sanquhar 20th August, 1897, aged 47 years – Thy
will be done.
- [See also graves No. 421 & 573].
The name of Tweddel is a familiar one in Sanquhar,
for the family has been resident in the Burgh for many
generations. In February 28, 1744, there is a disposition
of property in favour of George Tweddale and
Nicolas Kellock, spouses, which is the earliest mention
of the name in the Burgh registers. James
Twedale, weaver, in all probability their descendant,
took a prominent part in the affairs of the Incorporation
of Weavers, and as Deacon of the craft had a seat
in the Town Council from October 4, 1790, till October
1, 1792. He was the father of William Tweddel,
weaver, whose name is recorded on the tombstone.
This William had three brothers – James, familiarly
known as "The Elder"; John, who died in early
manhood; and Thomas. They were all strong, well-built men,
as the Tweddels are to this day, and early
last century when war's alarms were stirring the
patriotism of the youth of the country, William,
James, and Thomas enlisted in the Dumfries Militia,
which at that period was embodied for several years,
and did duty in various parts of the country. The
three brothers were steady, well-behaved men, and each
managed to save a few pounds while on service, which
they remitted to Sanquhar for the benefit of those at
home. But at home they were in comfortable circumstances,
and did not require the money; it was laid
past; and when the brothers) got married the savings
provided a handsome eight-day clock for each of them.
These clocks, I believe, are still to the fore, and are
now cherished as family heirlooms William Tweddel,
on leaving the Militia, settled down to the weaving,
and took for his wife Margaret McKendrick, daughter
of John McKendrick and Mary Milligan. They had a
family of three sons and three daughters, of whom one
only now survives – Mr Thomas Tweddel, Townfoot
Sanquhar.
James Tweddel, the eldest son, followed the occupation
of his father and grandfather, that of a weaver,
and he worked at the loom for many years. While
still a young man he entered into partnership with Mr
John McQueen, the pair weaving and selling their own
webs; but latterly each struck out on his own account,
and James Tweddel commenced manufacturing for
himself, . . . . (then) found employment for his leisure in the
Town Council, to which he was elected on November
7, 1871, being Junior Bailie the following year, and
Dean of Guild from November 4, 1873, till November
7, 1876. He again sat as a Bailie from November 5,
1878, till November 1, 1881, and again from November
4, 1884, till November 1, 1887, when he finally retired.
His wife was Margaret Derby, daughter of Andrew
Derby in Closeburn; she survived him nine years, and
dtied at the advanced age of eighty-eight. . . . .
They are survived by one son, Mr
Forbes Ross Tweddel, Provost of Sanquhar, and seven
daughters, – Annie, wife of Mr William Hyslop,
bank agent, Hove; Margaret, wife of Mr James
Walker, resident in Liverpool; Jessie, wife of Mr J.
C. Pendrigh, chemist, Sanquhar; Mary, wife of Bailie
James Graham, Sanquhar; Agnes, wife of Mr
Charles Briggs, Liverpool; Marion, wife of Mr James
Crichton, Glasgow; and Catherine, wife of Mr
Alexander Henderson, Glasgow.
John Tweddel, who died 22nd August, 1890, was the
second son of William Tweddel and Margaret McKendrick.
He also was a weaver; but on the failure of the
hand-loom weaving he had to find other employment,
and for many years before his death was Manager of
the Sanquhar Water Company. He was of a quiet
disposition, and seldom took part in public affairs.
Fond of music, he was for many years a member of the
Sanquhar Town Band and, later, of the Volunteer
Band, his sons William and James being players in the
latter. John Tweddell's wife was Elizabeth McMichael,
daughter of John McMichael in Spoth, and, as stated
elsewhere, she had a double strain of Covenanting blood
in her veins, being descended from the McMichaels of
Durisdeer and Alexander Williamson in Cruffel. They
had a family of five sons – William, the eldest, who
died 20th August, 1897, was in the Town Council from
November 10, 1893, and held the office of Dean of Guild
from May 1, 1896, until his death. The other sons are
Mr John Tweddle, Nithsdale House, Sanquhar; Mr
James Tweddle, resident in Aylesbury; Mr Thomas
Tweddle, baker, Sanquhar; and Mr George Tweddle, Aylesbury.
- Archibald Campbell.
- John Gallocher, postman.
- Thomas Stobbs, junior.
- James A. Smith.
- James Kirk, Brockholm.
- Rev. J. E. Christie.
- Neil Buchanan.
- No name.
- John Alexander.
- David Turnbull, Eliock.
- Thomas Tweddel, weaver.
- James Wilson.
- Robert McCall, surfaceman.
- Peter Copland.
- George Hunter.
- No name.
- James Hyslop, quarryman.
- Rev. G. Davies.
- William Haddow, tailor.
- Still-born children.
- Robert Rennie.
- Jane Campbell.
- Children.
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NEW GROUND ADDED IN 1896.
- William Kirkhope.
a. No name.
- David Russell.
- Joseph Clennell.
- Robert Lockhart.
- Thomas Rorrison.
- In Loving Memory of Janet McCall, wife of Thomas
Rorrison, farmer, Eliock Grange, who died 18th
February, 1901, aged 57 years. Also the said
Thomas Rorrison, who died at Sanquhar 2nd
Sep., 1910, aged 85 years. Margaret, their
daughter, who died 15th July, 1901, aged 26 years.
William, their son, who volunteered for Active
Service with Imperial Yeomanry (107th Coy.) in
South Africa, and was killed in action at Brakspruit,
near Klerksdorf, on 13th Nov., 1901, aged 25 years.
- In Loving Memory of Robert Rorrison, their son, who
died at Irvine 26th Oct., 1905, aged 34 years.
- The daring spirit and thirst for adventure that has
characterised so many of the offspring of Alexander
Williamson, the Covenanter, was eminently marked in
William Rorrison, his descendant in the sixth generation.
Willie, as he was familiarly called, was born at
the Old Mains, where his father and grandfather had
been for many years previous to the latter taking the
farm of Eliock Grange. On leaving school he entered
the service of the late Mr Wm. Kerr, of the Sanquhar
Post Office, and on finishing his apprenticeship got a
situation in the Post Office at Paisley, where he was
for a little over five years. He joined the Volunteers
soon after he went to Paisley, and became a leading
member of the signalling corps, his knowledge of telegraphy
coming in particularly handy. . . . .
- William McCririck.
- William Gibson.
- James Cron.
- Robert Broadfoot.
- John Kerr.
- James Inglis.
- D. Cuthbertson, Eliock.
- John Steel.
- William Brown, Dalpeddar Cottage.
- Robert McMurdo.
- Thomas Weir.
- James Kellock.
- Irving Gilbertson.
- James Ferguson.
- Thomas Pearson, lodging-house keeper.
- Robert McGaughie.
- James Walker.
- Thomas Kerr, miner.
- William Jardine, fish merchant.
- James Hunt.
- John Wilson.
- James Gibson.
- David Ferguson.
- J. Young, Shielholm.
- –. Bone.
- Joseph Kerr.
- Archibald Haddow, collier.
- James Hiddleston.
- –. Hyslop, Glenglass.
- Archibald Telfer.
- Robert Broadfoot, carter.
- George Brown.
- George Dunlop.
- No name.
- –. Mitchell, Tower Cottages.
- Joseph McGowan.
- Thomas Dunlop.
- Alex. McGaughie.
- John Graham, shepherd.
- David Shankland.
- Alex. McMurdo.
- Thomas Stitt.
- Mrs Steel or Kerr.
- William McMath, jun.
- William Stewart.
- Alex. Borthwick.
- John Hiddleston, UIzieside.
- John Hiddleston, forge worker.
- Matthew Parker.
- John Johnstone.
- Robert Sharp.
- No name.
- William Young.
- William Scott.
- Mrs Newton or Dunlop.
- John Menzies.
- John McCaw.
- Ballantyne Howat.
- Thomas Pollock.
- James Cotts.
- Thomas C. McKendrick.
- Erected by Thomas C. McKendrick in Loving Memory
of his wife, Mary Elizabeth Scott, who died at
Newark, 8th August, 1899, aged 47 years.
- In Loving Memory of Emily Williamson Shiels, beloved
wife of Robert McKendrick, who died at
Winnipeg, Canada, 17th Sept., 1907, aged 28
years.
- [See also graves No. 489 & 490 above].
- John Laidlaw, Glengar.
- John Kerr, Mennockbridge.
- Robert Dalgliesh.
- John Laidlaw, grocer.
- Joseph C. McKendrick.
- James Mair Symington.
- William Kerr, Post Master.
- Nisbet Gray.
- Archibald Gilmour.
- Thomas Hunter.
- Thomas Ferguson.
- James Marr, Holm.
- William Kinstrie, clothier.
- Archibald Haining.
- James Duff, joiner.
- Joseph McArthur.
- Peter Carruthers.
- John Love, miner.
- Walter Chisholm.
- Finlay McMillan.
- John Merry, pointsman.
- William Armstrong.
- James Copland.
- Alex. McMurdo.
- William Crichton.
- Charles Hamilton.
- John Glencross.
- Samuel Hiddleston.
- Robert Gould, tailor.
- Isaac Young.
- William Inglis.
- William Milligan.
- –. Hiddleston, Euchan.
- Thomas Scott, posting-master.
- No name.
- No name.
- James Broadfoot, dyker.
- James Bauld.
- James Watson, shepherd.
- David McGlashan.
- George Hunter.
- John McMinn, Littlemark.
- Alexander Maxwell.
- William Ritchie, blacksmith.
- Thomas Campbell, miner.
- John Brown.
- Thomas McGauchie.
- James Murdoch.
- Robert Cook.
- Robert Laurie, Mennockbridge.
- J. Shearer.
- Frank White.
Numbering break.
- Matthew Nimmo, carter.
- Charles Brown.
- Samuel Bell.
- William Paterson.
- David Marshall.
- Robert McFarlane.
- John Kirkhope, jun., flesher.
- Robert Johnstone, Whitehill.
- James Aitken.
- Hugh Vallance, gravedigger.
- William McFadzean.
- Robert Hyslop, Glenglass.
- George McMinn, Tower Cottage.
- No name.
- James McMurdo.
- James Forsyth.
- Robert Wilson, Old Cumnock.
- Alexander Nichol.
- Thomas Douglas.
- John Brown, tailor.
- John Watson, tailor.
- James Cockburn, miner.
- William McKie.
- William Frame.
- William Dickson.
Numbering break.
- John Craig, Dalpeddar.
- James Robert Wilson, solicitor.
- In Loving Memory of James Robert Wilson, solicitor,
Sanquhar and Thornhill, who died 27th January,
1910, aged 72 yeans.
- James Robert Wilson was a native of the parish of
Ochiltree in Ayrshire, where his father was tenant of
the farm of Cooper Hill. He served his legal apprenticeship
with Mr C. G. Shaw, writer, in Ayr, and afterwards went
to Edinburgh, where he attended the law
classes in the University, and for some years was in
the writing chambers of Messrs J. and F. Anderson
thiere. In 1866 he started business on his own account
in Thornhill, but was there less than twelve months
when he was appointed agent of the Royal Bank in
Sanquhar, and he took up his residence in the burgh.
He held the appointment of bank agent until 1905,
when he retired on pension; but he continued to carry
on his legal business, in which he was associated with
his eldest son, Mr Robert Wilson. . . . .
Soon after commencing business at Thornhill, Mr Wilson married
Miss Agnes Smith, daughter of the late Mr Andrew
Smith of the well-known box-works at Mauchline, and
he is survived by her and five sons and three daughters.
Mr Robert Wilson, the eldest son, for many years had
been in partnership with his father, and now holds all
the appointments held by him. Andrew, the second
son, holds an important commercial position in London;
and the three other sons – James, David, and William –
are all in business in Montreal. Of the daughters,
Agnes, the eldest, is the wife of Mr John Paterson, son
of the late Mr John Paterson, Craigdarroch, Eliock,
and is resident in Ayr, where her husband is an official
Land Valuer for the Government; Maggie is the wife of
Mr W. S. Leslie, and resides at Montreal in Canada; the
second daughter – Mary – is unmarried, and resides with
her mother at St. Helen's, Sanquhar.
- Allan Caldwell.
- T. G. Salmon, teacher.
- Adam Black, shoemaker.
- John Cotts.
- Thomas Ferguson, surfaceman.
- Robert McKendrick, joiner.
- David Williamson.
- In Loving Memory of David Williamson, son of Alexander
Willamson, born at Sanquhar 30th October,
1858. Died at Hayward's Heath, Sussex, 17th November, 1909.
- David Williamson was the third son of the late Alexander
Williamson, Rose Cottage Sanquhar. He served
an apprenticeship to the late J. R. Wilson, solicitor,
Royal Bank, and afterwards went out to Canada, where
he had a successful business career. He ever retained a
warm affection for his native burgh, and for many years
prior to his death it was his custom, at the New Year,
to remit to his late father and his brother William, a
sum of money for distribution among the deserving poor.
In his will he left a sum of £369 8s 10d to the Town
Council of Sanquhar, the interest of which is paid out
annually to those of the poor whom the Council think
best deserving.
- W. E. Paterson, Craigdarroch.
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JOHN LORIMER McCALL MEMORIAL TABLET
Sacred to the Memory of Mr John Lorimer McCall,
youngest son of Mr James McCall, Crawickmill,
near Sanquhar, Assistant Surgeon of the Royal
Navy, who died on board Her Majesty's Ship Pembroke,
in Vourla Bay, near Smyrna, on the 22nd
day of October, 1838, in the 27th year of his age.
This Tablet was erected by the Captain and Officers
of the Pembroke as a mark of their respect to the
memory of a person who was esteemed in proportion as his worth was known.
The marble tablet with above inscription is on the
wall to the right of the pulpit, and is the only mural
memorial in Sanquhar Kirk.
John Lorimer McCall was spoken of by those who
knew him as being a young man of exceptional promise.
His father, who survived him till 1872, was one
of the partners of the Crawickmill Carpet Company,
and a sister was the late Janet Lorimer McCall, widow
of James Rigg, who died 22nd March, 1906, aged 86
years. [See grave No. 307.]
Previous to his leaving Sanquhar, Surgeon McCall
was presented by the operatives in the various departments
of the Carpet Works with a silver watch as "a
token of their esteem for his talents and character,
and an earnest of their wishes for his further prosperity"
– "Dumfries Courier," February 3, 1832.
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ROYAL NAVY SURGEONS FROM SANQUHAR
In the early years of last century quite a large
number of young men from Sanquhar were serving as
surgeons in the Navy. The names of several are recorded
on tombstones in the Kirkyard. Among these are –
- [Numbers refer to the grave numbers in the above list].
- Andrew Halliday, surgeon, brother of John Halliday
of the Post Office, who died in the Island of Timor,
Asia, 1st March, 1805, aged 27 years;
- Andrew Colvin, Assistant Surgeon in H.M. Navy, youngest son
of Robert Colvin, who died at Tobago, West Indies,
Oct. 25, 1820, aged 28 years;
- John Taylor,
Surgeon, Royal Navy, son of John Taylor, tenant of
Sanquhar Castle, who died 23rd Sep., 1826, aged 36 years;
- David Harvey, Surgeon, Royal Navy,
son of Bailie Harvey, who died 3rd Sept., 1831, aged
20 years.
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APPENDIX :
SANQUHAR KIRKYARD IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
I am indebted to the Rev. J. Richmond Wood,
parish minister of Sanquhar, for the following copy of
an old list, in his possession, of the burial places in
Sanquhar Kirkyard. The list has no date; but from a
similarity of the writing to other documents I have
seen and from the names in the list, one may safely
put it down as having been compiled about the year
1750. Mr Wood got the list from the late Mrs
Kennedy in Burnfoot, who informed him that it had
formerly belonged to her father – Mr George Whigham
of Hallidayhill. The late Marquis of Bute was much
interested in the old document, which he had carefully
protected by glass and framed in the handsome leather
case in which it is now preserved in Sanquhar Manse.
NOTE OF BURIAL PLACES IN SANQUHAR KIRKYARD
- On the west side of the entry to the Churchyard,
next the west dyke, the burial place of William
Cranian in Dykehead, James Cranian in Sanquhar,
three yards and twenty-one inches in breadth and a
grave length at eight foot.
- In the north west of the said, burial place of the heirs
of Gilbert Grier in Sanquhar, four yards in breadth
and a grave length.
- Further on the north, next the dyke, the burial
place of John McMath in Sanquhar, five yards and
twenty-eight inches in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, next the dyke, the heirs of William
Dyer in Sanquhar, three yards and thirteen inches in
breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, next. the dyke, William and James
Ingraham, four yards and twenty-four inches.
- Further north, next the dyke, David [ ] in Braidlees,
three yards and thirty-four inches in breadth and a grave in length.
- Further north, next the dyke, Abraham Dempster's
family belonging to the [ ] of Dobie, three yards and
a half in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, next the dyke, George Lorimer in
Gateside, four yards and ten inches in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, next the dyke, William Park in
Sanquhar, three yards in breadth and a grave length.
- Beginning again at the Kirkstyle from the Cranians'
burial place, Robert Lorimer in Connellbuss, four yards
in breadth and two stones and one grave in length.
- Further north, Andrew Muir in Killiside, the heirs
of Mathew Muir in Stoakford, three yards and six
inches and a grave length.
- Further north, the heirs of Baillie Black in Sanquhar,
three yards and twenty-four inches in breadth,
twenty inches in length, which ground is common on
the west hereof.
- Further north, Edward Wilson in Drumcask, three
yards and twenty-seven inches in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, the heirs of George Walker in
Chappel, three yards and a half in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, the heirs of James Kellock, weaver,
now belonging to Ninian Cunningham, two yards and
twenty inches in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, John Woodman in Wanlockhead, a
yard and a half in breadth and grave length.
- Further north, John Humphrey in Sanquhar, two
yards and twenty inches in breadth and grave length.
- Further north, Andrew Fleming in Craukmilne,
three yards in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, Gibsons in Glenwhargan, five yards
and thirty-two inches in breadth and a grave length.
- Again beginning at the entry to the Kirk, the third
row, John Cowan, smith in Sanquhar, five yards in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north in third row, George [ ] in Cog,
three yards and a half in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Baillie Black in Sanquhar
now Baillie Hair's, three yards and three inches in breadth and a grave in length.
- Further north, John Allison in Sanquhar, two yards and twenty inches in breadth.
- Further north, Samuel Hunter in Hurlebuss, two
yards and twenty-three inches in breadth and a grave in length.
- Further north, John Dripes in Wanlockhead, one yard and thirty-three inches.
- Further north, John Milligane, weaver in Sanquhar,
formerly McCenrick's, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Thomas Laurie in Craukmilne, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, William Thomson in Craukmilne,
two yards and nine inches.
- Further north, the heirs of Andrew Bissart, weaver,
two yards in breadth.
- Further north, William Alexander in Wanlockhead, three yards.
- Fourth Row, beginning at the east corner of John
Cowan's burial place, Thomas Turnbull, late in Whitehill,
three yards in breadth and a grave length.
- Further north, the heirs of Provost Carmichael in
Sanquhar, two yards eight inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of William Hislop in Sanquhar, one
yard and nine inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of William Hunter in
Sanquhar, two yards and twenty-seven inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Provost Hunter in Sanquhar,
two yards and thirty-four inches.
- Further north, the heirs of Baillie Reid in Sanquhar,
two yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of John Dumbreck, two
yards and nine inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Alexander Williamson in
Burnfoot, four yards and a half in breadth and two graves in length.
- Further north, Robert Gordon in Knockendale, two yards.
- Fifth Row, from the east side of the entry to the
Kirkyard, the heirs of Edward Withringtoun in Sanquhar,
two yards and nine inches in breadth.
- Further north, William K. [ ] in Bank, two yards
and thirteen inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of John Wilson, kirk
officer in Kirkconnel, one yard and twenty inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Thomas Herbertson,
coalier in Gavels, one yard and fourteen inches.
- Further north, William Johnston in Craukmilne, a
yard and two inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of John Moslie in Craukmilne,
two yards and thirteen inches.
- Further north, the heirs of James Crichton in Stoodfold, two yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of James Black in Sanquhar, two yards in breadth.
- Further north, the Ministers of Sanquhar, three
yards and twenty-three inches.
- Further north, Charles Crichton merchant, one yard in breadth.
- On the east of the Ministers' and Charles Crichton's
burial place, from the Kirk wall to the burial place of
James Crichton in Stoodfold, the heirs of Alexander
Crichton, late Baillie in Sanquhar, four yards and a half-yard.
- Sixth Row, from the south dyke on the east of the
entry, the heirs of [ ] Lorimer in Greenford of Drumlanrig,
six yards in breadth.
- Further north on said sixth row, the heirs of James
Dempster in Whitehill and John Dempster in
Bridgend, three yards and thirty inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Baillie Robert Hamilton
in Sanquhar, four yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of William Johnston, late
Baillie in Sanquhar, two yards and a half in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of John McCall in Auchintagart, five yards in breadth.
- Seventh Row, from the south dyke, the heirs of
Baillie William Thomson in Sanquhar, two yards and twenty-eight inches.
- Further north, William Dalzell in Wanlockhead, two
yards and ten inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Archibald Brown in Sanquhar, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Robert Cook in Sanquhar, four yards.
- Further north, the heirs of William Allison in Sanquhar, four yards.
- Further north, the heirs of George Laurie in Craukmilne, two yards and twenty-six inches.
- Further north, the heirs of James Dalzel in Ringbrae, two yards and a half in breadth
- Eighth Row, from the south dyke, the heirs of James
Wilson, drover, in Eliock, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Thomas Fleming in
Knockenjig, three yards in breadth.
- This cut out by the burial places in the East and
West belonging to [ ].
- Ninth Row, from the south dyke, the said Thomas
Fleming in Knockenjig and John Fleming in Gateside,
five yards and twenty-four inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Andrew McMillan in
Glengape, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Robert Tait in Wanlockhead, one yard.
- Further north, the heirs of John Broadfoot in Sanquhar, two yards and twelve inches.
- Further north, the heirs of Jean and Agnes Dickson
in Wanlockhead, now belonging to Aaron Bramwel in
Sanquhar two yards and twenty-four inches in breadth.
- Further north to the Kirk wall, the heirs of William
McCleg in South Mains, three yards and a half.
- Tenth Row, from the south dyke, Robert Harper in
Kersten, three yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of William Kellock in Sanquhar,
three yards and twelve inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of James Lockie in Clanries,
two yards and twenty-seven inches.
- Further north, the heirs of Robert Tail in Wanlockhead, two yards and twenty-seven inches.
- Further north, James Orr, one yard and twenty-four inches in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of James Fisher in Sanquhar, two yards in breadth.
- Further north, the heirs of Robert Black, taylor in
Sanquhar, two yards and twenty-four inches.
- Further north, the heirs of John Forsyth in Sanquhar, two yards and a half to the Kirk wall.
- Eleventh Row, from the south dyke northward, three
yards and twenty-four inches, belonging now to the Session of Sanquhar.
- Further north, three yards and a half, the heirs of
John Crichton, hows-carl, who lived in Kirkconnel
parish, and was a travelling merchant, now possessed by Charles Crichton.
- Further north, three yards and a half, the heirs of
James Williamson in Knockengeig.
- Further north, three yards and twelve inches, half
length mean betwixt the burial place on the East and West.
- Further north, four yards, the heirs of John McCall,
late in Castle Mains, thereafter in Kilne.
- Further north to the Kirk wall, three yards and a
half, the heirs of Robert Davidson, coalier in Sanquhar,
who lived in Whitehill.
- Twelvth Row, from the south dyke, five yards to
George Lorimer in Gateside, officer.
- Further north, two yards and twelve inches to the
heirs of James Crichton, smith, now belonging to
Alexander Brown, containing two through stones.
- Further north, four yards and twelve inches belonging
to the heirs of Robert Park, late Provost, and to
Helen Park, his daughter and her heirs only, the length
of the entry to the quire.
- Thirteenth Row, from the south dyke, six yards, the
heirs of John Whipam in Knocken [ ], workman in
Wanlockhead, and James Whipam, workman in Wanlockhead, who
lived in Little Carco, two brothers.
- Further north, two yards and a half, the heirs of
Mathew McCenrick in Sanquhar.
- Further north, three yards, the heirs of James Gibson,
late Bailie in Sanquhar, now to John Gibbon,
mason, his son, one through.
- Further north, two yards of vacant ground, not full
length, mean betwixt the burial-places on East and West.
- Further north, from the entry to the Queer door to
the Queer wall, three yards, belonging to the Session,
said to be sold to James Broadfoot in South Mains.
- Fourteenth Row, from said south wall, three yards
and a half, the heirs of John Walls, weaver in Sanquhar.
- Further north, the heirs of John Stewart, herd in Euchan.
- Further north, two yards, Samuel Dalyel in Glenmuckcleugh,
now James Young's in Glengenny.
- Further north, one yard and nine inches, the heirs
of John Russell, miner in Wanlockhead.
- Further north, two yards and ten inches, the heirs
of John Brown, late Baillie in Sanquhar, two through stones.
- Further north, one yard, James Hair in Daunkbank,
formerly belonging to John Russell in Daunkbank.
- Further north, to the Queer door, a yard and a half,
James dark, tincker, and his heirs.
- Fifteenth Row, from south dyke, four yards and a
half, the heirs of John Weir in Conrig.
- Further north, the heirs of Ninian Aiken, two yards and a half.
- Further north, two yards and a half, John Williamson, smith in Gateside.
- Further north, three yards and a half to the Queer
pillar, the heirs of William Crichton of Gareland.
- Sixteenth Row, from said south dyke, six yards, the
heirs of William Hair in South Mains.
- Further north, four yards, the heirs of William Corsan in
Sanquhar, James Corsan in Glenmuckcleugh, and John Corsan in Drumbringan.
- Further north, three yards breadth to the Queer wall
and three and a half yards long betwixt the pillars the
heirs of George Kerr in Sanquhar.
- Seventeenth Row, three yards and a half north, the
heirs of Robert Crichton, weaver in Sanquhar.
- Further north, three yards, William Sadler in Wanlockhead.
- Further north, three yards to mid pillar of the Queer,
three yards, the heirs of John Pater son in Bog.
- Eighteenth Row, the heirs of William Dalyell, couper
in Sanquhar, four yards and a half.
- Further north, four yards belonging to the Session of Sanquhar.
- Nineteenth Row, from the south dyke, six yards, the
heirs of Robert Hislop in Eliock.
- Further north, three yards and a half to the Queer
wall, the heirs of William Crichton of Barncroft, now
belonging to Provost John Crichton in Sanquhar.
- Nineteenth Row, from the south dyke to the Queer
wall, eight and a half yards, the heirs of John McCalveen
in Wanlockhead and John McCalveen in Sanquhar.
- Twentieth Row, from the south dyke to the east
pillar, five yards and a half, the heirs of Ninian Aitken,
his three sons, Wm. Aitken in Dalpeddar, James
Aitken in Malcolmflatt, and Samuel Aitken in Auchengruith.
- Twenty-first Row, from the south dyke to the corner
of the east pillar of the Queer, five yards, the heirs of
William Lees in Drumbranzian.
- Twenty-second Row, from the south dyke, three
yards, the heirs of John Laidley in Cog.
- Further north, four yards, to the foot of the Duke's
stair, the heirs of James Wilson in Duntercleugh, now
belonging to James McCall in Sanquhar.
- Further north, three yards and a half, the heirs of
Thomas Park in Kilne, being the park of Glengaber.
- Further north, five yards, the Session of Sanqnhar.
- Further north, five yards, the heirs of Thomas Milligane, sclater in Sanquhar.
- From the back of the Duke's stair north, one yard
and a half, William Aiken in Kerstone.
- From thence north a yard and a half, the Session of Sanquhar.
- Twenty-third Row, four yards, the heirs of James Wilson in Duntercleugh.
- Further north, three yards and a half, the heirs of
John Hair in Cogshead.
- Further north, two yards, the heirs of Robert Hair, smith in Sanquhar.
- Further north, two yards, the heirs of John Park in Cleughfoot.
[Note.] The Queer or Choir of the old Kirk of Sanquhar,
after the Reformation, had a gallery erected
in it, entrance to which was by an outside stair. The
Dukes of Queensberry, when resident in Sanquhar
Castle, occupied the seats in the choir gallery. Hence
the stairs were named the "Duke's Stairs."
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SHORT HISTORY OF SCHOOLS IN SANQUHAR
There has been a school in Sanqahar from an early
date, at least ever since the Reformation, and the tradition
is that the original school – the old Grammar
School – occupied the site of the present extensive
establishment. In the absence of parochial records it
is difficult to find trace of the successive schoolmasters,
and the earliest name I have come across is that of
Simon Lowrie, who is described as "schoolmaster in
Sanquhar," in witnessing a bond by Robert Creichtoun
of Carco on September 28, 1598. I have seen no mention,
of any other from that date up till June 15, 1719,
when in the Town Council minutes of that date there
is a record of a cess to be uplifted from the heritors
for "Mr John Hunter, schoolmaster."
On January 23, 1721, Archibald Hadden, schoolmaster
in Sanquhar, is witness to a deed. William
McGeorge was the schoolmaster in 1727, and the Burgh
archives give definite record of his successors. They were
appointed by the Duke of Queensberry, the principal
heritor, on recommendation from the Presbytery of
Penpont, and the Burgh books show that the latter
were influenced in their advice by the Town Council
who, as heritors, contributed £1 yearly to the schoolmasters
salary. McGeorge held the post till 1758, from
which year onward the Parish schoolmasters have been
as follows:–
- 1758-1762 – Alexander Broadfoot.
1762-1765 – Robert Hunter.
1765-1778 – John Wilson.
1778-1785 – John Fraser.
1785-1841 – John Henderson.
1841-1861 – James Orr.
1861-1867 – William Young.
1867-1896 – Hugh Baird.
1896- and at the present time – Mr Robert W. Carson, F.E.I.S.
It is on record that in 1691 the schoolmaster of Sanquhar
was partly maintained by weekly entertainment
from the respective parents of his scholars (vide History
of the Burgh Schools of Scotland). When the Rev.
Thos. Montgomery wrote his Statistical Account of
Sanquhar, published in 1835, he states that there were
only two persons in the parish over the age of fifteen
who were unable to read.