Hello All,
I received a private e-mail today from a lady living near the city of Brisbane, here in Australia. For some considerable time she has been attempting to find out more information about one of her ancestors, James Livingstone, who was married to Janet Cooper.
Having spent many hours in researching this branch of the Livingstones's, I know the problems that she has encountered and am always delighted to pass on to her any information about this branch of her family.
Samuel Livingstone was the youngest son of James and Janet and he married a Jane, or Janet Reid on 27th November, 1882. One of their sons, William Livingstone, died in Sheldon, Birmingham, England in December, 1955. I was not surprised when examining Jane Reid's records to start to encounter some difficulty. Her father was David Reid, b.20th Feb. 1832 at Inverkeithing in Fife. He married Married McGreechan on 11th October, 1855 at New Monkland, Lanarkshire. His death was on the 12th January, 1885 at Halbeath, Fife. Twelve years later, on 31st August, 1897, Margaret McGreechan died at Cowdenbeath. I am aware that the lady living near Brisbane has actually travelled to Cowdenbeath where she has relatives.
At the time of his death in January, 1885, David Reid was 50 years of age. His father was William Reid, a linen weaver and his mother was Jane (or Janet) Wilkie.
Until recently, I didn't know too much about William and Jane's family but was aware that their son, William Reid was the informant on the Death Certificate of his father. William had been born on 17th January, 1861 at New Monkland. However, I uncovered the fact that he had a sister Jeannie, born 8th October, 1863, Jane born in 1864, Euphemia born on 12h July, 1869 and a brother, Robert, born 9th June, 1872.
Having visited Cowdenbeath in Fife, the lady in Queensland would probably know of Broad Street. It was there, on August 31st, 1897 that Margaret Reid, widow of David Reid died at the age of 58. Her father was John McGreechan, a coalminer and her mother was Sarah McEvoy.
At New Monkland Churchyard lies the remains of Sarah McGreechan M.S.McEvoy. She died on April 11th, 1857 in the Poor House at Landward, New Monkland in Lanarkshire at the age of 49. She is recorded as being a widow and a pauper.
I wonder whether any headstone marks the last resting place of this poor, unfortunate woman? Maybe some kind soul out there may have details of the Poor House records for April 1857 or, who knows, some further details that could be added to what I have written here.
Kind regards,
Tom.
