Hello all, I'm so thrilled with responses! Monica, I think there are definitely two people: James AND John. I am keen to establish their relationship too and trying not to jump to the conclusion that they might be brothers. The James Richardson, native of Hightae and merchant of Reading, who died in 1726 and bequeathed money for schooling, is another very interesting possibility for us to investigate somehow. There is possibly of Thomas Richardson and William Richardson as well but they may be further removed ie a cousin.
From the will and subsequent court rulings of John Richardson’s “estate”, I know that Catherine Richardson and James Richardson were married before 1757. The other daughters of John Richardson and Mary Kennedy are: Jean Richardson who married Robert Wilson of Hazliebrae, Mary Richardson who married Matthew Rae merchant in Ecclefechan, Jannet Richardson who married John Moffat kindly tenant in Hightae, Violet Richardson (my line) who married John Kennedy portioner of Hightae and Ann Richardson.
Brigau – thanks for looking up births for James and Catherine in Dumfries. I have not found them in the Lochmaben fiche. My family didn’t strictly adhere to Scottish naming patterns. Also, RIDDAN could be READING? A good lead.
