Methlick blacksmith's accounts (1873-78)

[GR2]

I have the blacksmith's accounts (1873-78) for the following people from Methlick:

Earl of Aberdeen; F. Andrew, Brainjohn;  J. Annand, Brainjohn; T. Annand, Brainjohn; W. Black, Flinthills; G. Cheyne, Monlettie; W. Cheyne, Castlehill; J. Davidson, Monlettie; A. Duncan (vet), Methlick; W. Duthie, Collinie; C. Florence, Scotston; P. Florence, Arneybogs; F. Godsman, Mill of Kelly; J. Grant, Methlick; Mrs. Gray, Flinthills; G. Hay, Gowanwell; G. Hutcheon, Sauchentree; Dr. Irvine, Mill of Ardo; G. Kirkton, Longhill; L. Lamb, Crimondhill; Dr. Ligertwood, Auchencrieve; J. Maitland, Little Methlick; L. Marshall, Polesburn; T. Marshall, Arneybogs; Mr./Rev. Mennie; J. Simpson, Sauchentree; Rev. R. Slessor, Methlick; A. Smith, Methlick; J. Stephen, Methlick; Rev. Dr. Whyte, Methlick.

The jobs vary from sharpening ploughs and shoeing horses to singeing sheep's heads (2d a time) and putting new metal tyres on a pram. Let me know if you have an ancestor amongst these customers.

[nikkid]

I believe that G Hutcheon at Sauchentree is my great great grandfather so would be interested in seeing your information.  Interestingly one of his children had a middle name of Ligertwood so I'm now wondering the story around that as he seems to be a doctor from what you are saying.

[GR2]

Hi. I have just checked and there are eight pages in total of accounts for George. They cover the entire period. It is not unusual for children to be called after the local doctor, so that may well account for the name.

I am just off to work, but will get back to you when I return. I'll try to photocopy the pages today.

[GR2]

Attached is the top part of the first entry as an example. There are several abbreviations used e.g. shpd = sharpened, remd = remade.

[nikkid]

That is really interesting, gives you a picture of farming life right enough, I would appreciate it if I could see all 8 pages. I would like to share them with my aunt who is 80 & has given me my interest in family history!  Also of interest George's future son in law was a blacksmith! Thank you for sharing with me

[GR2]

I have sent you a personal message so I can get copies of the pages to you.

There is a stone in the kirkyard at Methlick with the following inscription, although you probably have it already.

In loving memory of George Hutcheon Sauchentree d. 9 April 1916 aged 85, his wife Anne Mann d. 21 August 1914 aged 73.

[TColville]

Hi

I am researching the Matthews of Methlick in my family tree.  John Matthews (1845-1891) , a blacksmith in Methlick was my 2nd great grandfather.  I would be interested in seeing any information you may have about his work as a blacksmith.

Thank you

[GR2]

Hi,

Unfortunately there is no indication at all of which blacksmith the book belonged to. It covers the period 1873 - 1878. It would have been kept by a master blacksmith rather than an apprentice or journeyman.

In 1871, the master blacksmiths in Methlick were:

- Andrew Brown in the village, employing James Scott.
- Robert Mathieson at Cairnorrie, employing Thomas Halket  (foreman) and James Robertson
   (apprentice)
- William Wallace at Haddo (d. 1898), employing his three sons, William, James (d. 1930) and
    Alexander
- Robert Moir at Ardo, employing William Beattie and John Shand

[William Nicol, journeyman blacksmith, is living with an aunt, so there is no indication of who his employer was]

In 1881, the master blacksmiths in Methlick were:

- William Wallace at Haddo (d. 1898), employing his son James (d. 1930)
- William Wallace in Kirktown, employing Robert Glashan
- Robert Moir at Ardo, employing George Taylor
- James Meldrum at Cairnorrie, employing Alexander Watson