JOHN WILLIAMSON 1841-1905
John Williamson, born Leadhills 1841 and elder brother of “William Williamson of Leicester,” became a farmer at Croftheads in the Parish of Moffat. The 1901 census has him living there with his wife, “Ellen” 54 years, and daughters Jane 18 and Janet 14. He was the employer of a shepherd and a farm worker. He died there on 23rd June, 1905 at the age of 63 years and was survived by his wife Helen Proudfoot and son Thomas W. Williamson.
The 1871, 1881 and 1891 census returns have him living in the village of Leadhills. His dwelling was Rosebank cottage, on the Elvanfoot road, which had an aspect across Symington Street towards the monument. He is recorded as a gamekeeper (1871 and 1881 census) and justice of the peace, bailie and gamekeeper (1891).
Hence, John Williamson of Leadhills 1841-1905 appears to have been a man of some substance in the Leadhills community. He was responsible for the obelisk at Leadhills which remains the most significant memorial to William Symington.
An invitation to the opening of the Symington Memorial was issued by John Williamson who was the secretary of the committee set up to raise funds for the monument. He claimed to be a great nephew of William Symington
William Symington's sister Margaret married a John Williamson, leadminer. However, John Williamson 1841-1905 cannot be confirmed as a descendant of Margaret Symington: his father Thomas (below) was born in 1808 and was the son of James Williamson and Margaret Brown. James Williamson would have been a contemporary of Margaret Symington and indeed must have been her husband’s brother in order for John Williamson J.P. to be a great nephew of the inventor. He would have been a great nephew by marriage and not by virtue of direct descent from William Symington's sister Margaret.
THE FAMILY OF JOHN WILLIAMSON J.P.
His parents were Thomas Williamson (born 1808) and Jane Glasgow (or Glasford): the 1841 Census for Crawford and Leadhills [1] reveals, living in Miners Row West, Thomas Williamson, 35years, lead miner, wife Jean 25 and daughter Janet aged 1 year. The 1851 Census for Leadhills records, living at Town Foot, Jean Williamson (widow) 35, Janet 11, John 9 and William 4.
OPR Crawford and Leadhills 635/1
Thos, lawful son to James Williamson and Margaret Brown born 25 August 1808
Other baptism entries for James Williamson and Margaret Brown are noted:
Esther 27.8.1802
Agnes 30.7.1804
John 8.6.1806
David 6.6.1810
Margaret 13.3.1812; died 2.2.1904
James 22.8.1813
Agnes 15.3.1816
David 21.7.1818
Robert 11.5.1821
(The 1841 Census for Leadhills also records: John Williamson 35 years, lead miner, wife Elizabeth 30 and James 12, Helen 7 and William 3.)
[1] 1841 Census Scotland Volume 635/8 Leadhills page 3
Croftheads farm at Moffatt
WILLIAM WILLIAMSON 1847-1917 OF LEADHILLS AND LEICESTER
William Williamson was born in the parish of Crawford and Leadhills on 10th January 1847.[1] His parents were Thomas Williamson and Jane Glasgow. He died single at Roseville, Queensberry Terrace, Moffat on 19th October 1917. Occupation retired draper.
In attempting a compilation of “Descendants of Wm. Symington, Engineer” [2] in 1909, David Bell [3] of Hillhead, Glasgow included: “Williamsons Wm. W Leicester Geo T. W. P.O. Leadhills”
However, his list of descendants was incomplete and Bell had questioned from whom these Williamsons were descended.
George Williamson (1854-1930), the post master at Leadhills, was indeed a descendant of Margaret Symington but the relationship of William Williamson was less certain.
The Symington file in the Glasgow Museum of Transport contains a letter dated 29th January 1913 from D.B. (David Bell) to W. Williamson Esq., of 8 Park Street, Loughborough. Bell was preparing an exhibition and thanked Williamson for sending a photograph of the assembled company who were present at the unveiling of the Leadhills monument in 1891. Writing to Robert Rankine in Melbourne on 28th February 1913, Bell refers to W. Williamson as “originally of Leadhills” and relates how Williamson had received a letter from Bennet Woodcroft explaining how he came to acquire the Hill portrait of William Symington. [4]
William Williamson was born in born Leadhills in 1847 and traded as a draper in Leicester at 78-80 Rutland Street for many years. [5] [6] The 1901 Census lists William the draper and his sister Janet at the Rutland Street, Leicester, address with nephew Thomas aged 19. William Williamson is located at 8 Park Street, Loughborough in the Private Residents section of Kelly’s Directories for 1912 and 1916 but is not in the 1908 Directory. The 1914 edition of Wrights directory (page 379) confirms that the Wm. Williamson, draper, of Rutland Street and William Williamson of Park Street Loughborough are one and the same.
William Williamson was a benefactor of his native Leadhills. William Harvey of Glasgow, co-author of the definitive work on William Symington, [7] retrieved the following note from his files relating to the Leadhills Reading Society:
“Minutes of the Reading Society.
4th October, 1884. (when the Library was being refurbished) ‘the Presses chair, a present from Mr William Williamson of Leicester to his native village’.” [8] He also presented a table and a clerk’s desk.
In 1919 he conveyed £50 to be invested to provide for the upkeep of the Symington Memorial.
He died single at Roseville, Queensberry Terrace, Moffat on 19th October, 1917. The following is his obituary in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard: [9]
SUDDEN DEATH OF MOFFAT GENTLEMAN.
The death occurred with startling suddenness on Friday afternoon of Mr Wm. Williamson, Roseville, Moffat. Deceased, who was a native of Leadhills and 70 years of age, although suffering for some time from impaired power of walking, had been in his usual health, and his almost instantaneous death, due to the bursting of a blood-vessel, came as a great shock. Mr WilIiamson in his younger days was engaged in the Scotch drapery trade in England, and was in business for about forty years. He retired six years ago, and went to reside at Loughborough, Leicestershire, and subsequently settled down at Moffat eighteen months ago. Deceased was in his youth a good athlete and an expert shot. He was a good friend to the poor of his native village and to the inhabitants generally. Mr Williamson was an unusually well read man and possessed a store of varied knowledge on a number of subjects. He was specially fond of biographical works and was a lover of the best and most solid kind of literature. Deceased, who was a brother of the late Mr John Williamson, Croftheads, Moffat, was unmarried, and resided with his sister, Miss Williamson, by whom he is survived. His remains were interred on Wednesday at Leadhills.
There are few headstones bearing the name Williamson in the Leadhills cemetery. The memorial for William Williamson is situated almost directly above the Symington monument and lies between the graves of Robert Taylor, overseer to the Scotch Mining Company at Leadhills, and his father John Taylor who allegedly lived to the age of 137 years. He is buried with his elder sister Janet Williamson who died single at Roseville, Moffat on 20th August 1921 aged 82 years.
A very early connection between Williamsons of Leadhills and Leicester is revealed in a diary kept in Leadhills for the year 1745. The unknown author made several references to a John Williamson who had an association with the mines; the diarist also kept a transcript of a lengthy letter dated 12 October 1745 to a James Williamson of Leicester. [10]
[1] OPR gives January 10, 1847
[2] Symington file, Transport Museum, Glasgow
[3] Compiled a biography of David Napier, Engineer, published 1912
[4] Letter in G. Symington Collection
[5] 1881 Census England records William Williamson 33 and Janet Williamson 40, both born Scotland; address 80 Rutland Street, Leicester St. Margaret, Leicester
[6] Kelly’s Directory of Leicester 1908, Trades section, lists William Williamson draper at 78 and 80 Rutland Street, Leicester; also listed in Leicester City Directories 1909, 1912,1916
[7] Harvey, W.S. and Downs-Rose, G., William Symington Inventor and Engine Builder 1980
[8] See Appendix for Harvey’s compilation of “Williamsons at Leadhills”
[9] Dumfries and Galloway Standard, 24 October 1917, page 3 column A; also Hamilton Advertiser 27 October 1917 page 5
[10] Transactions of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society Wanlockhead & Leadhills Volume, Third series, Volume LIV, Eds. Williams, James and Cormack, W.F., 1979
Memorial to William and Janet Williamson in the Leadhills Cemetery
In memory of WILLIAM WILLIAMSON born 28th Dec 1847 died 19 Octr 1917
also JANET WILLIAMSON his sister born 4th Octr 1839 died 19 Aug 1921
Preses chair donated to the Leadhills Library by William Williamson
THOMAS WILLIAMSON AND JANE GLASGOW
Thomas Williamson, miner and gamekeeper of Leadhills, married Jane Glasgow, daughter of William Glasgow, gamekeeper and Janet Thomson. Her second marriage was to Samuel Whitefield, lead miner. She died at Townfoot, Leadhills on 9th January 1901 aged 84 years. The informant on her death certificate was her son, John Williamson of Croftheads, Moffat.
The following issue of Thomas Williamson and Jane Glasgow have been ascertained:
1. Janet Williamson 1839-1921
2. John Williamson born 31.10.1841 [1]
3. Margaret Williamson born 20.3.1844
4. William Williamson 1847-1917
[1] OPR Leadhills 635/2
NOTES ON THE WILLIAMSON FAMILY IN LEADHILLS AND WANLOCKHEAD
A Margaret Symington married John Williamson in Leadhills and the following issue were recorded: [1]
O.P.R. Leadhills 635/1 Births 1698-1819
1788 GEORGE, lawful son of John Williamson Leadhills and of Margaret Symington born 7/5/1788
1798 JAMES, lawfull (sic) son to John Williamson and Margret (sic) Symington was born 12th March 1798 and baptized the 16th Currt by Mr Lang.
1800 ANDREW, son of John Williamson and Margaret Symington, 25 September 1800.
A daughter MARY was born circa 1785 but her birth was not recorded in O.P.R.
THE CHILDREN OF MARGARET SYMINGTON AND JOHN WILLIAMSON, LEAD MINER OF LEADHILLS
1. MARY WILLIAMSON born circa 1785; died 23.2.1862 at Wanlockhead aged 76
Married James Watson Lead miner
Issue of Mary Williamson and James Watson
1. John Watson
2. William Watson died 19.3.1820 aged 9 years
3. James Watson died 4.10.1819 aged 2 years
4. Mary Watson died 21.9.1837 aged 18 years
5. Ann Sarah Watson died 12.6.1865 aged 43
6. Marion Watson
2. GEORGE WILLIAMSON born 1788 Leadhills. Mining overseer. Died 16.11.1852. [2]
He is in the 1851 census (below).
Married 18 December 1814 Margaret Boe, daughter of Adam Boe, lead miner, and Jeanie Carmichael who was born 1793 and died 25 July 1855 at Wanlockhead. She was interred at the burying ground, Wanlockhead.
Issue of George Williamson and Margaret Boe, Parish of Sanquhar (dates are probably baptisms)
1. Jean died ?1836
2. John 20 Nov 1817
3. Margaret died 22 Jan 1821 aged 1 year
4. Adam died 2 Feb 1826 aged 4 years
5. Margaret 10 Nov 1824
6. Adam 2 died 16 Jan 1835 aged 7 years
7. Mary 17 April 1830
8. Elizabeth Naesmith Williamson 14 Jan 1833
9. Marion Ballantyne Williamson 28 April 1837; died at Melville Road, Ladybank, Collessie, Fife 22.12.1909. Married David Graham, Hotel keeper.
3. JAMES WILLIAMSON lead miner born 1798 Leadhills; died 11.11.1884 [3] at Flexholm, Leadhills aged 86.
Married Isabella Telfer, daughter of John Telfer lead miner and Margaret Simpson. She died 22.2.1890 at Leadhills aged 82 years.
Issue of James Williamson and Isabella Telfer
All births are in the Parish of Crawford and Leadhills.
1. Margaret Thomson Williamson 17 July 1827; died 22.8.1903 at East Row, Leadhills.
Married James Aitcheson, Overseer of Lead mines
Issue Charles Aitchison of Partick
2. John Williamson 15 Mar 1829; died 31.3.1884 aged 55 years at Flexholm, Leadhills, from tuberculosis.
Leadminer. Single.
3. Thomas Williamson 21 Jun 1831; died 16.3.1888 at Leadhills aged56. Mine Repairer. Single.
4. William Williamson 2 Aug 1833; died 31.1.1879 [4] at Wanlockhead Engineer and Carpenter
Married Barbara Finlay at Govan 28.10.1864
Issue Agnes died 9.3.1875 aged 22 years
James died 25.1.1908 aged 42
John died Wanlockhead 20.3.1867 aged 36
Thomas died 25.4.1949 aged 71
5. Grace Williamson 5 Mar 1836
6. Janet Williamson 20 May 1839; died 22.4.1902 at Flexholm, Leadhills
Married M Blackwood Lead miner
Issue Agnes Blackwood
7. Elizabeth M Williamson 10 Mar 1842; died 10.3.1848.
8. Mary Williamson 10 June 1844; died 11.2.1885 at Townfoot Leadhills
Married William McKendrick Lead miner
9. James Williamson Chr.4 Jul 1849; died 17.8.1868 aged 19 at Flexholm, Leadhills from typhoid fever.
Apprentice Joiner
10. George Williamson 7 June 1854; died 14.5.1930 aged 75 at the Post Office Leadhills. Postman
Married Agnes Jardine (c.1861-1933)
Issue William Williamson, also post master at Leadhills born c. 1900; died 30.3.1939
4. ANDREW WILLIAMSON born in 1800, fate unknown. No marriage record found and no issue are recorded in the Crawford and Leadhills O.P.R. He may have died young.
No other children of Margaret Symington are recorded but it is likely she had more, considering that these four recorded births span a fifteen-year period.
[1] Marriage not indexed in OPR
[2] Jordan, B. and R., Monumental Inscriptions of the Graveyard at Meadowfoot Wanlockhead, 1999
[3] buried at Leadhills cemetery with children, Elisabeth, James and John and grandson James, died 30.10.1863 aged 6 years
[4] Date 1.2.1879 on gravestone inscription
WILLIAMSON MONUMENTAL RECORDS
LEADHILLS CEMETERY [1]
ISABELLA WILLIAMSON died 20.2.1897 age 68; husband Wm Hislop 17.1.1892 age 67; dau. Isabella Hislop 31.5.1865 age 5; s. James 24.7.1896 age 32
DAVID WILLIAMSON Overseer died 11.10.1781 age 71; wife Margaret Weir 1781 age 60
In memory of ELISABETH WILLIAMSON who died 10th March 1848 aged 6 years. Also JAMES WILLIAMSON grand son who died 30 Octr 1863 aged 6 years also JAMES WILLIAMSON who died 17th August 1868 aged 19 years also JOHN WILLIAMSON who died 31st March 1884 aged 55 years also JAMES WILLIAMSON their father died 11th Novr 1884 aged 86 years
In memorial. THOMAS WILLIAMSON born 7th September 1803. Died from exhaustion on the Enterkin road 7th May 1850. Also MARGARET his daughter who died in 1846 aged 2 years.
ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON 14.11.1829 (42); w. Isabella Turleton 16.2.1834 (49); fa. JOHN WILLIAMSON; mo. Marion Jamieson
John Hair 2.9.1857 (86); w. MARGT WILLIAMSON 2.2.1870 (94); dau. Janet 29.12.1877 (75);
gs. Archibald Hair 12.6.1855 (26)
[1] Summarised inscriptions are from Scott, S.A., The Upper Ward of Lanarkshire Monumental Inscriptions pre 1855. Scottish Genealogy Society 1997
LEADHILLS MONUMENTAL RECORDS [1]
LEADHILLS BURYING GROUND AND CEMETERY MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS
Lanarkshire Family History Society 2010
ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON died 14 November 1829 aged 42, agent for manufacturers, Leadhills, wife Isabella Templeton, father John and mother Marion Jamieson
GEORGE T. WILLIAMSON died 14 may 1930 aged 75, wife Agnes Menzies, daughter Nancy M. Williamson died 23 January 1932 aged 39
ELISABETH WILLIAMSON died 28 December 1836 aged 41, wife of James MacQueen
HELEN WILLIAMSON died 3 April 1885 aged 50, wife of James Murray
ISABELLA WILLIAMSON died 20 February 1897 aged 68, wife of William L Hislop
JAMES WILLIAMSON died 11 November 1884 aged 86, father of Elisabeth died 10 March 1848 aged 6, James died 17 August 1868 aged 19, John died 31 March 1884 aged 55 and grandson James died 30 October 1863 aged 6
JANE WILLIAMSON died 19 January 1798 aged 66, wife of James Martin
JANET WILLIAMSON died 22 April 1902 aged 62 years, wife of Menzies Blackwood
JOHN WILLIAMSON late miner Leadhills 8 April 1819 aged 71, son William died December 1814 aged 29, daughter Grisal died 2 June 1815 aged 32
MARGARET WILLIAMSON died 2 February 1879 aged 94, wife of John Hair, shepherd
MARGARET WILLIAMSON died 22 August 1903 aged 76, wife of James Aitchison
MARY WILLIAMSON died at Linville 27 June 1870 aged 70
MARY WILLIAMSON 11 February 1885 aged 40, wife of William Mckendrick
THOMAS WILLIAMSON, late miner, Leadhills, died 1 February 1826 aged 70, wife Elisabeth died 19 August 1831 aged 78, their children Mary aged 4, Thomas aged 1, Elisabeth aged 14, John aged 23
WILLIAM WILLIAMSON born 28 December 1847died 19th October 1917; also JANET WILLIAMSON his sister born 4th Octr 1839 died 19th Augt 1931
[1] Leadhills Burying Ground and Cemetery Monumental Inscriptions. Lanarkshire Family History Society 2010
CRAWFORD OLD CHURCHYARD, KIRKTON [1]
In memory of DAVID WILLIAMSON [2] MINING OVERSEER for many years at Leadhills and in the latter part of his life at Wanlockhead who died 24 November 1797 aged 59 years and of his children Mary Thomas Grizzel who died in infancy James who died 26th November 1772 aged 17 years and Margaret who died 13th December (1806)
In memory of JAMES WILLIAMSON Leadhills who died 25th May 1784 aged 50 years also Agnes Johnston his wife who died 16 Jan 1779 aged 45 years Erected by David Williamson Merchant Dumfries their son
Here lies the body of THOMAS WILLIAMSON who died in Shortcleugh anno 1753 and MARGARET WILLIAMSON his spouse who died anno 1778 and seven children WILLIAM… (illegible)
John Williamson in Overhowcloweh d. Over (Dalvin) 19.2.1731 59, w Janet Brown 29.7.1730 (58)
Mungo Williamson of Mirkholm 15.11.1650 8 (0)
Williamson of Mirkholm 16.9.16(8)0 8(0)
Archd Williamson of Mirkholm tenant in Glenouch d? June 17(81) 77
Janet Coupland w of Alex Williamson in Leadhills d 1704, their s Mungo d 1712, stone ed by their (s) John Williamson
Robt Denholm 21.6.1868 80, w Christina Williamson 31.10.1882 86, s Alex d Abington 10.10.1906 76, da Henrietta 24.11.1907 73
[1] Summarised inscriptions from Scott, S.A., footnote above
[2] A David Williamson was a founding member of the Leadhills Reading Society in 1743
Tombstone of David Williamson c.1738-1797 Mining Overseer of Wanlockhead
MEADOWFOOT GRAVEYARD AT WANLOCKHEAD [1]
In Memory of ADAM BOE late Miner Wanlockhead who died7th Feby. 1827 aged 70 years Also of JEANIE CARMICHAEL his spouse who died March 8th 1830 aged 83 years Also of GEORGE WILLIAMSON Wanlockhead who died Novr. 16th 1852 aged 64 years and of MARGARET BOE his Spouse Daughter of the above named who died July 25th 1855 aged 62 years And of the following children of the said G.W. and M.B. viz. MARGARET who died 27th Jany. 1821 aged 1 year ADAM 2nd Feby. 1826 aged 4 years ADAM 2 16th Jany. 1835 aged 7 years JEAN 15th July 1846 aged 30 years
Erected by BARBARA FINLAY in Memory of her Husband WILLIAM WILLIAMSON died 1st Feby. 1879 aged 46 years Their family AGNES died 9th March 1875 aged 2 years JOHN died at TONQUIN, INDOCHINA 1st August 1903 aged 36 years JAMES died 25th Jany. 1908 aged 42 years Also the above BARBARA FINLAY died 25th Feby. 1917 aged 77 years Also their Son THOMAS died 25th April 1949 aged 71 years
In Memory of JAMES LAW late Miner Wanlockhead who died 4th April 1834 aged 70 years Also four of his Children MARY and MARGARET who died in childhood and SARAH who died15th August 1808 aged 16 years Also of ARCHIBALD LAW his Son who died 12th December 1837 aged 34 years Also of MARGARET WILLIAMSON his Spouse who died 15th March 1847 aged 78 years Erected by his Widow and Sons.
In Memory of WILLIAM RAMAGE late Miner in Wanlockhead who died the 7th Septr. 1808 aged 63 years Also of MARY McHARG his Spouse who died the 27th Augt. 1830 aged 79 years Also of JOHN their Son who died the 18th May 1792 aged 17 years And of AGNESS their Daughter who died the 24th Augt. 1803 aged 15 years And of WILLIAMSON RAMAGE their Son who died 7th August 1847 aged 61 years Erected by WILLIAM & WILLIAMSON RAMAGE their Sons
In Memory of JAMES WATSON late Miner in WANLOCKHEAD who died 9th March 1851 aged 75 years Also of JAMES his Son who died 4th Octr. 1819 aged 2 years Also of WILLIAM his Son who died 19th March 1820 aged 9 years Also of MARY his Daughter who died 21st Septr. 1837 aged 18 years Also of MARY WILLIAMSON his Spouse who died 23rd Feby. 1863 aged 76 years Also of ANN SARAH WATSON their Daughter who died 12th June 1865 aged 43 years Erected by A. SARAH & MARION WATSON his Daughters
In Memory of JANE RAMAGE Spouse of JOHN WILLIAMSON Miner in Wanlockhead who died 13th Septr. 1849 aged 49 years Erected by JOHN WILLIAMSON
In Memory of HENRY McCALL who died 17th May 1834 aged 70 years. And JANE WILLIAMSON who died at EDINBURGH 21st and interred here on 23d March 1882 aged 82 years Erected by JEAN WILLIAMSON her Daughter
In Loving Memory of MARY ANN WEIR Wife of ROBERT WILLIAMSON who died at WANLOCKHEAD on the 12th day of February 1900 aged 42 years And of THOMAS their eldest Son who was killed in action at LOOS FRANCE 25th Sept. 1915 aged 24 years Also of their Daughter MARGARET who died 21st Dec. 1933 aged 40 years Also of the said ROBERT WILLIAMSON who died 26th Oct. 1934 aged 78 years Also their Daughter ISABELLA died 18th January 1946 aged 59 years Also of JANE HALLIDAY widow of ROBERT WILLIAMSON died 12th January 1957 aged 86 years
In Memory of JAMES son ofWm. RUSSELL who died at WANLOCKHEAD 4th Augt. 1828 aged 22 years Also of his four Children who died in infancy Also my Son ARCHBALD RUSSELL Head Teacher St. Enochs Parish School Glasgow who died at LEADHILLS 24th June 1850 aged 30 years Wm. RUSSELL Overseer to the Scots. Mines Coy. for 15 years died 4th June 1851 aged 71 years also of JEAN WILLIAMSON Spouse of the above Wm. RUSSELL who died 27th April 1858 aged 74 years
CRAWFORDJOHN CHURCHYARD [2]
By And Williamson tenant Myres 24.4.1840 63, w Jean Renton 18.6.1846 66, da Margt 1809 inf, s Geo 17.10.1836
Robt French d Lanark 1.2.1890 64, by w Jane Williamson d 29.7.1900 74
John Williamson b Stancleugh 8.7.1820 tenant Glendouran & Liscleugh d Drumbuie 19.1.1904, w Grace Watson d Drumbuie 7.1.1896 72
By Wm Baillie Williamson d 9.4.1862 88, w Helen Renton 24.2.1866 84, da Grizal 12.12.1818 2, da Janet 12.7.1845 30, s Alex 30.4.1893 84
By And Williamson d 26.1.1892 71, w Isabella d Birkwood Mains Lesmahagow 4.9.1890 72, s Wm Baillie d Thornhill 24.12.1928 76
By Wm Williamson d 23.11.1892 75, w Marion Thomson 15.7.1888 65, s Wm Baillie 23.3.1869 19, dau Jean Welsh 31.5.1914 61
Wm Williamson of Strancleugh 20.10.1802 88, w Agnes Niblo 17.6.1823 85, s John W of S 8.4.1843 80
Robt Williamson 28.6.1886 58, w Ellen W d Glenview Lesmahagow 26.12.1915 90 Thos Williamson 5.6.1797 61, w Margt Hislop 18.11.1817 66, 3 chn, s Geo 20.12.1855 80 (w Eliz Tinto 19.9.1861, da Jean 19.3.1825 10m, da Margt 2.2.1884 67)
By John Williamson d Lettershaws 26.5.1895 73 to w Margt Haddow 4.5.1868 47, s Wm 15.5.1852 1, s Jas 2.1.1868 ?y 9m, Mary Ann Taylor d Edinburgh 24.4.1907 73
Jas Marchbanks 30.4.1872 59, w Eliz Williamson 18.9.1877 65, chn Jas Geo & Jane inf, da Eliz 22.6.1934 93, s Thos 20.1.1932 74 w Maggie Lightbody 7.8.1897 35, Ida Margt 18.10.1863 76, yt da Cath McNicoll 21.10.1968 74
John Williamson 28.2.1857 76, w Hellen 23.5.1853 53, s Thos 19.3.1858 36
By Thos French/Garngaur Lesmahagow to w Agnes Williamson 2.3.1875 62, above Thos 8.12.1891 85
[1] Inscriptions from Jordan, B. and R., Monumental Inscriptions of the Graveyard at Meadowfoot Wanlockhead. Wanlockhead Museum of Lead Mining 1999
[2] Abbreviated inscriptions from Scott, S. A., as above
NOTES ON WILLIAMSONS AT LEADHILLS COMPILED BY WILLIAM HARVEY
(The italics are mine, GRS)
The Earl’s workmen at Leadhills. 1742 SRO Hopetoun MSS
Smiths: John Williamson. James Williamson.
Level Men: Alexander Williamson.
Watermen: Alexander Williamson. Archibald Williamson. John Williamson.
Mending the water races: Thomas Williamson. Robert Williamson
Ditto. 1768
Smiths: James Williamson
Miners at 8 pence: John Williamson
Widows: Alexander Williamson’s
Miners taking bargains with the Scots Mines Company 1742-1745. SMCo bargain books. Leadhills Library.
Robert Williamson. William Williamson.
Miners and others 1836-1843 from A Muster of Miners. Local History Workshop. Leadhills Library
Miners: George Williamson. James Williamson. James Williamson Jnr. John Williamson. John Williamson Jnr. William Williamson.
Members of Curling Club: James Williamson. John Williamson.
Members of Reading Society: Alexander Williamson. Mr Williamson.
Noted in Memorial Inscriptions, Leadhills Burying Ground.
Archibald Williamson. Agent for manufacturer. Died 14th November, 1829
Slaters Directory. 1882. Leadhills
Gamekeeper: John Williamson.
Members of Leadhills Lodge Hopetoun
1872. George Williamson. Joiner. Age 18. Died 1931.
1913. John Williamson. Tailor. Age 28
Notes from Reading Society Minutes, Leadhills Library.
4th October, 1844
Report on repairs to the library house.
The presses chair. A present from Mr W. Williamson, Leicester. Also the table and a desk for the clerk.
28th November, 1905
A letter had been received from Mr Williamson, Leicester, saying he had arranged to invest the sum of £120 in Leicester Corporation Stock which will bring £4-4-0 pa. To commemorate the anniversary of our old library.
Lanark County Council. Parochial Board. Parish of Crawford Minutes. Mitchell Library MSS.
19th July, 1919
Wm Williamson, Loughborough, has conveyed £50 to be invested in 2 1/2 % Consolidated Stock so as to provide for the upkeep of the Symington Memorial at Leadhills.
WSH July 2004.
CENSUS RECORDS OF WILLIAMSONS IN LEADHILLS AND WANLOCKHEAD
1841 CENSUS COUNTY OF DUMFRIES
PARISH OF SANQUHAR
Vol. 848/4 Wanlockhead page 9
John Williamson 45 Lead washer
Jane do. 45
James do. 15 Lead smelter
William do. 14
John do. 11
Vol. 848/9 Wanlockhead
John Williamson 45 Lead washer
Jane do. 45
James do. 15 Lead smelter
William do. 14
John do. 11
Vol. 848/10 Wanlockhead
John Williamson 17 Lead miner
Mary Ann 26
Caroline 19 Muslin flowerer
Harriet 15 Muslin flowerer
Elisabeth 12 Muslin flowerer
1851 CENSUS
Vol. 853 Village of Wanlockhead
Household number 6/43
James Williamson 27 Lead miner born Wanlockhead
Agnes 25 Muslin flowerer
Jean 7 Scholar born do.
Sarah 4
John 2
Robert under 1 month
Household number 6/57
Caroline Williamson 5 Step daughter of Aaron Reid (wife Harriet)
Household 6/77
John Williamson 58 Lead miner
John son 21 Lead miner
Household 6/91 (George Williamson 1788-1852)
George Williamson 62 Lead miner born Leadhills
Margaret wife 56 born Wanlockhead
Mary 20
Elizabeth 18 Muslin flowerer
1861 CENSUS WANLOCKHEAD
Donalds Knowe Page 10
Thomas Williamson 34 Lead refiner born Crawford
Isabella wife 28 born Kirkconnel
Isabella 7 Scholar born Crawfordjohn
Robert 4 born Wanlockhead
David 7 months born Wanlockhead
1841 CENSUS COUNTY OF LANARK
PARISHES OF CRAWFORD AND LEADHILLS
Vol. 635/6 Crawford
Elvanfoot Cottar
Janet Williamson 50 Female ?operative
Vol. 635/8 Leadhills
Page 2 Miners Row West
James Williamson 18 Lead washer
Page 3 Miners Row West
Thomas Williamson 35 Lead miner
Jean 25
Janet 1
McDonalds Row
Mary Williamson 45 Grocer
Page 6 Miners Row East
Alexander Williamson 46 Lead miner
William 19 Lead miner
Christian (f) 14
Marion 12
Dead Burn
Elisabeth Williamson 10
(Household of Isabella Whitfield)
Vol. 635/9
Page 4 Leadhills Wood Bush
John Williamson 35 Lead miner
Elizabeth 30
James 12
Helen 7
William 3
Vol. 635/11
Robert Williamson 12 Lead washer
(Household of Agnes Blackwood 37)
Flexholm
Jas Williamson 59 Lead miner
Elspie do. 57
Flexholm page 6 (James Williamson 1798-1884)
James Williamson 40 Lead miner
Isabella do. 30
Margaret 13
John 11
Thomas 9
William 7
Grace 4
Jessie 2
1851 CENSUS FOR LANARKSHIRE
1851 Census Index Birthplace Leadhills
Census place Crawford and Leadhills (Parish 635 Enumeration District 8)
Margaret Williamson 22 page 3 No. 8
Isabella 21 page 6 No. 10
Marion 5 page 8 No. 14
Jean 34 page 8 No. 16
Janet 11 page 8 No. 17
John 9 page 8 No. 18
William 4 page 8 No. 19
1851Census Index for Crawford and Leadhills reveals:
John 28, born Crawfordjohn
John 44, John 22, John 9, Wm 17, William 1 all born Crawford parish
Vol. 635 Leadhills
Wood Bank
John Williamson 44 Lead miner born Crawford
Elizabeth Grierson 42 Wife
Helen Williamson 16 Muslin sewer
John 9
Margaret 6
David 4
Eliza 1
?New Town West
Margret Williamson 77 Pauper (wife of John McKendrick)
(James Williamson 1798-1884)
James Williamson 53 Lead miner born Crawford
Isabella wife 42
John 22 Lead miner
Thomas 19 Lead washer
William 17 Dogs trainer
Janet 11
Mary 6
James 2
East Row
Margaret Williamson 22 Servant born Leadhills
(Household of Dr. James Martin)
Dead Burn
Isabella Williamson 21 Hand flowerer born Leadhills
(Household of Isabella Whitfield, aunt)
Town Foot
Alexr. Williamson 59 Widower Lead miner
Marion Williamson 5 Granddaughter
Town Foot
Jean Williamson 34 Widow Hand flowerer born Leadhills
Janet 11 Hand flowerer
John 9
William 4
Back Row
John Williamson 31 Lead miner born Crawford
Ann 28 Hand flowerer do.
Alexander 6 born Dalmellington
David 4 born Crawford
Elisabeth 2 born do.
William 8mo. born do.
1871 CENSUS LEADHILLS
James Williamson 1798-1884
James Williamson 73 Lead washer
Isabella wife 62
John son 42 Do.
Thomas son 39 Do.
Janet dau. 31 Dress maker
George son 16 Lead washer
Elizabeth gr. dau. 8 Scholar
1881 CENSUS LEADHILLS
James Williamson 1798-1884
Dwelling: Flexholm
James Williamson 83 Lead miner born Leadhills
Isabella wife 73
John 52 Lead miner unmarried
Thomas 50 Lead miner unmarried
George 27 Lead miner unmarried
Elizabeth 17 Granddaughter
1881 CENSUS LANARKSHIRE
BIRTH PLACE INDEX
Birthplace Leadhills (Census place) Enumeration district
John Williamson 38 Hamilton Railway Engineer Vol. 647 21 p 28
John Williamson 39 Crawford Gamekeeper 635/2 2 p 22
John Williamson 32 Crawford Lead miner (James Williamson head) 2 9
William Williamson 43 Hamilton Colliery manager 647 1 p 1
Elizabeth 17 Crawford (g.dau. James head) 635/2 2 10
George 27 (son do.) 635/2 2 9
Isobella 75 (wife do.)
James 83 2 9
Marion 52 Crawford (sister of Wm Hislop) 2 8
Thomas 75 Crawfordjohn 636 2 6
Thomas 30 Crawford (James head) 635/2 2 9
Thomas 20 Douglas (Wm head) 641 7 4
Birthplace Crawfordjohn
William Williamson 73 Crawfordjohn Millwright
Birthplace Wanlockhead
Census place Sanquhar Parish
Children of Barbara Williamson: Grace 5, Isobella 12, John 14, Margaret 10, Thomas 3
Children of Thomas Williamson: David 20, Hellen 11, Robert 24, William 8
Birthplace Sanquhar
Catherine 34, daughter of John Williamson
1881 CENSUS LEADHILLS
Volume 635/2 Page 22
Dwelling Rosebank
John Williamson 39yrs Gamekeeper b. Leadhills
Ellen wife 37 b. Hutton
1891 CENSUS LEADHILLS
John Williamson Head Mar 49 Justice of peace, Bailie, Gamekeeper
Ellen Do Wife Do 48 Justice of Peace’s wife
Thomas Do Son 9 Scholar born Leadhills
Jane Do Dau 8 Do Do
Janet Do Dau 4 Do Do
There is a very considerable Williamson pedigree which derives also from the neighbouring region of Crawfordjohn, notably descendants of George Williamson and Violet Baillie of Douglas.