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

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

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

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.