1814
The Burying Place of
ALEXANDER STRANG
Farmer in Crewburn and
JANET CRAIG his Wife
in Memory of their Son
CHRISTOPHER who died
? November 1812
[In Strathaven Cemetery]

IN:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barrie/#92

1814
The Burying Place of
ALEXANDER STRANG
Farmer in Crewburn and
JANET CRAIG his Wife
in Memory of their Son
CHRISTOPHER who died
? November 1812
[In Strathaven Cemetery]

IN:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barrie/#92

1875 Deaths Parish of Avondale, County of Lanark
William Strang, M, 73yrs, (lately Farmer) married to Helen Crawford
1875 Nov, 17th, 0h 20m am at Springfield Cottage, Strathaven
F: Alexander Strang, Farmer (deceased)
M: Janet Strang MS Craig (deceased)
Epigastric Tumour 4 months as cert by S Macvie MB
Registered by Gavin Strang, son, Nether Letham, Avondale (present)
22 Nov 1875, John Donald Assistand Registrar. JB.

1814
The Burying Place of
ALEXANDER STRANG
Farmer in Crewburn and
JANET CRAIG his Wife
in Memory of their Son
CHRISTOPHER who died
? November 1812
[In Strathaven Cemetery]

IN:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barrie/#92

1875 Deaths Parish of Avondale, County of Lanark
William Strang, M, 73yrs, (lately Farmer) married to Helen Crawford
1875 Nov, 17th, 0h 20m am at Springfield Cottage, Strathaven
F: Alexander Strang, Farmer (deceased)
M: Janet Strang MS Craig (deceased)
Epigastric Tumour 4 months as cert by S Macvie MB
Registered by Gavin Strang, son, Nether Letham, Avondale (present)
22 Nov 1875, John Donald Assistand Registrar. JB.

1814
The Burying Place of
ALEXANDER STRANG
Farmer in Crewburn and
JANET CRAIG his Wife
in Memory of their Son
CHRISTOPHER who died
? November 1812
[In Strathaven Cemetery]

IN:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barrie/#92

1814
The Burying Place of
ALEXANDER STRANG
Farmer in Crewburn and
JANET CRAIG his Wife
in Memory of their Son
CHRISTOPHER who died
? November 1812
[In Strathaven Cemetery]

IN:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barrie/#92

Autobiography
of
William Findlay Soutar
[1856-1930]

It is my intention to trace my Genealogy as far as possible; to bring my career down to date; and then to continue to chronicle all changes and notable events as they occur during the remaining part whether short or long of this earthly existence.

1881

p1

Little of nothing seems to be known of my father's descent, further than, that his father John Soutar was a Bleacher at Midmill, near Dundee, was born in 1790, married to Catherine Craik in 1815 and died in 1833 - aged 42 years. My Grandmother, Catherine Craik was born in 1797, and few of the old residenters in the East End of Dundee can fail to remember “Candy Katie” whose kind heartedness outstepped the bounds of prudence; for never would she allow a customer to leave without accepting something to the bargain, and children of my early days were well acquainted with Granny's candy.- Often have I helped when yet my muscles were by slim, to draw the think ropes, suspended on an iron hook, of this much-asked for luxury.

She died in 1862 in her well-known little shop in Princess Street. Five of their children reached manhood.-
Charles, born 1815.
[OPR Birth Index 307/00 0003 shows a Charlotte, sex unknown, born 24/12/1815 to these parents.]
William, born 1821.
[ OPR Birth Index 307/00 0005 shows William born 01/07/1821.]
Robert, born 1827.
[ OPR Birth Index shows no record.]
John, born 1830, and
[ OPR Birth Index 307/00 0003 shows only one John Soutar born 08/06/1817 to these parents.]
David, born 1832.
[ OPR Birth Index shows no record.]

William, the 2nd son, a tailor to trade, is now a Temperance Lecturer in Newark, New York, and has a grown up family in business for themselves in same town. David the youngest and most fortunate [Page 2] of them all, has had many years command of one or other of the Whaling fleet which, early each year, leaves Dundee, amid shouts and well wishes of crowds of friends to pursue their perilous task through the Arctic seas.

John, my father, born as already mentioned in 1830, at Midmill near Dundee on 11th November, was not blessed with the even rudimentary education which is secured for the children of today. His very early days were spend in the fields as a herdboy, where probably we are right in affirming was build up that strong and muscular frame which scarcely ever felt outdone when younger men were fast leaving the track. But alas! the change from the green fields to the dusty and noisy tumult of a flax spinning mill. He was engaged as a common millworker for some time but now, pretty well up in youth, he left this for the better employment of a Calenderer. At the last named occupation he continued until some little time after he was married [1855] when he became more closely connected with my early existence which will be referred to further on.

Before going further, I shall trace the descent on my mother's side:- [p3]

I am indebted to my Grandfather for the very interesting information and account I am able to give:-

Sitting one evening by the fire, he commenced to dictate to me the following, which with youthful curiosity, I noted down and carefully laid aside for reference.

In Glan Prosen about 4 miles north from Kirriemuir, a young child, like Moses of old, was found on the bordering hills. This child was kept by the Parish of Oatlaw and called "Foundling" which name he afterwards changed to Findlay. The young founding turned out a very strong and well build man: allied himself with the Jacobite cause, and followed Prince Charlie against his powerful foes the English. This bold highlander left behind him a son who lived at Dodivons [or Dodivow], now called Shawfield and who in his turn left a child to carry down the name of Findlay. The latter, whose surname [first?] is not known, was married on one called Barbara Smith, by whom he had four sons. John, Alex, Robert and Charles. 

Charles, the youngest, my great-grandfather, was born at the Bastard in 1771 (died 5 July 1846) was during the early part of his career a farm servant, but afterwards turned to the then extensive business of hand-look weaving:- [p4]

His wife, Janet Morty was born 1766 and died 2nd Jan, 1838. They had six of a family, Alex: Minnie: James: Charles: John, and Robert. Alexander, the eldest son, my Grandfather, was born at Pluvermuir [OS NO3752], parish of Kirriemuir 30 April 1799, and died in my father's house in Maryfield, Dundee, 3rd May 1875. During the whole of his life he followed the avocation of a shoemaker, - for the greater part in Kirriemuir, but for several years before his death, at Dykehead, Cortachy [OS NO3860], about 5 miles north from Kirriemuir. Like many of his craft, he had a tenacious memory for old stories and dates: was well versed in the history of his country, his own history, and in fact was a fairly educated man.

His wife Barbara Duncan was born 25th Dec, 1800, and died 24 Sept, 1856. They had 11 children:- Charles, Elizabeth, James, William, Margaret, Jessie, Barbara, and Alexander. Three were stillborn. I have the honour of being named after William who has been for many years a flourishing Merchant and Accountant  in Hamilton, Canada. He commenced life as a clerk in Dundee. His apprenticeship  was served with the Dundee Pertha and London Shipping Coy. The he found too little scope here and afterwards in Glsgow for making money. He has clung to the town of Hamilton which he went out to. 

[p5]
His youngest brother Alex. is a merchant in New York and from all accounts, a successful one. They are both married and I look forward with no little degree of pleasure to the trip across to see them, which I trust to accomplish soon.

My mother, Margaret Watt Findlay, born 8th August 1832 in Kirk Wynd, Kirriemuir, and received at school there a very sound and healthy education. Though not accomplished and trained in fashionable life, she had an excellent education in a plain way, and has few equals for shrewdness, activity and intelligence.- possessing an exceedingly healthy constitution, she is as active and able as ever, though now bordering on fifty, and might pass for 10 years younger. To my mother more than any other, I am indebted for the early instruction which has moulded my career so far: fulll of goodness, righteousness and mirth, she is and always has been, and over and above her many other good qualities, she possesses in a rare degree the tenderness and affection of a mother. Verily would she lay down her life for her family: no amount of self sacrifice ever enters into her calculations on their behalf.

My parents were married 10th December 1855 and on 15th October 1856 in house (2nd floor south west corner) Middle Street, off Princess St., Dundee, [OSNO 4030]  I first saw the light.

[p6]
Though then the only child, we are today four boys and girls alive - one dead sister. 
    [the writer,  William Findlay 15 October 1856 - 1930]
    John born in back apartment of shop in Princes Street 5th July 1859:
    Barbara Duncan Findlay in house below shop 18th March 1861:
    Margaret Catherine Craik in Crescent Street, 24th December 1863:
    Georgina Petrie 16th May 1866
    David 21st May 1868:
    Anabella Craik 2nd July 1870:
all in the same building, but different house.
    Flora Findlay in Maryfield 7th December 1872, who died of bronchitis 21st May 1873.
    Alexander Findlay born also in Maryfield 31st Jan 1877.

    [Crescent St joined Princess St (Alexander Wilson photograph): http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/photodb/wc0548.htm]

My early school day recollections are very vivid as fas as mischief and insubordination are concerned: the alphabet was learned in a lady's school in Crescent Lane and well do I remember, not withstanding many whippings, but Willie Bisset and I went arm in arm playing "Kit" from school, for ever bent on fun, but never dreaming of lessons. It gives me great pleasure to think that I can remember returning one day along with Johnny, who was indeed early to school (but children in these days were sent off, out of the way, as soon as they could walk!) and being told that we had got a sister. Seated on a chair by the fireside "Grannie" [Catherine Craik] (father's mother - I can't remember having seen my Mother's Mother.) seemed proud of the charge  [p7] which she had the honour of nursing.

I was next sent to a school in Crescent Street also kept by a lady, but did not learn much I should say, until sent to Mr. Birrell's in Euclid Crescent [off Bell St: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/photodb/wc0164.htm]. There I remained until I reached the age of 12, but unfortunately my years there were not of the brightest. I was seized with inflammation of the lungs which left me weak and delicate for several years. No doubt this illness was brought on by too much exposure and want of recreation and sport, which are absolutely necessary for the building up of a healthy constitution. My early nights and leisure hours were spent in the close atmosphere of a busy draper's shop instead of the open air. Though intended by my Father for his successor in the drapery trade, my inclinations were not in that line, so that much against his will at the time, I managed to find, through the aid of a well-known and generous benefactor to many a youth, David Shepherd, a situation as apprentice clerk to Messrs. Fairweather & Chalmers, Jute Spinners... After being in their employment for about a year and a half, the firm was dissolved, but the works were carried on by one of the partners and another under the style of Chalmers and Duval.

[p8]
I however, felt I had too little scope her, so resolved to avail myself of a favourable opportunity which was offered me - Mr. Wm. Cleghorn whose son was a partner in the firm of Fairweather & Chalmers, was at this time about to start a new mill (Garden Works) beside his house a Logie: the situation as Clerk, to complete my apprenticeship, was too tempting to be refused, especially as the new place was likely to be very extended soon afterwards, which time has proved to be true, while little or not future was in store for the old business: I do not regret this step, but have long since rued leaving Mr Cleghorn immediately my apprenticeship was completed:

Flushed with a brilliant career as far as gone, my ambition ran wild, and nothing would do for me but a situation of importance. - no more weighing jam and forwarding goods for me!! I very soon learned after giving up my position in Garden Works that situations to my taste were not so easily found as I imagined: Tried hanging on for some time and regretting very much the foolish step, I accepted, at a salary which I am almost ashamed of now, a situation as a Junior Clerk with Messrs. Jaffé Brothers & Co.. Foreign Merchants. Though not very remunerative, I need not regret [p9] being in their employment, as I learned with them thorough business habits and a vast amount of general knowledge and acquaintance with office work. Steadily I advanced with them for about two years, when failing health and need for me in my father's business induced me to leave the desk for a time and try the business of the counter. It wouldn't do: Not many months had passed when I had resolved to get out of it again as soon as possible, My brother Johnny, bred a Draper, was at this time with Messrs. Byars & Coy. Glasgow, and getting on very well with them, but had found that lodgings are lodgings, and not like home. He soon afterwards returned to manage the business here, which I was eager to get away from at any cost. Noticing one day in the daily paper that a young an who had been clerk with Messrs. Somerville & Co Jute Merchants had been brought up before the Police Court on a charge of embezzlement, I immediately set off to see if they wanted a person to fill the situation: which resulted in my engagement with them, an engagement which promises to lead to fortune. I commenced work with Fairweather & Chalmers 1st March 1872 - with Jaffé Brothers & Co. 14th May 1875 - and with Somerville & Co. 5th Apil 187. 

[p10]
Nothing of any importance occurred in private life up to this time except that in 1873, the first gap was made in our family circle, and in 1875 old Grandfather [Alexander Findlay 1777-1873] who was looked upon as one of ourselves died in our house.

With every opportunity now of becoming acquainted with Dundee Merchants, Spinners and Manufacturers, and a Knowledge of the trade generally, with two very indulgent masters, Mr. Somerville and Mr. Patterson, and at work according to my own heart, I felt at last contented and buoyant with hope....

But all this was too good to continue! - In December 1878, I was seized with an affliction of the eye which threatens to mar if not to seriously impede my future career. - Suddenly, in the office, I noticed a few black specks in front of one of my eyes, which I vainly imagined I could rub off: these increased rapidly and the eye soon became affected with retinitis which has left both eyes weak for life. - let us hope they may stand all the strain necessary.

This was a serious check, for all reading had to be stopped, and with this consequently [p11] all literary work which I was at that time engaged in. - Many of my best works must now remain un-read as I can't afford to run any risk in burning the midnight lamp in order to swallow their contents.

In the summer of 1879, I had the good fortune to get the length of Paris during my holidays: which with all its grandeur and ruins filled me with admiration and never ceasing delight, besides teaching me in a very enjoyable and indelible way much of the history of foolish and impulsive France. My old and true friend Bob Steven, John Farquharson and myself formed the party. In going to Paris we went via London per steamer, so had an opportunity of doing both places. As the part of our trip on French soil is set down in a separate paper, I need not recount it here.

We sailed from Dundee per Cambria on Saturday 2nd August 1879 and all went well that evening but next morning changed the scene. Rain was falling and a pretty heavy sea rolling which proved too much for nearly all on board: my friend Steven and I were as "sick as a dog."

[p12]
I often look back on the nice arrangement made with a Miss Horsburgh, an acquaintance of mine who was on board, on the Saturday evening to spend a enjoyable Sunday on deck. Alas!! she never appeared on deck again until after we had left the steamer at Gravesend on Monday morning. She was too sick to stir from her birth.

A good number of the passengers went ashore at Gravesend along with us and took train for London. The whole of that day until time for the Paris train in the evening was spent in the City, more in the way of recruiting than sight-seeing. We left Paris on the Saturday following and arrived in Brighton on the back on Sunday forenoon. The band was playing on the Grand Pier, the Aquarium open, donkey carriages etc. doing a roaring trade and any amoung of bustle at the station. How different from pious Scotland!! We visited the Aquarium and took note of all the gaiety on the Promenade and Pier.

[p13]
On arriving in London same evening, we put up at Anderson's Hotel, Fleet Street. As a matter of course, we commenced next morning to do the sights. Westminster Abbery, the Tower, St Paul's, Madame Tussaud's which are all so well known that it would be tedious to mention any particulars about them. One part of our London sight seeing however, is well worth mention, through the curtesy of our then Senior Member of Parliament, Mr. Yeaman, we were admitted into the gallery of the House of Commons. Unfortunately, the debate was not a lively one: the subject under discussion was Eqyptian finance which, like too many questions raised in much the same way, gave vent to a considerable amount of speaking power, bas as every member knew would end up in smoke. We had the pleasure of hearing Sir Charles Wilke [or Dilke], our own Junior Member, Mr. Jenkins, and one or two others speak. The speech of Mr. Jenkins impressed me more than the others, not for brilliant language and fluency, but in allcount of the amount of confidence he had in addressing and accusing the then Tory Government.

[p14]

As a rule, a member does not attack the opposite party when speaking in the House with the same force and bitterness as when addressing his constituency, but this can not be said of Jenkins, for he pitched into the Government in a most sarcastic and bitter way causing Sir Stafford Northcote,  then Chancellor of the Exchequer to make up and refer to his Blue Bookss. We had the privilege through this introduction of seeing the House of Commons at work, the actual Leader of the Governmentm Sir Stafford (Disraeli had gone up to the Lords) and the then Leader of the Liberal Party, the Marquis of Hartington. Unfortunately Mr. Gladstone was not present.

The close of this year 1879 will be remembered too well by many in and around Dundee. On 28th December, just as everyone was commencing to make merry at the approaching New Year Season, the Tay Bridge fell, carrying with it the train from Edinburgh on the Sunday night, and every soul therein to the bottom. After investigation, it was found that the vibration caused by the train passing inside the centre girders together with the tremendous gale had caused the expensive and admired structure to give away.

[p15]
The train was found lying in a heap of runins inside the massive lattice work which showed that most of the passengers had been killed rather than drowned,

Well do I remember the fearful evening and hour we talked of the Tay Bridge, ridiculing the idea of it being affected. Little did we think that at the time we were speaking, there was a gap in the idolised structure which is not likely to be spanned soon. For weeks afterwards divers were continually at work in search of the bodies but many of them were never found. There were altogether 75 lives lost, not a soul saved to tell the tale.

The year 1880 was not an eventful one. For me, plenty of hard work mixed with a little pleasure now and then. Instead of breaking off work for holidays, I spent about 3 months at Carnoustie.

We have not reached the present year 1881, during the early part of which. I had bright hopes of spending a few weeks on the Continent, this time in Hamburg and Berlin, but funds being short and no one caring to go along with me, I had to give up the idea.

[p16]
I have just returned from all the holidays I shall get for another year.

Two friends and I (Ned Longair and Bob) have been spending a few days at the often visited spot Dykehead, Cortachy, where there is freedom to roam about amongst the hills and glens, where heather and rugged cliffs add rustic beauty to the quiet scence, there the North Esk flows unceasingly along, largely incresed in volume since it left its rippling source about 10 miles further up the Glen. I first visited this spot about 12 or 13 years ago. My grandfather wrought at that time with Mr. Robert Skea, the shoemaker of the District and yearly when a boy I used to come and spend the summer with the old man. I remember on one occasion then he was thought dying, I went up with a small Velocipede on a Saturday, took the train with it to Kirriemuir and came right back to Dundee on the Sunday afternoon.

Thought the cheery old grundy has long since gone to his narrow bed, still there remains a charm about the place which calls me back to it again and again.

And may I still be enabled to visit for many years to come and oft repeat:

"Ye crags and peaks,

I'm with you once again."

--------------------------------------------------

Copeid from the original Manuscript by Phyllis, wife of Ian K Lawson, Grandson of the writer.
The said manuscript having come into his possession on the death of his uncle, William D Soutar, Lisdon, Kirriemuir (son of the writer). 1975.

Autobiography
of
William Findlay Soutar
[1856-1930]

It is my intention to trace my Genealogy as far as possible; to bring my career down to date; and then to continue to chronicle all changes and notable events as they occur during the remaining part whether short or long of this earthly existence.

1881

p1

Little of nothing seems to be known of my father's descent, further than, that his father John Soutar was a Bleacher at Midmill, near Dundee, was born in 1790, married to Catherine Craik in 1815 and died in 1833 - aged 42 years. My Grandmother, Catherine Craik was born in 1797, and few of the old residenters in the East End of Dundee can fail to remember “Candy Katie” whose kind heartedness outstepped the bounds of prudence; for never would she allow a customer to leave without accepting something to the bargain, and children of my early days were well acquainted with Granny's candy.- Often have I helped when yet my muscles were by slim, to draw the think ropes, suspended on an iron hook, of this much-asked for luxury.

She died in 1862 in her well-known little shop in Princess Street. Five of their children reached manhood.-
Charles, born 1815.
[OPR Birth Index 307/00 0003 shows a Charlotte, sex unknown, born 24/12/1815 to these parents.]
William, born 1821.
[ OPR Birth Index 307/00 0005 shows William born 01/07/1821.]
Robert, born 1827.
[ OPR Birth Index shows no record.]
John, born 1830, and
[ OPR Birth Index 307/00 0003 shows only one John Soutar born 08/06/1817 to these parents.]
David, born 1832.
[ OPR Birth Index shows no record.]

William, the 2nd son, a tailor to trade, is now a Temperance Lecturer in Newark, New York, and has a grown up family in business for themselves in same town. David the youngest and most fortunate [Page 2] of them all, has had many years command of one or other of the Whaling fleet which, early each year, leaves Dundee, amid shouts and well wishes of crowds of friends to pursue their perilous task through the Arctic seas.

John, my father, born as already mentioned in 1830, at Midmill near Dundee on 11th November, was not blessed with the even rudimentary education which is secured for the children of today. His very early days were spend in the fields as a herdboy, where probably we are right in affirming was build up that strong and muscular frame which scarcely ever felt outdone when younger men were fast leaving the track. But alas! the change from the green fields to the dusty and noisy tumult of a flax spinning mill. He was engaged as a common millworker for some time but now, pretty well up in youth, he left this for the better employment of a Calenderer. At the last named occupation he continued until some little time after he was married [1855] when he became more closely connected with my early existence which will be referred to further on.

Before going further, I shall trace the descent on my mother's side:- [p3]

I am indebted to my Grandfather for the very interesting information and account I am able to give:-

Sitting one evening by the fire, he commenced to dictate to me the following, which with youthful curiosity, I noted down and carefully laid aside for reference.

In Glan Prosen about 4 miles north from Kirriemuir, a young child, like Moses of old, was found on the bordering hills. This child was kept by the Parish of Oatlaw and called "Foundling" which name he afterwards changed to Findlay. The young founding turned out a very strong and well build man: allied himself with the Jacobite cause, and followed Prince Charlie against his powerful foes the English. This bold highlander left behind him a son who lived at Dodivons [or Dodivow], now called Shawfield and who in his turn left a child to carry down the name of Findlay. The latter, whose surname [first?] is not known, was married on one called Barbara Smith, by whom he had four sons. John, Alex, Robert and Charles. 

Charles, the youngest, my great-grandfather, was born at the Bastard in 1771 (died 5 July 1846) was during the early part of his career a farm servant, but afterwards turned to the then extensive business of hand-look weaving:- [p4]

His wife, Janet Morty was born 1766 and died 2nd Jan, 1838. They had six of a family, Alex: Minnie: James: Charles: John, and Robert. Alexander, the eldest son, my Grandfather, was born at Pluvermuir [OS NO3752], parish of Kirriemuir 30 April 1799, and died in my father's house in Maryfield, Dundee, 3rd May 1875. During the whole of his life he followed the avocation of a shoemaker, - for the greater part in Kirriemuir, but for several years before his death, at Dykehead, Cortachy [OS NO3860], about 5 miles north from Kirriemuir. Like many of his craft, he had a tenacious memory for old stories and dates: was well versed in the history of his country, his own history, and in fact was a fairly educated man.

His wife Barbara Duncan was born 25th Dec, 1800, and died 24 Sept, 1856. They had 11 children:- Charles, Elizabeth, James, William, Margaret, Jessie, Barbara, and Alexander. Three were stillborn. I have the honour of being named after William who has been for many years a flourishing Merchant and Accountant  in Hamilton, Canada. He commenced life as a clerk in Dundee. His apprenticeship  was served with the Dundee Pertha and London Shipping Coy. The he found too little scope here and afterwards in Glsgow for making money. He has clung to the town of Hamilton which he went out to. 

[p5]
His youngest brother Alex. is a merchant in New York and from all accounts, a successful one. They are both married and I look forward with no little degree of pleasure to the trip across to see them, which I trust to accomplish soon.

My mother, Margaret Watt Findlay, born 8th August 1832 in Kirk Wynd, Kirriemuir, and received at school there a very sound and healthy education. Though not accomplished and trained in fashionable life, she had an excellent education in a plain way, and has few equals for shrewdness, activity and intelligence.- possessing an exceedingly healthy constitution, she is as active and able as ever, though now bordering on fifty, and might pass for 10 years younger. To my mother more than any other, I am indebted for the early instruction which has moulded my career so far: fulll of goodness, righteousness and mirth, she is and always has been, and over and above her many other good qualities, she possesses in a rare degree the tenderness and affection of a mother. Verily would she lay down her life for her family: no amount of self sacrifice ever enters into her calculations on their behalf.

My parents were married 10th December 1855 and on 15th October 1856 in house (2nd floor south west corner) Middle Street, off Princess St., Dundee, [OSNO 4030]  I first saw the light.

[p6]
Though then the only child, we are today four boys and girls alive - one dead sister. 
    [the writer,  William Findlay 15 October 1856 - 1930]
    John born in back apartment of shop in Princes Street 5th July 1859:
    Barbara Duncan Findlay in house below shop 18th March 1861:
    Margaret Catherine Craik in Crescent Street, 24th December 1863:
    Georgina Petrie 16th May 1866
    David 21st May 1868:
    Anabella Craik 2nd July 1870:
all in the same building, but different house.
    Flora Findlay in Maryfield 7th December 1872, who died of bronchitis 21st May 1873.
    Alexander Findlay born also in Maryfield 31st Jan 1877.

    [Crescent St joined Princess St (Alexander Wilson photograph): http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/photodb/wc0548.htm]

My early school day recollections are very vivid as fas as mischief and insubordination are concerned: the alphabet was learned in a lady's school in Crescent Lane and well do I remember, not withstanding many whippings, but Willie Bisset and I went arm in arm playing "Kit" from school, for ever bent on fun, but never dreaming of lessons. It gives me great pleasure to think that I can remember returning one day along with Johnny, who was indeed early to school (but children in these days were sent off, out of the way, as soon as they could walk!) and being told that we had got a sister. Seated on a chair by the fireside "Grannie" [Catherine Craik] (father's mother - I can't remember having seen my Mother's Mother.) seemed proud of the charge  [p7] which she had the honour of nursing.

I was next sent to a school in Crescent Street also kept by a lady, but did not learn much I should say, until sent to Mr. Birrell's in Euclid Crescent [off Bell St: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/photodb/wc0164.htm]. There I remained until I reached the age of 12, but unfortunately my years there were not of the brightest. I was seized with inflammation of the lungs which left me weak and delicate for several years. No doubt this illness was brought on by too much exposure and want of recreation and sport, which are absolutely necessary for the building up of a healthy constitution. My early nights and leisure hours were spent in the close atmosphere of a busy draper's shop instead of the open air. Though intended by my Father for his successor in the drapery trade, my inclinations were not in that line, so that much against his will at the time, I managed to find, through the aid of a well-known and generous benefactor to many a youth, David Shepherd, a situation as apprentice clerk to Messrs. Fairweather & Chalmers, Jute Spinners... After being in their employment for about a year and a half, the firm was dissolved, but the works were carried on by one of the partners and another under the style of Chalmers and Duval.

[p8]
I however, felt I had too little scope her, so resolved to avail myself of a favourable opportunity which was offered me - Mr. Wm. Cleghorn whose son was a partner in the firm of Fairweather & Chalmers, was at this time about to start a new mill (Garden Works) beside his house a Logie: the situation as Clerk, to complete my apprenticeship, was too tempting to be refused, especially as the new place was likely to be very extended soon afterwards, which time has proved to be true, while little or not future was in store for the old business: I do not regret this step, but have long since rued leaving Mr Cleghorn immediately my apprenticeship was completed:

Flushed with a brilliant career as far as gone, my ambition ran wild, and nothing would do for me but a situation of importance. - no more weighing jam and forwarding goods for me!! I very soon learned after giving up my position in Garden Works that situations to my taste were not so easily found as I imagined: Tried hanging on for some time and regretting very much the foolish step, I accepted, at a salary which I am almost ashamed of now, a situation as a Junior Clerk with Messrs. Jaffé Brothers & Co.. Foreign Merchants. Though not very remunerative, I need not regret [p9] being in their employment, as I learned with them thorough business habits and a vast amount of general knowledge and acquaintance with office work. Steadily I advanced with them for about two years, when failing health and need for me in my father's business induced me to leave the desk for a time and try the business of the counter. It wouldn't do: Not many months had passed when I had resolved to get out of it again as soon as possible, My brother Johnny, bred a Draper, was at this time with Messrs. Byars & Coy. Glasgow, and getting on very well with them, but had found that lodgings are lodgings, and not like home. He soon afterwards returned to manage the business here, which I was eager to get away from at any cost. Noticing one day in the daily paper that a young an who had been clerk with Messrs. Somerville & Co Jute Merchants had been brought up before the Police Court on a charge of embezzlement, I immediately set off to see if they wanted a person to fill the situation: which resulted in my engagement with them, an engagement which promises to lead to fortune. I commenced work with Fairweather & Chalmers 1st March 1872 - with Jaffé Brothers & Co. 14th May 1875 - and with Somerville & Co. 5th Apil 187. 

[p10]
Nothing of any importance occurred in private life up to this time except that in 1873, the first gap was made in our family circle, and in 1875 old Grandfather [Alexander Findlay 1777-1873] who was looked upon as one of ourselves died in our house.

With every opportunity now of becoming acquainted with Dundee Merchants, Spinners and Manufacturers, and a Knowledge of the trade generally, with two very indulgent masters, Mr. Somerville and Mr. Patterson, and at work according to my own heart, I felt at last contented and buoyant with hope....

But all this was too good to continue! - In December 1878, I was seized with an affliction of the eye which threatens to mar if not to seriously impede my future career. - Suddenly, in the office, I noticed a few black specks in front of one of my eyes, which I vainly imagined I could rub off: these increased rapidly and the eye soon became affected with retinitis which has left both eyes weak for life. - let us hope they may stand all the strain necessary.

This was a serious check, for all reading had to be stopped, and with this consequently [p11] all literary work which I was at that time engaged in. - Many of my best works must now remain un-read as I can't afford to run any risk in burning the midnight lamp in order to swallow their contents.

In the summer of 1879, I had the good fortune to get the length of Paris during my holidays: which with all its grandeur and ruins filled me with admiration and never ceasing delight, besides teaching me in a very enjoyable and indelible way much of the history of foolish and impulsive France. My old and true friend Bob Steven, John Farquharson and myself formed the party. In going to Paris we went via London per steamer, so had an opportunity of doing both places. As the part of our trip on French soil is set down in a separate paper, I need not recount it here.

We sailed from Dundee per Cambria on Saturday 2nd August 1879 and all went well that evening but next morning changed the scene. Rain was falling and a pretty heavy sea rolling which proved too much for nearly all on board: my friend Steven and I were as "sick as a dog."

[p12]
I often look back on the nice arrangement made with a Miss Horsburgh, an acquaintance of mine who was on board, on the Saturday evening to spend a enjoyable Sunday on deck. Alas!! she never appeared on deck again until after we had left the steamer at Gravesend on Monday morning. She was too sick to stir from her birth.

A good number of the passengers went ashore at Gravesend along with us and took train for London. The whole of that day until time for the Paris train in the evening was spent in the City, more in the way of recruiting than sight-seeing. We left Paris on the Saturday following and arrived in Brighton on the back on Sunday forenoon. The band was playing on the Grand Pier, the Aquarium open, donkey carriages etc. doing a roaring trade and any amoung of bustle at the station. How different from pious Scotland!! We visited the Aquarium and took note of all the gaiety on the Promenade and Pier.

[p13]
On arriving in London same evening, we put up at Anderson's Hotel, Fleet Street. As a matter of course, we commenced next morning to do the sights. Westminster Abbery, the Tower, St Paul's, Madame Tussaud's which are all so well known that it would be tedious to mention any particulars about them. One part of our London sight seeing however, is well worth mention, through the curtesy of our then Senior Member of Parliament, Mr. Yeaman, we were admitted into the gallery of the House of Commons. Unfortunately, the debate was not a lively one: the subject under discussion was Eqyptian finance which, like too many questions raised in much the same way, gave vent to a considerable amount of speaking power, bas as every member knew would end up in smoke. We had the pleasure of hearing Sir Charles Wilke [or Dilke], our own Junior Member, Mr. Jenkins, and one or two others speak. The speech of Mr. Jenkins impressed me more than the others, not for brilliant language and fluency, but in allcount of the amount of confidence he had in addressing and accusing the then Tory Government.

[p14]

As a rule, a member does not attack the opposite party when speaking in the House with the same force and bitterness as when addressing his constituency, but this can not be said of Jenkins, for he pitched into the Government in a most sarcastic and bitter way causing Sir Stafford Northcote,  then Chancellor of the Exchequer to make up and refer to his Blue Bookss. We had the privilege through this introduction of seeing the House of Commons at work, the actual Leader of the Governmentm Sir Stafford (Disraeli had gone up to the Lords) and the then Leader of the Liberal Party, the Marquis of Hartington. Unfortunately Mr. Gladstone was not present.

The close of this year 1879 will be remembered too well by many in and around Dundee. On 28th December, just as everyone was commencing to make merry at the approaching New Year Season, the Tay Bridge fell, carrying with it the train from Edinburgh on the Sunday night, and every soul therein to the bottom. After investigation, it was found that the vibration caused by the train passing inside the centre girders together with the tremendous gale had caused the expensive and admired structure to give away.

[p15]
The train was found lying in a heap of runins inside the massive lattice work which showed that most of the passengers had been killed rather than drowned,

Well do I remember the fearful evening and hour we talked of the Tay Bridge, ridiculing the idea of it being affected. Little did we think that at the time we were speaking, there was a gap in the idolised structure which is not likely to be spanned soon. For weeks afterwards divers were continually at work in search of the bodies but many of them were never found. There were altogether 75 lives lost, not a soul saved to tell the tale.

The year 1880 was not an eventful one. For me, plenty of hard work mixed with a little pleasure now and then. Instead of breaking off work for holidays, I spent about 3 months at Carnoustie.

We have not reached the present year 1881, during the early part of which. I had bright hopes of spending a few weeks on the Continent, this time in Hamburg and Berlin, but funds being short and no one caring to go along with me, I had to give up the idea.

[p16]
I have just returned from all the holidays I shall get for another year.

Two friends and I (Ned Longair and Bob) have been spending a few days at the often visited spot Dykehead, Cortachy, where there is freedom to roam about amongst the hills and glens, where heather and rugged cliffs add rustic beauty to the quiet scence, there the North Esk flows unceasingly along, largely incresed in volume since it left its rippling source about 10 miles further up the Glen. I first visited this spot about 12 or 13 years ago. My grandfather wrought at that time with Mr. Robert Skea, the shoemaker of the District and yearly when a boy I used to come and spend the summer with the old man. I remember on one occasion then he was thought dying, I went up with a small Velocipede on a Saturday, took the train with it to Kirriemuir and came right back to Dundee on the Sunday afternoon.

Thought the cheery old grundy has long since gone to his narrow bed, still there remains a charm about the place which calls me back to it again and again.

And may I still be enabled to visit for many years to come and oft repeat:

"Ye crags and peaks,

I'm with you once again."

--------------------------------------------------

Copeid from the original Manuscript by Phyllis, wife of Ian K Lawson, Grandson of the writer.
The said manuscript having come into his possession on the death of his uncle, William D Soutar, Lisdon, Kirriemuir (son of the writer). 1975.

Picture Signed J. F. Soutar. [Is this John Findlay Soutar?]
Two ms notes on back:
1.
Jack's Prize Painting. D[undee] H[igh] S[chool]
2.
This picture belongs to Jack. His prize one at D.H.S. [Written by Katherine I Lawson.]

Statutory Marriages 282/02 0270)
1855 Marriages in the Second District of Burgh of Dundee, County of Forfar, Alx Leash..., Registrar.
10 Nov 1855 at 10 West Dock St, Dundee acc to usual Scotch Form
John Soutar, 25yrs [b c1830], Present Add Dundee, Usual Add Dundee, Occ Lapper
Born Parish of Mains, Forfar
F: John Soutar, Weaver
M: Catherine Craik
Margaret W Findlay, 23 yrs[b c1832], Present Add Dundee, Usual Add Dundee
Born Kirrimuir, Aug 1832
F: Alexander Findlay, Shoe maker
M: Barbara Duncan
Alexander ???, Minister,
David Soutar, Witness,
Elizabeth Findlay, Witness.
Registered 15? Dec, 1855 at Dundee, Alx Leash, Registrar

Statutory Marriages 282/02 0270)
1855 Marriages in the Second District of Burgh of Dundee, County of Forfar, Alx Leash..., Registrar.
10 Nov 1855 at 10 West Dock St, Dundee acc to usual Scotch Form
John Soutar, 25yrs [b c1830], Present Add Dundee, Usual Add Dundee, Occ Lapper
Born Parish of Mains, Forfar
F: John Soutar, Weaver
M: Catherine Craik
Margaret W Findlay, 23 yrs[b c1832], Present Add Dundee, Usual Add Dundee
Born Kirrimuir, Aug 1832
F: Alexander Findlay, Shoe maker
M: Barbara Duncan
Alexander ???, Minister,
David Soutar, Witness,
Elizabeth Findlay, Witness.
Registered 15? Dec, 1855 at Dundee, Alx Leash, Registrar

Lawson Family Group of 12
Children of JB Lawson & Martha Lawson MS Goldie
A     Eleanor Goldie          1867 - 1926     #98
B     Edith Isabella          1869 - 1909     #99
C     Martha                    1879 - 1970     #105
D     Dorothy                          - 1968 #106
E     Mildred                    1884 - 1950 #107
J     James                    1871 - 1900 #100
K     William Edward          1823 - 1902 #101
L     Alfred Ernest          1874 - 1902 #102
M     Frederick Charles     1877 - 1942 #104
N     Kenneth Ingram           1878 - 1952 #4
X     Martha Goldie          1847 - 1926 #97
Y     James Black Lawson     1839 - 1905     #96
This is a photocopy of the orginal picture by phtographers "Mr & Mrs Anckorn, Arbroath[, Angus, Scotland], Prize Medal Liverpool 1889", which can be seen on the side. What the Prize Medal relates to is unknown. IWS. The whereabouts of the original photo is unkown.

############### Text for Event 1:477 ##################
JB Lawson has another claim to fame. According to a manuscript document headed "The Lawsons" which IWS has:
"William Lawson founded the family whisky business in Dundee, which, on his death, was carried on by J.B. Lawson. The business prospered from premises in the Seagate, Dundee. The family lived in Magdalen Yard Rd., Dundee - directly overlooking the first Tay Bridge. On ___ 1879 awaiting the birth of his daughter Martha JB saw the bridge fall - and is mentioned in the book "High Girders" by John Prebble."
http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/disaster/index.html

JB Lawson did not found the whisky brand J&B. I can't remember where I read it, but I have some documents that suggest he did. I wonder if there was another brand called JB Lawson's? (IWS)

John Prebble's book "The High Girders" published in 1956 says the following about JB Lawson:
p127 [Sunday 28 December, 1879]
At 7.13 he received signal that the [Sunday mail] train was on the bridge ... In five minutes the 5.20 [from Burntisland] should pass his box.
Mr James Black Lawson was a successful wine merchant who lived on the eastern perimiter of Magdalen Green. He saw the bridge fall.
Early in the evening he had been at his window watching the river running high ... he left his house to stand on the embankment, and was there joined by his friend Mr Smart. They saw flashes , the soary of water. Lawson sais "There is a train into the river."
They ran across the Green, through the Caledonian Railway Yard to the shelter of the southernmost of the great piers. ... halted and looked at the river, but could see nothing. [They met] and acquaintance, Mr Clark, and he said "Somthing is terribly wrong gentlemen." ... they ran east along the Esplanade... [Lawson] shouted to Clark to carry the news to the Advertiser office. He would go to the station.
p128
Peter Barron ... was the only man that night who clearly saw what happened, or who said he saw what happened ..."The moon was shining as clear as could be on the river and I saw the large piers from end to end." (This claim was disputed by a frien, Henry Gourlay, at the official Inquiry.)
p129
Station-master Smith knew ... the train had entered upon the bridge but had not left it ... Smith returned to his office and it was there that Lawson and Smart found him. Emotion and exhaustion made it difficult for Lawson to speak.
"We have seen fire falling from the bridge, Mr Smith. We're very much afraid it's down!"
Smith stood up and grasped Lawson's arm. "Please, gentlemen, tell nobody. There'll be great anxiety."
Lawson said "I must tell the harbour-master. A boat must go out!" And he was gone.
p131
Coming out of his church at about eght o'clock Harbour-master William Roberston was surrounded by a crowd that shouted "The bridge is doon!" He hurried to his office nad there was Lawson, angry in his exhaustion, declaring that he and other gentlemen had seen the fall of the bridge (which was not strictly accurate, but how else could he refer to those flashes of light?") A boat should go out, he said, a boat must go out.
He called for somone to fetch the Provost quickly, and ther he ran up the steps [p132] to his observatory, with Lawson behind him, still shouting for a boat.
... There were two telescopes ... Roberston followed the line of the girders northward ... He moved the glass beyond this to where the High Girders should have been seen. He cried to Lawson "There is no bridge now."

p168
About the time that Mr James Lawson was telling the Court that he had seen "a mass of fire fall from the bridge," ...[ Monday January 5, 1880.]

Note: Look at official Inquiry report.

See also The Tay Bridge Disaster - note on talk by Wm M Dow at Abertay Uni, 25 Mar, 1998. In Tay Vally Family Historian No. 51 Sep 1998, p12.
Has note on how the high girder that fell was kinked and why. Refers to a future publication with more details of the disaster.