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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Roxburghshire => Topic started by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 00:30 BST (UK)

Title: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 00:30 BST (UK)
William BLAIR was born about 1837 and by 1871 was practicing medicine at Abbey Green, Jedburgh. He died in 1929
I have done fairly well with details of his  wife, children and further descendants, but would like help with a couple of points.

Many newspaper references say the family was "of Abbey Green"

Where exactly is Abbey Green?
Looking at maps online I cannot quite clarify this.

{I did see a Blair Avenue in Jedburgh ;D ;D}

My other query is about cemeteries.

He and his wife (Jessie Hardie BLAIR d. 1895), and at least one daughter (Ella BLAIR= Jessie Hardie Isabella BLAIR d. 1947), died at Abbey Green. Where is the most like burial place?

Very glad if someone can help.

Sue

Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 05 July 17 00:40 BST (UK)
Sue, do you have William and family through the censuses? If so, what addresses are given?

If you have William and Jessie's death certificates, and if so is their abode simply "Abbey Green"?

I may be off the mark, but an address of Abbey Green suggests to me that this may be in the vicinity of Jedburgh Abbey. I will do some digging.  ;)

Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 05 July 17 00:53 BST (UK)
Abbeygreen here:
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=18.087182725000574&lat=55.4766&lon=-2.5534&layers=176&right=BingHyb

You can see some houses to the left which sadly no longer stand.  >:( He probably lived in one of those. What an amazing place to live - right by the Abbey!

Regarding burials, the closest burial ground is obviously the Abbey. I know it is ancient, but I haven't found out when their last burials were (I'm still looking).  ;)
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:01 BST (UK)
Thanks Ruskie.

1871 Address, Port House Exchange Street, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.
1881-Address simply -Abbey Green,Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.
1891 As above
1901 As above.

No, I do not have DCs.

Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:05 BST (UK)
There are a couple of churches just south of Abbey Green, though I can't see any burial grounds attached to them. By 1929, he may have been buried in a cemetery.

(No matter about the d/cs - I just thought if you knew where they died, it may help find their burials) :)

I will keep looking.  :)
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:20 BST (UK)
 Wonder if I can write to Cemetery trustees in the region :-\
They were a community -minded sort of family.

The National Probate Calendar gives information William BLAIR 1929

.....confirmation of Jessie Hardie Isabella Blair and Rev Charles James MORE More  EDIT MIDDLETON and Rev Oswald B MILLIGAN...... sealed London

I wonder if they were local clergy.

 EDIT
Answering my own question
Yes, both Reverends were local clergy from a few newspaper items.
Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:34 BST (UK)
I'm not sure Sue.  :-\ You would expect there to be an obit for him, though I think access to historical Scottish newspapers might be subscription only.

When the Scottish experts wake up they may be able to help you with burials. I couldn't find anything online.

Maybe add the words "Jedburgh" and "burials" to your subject line which might attract their attention?  :-\
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:45 BST (UK)
Thanks for your help and advice.
Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: Ruskie on Wednesday 05 July 17 01:50 BST (UK)
Sue, if interested you may be able to discover more about William through medical school records or memberships to associations. I vaguely remember reading threads where others have done this. :D

I'm not sure where to direct you for information, but I'm sure someone will be able to do so.

Added: I note that you say William was  born "about 1837". His death and marriage certificates will give his age and also both parent's names. It might help you narrow down the correct birth/baptism as William Blair is not an uncommon name.
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: Sunlaws on Wednesday 05 July 17 11:57 BST (UK)
Hi Sue
For such a kenspeckle and longstanding local figure he's a bit elusive! The notice in the Scotsman deaths column just says "At Abbey Green, Jedburgh on 23rd November (1929) William Blair M.D. in his 92nd year. Funeral private. (No flowers by request)' So no clues there. There is also a longer tribute in the Scotsman which I can PM you if you don't have it, but again, no clue about burial place. Castlewood cemetery in Jedburgh had been opened in 1857, and is perhaps the likeliest place. I think Jedburgh MIs are in the pipeline to be published by Borders FHS, but nothing on their website as yet. A search for his name on Hubcat gives only one instance, that William Blair M.D. registered a motor car in 1904. http://bit.ly/2tHZYUv  (Quite a pioneer, then!)
William Blair is not among the list of five medical practitioners in Jedburgh in the Southern Counties Register of 1866.
Regards,
Lesley
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 12:36 BST (UK)
Thank you Lesley.
I had seen the abbreviated death notice-

 "At Abbey Green, Jedburgh on 23rd November (1929) William Blair M.D. in his 92nd year. Funeral private. (No flowers by request)''

But I had not seen the other item you have found.

I would greatly appreciate it by PM if possible.

The motor car registration is a good find for us.
It has long been a family story that William BLAIR had the first motor car in a certain part of Scotland (where exactly never quite  defined clearly ::))

There are a couple of other mentions in papers about his enthusiasm for motoring, including a motor hill climbing event.

The Castlewood Cemetery is a good possibility.
Thanks,
Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: MonicaL on Wednesday 05 July 17 22:22 BST (UK)
Sue, checking the 1925 VRs on SP shows a number of entries for William Blair, proprietor and occupier, house and garden and stable, Abbey Green.

Also showing is the following entries at Abbey Green:

A Dr Walter Armstrong Elliot, tenant and occupier, house and garden, Abbey Green.

A John and Mrs Caroline Hamilton, proprietor and occupiers, Greenhouses, Abbey Green.

A Dr Charles S Nimmo, tenant and occupier, house and garden, Abbey Green.

Almost like a cottage hospital going on there....!

A brief description from the OS 1858 http://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/roxburghshire-os-name-books-1858-1860/roxburghshire-volume-20/81

Monica  :)
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: MonicaL on Wednesday 05 July 17 22:28 BST (UK)
Not sure if you have this. From the 1891 medical register, William Blair's entry shows his as domiciled at Abbey Green. First registered as a doctor 4 May 1863. He looks to have graduated in medicine from Glasgow University that year.

www.universitystory.gla.ac.uk/biography/?id=WH8609&type=P

Monica
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: MonicaL on Wednesday 05 July 17 22:53 BST (UK)
Apart from his love of all things motor, he also seems to have been an avid photographer www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2452353/pdf/brmedj07679-0036c.pdf

Monica

PS: Apologies if you have all of this already.
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Wednesday 05 July 17 23:06 BST (UK)
Monica,
The information you have given is absolute gold.
Thank you very much indeed.
These items will be treasured by his descendants here in Australia.
His G G G G grandson has just turned 6years ;D

I appreciate your time and kindness.

Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: terianne on Wednesday 05 July 17 23:23 BST (UK)
Other than the part abbey graveyard that still exists the many cemetery in Jedburgh is at the top of the Castlegate behind the castle jail - think it starts 1840's to the present day - Borders FHS have documented the MI's but still not published

The Abbey graveyard was being used in last century - a few family plots - not sure if any main
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: Sunlaws on Thursday 06 July 17 08:23 BST (UK)
Hi Sue
I have PM'd you the Scotsman obituary, and will try to get a copy of the entry in the Motor Car Register next time at the Hub.
Regards,
Lesley
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Thursday 06 July 17 08:31 BST (UK)
Thanks very much Lesley.
Every little extra bit is valued ;D
Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: SCOT_FAMHIST3 on Sunday 25 October 20 11:43 GMT (UK)
I am related to Dr William Blair and have photos and information that I would like to pass to Sue who posted about him from Australia. As I am new to rootschat.com and am 78 yrs old, I am not sure how to connect with her to share my information.
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sarah on Sunday 25 October 20 13:55 GMT (UK)
Hello there,

When you reply to a topics like you have done, the poster will be notified by email notification I am sure Sue will reply to you very soon.

Regards

Sarah
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Monday 26 October 20 04:41 GMT (UK)
Hi SCOT_FAMHIST3.

I was so pleased to hear of our shared interest in this family. William BLAIR was an interesting character. The connection I have been looking at was through his son Matthew Selby BLAIR who came to Australia in 1908 as a widower with 3 children.

I would be delighted to see your photos and information. Thank you.

The easiest way for us to chat will be through the Personal Message system of Rootschat. This is private and cannot be seen on the forum boards. That way I can give you my email address and receive photos etc.

I think, as newcomer, you may have to post a couple more times on this thread before the Personal Message system is available to you. Just a hello or any couple of words will do!

When the PM system is ready for you, it will be a tiny piece of paper logo on the left of your  message body.  It's green when you are logged in. Just click on it and a new screen will open and we will  be in business ;D

Looking forward to learning more and offering any information that I have of interest.

Sue



Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: SCOT_FAMHIST3 on Monday 26 October 20 05:32 GMT (UK)
Good to receive your reply and look forward to passing on my information to you. Regards, Charles.
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: sparrett on Monday 26 October 20 21:14 GMT (UK)
Hello Charles,
I have sent you a Personal Message.

I hope you get it when you next log in. ;D

Sue
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: BlairBlair on Tuesday 30 August 22 12:51 BST (UK)
Hi Sue
I’ve done quite a bit of research on my great great grandfather Dr William Blair and probably have some info you might be interested in. I live in Australia and my grandmother is Jessie. I’m away from home from the next 2-3 weeks but if you’re interested can send you copies of what I’ve collected including photos of his grave and a copy of his eulogy published in the Jedburgh paper. Also have photos of him and his car and a few other things.
Let me know the best way of contacting you to pass this on.
Title: Re: Dr William BLAIR, Abbey Green, Jedburgh
Post by: BlairBlair on Tuesday 30 August 22 23:59 BST (UK)
Hi Sue
Just a correction to my last post. I have a full page obituary from the Jedburgh paper not his eulogy. I have been to Jedburgh and seen where his house had been and also took photos of his grave.

Cheers Ian