Willisons in Lasswade c. 1867-69

[Willison]

James Willison and his wife (Jane Valentine) lived in Lasswade from about 1867 to 1869. His occupation was Engineer.

For anyone who specialises in Lasswade history in detail :
What mines/mills existed in Lasswade at that time where James could possibly have worked?
I know the valuation rolls of those years show he lived in a house that belonged to George Pendreith, a famer of Upper Dalhousie, Gorebridge. Anyone know where the house was likely to have been in/around Lasswade?
The next property in the schedule was 'Eskgrove House' - is that still in existence?
Where are the best resources held for research in these matters?

Any general info at all on James and Jane's spell in Lasswade greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
 

[kirkmichael]

If you don't already have them the expenditure of a few credits on www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk will very quickly lead you you to the death register entries for Jane WILLISON MS VALENTINE aged 26; and that of James WILLISON, on the other side of the country! at a much later date, and greater age, including the name of his second wife, who survived him by 20 years!

There will be a good number of relevant census entries, including the names of 7 children from the second marriage, including twins born in Ireland..............

Wullie

[Willison]

Hi Wullie, thanks for taking the time to reply pal.
I already fairly much have the info you mention but am trying now to fill in more detail on James' life. I don't really know Lasswade and was hoping to get some local insight into that area at that time. I imagine he went to Lasswade for work but would like to know the potential employers at that time.
I knew of the two sons born in Ireland but not specific dates - that is  until another kind person on the Ireland board of Rootschat gave me the info yesterday,
this is a great site with a lot of helpful people, including your good self! 
Thanks again!

[hume]

What mines/mills existed in Lasswade at that time where James could possibly have worked?

The Statistical Account for Lasswade 1834-45 reports there were two corn-mills in the parish, both below the village on the River Esk. There were also three paper-mills at that time. A letter from the proprietor of one mill says they employed over 150 men, women, boys, and girls. A carpet factory is also mentioned "at St Anne's", owned by Richard Whytock & Co. Obviously the Willisons stayed quite a few years after this date but it shows that there was a lot of trade in the parish.

I know the valuation rolls of those years show he lived in a house that belonged to George Pendreith, a famer of Upper Dalhousie, Gorebridge. Anyone know where the house was likely to have been in/around Lasswade?
The next property in the schedule was 'Eskgrove House' - is that still in existence?

According to this link - http://www.rootschat.com/links/05vf/ - Eskgrove House was bought in 1938 by Lasswade Veterinary Laboratory. Another Google search brings up a postcode of EH18 1HT. There are several buildings on the Kevock Road -- not sure what one it's supposed to be!

hume

[Willison]

Great stuff Hume, much appreciated. This gives me some more to check out.  Cheers!

[Piglet01]

Hello  if you enter hume24s postcode in this site you'll get photos of the general area.

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/28991

As an aside I'm married to a Willison - used to be big sheep farmers in the borders then settled in Killin Perthshire.

Regards,   Steve :O)

[Willison]

Thanks for the link Steve........and give my regards to your better half!