Torphichen Churchyard

[osprey28]

Hi Everyone

Here's hoping that someone can help me demolish a brick wall.  My GG Grandmother Jane McGowan (nee McAllister) died 10 Jan 1860 - her place of death was Entryfoot, Parish of Torphichen.  The death certificate states that she was buried in Torphichen Churchyard.  Her husband Dennis McGowan was still alive living in Blackridge on the 1881 Census.  I cannot find any trace of his death anywhere - the census is the last mention of him - living alone aged 74.

Could I ask if anyone has access to MI's for Trophichen Churchyard to let me know if there is a headstone with an inscription relating to Jane and anyone else interred in the same lair - or alternatively if there is a separate MI for Dennis McGowan.

Thanks lots in advance.

Osprey

[mosstrooper]

Hello Osprey,
                       Entryfoot is a small collection of cottages outside Blackridge on the A89 on the way to Caldercruix.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=287500&y=667500&z=120&sv=entryfoot&st=3&tl=Map+of+Entryfoot,+West+Lothian+&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf

The houses are still there if you would like a photo.

Entryfoot is a long way from Torphichen and I'm a bit curious about the death certificate stating the place of burial
given that the certificate would have to be issued long in advance of the burial. The Torphichen Church and yard date back to, and beyond The Knights Templar, William Wallace rested nearby on his way to the battle of Stirling Bridge. There are 4 Stones placed in fields circling Torphichen known as The Refuge Stones, anyone inside their circumference can claim refuge from an enemy.

James. 

[osprey28]

Hi James

Thanks very much for the location map - if you would be so kind I would like a photo of the houses sometime.  I agree that Entryfoot is a fair bit away from Torphichen Churchyard - but that is definately what it says on the entry in the death register for the parish:- see attached. 

Regards

Osprey

[Canisp]

Have you seen this thread yet Osprey? There are two photos of Entryfoot on there.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=rvkr681p669arrf7chpmt3atm1&topic=138649.msg1093356

[osprey28]

Thanks Canisp - I hadn't seen that thread - very interesting.  My lot were lving in Entryfoot on the 1851/61/71 censuses.  I would have thought that Jane who died in1860 would have been buried nearby - but the death record certainly says Torphichen Churchyard.  Hopefully someone can check the Mi's for there.

Thanks again.

Osprey

[Canisp]

Hello again osprey,

I had a quick look round Torphichen Churchyard earlier this afternoon and there does not appear to be any McGowan headstones. I'd guess there are between 100 and 150 headstones and quite a few are eroded by the weather and unreadable. I was specifically looking for McGowan stones but do not recall seeing any McAllister stones, although I may be wrong 

Canisp

[osprey28]

Hi Canisp

You are an absolute star ! thanks very much for doing that. 

Random searching in churchyards is a bit daunting - even in a small one - I have nearly lost the will to live doing it several times.  It may even be that there was no headstone (assuming that she was buried there) - a wooden cross or plaque  would have rotted away long ago. 

I'm not sure if she would have been listed under her maiden name (McAllister - she was Irish) - only her married name McGowan was on the death entry.

I had hoped someone on the forum had access to the MI's for there.  I will also try West Lothian Council to see if they have records of the graves.

Thanks again for your kind deed.

Osprey

[Canisp]

Here is the e-mail address for Linlithgow Cemeteries Department.

donna.johnston@westlothian.gov.uk

If they have Burial Records for Torphichen Churchyard you should be able to get the details of Jane's burial. However, if the records are not on computer it may be more difficult with Dennis as there is no date of death. Saying that, he may well be in the same lair as Jane. Let us know how you get on.

[osprey28]

Thanks Canisp

I'll post up here with the outcome after I contact WLC.

Regards

Osprey