Greig's and Blacksmiths

[Greg E Kirk]

My ggg Grandfather and his sons were blacksmiths in Dirleton, his name was James Greig and his wife was Marion Eddington and their son, Alexander, was born on the 28 June 1812 at Dirleton and came to South Australia in 1839. My quest is to find information on the Greig's and their blacksmithing place if anybody can help that would be great.

[SarahND]

Hello Greg and

I suppose you have already seen the census records of James in Dirleton? It looks as though Marion had already died by 1841 and that Janet was one of Alexander's sisters. Was Catherine Blair her daughter?

1841
Dirleton, East Lothian
James Greig, 67, born Scotland, Blk Smith
Janet Greig, 30, born East Lothian

In 1851 it is revealed that James was born in Dalkeith, Midlothian:

1851
Bothy, Dirleton, East Lothian
James Greig, 77, Head, born Dalkeith, Midlothian, Blacksmith (unable to work)
Janet Greig, 39, Daughter, born Dirleton, Haddington, Grocer
Catherine Blair, 8, Grandchild, born Dirleton, Haddington, Scholar
George Greig, 67, Brother, born Dalkeith, Midlothian, Blacksmith (master)

In 1861 brother George was living on the "Road from Edin to North Berwick" and was a retired Blacksmith.

There are two death records on Scotlands People of a James Greig in Dirleton between 1851 and 1854. Have you seen these?

All the best,
Sarah

[Greg E Kirk]

Well thank you Sarah I didn't expect such a quick reply. Now to your wondewrful information, I have Marion dying in 1872 at Midlelothion mabye she was at a relatives place at the time of the census? As for Catherine Blair I didn't have her at all, so I need to do some more checking I feel.
As for the two James Greig's death that would be right as he doesn't appear anywhere after 1851, so thank you I will check but its a common name.
Thank you once again Sarah.
Regards,
Greg

[Greg E Kirk]

Sarah, I've had a look but can not find any Blair marriages that fit and can not find Catherine being born. The death of James is right, thanks.

[LesleyB]

Hi Greg

I have Marion dying in 1872 at Midlelothion mabye she was at a relatives place at the time of the census?

If you look at the transcription of the census return on freecen www.freecen.org.uk you will see that James is listed as a widower, which would imply that his wife has died. However, it is always a good idea to check the original document because transcription mistakes do happen. You can find a copy of the original census page, view and download it for a small fee at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

Best wishes
Lesley

[SarahND]

Hi Greg,
On Family Search there is a Catharine (note spelling) Greig Blair who was christened 5 Aug 1843 in Dirleton. She was born on 23 November 1842.
Father: William Blair
Mother: Janet Greig

I suspect there was no marriage involved, but it may give a hint if you download the image from Scotland's People.


Sarah

[Greg E Kirk]

Many thanks Sarah, I'm doing it now.

[Greg E Kirk]

Thank you for your advise Leslie.