The Weatherly Family of Earlston 1: Thomas. Weatherly (1833-1891)

THOMAS WEATHERLY (1833- 1891)

PRINTER, STATIONER, BOOKSELLER & POSTMASTER        

For over 100 years the Weatherly Family was well known in Earlston as postmasters and postmistresses.  This new blog series follows their lives from Thomas Weatherly born in 1833 in Berwick upon Tweed to his great grandson John P. Weatherly, remembered today my many local residents.  

Thomas Weatherly was born in 1833 in Berwick upon Tweed, son of William Weatherly, a mariner and his wife Eleanor.  Thomas married in 1855 in Berwick Sarah Patterson, whose surname was adopted by many of her descendants as a middle name.

The 1861 census saw the young family still in Berwick with Thomas 28, a printer, Sarah 36, and children Margaret 4 and baby John P.  Ten years on in 1871 the family had grown with Margaret 14, John 10, Sarah 7 and Thomas 4 years old. 

The family moved to Earlston, in the 1870s, with an advertisement in “The Southern Reporter” of 3^rd September 1874 announcing that Thomas was opening a printing business in the village.

Slater’s Business Directory of 1878 listed Thomas Weatherly as one of five Booksellers & Stationers in the village, with Thomas described as a letter press printer and book binder. He was also listed under Fire & Office Agents as an insurance agent. 

In 1881 the family was living on the High Street with Thomas at 48 years old described as a printer, his wife 58, daughters Maggie, aged 24  and 17 year old Sarah were both housekeepers; John at 20 was a bookseller’s assistant and 14 year old Thomas  a printer’s apprentice – so very much a family business. 

Thomas (senior) appeared also to act as agent for the local newspapers, with many adverts naming him as contact for information on property to let, events tickets and lost & found items, such as a lady’s fur muff lost at Earlston Fair, a lady’s riding crop, and a lady’s gold bracelet. 

Southern Reporter: 27^th November 1879

A black edged letter printed by Thomas Weatherly as an invitation to a funeral. 

We have a first-hand account of Thomas in Earlston,   written by the Rev. William Crockett (1866-1945)

 “A printer from Berwick, he migrated to the west of the shire (about 70 years ago) and had his  stationer's and bookseller's shop on the High Street. 

Weatherly's enterprise took him into the publishing and  newspaper field, with an eight page weekly "The Border Beacon",  followed by a second, having the rather high sounding title "The South of Scotland Live Stock Journal".  I fancy that very few, if any copies, have survived, apart from those I have myself kept in file those many years.  

As Weatherly discovered, Earlston was scarcely the place for a successful venture into the journalistic sphere”.

In 1883, Thomas Weatherly became Earlston Post Master, and the post office moved further along the High Street to what is now the Lucky Finds shop.

 

High Street , looking west, with the Weatherly shop & post office on the right.

Slater’s Business Directory of 1886 noted the services offered by the Post Office under Thomas Weatherly. 

Thomas  served  in the postmaster role until 1886, (the year his wife died),   when his son John P. Weatherly succeeded him – to be followed by his granddaughters Margaret T. Weatherly  and Ellen S. P. Weatherly and finally his great grandson John P. Weatherly, well known to many today for his involvement in village activities. .  

Thomas died of bronchitis on 13th February 1891, aged 58.  buried in Earlston Churchyard.  The gravestone also marks the death of his wife Sarah in 1886 and his youngest, unmarried  daughter Sarah in 1920. 

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Daughter Margaret  married in 1883 local man Adam Mauchlan, variously described as "fishmonger, poulterer, rabbit catcher, general dealer".    Adam had his business on the High Street.  The couple went on to have three sons and one daughter.  interestingly in the 1901 Census their home was next door to the Weatherly family!      Margaret died age 47 in 1904 and her husband described his 'beloved' wife as " a model wife and mother ever remembered by Adam Mauchlan".    After Adam's death in 1910 the family moved away from the village, apart,  from second son, Thomas, who worked as a power loom tuner and lived in Roosevelt Place, married twice but had no family of his own.   He died at Rhymer's Cottages.                                                                                                   

Earlston at the Turn of the Century

 

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Contributors:  Susan Donaldson, Sheila McKay and Jeff Price of the Auld Earlston Group.

Sources:

• Birth, marriage and death records, and census records on www.ancestry.co.uk and www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
  

• British Newspaper Archive

• FindMyPast – British Newspapers 1710-1963

• Slater's Business Directories, 1878 and 1886. 

• Earlston Monumental Inscriptions, published by the Borders Family History Society.
  
  
• The Rhymer's Town:  Further Notes on Earlston's Past, by Rev. Dr. W. S. Crockett. In "The Southern Annual”:1942.

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Tributes to two Earlston Worthies - David Lockhead and Andrew Murdison

Newspaper obituaries can give us a unique tribute to men and women who made their mark in the community. Often the articles are long, wordy and eloquently expressed. Two such Earlston profiles are described here.


DAVID LOCHHEAD, JEWELLER
In 1886, David Lochhead, jeweller, took over the premises occupied then by the post office - the old sign is still visible to the right of the door.

Lochhead's watchmaker & jeweller in what is now the Tom Davidson Gallery.
Look at the right hand window for that unusual term "cyclealities".

David Drysdale Lochhead died in 1937, with "The Berwickshire News" paying tribute to the 83 year old businessman for his time in Earlston. He came to the village from Edinburgh in 1877 and soon involved himself in community activities - amongst them the Bowling Club where he was a member from its inception in 1881. On his retirement, in 1924 the Bowling Club presented him with a "handsome silver mounted umbrella, suitably inscribed.

Berwickshire News: 2nd June 1937

ANDREW MURDISON - A MAN OF MANY PARTS

Andrew Murdison was well known in the village, as a plumber and slater, working on such projects as Earlston Reading Room, the new Primary School which opened in 1877, and Gordon Water Works.

He was born in Lauder in 1835, and married Janet Miller, before setting up his business in Earlston.

The family was hit by tragedy with the early loss of six of their children over a period of eighteen years  – all buried in Earlston Churchyard.

William in 1869  aged 8 years 

Helen in 1871 aged 15 years

William in 1874 aged 1 year (it was customary to name a child after an earlier sibling who had died)

Mary in 1881 aged 23 years

James in 1887 aged 33 years

The 1881 census saw Andrew on Earlston High Street, with his wife and children - Mary (who died a few months later),  Maggie, Andrew, Thomas, Robert, and John, aged from 5 years to 22, Seven men and   two boys were employed in the business.

The Southern Reporter: June 9th 1903 posted a fulsome obituary on Andrew Murdison's life.

"Tuesday morning there passed away a man well known in this district - Mr. Andrew Murdison, plumber and slater , who had been resident in Earlston for over 46 years. He set up his business in 1857 and speedily built it up with the late William Rodger, builder and the late John Wallace, joiner. He did a great deal of work on the estates of the Earl of Haddington. The firms above mentioned still continue in the persons of a younger generation- testimony to the energy of their founder..

The late Mr Murdison was a man of powerful physique and few could equal him in his younger days for the amount of work he could undertake . He took a great deal of interest in all kinds of sport, particularly curling and bowling. He was regarded as the founder of the Curling Club and was certainly its moving spirit, as he was mainly instrumental in its establishment. Free Masonry was also a source of attraction. When he was head of the Lodge, his efforts to increase membership was so successful, the roll of Brotherhood had never been so large.

He was highly respected as a straightforward upright, true-hearted man, speaking fearlessly, a determined foe to all double dealing . shuffling or attempting to face both ways a staunch friend.

He was a  stout Conservative* and churchman. He is survived by four sons and two daughters."

 

Andrew was buried in Earlston Churchyard  with  his gravestone erected by his son Andrew Murdison, Jnr of Buffalo, New York State, USA.

 

On 21st July 1903, his son Thomas Boston Murdison posted an advertisement in the local press:

"Begging to intimate to the General Public that he had acquired  the premises in which his late father Andrew Murdison, Plumber and Slater had carried out his Business for the last 47 years. The Business was being carried on by him as his Successor.

By Strict Attention to Business, by keeping a Competent Class of Workmen and the Best Class of Materials, he hoped to merit a share of Public Patronage as previously Bestowed on his Predecessor." 

 

 

Over the following years, Andrew's family  continued to make their mark on the life of the Earlston community. 

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Contributed by Auld Earlston member, Susan Donaldson

Earlston Ambulance Association: 1942-1979.

Did you know that Earlston once had its own ambulance, serving the village and the district?  Auld Earlston is  grateful to  Dr. John Burns  for the gift of the Earlston and District Ambulance Association Minute Books, which form the basis of this article. 

 

  A war-time ambulance on display at Bletchley Park Museum

THE BEGINNING - 79 years ago, on the 31st July 1942, a public meeting was held under the chairmanship of Major Sharpe to consider the formation of an Ambulance Association "in the hope it would be the means of saving much suffering." A committee was formed   with local physician Dr. Lachlan Campbell appointed chairman, Rev. Peter Wylie as secretary and Mr. Robert Dodds, bank manager, as treasurer.

 Berwickshire News:  11th Septembers 1942

A GENEROUS DONATION  – A Ford V8 Ambulance was generously given to Earlston by Captain David Colville of Chapel on Leader “for cases of accident and non-infectious diseases”. It was stipulated that the ambulance was not there to bring a patient home.  Nor was it to be used as a hearse. Captain Colville was appointed as Honorary President of the Association.  

 

WHOM DID THE AMBULANCE SERVE?   Earlston itself and the surrounding communities - Lauder, Legerwood, Channelkirk, Westruther, , Drygrange, Langshaw, Blainslie  and Gordon, all of whom were represented on the committee. 

 

 

HOW WAS THE PROJECT FINANCED?  Money was raised through subscriptions, house to house collections and donations.

The subscription was set at 4 shillings per family per year, with 1300 joining the scheme.   It was agreed that members of the Association would have use of the ambulance at the rate of £1 for a journey to Edinburgh and 6p per mile for other journeys, with a minimum charge of 5 shillings.  Non-members were charged £3 for a journey to Edinburgh hospitals and 1 shilling for all other journeys, with a minimum fee of 7 shillings.

 

Local communities rallied round to support this initiative, through fund-raising events, with newspaper reports recording donations from house to house collections, and groups such as the Earlston WRI, Earlston Women’s Voluntary Service, Gordon WRI and Simpson & Fairbairn mill workers showing support, with the Ambulance Association Committee “hoping that the general public will not hesitate to give their liberal support to such a meritorious object”.

 

One such event was reported in “The Berwickshire News” of 5^th February 1944:

 

“Under the auspices of Earlston W.R.I. a whist drive and dance was held in Ercildoune Church Hall, proceeds being in aid of Earlston and District Ambulance Association. There were 156 people who occupied 39 card tables. Mr Hector Brodie extended a hearty welcome the large company, and during the tea interval Mr J. McGregor, Ardmohr, gave a short address on the work of the Association during the past six months. He expressed the committee’s thanks to the Women’s Rural Institute for the donations received during that period.”

 

Donations were also given in kind and included:  1bed pan,  urinal,  1 pair dark blankets,  1 pair yellow blankets, pair blue blankets,  pillowslips; 2 towels, hot water bottles,  rubber pillowslip,  l mackintosh and  l leg cage.

THE DRIVERS

The first driver Mr J. Hope was paid 2/6 per hour and retired in 1946, Appreciation was expressed for his devotion, courtesy, cheerful competency and most dependable willing service, with his wife thanked for her constant help. She regularly washed the blankets and on several occasions travelled as an ambulance attendant, when no one else was

available.

 

Mr Hope’s successor was Mr. Robert Frater who was paid a weekly wage of £4, rising to £5.10 for a 48 hour working week. 8am-5pm daily and 9am-12noon Saturday, with overtime at 2/6 per hour. 

 

Bert Frater (a cousin of Sheila McKay's father)  was well known locally.  During the war he was in the Royal Army Service Corps, driving a field ambulance.  In July 1940 he was reported missing and later identified as a prisoner of war, incarcerated in a German camp for four years. 

 

 

Jock Thomson later took on the role as driver. 

EVENTS OVER TIME – as recorded in the Minute Books and in the local press 

 

1942-43 –Committee discussions focused on matters of procedures, subscriptions, driver responsibilities and payment.  It was decided   that only doctors and police had the power to call out the ambulance, in cases of non-infectious sickness or accidents.  The service was only available on Sundays in matters of urgency.  Mr J. McGregor took over the role of Secretary. The ambulance was not to be used as a hearse.

 

1944 AGM - The ambulance had covered 12,835 miles, made 180 journeys and transported 235 patients.  Repairs had been necessary to the vehicle and ambulance societies in Duns, Kelso and St. Boswells were thanked for their help which was much appreciated.  The lack of heating in the ambulance was raised and opinions would be sought on providing this.

  

1945 AGM   - The ambulance had again been a great boon to the community. Membership had increased and now totalled 1245. 135 journeys had been made, carrying 156 patients and covering 9500 miles.  A heater had been installed which greatly improved the comfort for patients.

 

1947 AGM - The key discussion has focussed on the forthcoming introduction of the National Health Service and the future role of Ambulance Associations.

 

Because of the healthy estate of the finances, it was decided not to collect membership subscriptions for the year 1947-1948, except from residents who desired to join the Association.  Tribute was paid to the good work, willingness and efficiency of the ladies and gentlemen who undertook the house to house collections.  Messrs John Readman & Son were thanked for kindly providing garaging for the ambulance. The installation of a telephone in the driver’s home had proved a real assistance to the work of the Association. Reference was made to the theft of two blankets and two pillows from the ambulance when parked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. 

 

 

1948 AGM - the decision was taken to become affiliated to St. Andrew’s & Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service and the consequent financial arrangements of the move.

 

1949 AGM   - 20,382 mileage covered,   358 journeys made and 705 patients carried.  Unease was expressed at the high figure for mileage, and the fact the 10 year old ambulance coming to the end of its life.  There was concern too at the waiting times at hospitals.   

Minute’s recorded small improvement’s such as a uniform for the driver.  Including rubber boots, and membership of the Automobile Association (AA) in the event of breakdowns. 

1950 – A meeting was held to discuss the purchase of a new ambulance, with a decision taken to purchase a Daimler model costing £2135 in colours of French grey and gold which was much admired on its journeys to and from Edinburgh.   

1951 AGM – the sudden death of Chairman Dr. Lachlan Campbell (below) was greatly mourned in the village and tribute was paid to his leadership of the Ambulance Association, since its inception, with a minute’s silence held in respect of his memory.  Dr. Smith was appointed as new chairman.

 

1952 - Marked the last Public Meeting held by the Association until 1979.   

1960’s  – The Committee continued to meet, but with  increasing control from the St. Andrew’s Association in Glasgow, there was less and less for the local Association to do. The last meeting of the decade, recorded in the Minute Book, was in 1965.   

1979 – On 28^th February a Committee meeting was held, presided over by Dr. Smith and Dr.Burns. As the ambulance  in Earlston District was now fully equipped and maintained by headquarters at Glasgow, it was recommended that funds should be used  to equip local doctors with radio telephones, ”thus speeding up the receiving of urgent messages while the doctors were on their rounds”.  

 On 25^th October 1979 a public meeting was held (the first since 1952) for the purpose of disposing of the assets of the Association, amounting to £1628, with a unanimous decision to purchase the radio telephones for local doctors as recommended by the committee.

Thus the Ambulance Association which had served Earlston and District communities for 36 years came an end, with the funds finally closed. 

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 Money Values:

• The original annual subscription for a family of 4 shillings is equivalent to £7.90 today.
• The charge for non-members to be transported to Edinburgh was originally £3 equivalent today to £118 !!
  
• The driver’s weekly wage in 1946 was £4 – equivalent today to £142.
•  The closing fund of £1628 in 1979 is equivalent to £6356 today.

Sources

• Earlston & District Ambulance Association Minutes Books 1942-44, and 1945-1979.
• BritishNewspaper Archive for press reports in “The Southern Reporter” and “The Berwickshire News”. 
• Notes (undated c.1980s) prepared by the Association for an item on BBC Radio Tweed on emergency services.   
• National Archives Currency Converter

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Contributed by Susan Donaldson of the Auld Earlston Group,

with thanks to Dr. John Burns