Cairneyhill People and History

Cairneyhill Church

PAISLEY HERALD AND RENFREWSHIRE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY 19TH JUNE 1858

ST JAMES STREET U.P. CHURCH

Agreeably to appointment of Presbytery, a meeting of St James Street U.P. Congregation was held in the church on the 14th inst. The Rev Mr France acted as moderator. Almost unanimously, Mr Peter C Duncanson, of Cairneyhill,near Dunfermline, was chosen to the pastorage of the church. The meeting was well attended, and very harmonious.

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 1880

CAIRNEYHILL. CONCERT.

A concert in behalf of the funds of the Cairneyhill U.P. Church Sabbath School, took place in the schoolroom last night. The following ladies and gentlemen took part in the singing – Misses Clark, Younger and Stewart, and Messrs J & G Neilson, Gray, and Dick, and a reading was given by the schoolmaster – all of whom acquitted themselves admirably, and their efforts appeared to be appreciated by a large audience.

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 7TH AUGUST 1880.

CAIRNEYHILL. CHOIR EXCURSION.

The members of the Cairneyhill U.P. Church Choir, along with their leader, Mr George Neilson, to the number of twenty, had their annual picnic on Saturday. Leaving Cairneyhill in the morning, they proceeded in a brake to Castle Campbell, where they spent a very enjoyable day’s outing.

A Cairneyhill Concert

FIFE HERALD – THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 1857

CONCERT

On Friday evening, a concert was given in the Cairneyhill Schoolroom by Mr Hutchison, at the conclusion of his class for the season; when, in addition to his class, he was assisted by Misses Lindsay and Grindley, and Messrs Brand, Irvine, and Edwards. This is the first concert this gentleman has given since he got the precentorship, and it was very successful. Since Mr H. has come amongst us, he has gained the goodwill of all who become acquainted with him. He has very much improved the congregational psalmody during the short time he has been among us – the best evidence of which was given in the good singing of his class at this concert.

Mr Hutchison was greatly admired in ‘Sally in our Alley’ as he was, indeed, in all the rest of his songs. Mr Brand’s singing was not at all up to the mark; while Mr Irvine, who is an old favourite among us, met with a more kindly reception that he would otherwise have had. Mr Edwards, as a bass singer, meets with a good reception wherever he foes, and the manner in which he sung ‘Harry Bluff’ on Friday evening was excellent. As for the two young ladies, the general impression seemed to be very much against them, but Miss Lindsay seemed to be the better liked of the two. The various glees, though good, were not just up to the mark, and the only one that seemed to give full satisfaction was the ‘Village Choristers’. As usual, our villagers turned out well on this occasion, the schoolroom being full.

Cairneyhill Gardeners

MEARNS LEADER – FRIDAY 17TH AUGUST 1917

COOKNEY SMALLHOLDERS MEET AT CAIRNEYHILL: COMMERCIAL GARDENING UNDER GLASS

The following is extracted from the August number of ‘The Scottish Smallholder’ – the first two delegates to visit Cairneyhill small holdings under the scheme recent described in ‘The Scottish Smallholder’ were from Cookney Society, near Stonehaven, one of the youngest and most promising of the Agricultural Co-operative Societies affiliated to the Scottish Smallholders Organisation. The local society appointed the secretary, Mr Chalmers, Blackbutts, and Mr Milne, Cookney, as delegates. The following is a short report sent by Mr Chalmers: Cairneyhill is situated a few miles distant from Dunfermline, and has a railway station within half a mile of the holdings. The delegates were met by Mr James MacDonald, who was at great pains to describe fully the methods adopted in order to produce the fine results everywhere in evidence. Mr W Philp, chairman of the Cairneyhill Agricultural Co-operative Society, accompanied the delegates over the different holdings.

In the commercial gardening section, on arrival at Mr McDonald’s nurseries, the first thing that fixed the attention was the line of frames. These are all built of brick, and are heated throughout with hot-water pipes. At the time of visiting the frames were filled with remarkably healthy-looking plants – onions, leeks, celery, tomatoes etc. All were in the very best condition, and showed that they had been well attended by the grower. The later additions to the frames are of the span-roofed style, covered by double rows of sashes. A wooden beam runs from one gable of the frames to the other, and on this the top ends of the side sashes rest. Mr McDonald explained that this type of frame is a great advantage over the lean-to type, as there is a considerable saving in brickwork, through doing away with the two highest walls. Having a wider expanse of glass, there is also more benefit derived from the sun and less shade as compared with the ordinary lean-to style. An ingenious yet simple contrivance for fastening down the frames in windy weather was noted. A wire is run round the frames and fixed in to the brickwork by means of iron pegs with eyes. Loops of wire are fixed to the main wire at the places required, and these are slipped over the ‘lugs’ of the sashes, thus making it impossible for them to be blown off.

Concluding, the report says: ‘The other holdings visited were all of great interest, but space will not permit of description. In the poultry section Mr D Bold’s holding was an ideal arrangement, and Mr G Johnstone’s piggeries were well worth seeing. The delegates wish to record their warmest thanks to Mr and Mrs MacDonald for their kind hospitality’.

Kate Hegarty of Cairneyhill Manse

Dear blog reader

This week a slight indulgence on my part.

I remember Kate Hegarty and her husband Neil at Cairneyhill Church. They were the last couple to live in Cairneyhill Manse and I actually have photos of Kate playing the organ when I was in a Guide colour party. However I had no idea that Kate was American.

Best wishes

Jacqueline

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NORTH ADAMS TRANSCRIPT, TUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER 1989

KATHERINE HEGARTY, 72, ADAMS NATIVE

Katherine (Bryce) Hegarty, 72, of 64 Main St., Cairneyhill, Scotland, a native of Adams, died Sept. 22 at her home.

Death followed a lengthy illness.

Born Dec. 16, 1916, she was a daughter of John and Agnes (Jardine) Bryce. She attended schools in the area and graduated in 1935 from Drury High School.

She worked for many years at Sprague Electric Company, where she was a supervisor of the accounts payable department until leaving for Scotland in February 1957 to be married.

While in North Adams, she was an active member of the First Congregational Church and served for many years as its assistant treasurer. She was also a member of the Mt. Greylock Lodge of Odd Ladies.

In Cairneyhill, she was an active participant in the Church of Scotland, serving for many years as Sunday School Superintendent and organist until ill health forced her to retire.

Besides her husband, Neil J Hegarty, who she married June 1, 1957, she leaves a brother, John Bryce of Clarksburg; two sisters, Lillian Sherman and Mrs Vernon (Joan) Durocher, both of Adams; nieces; nephews; grandnieces; and grandnephews.

Another sister, Margaret Kosche, is deceased.

Funeral services were held Sept. 27 at the Church of Scotland. The Rev Robert Henderson, pastor, officiated. Burial followed in the Torryburn Cemetery, Scotland.

The family suggests donations in her memory be made to the American Cancer Society.

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches part 4

Dear blog reader

This is the fourth part in my series of Cairneyhill hatches, matches and dispatches that have appeared in the newspapers.

I have always found such finds very exciting in my own 30 years of family history research and I hope this helps anyone doing similar Cairneyhill-based research.

(Glossary: inst/instant means of the present month and ultimo means of last month).

MARRIAGES

DUNDEE, PERTH, AND CUPAR ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER 1861

At Queen Anne Street Manse, Dunfermline, on the 25th inst., by the father of the bride, assisted by the grandfather – the Rev John More, Cairneyhill – the Rev William Salmond, MA, UP Church, North Shields, to Jane Paxton, eldest daughter of the Rev James Young

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 21ST JUNE 1862

Kemp – Tod – At Torryburn, on the 19th inst., by the Rev Mr More, Cairneyhill, Mr William Kemp, joiner, Perth, to Janet, only daughter of Mr John Todd, Torryburn

BO’NESS JOURNAL AND LINLITHGOW ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 1886

At Cairneyhill, Dunfermline, on the 17th inst., by the Rev John Moir, BD. John Brown, Bo’ness, to Isabella, third daughter of the late William Wilson, Cairneyhill.

BO’NESS JOURNAL AND LINLITHGOW ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 7TH JUNE 1889

At Cairneyhill, Dunfermline, on the 6th inst., by the Rev John Moir, BD, James W Stupart, harbour master, Bridgeness, to Eliza Wilson or McKay, eldest daughter of the late William Wilson, Cairneyhill

DEATHS

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 1862

Paton – At Cairneyhill, on the 23rd ult., Julia Paton, relict of the late William Young. Friends will please accept of this intimation.

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 1867

Erskine – At Cairneyhill, on the 8th inst., Mrs William Erskine. Friends will please accept of this intimation.

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY 1868

At the UP Manse, Cairneyhill, Dunfermline, on the 2nd inst., the Rev John More, in the 80th year of his age, and 54th of his ministry

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 22ND JUNE 1871

At Cairneyhill, by Dunfermline, on the 12th inst., Elizabeth Cockburn, relict of the late Mr Alex. Morris

Gray – At Cairneyhill, on the 27th inst., Margaret Black, wife of John Gray, aged 34 years

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 1ST JANUARY 1887

Bruce – At his residence, Cairneyhill, on the 21st ult., William Bruce, aged 65 years

Sudden death and accident in Cairneyhill

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 13TH MAY 1852

SUDDEN DEATH

James Cunninghame, a portioner at Cairneyhill, had gone about in his usual good health during the whole of Wednesday last, and between nine and ten o’clock had gone out with a neighbour to give an opinion of a cow in calf. On coming into his own house, he made some remarks to his wife about his own cows; and sitting down on a chair, laid his hand on his breast, and expired in an instant.

DUNFERMLINE SATURDAY PRESS, SATURDAY 11TH JUNE 1859

ACCIDENT

On Tuesday night, as one of Mr Luke’s carts was proceeding along the road between Crossford and Cairneyhill, the carter came up with a pedestrian who solicited a ride; the request was granted, and the man got upon the cart. The two rode on for some time in perfect friendship, but ultimately they quarrelled, and the passenger being thrown off the vehicle, fell before the wheel, which passed over him and broke his leg.

Reverend John More

Dear blog reader

I would suggest that the third article below is in respect of the Reverend John More senior and the first and second articles are in respect of his son, Reverend John More junior.

Jacqueline

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FIFESHIRE JOURNAL, THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 1851

DUNFERMLINE – UNITED PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL HALL

We understand that Mr John More, Cairneyhill, has gained at this institution the Wilkie Prize of £30 – appropriated to the students of the fifth year for general proficiency in scholarship. Mr More has on previous sessions distinguished himself by carrying off bursaries for eminence in special departments.

FALKIRK HERALD – THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER 1852

CLACKMANNANSHIRE – CALL

On Thursday last, the West United Presbyterian Congregation, Alloa, gave a harmonious call to Mr John More, junior, Cairneyhill, to be come colleague to their present pastor, the Rev. William Fraser.

FORRES ELGIN AND NAIRN GAZETTE, NORTHERN REVIEW AND ADVERTSIER – WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH 1859

PULPIT GOWN ESTABLISHMENT – PRESENTATION

The Rev John More, UP Church, Cairneyhill, has just been presented by the ladies of his congregation with an elegant pulpit gown, as a token of their esteem for him as their pastor. It was furnished by Mr Middlemass, 18 South Bridge.

Cairneyhill Centenary Service

STIRLING OBSERVER, THURSDAY 27 JULY 1854

DUNFERMLINE: CENTENARY SERVICES AT CAIRNEYHILL

Cairneyhill is classic ground in the estimation of Scottish Seceders, and is associated with the early history of a body which through their own energy, or by the influence their principles have had upon others, has filled Scotland with Dissenters.

The Centenary of the United Presbyterian Church at Cairneyhill, under the pastoral charge of the Rev John More, which was celebrated by a fruit soiree on the evening of Monday week, excited therefore considerable interest. Mr More occupied the chair, and, besides the speakers, a number of the neighbouring ministers occupied the platform.

The Rev Dr Johnston of Limekilns conducted the devotional services, after which Mr Bruce, a member of session, in a very admirable and interesting speech, sketched the history of the association during the last hundred years, after which he, in the name of the congregation, presented the Rev Mr More with a purse of thirty-three sovereigns, in testimony of their continued respect and affection for him as their pastor, for which the rev gentleman suitable expressed his thanks.

Interesting and appropriate addresses were likewise delivered by the Rev Messrs Blair of Bridge-of-Allan, Robertson of Saline, More of Alloa, and Mr Slowan of Newcastle. The evening was spent profitably and pleasantly, and after a variety of complimentary votes of thanks,. the meeting broke up at ten o’clock.

Malicious Mischief – a Court Case

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 13 MAY 1858

DUNFERMLINE SHERIFF COURT

John Dryburgh, Thomas Dryburgh, James Dryburgh and James Finlay were placed at the bar, upon a charge of malicious mischief and a breach of the peace, inasmuch as, on the 28th April, in the house of Archibald Forbes, Cairneyhill, they had acted riotously, and broken glasses, tumblers, tables etc.

On the question of guilty or not guilty being put, James Dryburgh and James Finlay pled guilty; Thomas Dryburgh hesitated and at last said – ‘Guilty of being where I was; I sudna hae been there’. Upon the question being again repeated, he cried out – ‘Well, well, I plead guilty’. John Dryburgh would not plead guilty; but near the conclusion of the trial, and just as the other prisoners were about to receive sentence, he pled guilty to a breach of the peace, after a consultation with his agent, Mr W Beveridge.

From what Mr Craig agent for the other three prisoners, said, it appeared that his three clients had been drinking and dancing in that public house all day, John Dryburgh playing the bagpipes to them; that it was only at night that any damage was done; and that it was done, not through a spirit of ‘malicious mischief’, but through the thoughtlessness necessarily arising from a whole day’s drinking.

All the damage done, as valued by the publican himself, amounted to only 1s 6d. Next day they went back and paid that, besides some other score, and made the amende hnorable, which showed no malice in his clients at least. Mr Beveridge defended his client, John Dryburgh, from being as bad as the rest. He was the only sober man among them.

In summing up, the Sheriff said it was clear that one prisoner, John Dryburgh, was not guilty of malicious mischief, the burthen of which must be thrown on the other three customers; but all having been drinking and the disturbing the house alike; the charge of breach of the peace was to be laid upon him as upon the other three. The sentence of the court was a fine of 15s, or thirty days’ imprisonment, to Thomas Dryburgh, James Dryburgh, and James Finlay; and a fine of 10s, or twenty days’ imprisonment, to John Dryburgh.

Soiree at the School

FIFE HERALD, THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 1857

SOIREE AT CAIRNEYHILL

A soiree took place in Cairneyhill school-room, on Friday evening last – the Rev John More in the chair, who, in introducing the object of the meeting – to provide prizes for the day scholars at the village school – dwelt at considerable length on the good results of holding out a reward to the best scholars, and remarked that prizes, while they stimulated all, resembled a beacon to urge on the lagging student, and were a source of after gratification to the successful competitor in his journey through life.

The other speakers were – Mr James McLeish, Dunning; P C Duncanson, and D Ross, Cairneyhill; who spoke most effectively on their various subjects. The harmony was really an intellectual, as well as musical treat, the singers being Miss Janet Cook, Messrs J L Miller and Gibbet, of Dunfermline. This is among the first of Miss Cook’s public appearances, and she acquitted herself to the gratification of all, by her modest, chaste and artistic rendering of her various songs; in fact, she bids fair to excel in this high art.

Mr Miller, in addition to his singing,which was of the first order, gave a dissertation on the Marseillaise hymn, which was listened to with great attention. This gentleman has exerted himself, both in Dunfermline and its neighbourhood, to improve the musical taste of the inhabitants. Mr Gibbett, in addition to accompanying the various songs on the harmonium in a masterly style, sang several songs with great taste and effect. Mr Hutcheson, the new precentor, and Mr Clark, favoured the company with a number of songs.

The evening was spent in a pleasant and happy manner, and we are happy to say that, after paying the necessary expenses, there will be a good surplus to meet the object for which the soiree was got up. The committee deserve the thanks of the community for their excellent arrangements.