Earlier this month we were pleased to meet with David and his friend, who had travelled up from England to research David’s family history. David is a direct descendant of Thomas Neilson, a grocer and ironmonger, who had a shop in Moniaive High Street in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Joining us to hear David’s memories of his parents and grandparents, and their visits to Moniaive, was Jackie Lee from the Glencairn History Group.

David brought with him a copy of the Moniaive Photo Book that Thomas sold in his shop, and kindly provided us with scans of all the images. We are currently doing a little work on these, and hope to show them more widely as part of a future project.

We showed David around the village, and photographed him outside the building which once housed his ancestor’s shop. Three of Thomas’ sons fought in the First World War, with the oldest son sadly killed in action, so we were able to show him the war memorial in the Institute, and his ancestor’s page in the Glencairn Memorial Book.

We were pleased to hear, afterwards, that David also made a successful visit to Leadhills the following day. Thomas Neilson’s father was born there in the early nineteenth century, spending his early years there working as a miner. He was sadly killed in a mining accident in Canada, prompting his widow to return home to Moniaive, where the young Thomas was brought up and spent the rest of his life.

Thanks also to Tim at the Craigdarroch Arms for helping David to reach Kirkland Church, where some of his ancestors are buried.