Hello Paul

I would appreciate your, and your readers', assistance with the McKerchar family of Blantyre. David McKerchar born 13 Sept 1806, baptised 28 Sept 1806 Craigton Lanark son of John McKerrocher (various spellings) (school master on David's DC) and Ann Kay.  Unclear whether born at Craigton or Strathblane Stirlingshire.  In 1841 he was a Police Sergeant at Catherine St Barony).

David married Isabella Smith 22 Sept 1829 at New Kilpatrick Dunbarton.  Their family were born New Kilpatrick, Craigton, Barony and Balfron Stirling.  From the census I found David lived 1851 to 1887 in Middle Row, Blantyre Dye Works: 1851 Watchman at the Dye Works; 1861 at 7 Middle Row ag lab; 1871  4 Middle Row, carter (I assume at the Dye Works); then 1881 Middle Row Gatekeeper up this his death on 2 December 1887. Death registered as David Dunlop McKerchar.

His children also worked at the Mills: Elizabeth PLW, David, Joseph and James Cotton Mill workers.

I have copies of his birth/baptism, 1841-1881 census returns and his death certificate.

I would like to develop the family's working and social lives in Blantyre and will be guided by recommendations for additional research.

Additionally, I note your copyright statement, so am seeking your permission to include photographs of the Mills and housing in my tree (with appropriate recognition to you and your web site).

Finally, I inherited postcards from David's son John's Australian family and will review those for Blantyre scenes.

If I can help to locate families of former Blantyre workers, please let me know. Thanking you in anticipation.

Heather Hardwick from Australia

heather.hardwick@outlook.com