James Laidlaw (1738)

Born 23 Jul 1738 in Hobkirk, Roxburghshire, Scotland

Ancestors

Husband of Margaret Scott — married 15 Jul 1764 in Hobkirk, Roxburgh, Scotland

Descendants

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Bruce Laidlaw [send private message]

Biography

James Laidlaw, son of James Laidlaw, was born or baptised on 11 December 1738 in Cavers, Roxburghshire, Scotland.^[1]

James married Margaret Scott of Hobkirk parish on 15 Jul 1764 in Hobkirk, Roxburghshire, Scotland.^[2].

They had seven children. Their second child, William was born on the 52 acre farm that they rented. They lived in a Weensmuir Farmhouse east of the hamlet of Bonchester Bridge. Bonchester is situated about one mile south of Hobkirk, six miles east of Hawick and boasts some old Roman fortifications. In Scots, it is called Binster Brig.

The parish where the Laidlaws lived is 665 sq. miles and lies along the border with England. The soil is of a fairly fertile nature. Farms, plantations and cultivated areas present a picturesque appearance. In 1791, Rev John Riccalton writes of Hobkirk parish: ” All along the side of the water of the Rule is a very deep, strong fertile clay…700 souls...500 black cattle, 9,000 sheep and 156 horses….1,000 acres under tilleage mainly barley, oats, peas, turnips and potatoes”

James’ two oldest sons John and William were still living with their families on the Weensmoor farm in 1808. John had five children by then and William had six.

Research

1. James could be (which would fit with naming pattern of his children:) OPR- James Ladlaw chr. 23 July 1738 Roberton, Selkirk, s.o. John Ladlaw.(residence Roberton, Roxburghshire, Scotland). Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C11777-2 , System Origin: Scotland-VR , GS Film number: 1067927 , Reference ID: 2:188RXW0 Roberton is partially in Roxburghshire and partially in Selkirkshire, on Borthwick Water, 29,419 ac., pop. 567; the church is 5 miles W. of Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland

OR 2. James could be James Laidlaw bapt. 23 Dec 1738 in Cavers, son of James Laidlaw. (which is in closer geographical proximity) Christening Place: , CAVERS, ROXBURGH, SCOTLAND Father's Name: James Laidlaw Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C11785-2 , System Origin: Scotland-ODM , GS Film number: (BUT it gives John as his father???)

Sources

1. ↑ Birth or Baptism: "Church of Scotland: Old Parish Registers - Births and Baptisms"
   National Records of Scotland, Parish Number: 785; Ref: 10/143
   https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ (accessed 31 December 2023)
   Surname: LAIDLAW; Forename: JAMES; Parents/Other details: JAMES LAIDLAW/; Gender: M; Birth Date: 11/12/1738; Parish: Cavers.
2. ↑ Marriage: "Church of Scotland: Old Parish Registers - Banns and Marriages"
   National Records of Scotland, Parish Number: 790; Ref: 10/239; Frame: 248
   https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ (accessed 31 December 2023)
   Surname: LAIDLAW; Forename: JAMES; Spouse Name: MARGARET SCOTT/FR248 (FR248); Date: 15/07/1764; Parish: Hobkirk.