David Somerville (abt. 1828 - 1875)

Born about 1828 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Husband of Margaret (Duff) Somerville — married 1852 (to 1859) in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland

Husband of Mary (Keltie) Somerville — married 16 Jan 1860 in Dunfermline

Descendants

Died 24 Aug 1875 at about age 47 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Biography

David was born about 1828, probably in Dunfermline Parish, although no OPR birth record seems to exist for him.

He is no doubt the same David recorded in his father's household in the 1841 census.

Like most of his siblings he doesn't seem to be in Dunfermline in 1851 but is back by 1861.

I believe he married Margaret Duff, sired at least 2 children, and then remarried to Mary Kelty after Margaret died in 1859. He had numerous children with Mary as well.

He and Margaret Duff separated sometime before she died. There is a notice in the July 23, 1859 Dunfermline Saturday Press that reads: "To All Concerned: I Hereby Give Notice, That my Wife, Margaret Duff, alias Somerville, having Left my House, I will not be accountable for any debts she may contract from this date. David Somerville Moodie Street, Dunfermline, July 22, 1859."

There's a later mention of a lawsuit between Margaret and David over the ownership of the clothes and dresser she had left behind.

He worked as a tenter--someone who dries textiles--at St. Leonard's Works in Dunfermline. He was evidently appointed to a new position in Belfast in 1866, hence why his family was not in Dunfermline in 1871. He was presented with a gift of a silver chain as a going away gift.

He is listed in Glasgow with his family during the 1871 census but the rest of his family was back in Dunfermline by 1881.

He was a power loom tenter who died of cancer.

Sources

• Scotland Census
• OPR Marriages
• Scotland Births & Baptisms
• Statutory Death Record for David Somerville
• Saturday 23 July 1859, Dunfermline Saturday Press, Fife, Scotland. Page 1.
• Saturday 24 February 1866. Dunfermline Saturday Press, Fife Scotland. Page 2.