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William was born in Adamsrow, Newton, Midlothian, on 10 Jan 1829.

In 1842, he gave this statement to the Commission on Mining:

"Father took me below to assist him; did not like the work when first below; can't say I like it muckle now, as am o'ersore wrought. I gang at three and do not see daylight at all in winter, only on Saturday and as I never come up till five or six. I go to Mr. Robertson's night-school and am reading and writing, can do a little at both; as also I go to the Sabbath-school. I live about half a mile from pit where I work."

[(Interviewer's Comment) Knows Scripture pretty well, cannot count, but knows that if he earned a shilling a-day, and worked 20, he should have a pound. Mother was a coal-cleaner, left off working two years; has five children in life].

I'd like to find out how William died, on 13 Nov 1844.

His parents were George Adam and Mary Fairholm.

I don't think registration began in Scotland until 1855 so there won't be a death certificate and therefore I don't think you will be able to find out the cause of death - unless it was in a mining accident in which case there may be records somewhere.

Kath. x

Thanks, both. No trace of him in the list of mining fatalities.

I'm curious as to how his exact date of death is on IGI....they wouldn't normally go looking for mortcloth records.

Alistair

The entry on the IGI is a submitted entry by a member of the Latter Day Saints Church and not extracted from records, so should be viewed with caution.

Kath. x

Thanks, Kath. I do know that he died between 1842 and 1847, so the date given is very possible.

I'm wondering if it might have been taken from a family Bible.

Alistair