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Thanks to
Janet Willams for sending this
in.
My grandparents James Haldane and
Janet McLaren...
James was born 3/18/1886 in
Lindean, Galashiels son of Christina Haldane. He was a member of Tweed Lodge #
261 in Kelso in 1911. At the time he was a Motor Driver residing in Oven Wynd.
I believe he drove for Floors Castle. His mother was a farm servant on an
estate in the area. He came to America in 1923 on the Fanconia with his mother
Christina, brother Andrew and older sister Elsie. Janet McLaren was born
7/29/1883 at 8 Croft St., Galashiels, daughter of Walter McLaren and Catherine
Hislop. Janet was a seamstress in Galashiels. She came later on the Queen
Mary. Her uncle, Thomas McLaren was the founder of Victoria Foundry in
Galashiels. He died in 1899 and his six sons took over the management according
to a paper I have. When they came to America the all worked for R B Ruddock
estate in San Marino, California. James was the chaffeur, Janet the seamstress,
Christina the head cook, Elsie the upstairs maid and Andrew the butler. After
their 7 year tenure, James went to work for a NASA affiliate as a mechanic and
later opened his own garage. He died in 1952, Altadena, CA where they lived.
Janet was a housewife and died in 1971 also from a stroke.
One thing I forgot to mention is
that grandfather joined Clan Gordon here in the states in 1944. Since we don't
know who his father was, could he have been a Gordon since he joined that clan
here? The brother Andrew, (born in1896) and I believe Alexander were different
fathers too?! Additionally, Elsie Haldane (Christine Haldanes' daughter) was
born 2/19/1883 and don't know the father... three years before my grandfather.
So Christine was 15 yo when she had her firstborn! Wow...wonder what that was
all about? |
