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William Fisher Conway

M, #5608, b. 13 October 1865, d. 21 January 1941
Last Edited: 7 Aug 2022
William Fisher Conway c1934 Rowanbank, Blebo Craigs
7 June 1911 Golden Wedding of James Conway and Agnes McKenzie Fisher
8 June 1921 Diamond Wedding of James Conway and Agnes McKenzie Fisher

Parents:

Father*: James Conway van driver b. 1837, d. 27 Jun 1923
Mother*: Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid b. 14 Mar 1842, d. 14 Dec 1938
Relationship:
2nd great-uncle of Patricia Catherine Adamson
  • Birth*: William Fisher Conway was born on 13 October 1865 at Byres, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; 1865 births in the parish of Kilwinning in the county of Ayr; ref 274; William Conway; 1865 October thirteenth 2h 0m am, Byres Kilwinning; m; James Conway railway porter, Agnes Conway ms Fisher, 1861 June 7th Troon; James Conway father present; 1865 October 13th at Kilwinning John Service registrar.1
  • He was the son of James Conway van driver and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid.
  • (Groom) Marriage*: William Fisher Conway married Jane Hutchison Wilkie, daughter of Ewan Wilkie and Janet Young, on 6 January 1888 at Cathoic Apostilic Church, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1888 Marriages in the District of St Mary in the Burgh of Dundee, #42; 1888 on the 6th day of January at Catholic Apostilic Church Dundee after publication of banns according to the forms of the Catholic Apolstilic Church
    William Fisher Conway, Dairy Van Driver, bachelor, aged 22, 11 Dons Road, Dundee; Father James Conway, Baker's Van Driver; Mother Agnes Conway ms Fisher; Jane Wilkie, Domestic Servant, spinster, aged 22, Royal Infirmary, Dundee; Father Ewan Wilkie, Chief Police Officer; Mother Jessie Wilkie ms Young; Signed John Rankin, Ministe; Witness William Wilkie; Lizzie Conway; Registered 1888 January 10th at Dundee Jas Anderson registrar.2
  • (Deceased) Death*: William Fisher Conway died on 21 January 1941 at 39 Dundonald Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, , at age 75 1941 deaths in the district of St Andrew in the burgh of Dundee, ref 75; William Conway miilk salesman retired married to Jane Wilkie; 1841 January twenty-first 2h 30m am 39 Dundonald Street Dundee; male aged 75 years; parents James Conway baker's vanman (dec) and Agnes Conway ms Fisher (dec); cardio-vascular depreciation, bronchial asthma, influenza as cert by J Wright Duncan MBChB; signed James Conway brother 18 Sherbrook Street Downfield; 1941 January 21st at Dundee Norman Steele regsitrar.3
  • (Erector) Memorial Inscription*: A Headstone was erected by William Fisher Conway in 1894 at Balgay Cemetery, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, . Inscription reads Erected by William F Conway and his wife Jane Wilkie in loving memory of their daughter Jessie Young Conway who died 2nd July 1894 aged 5 years and 2 months.
    Also their son James F Conway who died 27th Novr 1923 aged 32 years, and husband of Violet Dallas.
    The above William F Conway died 21st January 1941 in his 76th year.
    And the above Jane Wilkie died 25th October 1945 in her 81st year.4
    Headstone Balgay Cemetery William F Conway family
  • Occupation*: William was Dairyman Downfield Village.
  • Announcement*: He Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald 21 Oct 1865; Births; At Byres, Kilwinning, on the 13th inst., Mrs James Conway, of a son on 21 October 1865 at Byres, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, .6
  • (Witness) Marriage: He witnessed the marriage of William Miller jute powerloom tenter and Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver on Friday, 21 December 1883 at 4 Rosebank Street, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, ; 1883 on the 21st day of December at 4 Rosebank Street, Dundee after publication according to the forms of the Free Church of Scotland, William Miller powerloom tenter bachelor, aged 22, 166 Scouringburn Dundee, parents James Miller flax warehouseman (dec), Janet Miller ms Mill; Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver spinster, aged 21, 4 Rosebank Street Dundee, parents James Conway bakers van driver, Agnes Conway ms Fisher; signed Wm Forwell minister Blochaim Free Church, William Conway, Jessie Miller witnesses; registered 1883 December 25th at Dundee Thomas Scott assistant registrar, initialled DS.7
  • (Informant) Birth: William Fisher Conway registered the birth of William Ewan Conway on 19 November 1893 at 12 Cleghorn Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1893 births in the district of St Mary in the burgh of Dundee, ref 848; William Ewan Conway; 1893 November nineteenth 2h 0m pm 12 Cleghorn Street Dundee, male, parents William Fisher Conway dairyman and Jane Conway me Wilkie, m 1888 January 6 Dundee; W F Conway father present; 1893 December 8th at Dundee John Taylor asst registrar.8
  • (Informant) Death: William Fisher Conway registered the death of Jessie Young Conway on 24 July 1894 at 12 Cleghorn Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1894 deaths in the district of St Mary in the burgh of Dundee, ref 415; Jessie Youung Conway single; 1894 July twenty-fourth 10h 0m pm 12 Cleghorn Street Dundee; female aged 5 years; parents William Conway dairyman and Jeanie Conway ms Hutcheson; tubercular disease of bowels 2 months as cert by A J Duncan MD; signed W F Conway father present; 1894 July 25th at Dundee John Taylor asst registrar.9
  • Photograph*: William Fisher Conway and Jane Hutchison Wilkie are in this photograph taken circa 1907 at Eden Grove, Downfield, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, , along with James Fisher Conway newspaper representative and William Ewan Conway.10
    William Fisher Conway, Jane Wilkie and sons William Ewan Conway (left) and James Fisher Conway (right) about 1907 (calculated from birth dates and apparent ages of William and James)
  • Address*: As of 1911, William Fisher Conway lived at 24 Dundonald Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; Conway Wm F, Dairyman, 24 Dundonald Street (h Edengrove, Downfield.)12
  • Address: As of 1911, William Fisher Conway lived at Edengrove, Downfield, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; Conway Wm F, Dairyman, 24 Dundonald Street (h Edengrove, Downfield.)12
  • (Witness) Event-Misc: He was present when James Conway van driver and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid were celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 7 June 1911 at Mathers Hotel, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, .13
    Mathers Hotel Dundee
  • Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway and Jane Hutchison Wilkie were mentioned in a newspaper article SILVER WEDDING
    CONWAY-WILKIE. -At Apostolic Church, Dundee on the 6th January, 1888, by the (late) Rev J Rankin, William Fisher Conway, to Jane Hutchison, daughter of the late Ewan Wilkie, Dundee. Present Address - Edengrove, Downfield, Dundee on 4 January 1913.14
  • (Witness) Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway was mentioned in a newspaper article about James Fisher Conway newspaper representative on 16 November 1914. DUNDEE SOLDIER PROMOTED. Private James Conway, of the Scottish Horse, has been promoted to the rank of Lance-corporal.
    Lance-Corporal Conway is a son of Mr W. F. Conway, Edengrove, Downfield, and shortly lafter the outbreak of war he joined the Scottish Horse. By his alertness and ability he has thus early earned promotion.
    He was well known in athletic circles in Dundee and district. He was a prominent member of the Downfield Cricket Club, and also took an active part in the affairs of Downfield Football Club.
    He is in the commercial department of D. C. Thomson & Co., Ltd.15
  • Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway and William Ewan Conway were mentioned in a newspaper article DUNDEE MAN IN FALKLAND ISLANDS
    TELLS HOW THE GERMAN FLEET WAS CHASED
    AND DESTROYED BY BRITISH VESSELS.
    In the far-off Falkland Islands Dundee has at least one representative who is doing his share of the Empire's work. Mr William Conway, who is a teacher at Port Stanley, gives a vivid description of the naval activity at the Falkland Islands in letters which have been received by his father, Mr W. F. Conway, Eden Grove, Downfield.
    The Damage to the Glasgow.
    Writing under date November 19 Mr Conway, who is a member of the Falkland Islands Volunteers, says:-"We had the Good Hope in Port Stanley for a week, and she was only gone from here four or five days when she and the Monmouth went to the bottom with all hands. Sir C. Craddock was rear-admiral of this fleet, and he went down with the Good Hope. I was on transmitting signal duty when the Good Hope was here, and transmitted quite a number of messages from the Admiral to His Excellency the Governor. I made quite a number of friends with the officers of the Good Hope, and I was looking eagerly forward to renewing their acquaintance, but, alas, it is now impossible. The Glasgow called and coaled in Stanley after the big fight off the Chilean coast, and she was rather badly damaged. Several shells struck her, and she had one big hole in her. The Falkland Island Volunteers coaled her, and, of course, I was one, and you should have seen me delve in amongst that coal. She took over 600 tons that day (Sunday), and you can imagine what I looked like when we finished. I also met the officers on her, and one of them came from Barnhill, the result being that I dined with the captain and officers at every meal, although I was a black as could be. They were all jolly fine fellows, and I was sorry they only stayed one day."
    The British Fleet Sighted.
    Mr Conway's next letter is dated December 30, by which time the loss of the Good Hope and the Monmouth had been thoroughly avenged.
    "When I last wrote, "I was on duty on the examination boat, and shortly after that I was transferred to an outpost called Sapper's Hill. There I lived in a shanty with two others. I was signaller. One Monday morning early we sighted a fleet steaming towards Port Stanley, and, of course, immediately reported to H.M.S. Canopus, stationed at Stanley Harbour at that time. We sighted eight ships, and they were British. They all steamed into the entrance to Stanley Harbour, the Bristol and Glasgow coming into the harbour.
    The Germans Surprised.
    "On Tuesday very early we sighted another fleet coming from the south-west, and again reported to the Canopus. We reported that there were five cruisers and three transports, and, of course, as we had no other ships out we concluded they were Germans. Two of them were steaming ahead of the others and making straight for our wireless. Our outpost, being the highest up, saw everything, and we kept the British fleet in constant knowledge of the enemy's doings. The first two German cruisers had come up to about five miles of the wireless station when they swung broadside on, and prepared to have a pot-shot at the Marconi. But as they did that - bang! bang! - the Canopus twelve-inchers spoke, and spoke pretty hard. The two German vessels immediately steamed out, but turned broadside on five minutes later to try again. The Canopus, however, sent her warmest love to them three times, and they scooted to the south-east. As the Canopus was firing over a narrow neck of land the Germans did not know where the shots came from, but I can assure you they knew where they went. We saw pieces of shell strike them.
    A Stern Chase.
    "The other German cruisers steamed up to meet their mates, and left the transports behind. Then the British fleet steamed out, and we witnessed a stern chase. All the long summer afternoon we heard the noise of battle, but could not see anything. That evening, however, we received word that four of the five Germans had gone to Davy Jones' locker, and that we had not suffered any loss. The Bristol and Macedonia proceeded after the transports, and sank two f them.
    Brave German Sailors.
    "All the British fleet returned to Stanley, and we received a very vivid account of the great battle of the Falklands. The Germans fought and died like Britons. They were heroes every one, and all the more credit to our plucky blue boys to defeat, and defeat so heavily, men who knew how to fight and also how to die.
    "When our men returned, of course they were pleased, but one could see the shade of sadness on their faces as they told their story of how the poor German heroes met their fate. One German went over with a German flag in his hand, and as he was going down for the last time he thrust the hand with the flag above his head, and then sank. Was he not a man? I think so, but again I say all the more credit to our own brave heroes for such an overwhelming victory.
    "On the following day we at Sapper's Hill received a copy of a recommendation from the Admiral and also our own Commander-in-Chief congratulating Sapper's Hill on the excellent lookout kept, and one of the other two received special mention for his minute description of the vessels. We are each receiving a copy, so that I at least have had an active part in this historic war.
    "Few more days afterwards I was transferred to a more responsible position, that of signaller at Cape Pembroke Lighthouse, seven miles from Stanley. The British fleet had left Stanley then, and as Port William is mined all ships other than Germans had to be stopped outside Port William, and this was my job. I was signalling by the international code, so that my experiences in signalling have been varied." on 4 February 1915.16
  • (Informant) Death: William Fisher Conway registered the death of Janet Young on 6 November 1915 at 20 Bank Avenue, Downfield, Mains & Strathmartine, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; Janet Wilkie widow of Ewan Wilkie police constable, 1915 November 6th 9h 55m pm 20 Bank Avenue Downfield Mains & Strathmartine, f, 89 years, fath George Young farm servant (dec), moth Janet Young ms Brough (dec), senility & bronchitis as cert by Sydney W Smith MB, inf W F Conway son-in-law, reg 1915 November 8th at Mains & Strathmartine Joseph Dickson registrar.17
  • Address: As of 1920, William Fisher Conway lived at 20 Bank Avenue, Downfield, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; Conway, William F, 20 Bank Avenue, Downfield.12
  • (Witness) Event-Misc: He was present when James Conway van driver and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid were celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 8 June 1921 at Masonic Hall, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, .13
  • (Informant) Death: William Fisher Conway registered the death of James Fisher Conway newspaper representative on 27 November 1923 at 20 Bank Avenue, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1923 deaths in the parish of Mains & Strathmartine in the county of Forfar, ref 54; James Fisher Conway newspaper representative married to Violet Gertrude Dallas; 1923 November twenty-seventh 8h 45m pm 20 Bank Avenue Downfield Dundee; male aged 32 years; parents William Fisher Conway dairyman retired and Jane Conway ms Wilkie; influenzal pneumonia (double) & pleurisy - 6 days as cert by A M Hardie LRCPAS Ed; signed W F Conway father present; 1923 November 28th at Downfield C Gordon McKenzie registrar.18
  • (Witness) Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway and Jane Hutchison Wilkie were mentioned in a newspaper article about James Fisher Conway newspaper representative and Violet Gertrude Dallas on 3 December 1923. Mrs James F Conway and Mr and Mrs W F Conway thank the many firnds for expressions of sympathy received during their recent bereavement. - Eden Grove, Bank Avenue, Downfield.19
  • Photograph: William Fisher Conway and Jane Hutchison Wilkie are in this photograph taken circa 1929 at Rowanbank, Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , along with William Ewan Conway.10
    "Rowanbank", Blebo Craigs
    "Rowanbank", Blebo Craigs
    L-R believed to be William Ewan Conway, Jane Hutchison Wilkie Conway, William Fisher Conway
  • (Witness) Photograph: William Fisher Conway is in this photograph taken in 1929 at Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , along with Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid, John Conway minister Church of SCotland, James Conway commercial traveller, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister.10
    Agnes McKenzie Fisher Conway with all her sons; sitting left John Conway, sitting right William Fisher Conway, standing left-right Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway, James Conway, Samuel Meney Conway; 1929, Blebo Craigs
  • (Witness) Photograph: William Fisher Conway is in this photograph taken in 1929 at Wonacy, Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife, Scotland, , along with John Conway minister Church of SCotland, James Conway commercial traveller, Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister, Jane Hutchison Wilkie, Johnann Ford fever nurse, Jane Lamberton, Florence Annie Fisher Conway, Samuel Lamberton Conway, Mary McCulloch Alexander, Janie Stewart Conway doctor, Esther Agnes Ford Conway and James Eric Arbuckle Binnie book seller.10
    "Wonacy" (anagram of Conway), Blebo Craigs
    "Wonacy" (anagram of Conway), Blebo Craigs
    People standing at back : John Conway, Samuel Meney Conway, [Florence Conway?], [Johnann Ford Conway or Jane Lamberton Conway?]
    Sitting in the middle row : Robert Fisher Conway, James Conway, [?], [Samuel Lamberton Conway "Young Sam"?] [Jane Hutchison Wilkie Conway?], [Esther Agnes Ford Conway?], [James Eric Arbuckle Binnie?], [Janie Stewart Conway?], hiding behind the trellis [?]
    Front : [?], William Fisher Conway
  • Newspaper Article*: William Fisher Conway and Jane Hutchison Wilkie were mentioned in a newspaper article BLEBO CRAIGS SOCIAL CLUB WHIST DRIVE.
    The closing meeting of Blebo Craigs Social Club, held in the hall, took the form of a whist drive, social, and dance. The president, Mr W.F. Conway, extended a welcome to those present.
    The whist prize-winners were:- Ladies - 1 Mrs Perfect, sen; 2 Mrs Perfect, jun., hidden, Mrs Conway; consolation , Miss Marshall. Ladies playing as gentlemen - 1 Mrs Mackie; 2 Miss Milligan; consolation, Miss C. Lawson. Gentlemen - 1 Mr Perfect, sen; 2 Mr Conway; consolation , Mr Taylor; hidden, Mr A Lawson.
    Tea was served by the Ladies' Committee. Mr George Perfect, jun., was M.C. at the dance. Mr D. Laing was cardmaster. on 2 June 1930.20
  • Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway was mentioned in a newspaper article TAYPORT CONCERT PARTY AT BLEBO CRAIGS.
    A concert and social marked the reopening of Blebo Craigs Village Hall. The chairman was Mr W.F. Conway, and a programme of songs, sketches, and violin solos was rendered by Taport Follies, conducted by Mr Ness.
    Tea was served by the ladies' committee. A dance followed, Mr Geo. Perfect, jun., being M.C. on 6 October 1930.21
  • Newspaper Article*: He was mentioned in a newspaper article HALLOWE'EN PARTY AT BLEBO CRAIGS.
    The young folk of Blebo Craigs were entertained to a Hallowe'en party in the hall. The Hall committee, under the chairmanship of Mr W.F. Conway, assisted by Mr Geo. Perfect, provided an excellent programme.
    Miss Agnes Tasker presented each of the young people with a cracker. Dookin' for the apples and other Hallowe'en games were enjoyed.
    Mrs Perfect, sen., Mrs Perfect, jun., Miss Laing, and Miss L Beckett served tea. on 15 November 1930.22
  • Newspaper Article: He was mentioned in a newspaper article BLEBO CRAIGS WHIST DRIVE AND DANCE.
    Blebo Craigs Social Club held a whist drive and dance in the hall in aid of the choir fund.
    An exhibition of dancing was given by Miss A. Anderson. Whist prize-winners were as follows:- Ladies - Mrs Perfect, sen; 2 Miss Bell; consolation, Mrs G. Milne. Gentelmen -- 1 Mr Taylor; 2 Mr G. Milne; consolation, Mr G. Milne, jun.
    Mr W.F. Conway acted as cardmaster, and Mr D. Laing wass M.C. at the dance. The ladies' committee served tea.
    on 27 January 1931.23
  • Newspaper Article: He was mentioned in a newspaper article CLOSING CONCERT AT BLEBO CRAIGS.
    Artistes from Cupar assisted at the closing concert of the season at Blebo Craigs Hall. Mr W.F. Conway presided over a large attendance.
    The vocalists were Misses Hodge and Doig, Blebo Craigs; and Messrs A Watson Traill and F. Rodgers, Cupar. Miss M'Donald was accompanist.
    The humerous sketch, "Mrs Char Rules the Roost," was well done by Mrs Webster, Mrs Perfect, jun., Miss Bell, Miss C Lawson, Mrs Coyne, Miss N. Tasker, and Miss L. M'Gregor. Tea was served by the Ladies' Committee.
    At the dance which followed music was supplied by Miss M. Laing. Mr D. Taylor was M.C. Votes of thanks were moved by Mr Conway. on 4 April 1931.24
  • Newspaper Article: He and Jane Hutchison Wilkie were mentioned in a newspaper article KEMBACK SALE OF WORK RAISES £47
    NURSING ASSOCIATION EFFORT.
    The promotors of a sale of work in Dura Den Hall on Saturday to aid the funds of Dairsie and Kemback Nursing Association were delighted at its success.
    The effort was confined to Kemback parish, and the drawings amounted to £47 5s 6d. The weather was bright, and tea was served out of doors.
    Miss Low of Blebo, the secretary, presided, and Miss Carnegy, R.R.C., county superintendent of Nursing Associations, who declared the sale open, urged all to take an interested in the association's affairs under the provident scheme. It was a insurance in case of illness.
    Rev. R.J.F. Macdonald proposed votes of thanks.
    The stall-holders were:- Cake and candy - Mrs R.J.F. Macdoanld, The Manse; Miss Marjory Bell, Blebo Craigs; and Miss Elizabeth Doig, Blebo Craigs; produce - Mrs Beckett, Blebo Craigs; Mrs Thanke and Miss Chrissie Kay, Blebo Craigs; work - Miss Low of Blebo; Mrs Martin and Miss Mary Thomson; Jumble - Mrs Forsyth, Blebo Craigs; Mrs M'Gregore, Dura Den; Mrs Webster, Blebo Craigs; Mrs Taylor, Blebo Craigs; and Miss Beckett, Blebo Craigs.
    Teas - Mrs Lowe, Blebo Craigs; Mrs M'Nab, Dura Den; Mrs Conway, Blebo Craigs; Mrs J D Beveridge, Schoolhouse; and Miss Florence Conway, Blebo Craigs.
    Shooting - Mr John Balsillie, Beadles Den. Books - Rev. R.J.F. Macdonald; Mr J.D. Beveridge, Schoolhouse; and Mr W.F. Conway, Blebo Craigs. on 3 August 1931.25
  • Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway was mentioned in a newspaper article KEMBACK CHOIR SOCIAL AND DANCE.
    At a social meeting in Blebo Craigs Hall the members of Kemback Church choir entertained their friends to a varied programme.
    Solos were sung by Misses Laing and M. Martin and Messrs Fettes amd Martin; duets by Miss Laing and Mr Fettes and Messrs Taskers and Martin; a quartette by Misses Laing and Martin and Messrs Tasker and Martin. Three part-songs were sung by the choir.
    Readings were given by Mr Malone and Mr Macdonald. The farce, "The White Lady of Bolchester Towers" (written and produced by Mrs MacDonald, The Manse), was played by the misses Laing, Martin, J. and M. ToddMrs Webster, and Messrs J. Fettes, L.M. Thake, and J. Tasker.
    Rev. R.J.F. MacDonald presided, and teas was served by Mrs Martin, Mrs Smith, and mrs Tasker. The chairman and Mr W.F. Conway moved votes of thanks. At the dance which followed Messrs Smith and Martin were M.C.s. on 28 December 1931.26
  • Newspaper Article: He was mentioned in a newspaper article KEMBACK PARISH CHURCH VACANCY
    A meeting of members of Kemback Parish Church was held last night in connection with the filling of the vacancy caused by the sudden death of the Rev. R.J.F. MacDonald.
    Rev. Hugh F. Frame, Forgan, the interim moderator, presided amd explained the steps to be taken in filling the vacancy.
    The following congregational committee was appointed:- Dr William Low, of Blebo (convenor); Mr D.H.W. Ritchie, Dura, vice convenor; Mr J.D. Beveridge, The Schoolhouse, clerk; Miss Low, Blebo, Captain W. Low, St Andrws; Mr Alex. Milne, Dura Mains; Mrs M'Nab, Dura Den; Mr D. Pullar, Dura Gardens; and Mrs W.F. Conway, Blebo Craigs. on 1 September 1932.27
  • Newspaper Article: He and Jane Hutchison Wilkie were mentioned in a newspaper article KEMBACK RECREATION GROUND OPENED
    DR WILLIAM LOW PERFORMS CEREMONY.
    The old putting course on the glebe lands of Kemback has been transformed into a recreation ground embracing putting, bowling, and croquet.
    Through the generosity of Dr William Low, of Blebo, the three-rink bowling green was made and the putting green rearranged and the croquet lawn added.
    The park in which the games will be payed has a picturesque setting by the side of Highland Jenny's Brae and just below the old Parish Church.
    At the opening ceremony on Saturday Dr Low, who declared the greens open, was accompanied by Mrs and Miss Low, and there was a large gathering.
    Dr Low expressed the pleasure hehad in assisting at the provision of healthy recreation for the parishioners and their friends.
    Mr J.D. Veveridge, schoolmaster, president of the bowling and putting club, to mark the occassion and to show appreciation of Dr Low's kindness and interest in the parish, presented him with a silver jack and stand, suitably inscribed.
    The gift of a silver cup was intimated to the bowling club for competeition bt Mr and Mrs Conway, Blebo Craigs. A croquet set was gifted to the club by Mr and Mrs J.D. Beveridge.
    The afternoonwas spent in freindly games. Mrs Mauchline, the Manse, Mrs Beveridge, and other ladies of the committee provided tea for the visitors at a small charge. on 15 May 1933.28
  • Newspaper Article: William Fisher Conway was mentioned in a newspaper article Golden Weddings.
    CONWAY-WILKIE - At the Apostolic Church Dundee, on the 6th January 1888, by the Rev J. Ramkin, Jane Hutchisomn Wilkie, to William Fisher Conway. Present Address - Rowanbank, Blebo Craigs, Cupar, Fife. on 7 January 1938.29
  • (Spouse) Death: His spouse Jane Hutchison Wilkie died on 25 October 1945 at Maryfield Hospital, Dundee, Angus, Scotland, ; 1945 deaths in the district of St Andrew in the burgh of Dundee, ref 655; Jane Hutchison Conway widow of William Fisher Conway dairyman; 1945 October twenty-fifth 11h 50m pm Maryfield Hospital us res 39 Dundonald Street; female aged 80 years; parents Ewan Wilkie police constable (dec) and Janet Wilkie ms Young (dec); myocardial degeneration, hypostatic pneumonia, herpes roster as cert by Christine C Ferguson MBChB; signed K N Miller niece-in-law 25 Perth Road Dundee; reg 1945 October 26th at Dundee Norman Steele registrar.30

Census & Directory Entries

Member of Household2 April 1871They was listed as a member of the household of James Conway van driver and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid in the 1871 census at Rail Gate House, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, . William Conway, son, aged 5, scholar, born Ayrshire, Kilwinning; James Conway, head, married, aged 35, Rail Porter, born Ireland; Agnes Conway, wife, married, aged 29, born Ayrshire, Prestwick.31
Kilwinning Station [c2002]
Member of Household3 April 1881They was listed as a member of the household of James Conway van driver and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid in the 1881 census at 7 Kinloch Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . William Conway, son, aged 15, Apprentice Clerk, born Kilwinning, Ayr, Scotland; James Conway, head, married, aged 45, Van Driver, born Ireland; Agnes Conway, wife, married, aged 39, born Ayr, Scotland.32
Head of Household5 April 1891He was listed as head of household along with spouse Jane Hutchison Wilkie in the 1891 census at 12 Cleghorn Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . William F Conway, head, married, aged 25, Dairyman Foreman, employed, born Ayrshire, Kilwinning; Jane Conway, wife, married, aged 25, born Forfarshire, Dundee; also in the household were Jessie Young Conway.33
Head of Household31 March 1901He was listed as head of household along with spouse Jane Hutchison Wilkie in the 1901 census at 31 Dundonald Street, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . William F Conway, head, married, aged 35, Dairyman, Employer, born Ayrshire, Kilwinning; Jane Conway, wife, married, aged 35, born Forfarshire, Dundee; also in the household were James Fisher Conway newspaper representative, William Ewan Conway, Jane Douglass and Jessie Milne Miller.34
Head of Household31 March 1911He was listed as head of household along with spouse Jane Hutchison Wilkie in the 1911 census at 20 Bank Avenue, Downfield, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, . 4 roomw with windows, 5 people in household; William F Conway, head, 45, married, dairyman, employer, born Ayrshire, Kilwinning; Jane H Conway, wife, 45, marr 33 years, 3 children born 2 still living, born Forfarshire, Dundee; also in the household were James Fisher Conway newspaper representative, William Ewan Conway and Janet Meney Conway.35
Principal25 March 1922William Fisher Conway registered the ownership of a vehicle on 25 March 1922 Blue Ford Goods Van, TS 3502, Conway, Bank Avenue, Dundee at Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, .36

Family:

Jane Hutchison Wilkie b. 23 May 1865, d. 25 Oct 1945
  • (Groom) Marriage*: William Fisher Conway married Jane Hutchison Wilkie, daughter of Ewan Wilkie and Janet Young, on 6 January 1888 at Cathoic Apostilic Church, Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1888 Marriages in the District of St Mary in the Burgh of Dundee, #42; 1888 on the 6th day of January at Catholic Apostilic Church Dundee after publication of banns according to the forms of the Catholic Apolstilic Church
    William Fisher Conway, Dairy Van Driver, bachelor, aged 22, 11 Dons Road, Dundee; Father James Conway, Baker's Van Driver; Mother Agnes Conway ms Fisher; Jane Wilkie, Domestic Servant, spinster, aged 22, Royal Infirmary, Dundee; Father Ewan Wilkie, Chief Police Officer; Mother Jessie Wilkie ms Young; Signed John Rankin, Ministe; Witness William Wilkie; Lizzie Conway; Registered 1888 January 10th at Dundee Jas Anderson registrar.2

Children:

Jessie Young Conway b. 26 May 1889, d. 24 Jul 1894
James Fisher Conway newspaper representative+ b. 24 Jul 1891, d. 27 Nov 1923
William Ewan Conway+ b. 19 Nov 1893, d. 1979

Notes

  • (Witness) Residence: William Fisher Conway lived at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, ; Kilwinning is described in a directory published by Pigot & Co in 1837 as … an ancient and thriving little manufacturing town … 24 miles from Glasgow, 3 nw of Irvine, 4 ne of Saltcoats, the like distance s of Dalry, 10 nw of Kilmarnock and 5 from Ardrossan; situate on rising ground about 2 miles from the sea; stretching westward from the right bank of the Garnock, and approached through long ambrageous paths, skirted by beautiful fields. It consists chiefly of one street and bye-lanes, with a few rows of modern houses. The weaving and manufacture of gauzes, muslins, shawls, etc are carried on, to an important extent, for the Glasgow and Paisley markets, to which they are conveyed by the local agents. The agricultural produce of the parish is likewise considerable; and coals, which are obtained in abundance, are conveyed by a railway passing from east to west across the parish. …
    Kilwinning was the first place in Scotland where free masonry was established; it is said to have been introduced by the foreign architect who was employed in erecting the monastery here.
    The abbey is thought to have been built about 1140. Briefly, free masonry is accepted as having been born out of the guilds of craftsmen of the middle ages, in particular the masons. A mason often had to travel the length of the county to seek work. He had to prove his rank and ability to his prospective employer. This he did by showing that he was in possession of certain secrets that he had learnt from his guild.
    The Statistical Account written by the Rev. Archibald Blair Campbell in April 1842 describes Kilwinning in great ecclesiastical detail, but includes gems such as (describing the population of around 630 families in the town): There are three individuals deaf and dumb in the parish, two fatuous, and two blind. … There is no smuggling. Poaching is carried on to a small extent. He continues: The male inhabitants of Kilwinning are chiefly employed in weaving and mining; the females in sewing. The only individuals found necessary for keeping the peace are one of the county police and a sheriff-officer. … Formerly there were several stagecoaches, which passed through Kilwinning to Glasgow and other places, but they have all given up since the opening of the Glasgow and Ayr Railway, about two years ago, which affords the greatest facilities, both for travelling and the conveyance of goods, and farm produce.
    He is highly critical of the 27 licensed Inns or Alehouses in the parish – Their effect on the morals of the people, especially the miners and inhabitants of the town, is of the most pernicious description. In his conclusion he observes The inhabitants are, we believe, more industrious than they were towards the end of last century; but they are more extravagant both in regard to their clothing and mode of living, and it is to be feared, less contented with their circumstances. … The desire for luxuries is, in many instances, too prevalent, and a want of prudence, foresight, and economy, often appears. The inhabitants of the parish, in general, are intelligent and well informed, and many of them are exemplary in the discharge of all the duties of their station.37,38
  • (Witness) Note for Web: He and Agnes McKenzie Fisher kitchen maid, Marion McKenzie Conway jute weaver, John Conway minister Church of SCotland, Jeannie Conway, Elizabeth Conway, Agnes Fisher Conway, James Conway commercial traveller, Janet Meney Conway, Samuel Meney Conway dentist & baptist minister and Robert Fisher McKenzie Conway dentist & baptist minister was mentioned with Mary Fisher Conway howdie wife in 1983. From the pen of Marion C Miller (1983) :

    Under the Rose

    'Under the rose, Kate, under the rose', my great aunt Mary would frequently whisper to my mother. Many years were to elapse before I understood that information imparted subrosa (under the rose) was only intended for tried, tested and trustworthy ears. At the advance of avid young listeners, X-certificate conversation would come to an abrupt halt. My great aunt would suck her teeth back into their normal position with a sharp, resounding and final click. As age had withered her fuselage, the teeth no longer fitted snugly into the contours of her mouth. With the porcelain in position she was quite unable to chew. Always allocated prime position next to my father at the head of the table, she removed her teeth just after grace and before demolition commenced. She was not given to secreting her discarded treasures in the folds of her lavender-laced handkerchief. No ... she was a forthright sort of person. Her teeth, both sets, were planted on her side plate where they glared relentlessly at my father, assaulting his appetite and inducing temporary anorexia.
    There was no wine at table in my childhood, and glasses for water or lemonade were only in evidence on high occasions. There was always a glass of water for great aunt Mary. No ... she didn't drink it ... but she liked to rinse her teeth before returning them to the ill-fitting aperture, when the repast was over.
    At that time we thought she must be very old, but she was in fact still in her lively seventies and had many a tale to tell. She had been an upper crust 'howdie' before trained midwives were commonplace. Entering the homes of the renowned and rich prior to the event, she supervised the birthing process, hurrying the event along with her own secret concoction of raspberry leaf tea. She would remain in residence for at least a month after delivery and often for much longer. If her departure was at all delayed there was every chance that there would be another child on the way soon to guarantee her continued employment.
    Great aunt Mary liked to dress in black and indeed it showed off her pure white hair to greatest advantage. She also used her sombre dresses as a backcloth against which she could display her many swinging chains of beads, multi-coloured neckerchiefs, and large brooches set with precious or semi-precious stones, all donated by thankful parents.
    'When I was with Sir Andrew and Lady X', she would commence and you knew you were about to have a glimpse of life in a society in which you were never likely to mingle. She had been accustomed to a life of refinement, but she was willing to share her treasured memories with those in humbler circumstances. But she was not all prim and proper. She loved a party and she could jangle her beads in a neat-ankled Charleston which left mouth agape. Nowadays she would have been accorded the title of 'great old swinger'.
    If we thought she was old, what of the ancient monument? Her mother was still alive and maintained in a state of semi preservation by another spinster daughter in a rambling house in the country. My great grandmother was open for viewing between the hours of 3 and 4pm. The old lady was like a mechanical toy which had seen better days, there being residual movement in her head, one arm and those searching piercing eyes where ambition still flickered. She might be desiccated almost mummified, but when her hand beckoned from within the folds of her many shawls the recipient of the gesture approached with a degree of trepidation and a touch of reverence.
    The eyes below the lace-capped head would search for evidence of her genetic contribution. These eyes had seen a lot of life. The offshoot of an immigrant Irish family fleeing from the potato famine she had been fortunate to find work as a "tweenie" in an Ayrshire mansion. Crossed with my great grandfather of similar peasant origin she was to produce a brood of thirteen children of whom nine survived. The unashamed ambition which hovered behind her eyelids had seen three of her sons launched into the ordained ministry. In her lifetime she had seen the strength of her genetic contribution raise her descendants from menial tasks in the dusty mills to solid middle class. As she started to fade into insignificance, her off shoots embraced the church, the law, medicine and commerce. She missed her hundredth birthday and her royal telegram only by a short head. If she knew her great-great-grandson whilst still a schoolboy had been selected because of his innate talent in communication to sit next to a royal prince at a private dinner ... she would have been pleased, but not I think surprised. I doubt whether she would have subscribed to the theory that the stars govern your fate ... I think she knew that she handed something on ... and if it's the blarney ... it's genetically dominant.
    What was it that reminded me of great aunt Mary ... it was a word association! It's quite a popular party game but the technique is also used by psychiatrists to probe the mysteries of the mind. You may reveal too much by a straight swift answer, so I always allow the word to linger in my cerebral pathways until multiple cross connections have suitably disguised my tortuous mental process.
    I know ... I was in the kitchen waiting for the beans to heat. Lovely to think that the good old 57s are enjoying a comeback in the high fibre diet. The radio was muttering away in the background, but I heard only one word 'ROOTS'. My first thought was teeth, because that canine has been gnawing away for months, then followed swiftly the thought of origins and ancestors ... finally there was the closing snap reminiscent of gnashing dentures and my brain had solved the equation Roots + Teeth = Great Aunt Mary.
    Sometime I must sweep some more of the dust from my cerebral computer and write more of my forebears ... or is it all too confidential? Could I perhaps just whisper it to a few of my friends ... 'Under the rose' of course.39

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