Willie Black
Willie Black
We are not sure which Willie Black this is, because there were at least three born in Kemback Parish in the 1820s and '30s, and all would have been of an age to have worked at the excavations between the years 1860 to 1867. Although we know he was a mechanic at Blebo Mills, we haven't, as yet, traced those records, if they still exist.
When we hit a stumbling block like this, we look for visitors with good local knowledge to help us out.
John A Honeyman
(1847 - 1932)
Dura Den was a busy place with a large population when John Honeyman was born there, at his father's General Store. He served his apprenticeship as a gardener at Mountquhannie, and then worked on other estates in Scotland, and in England, before moving back to work at Kemback Estate at the age of 35.
When his uncle, Mr. John Scott, then Land Steward, moved to New Zealand with Captain Makgill's family, John succeeded to the job, and continued as Head Gardener.
He was a member of the District Council, J. P., and served on the School Board.