These gravestones are to be found in the Kirkcaldy
"Old Kirk" Churchyard
This rather Ornate Headstone, or gravemarker
features several interesting carvings which makes it stand out.
Masonic Symbols are carved within a laurel wreath. A Skull and
crossed bones also feature, this indicates man's mortality.
Although the writing carved on the stone is fading,
on close examination it reads:
Sacred to the memory of Ann Alison, Wife of George
Oliphant Shipowner, Kirkcaldy. Who died 19th January 1819 aged 42
years. Also the said George Oliphant who died 15th January 1845 aged
77 years.
This headstone or gravemarker, although more plain
than that of the previous stone was made in Granite, and has stood
the test of time regarding the inscription. This stone is in memory
of another well-known Kirkcaldy shipowning family, the Williamsons,
related through marriage to the above named Oliphants.
The names on the Stone are: Alex Williamson d. 18
December 1838 aged 77, his wife Mary Oliphant who d. 17 July 1842
aged 71 and their children- Alex d. 25 December 1841, William d. 3
November 1842, Christina d. 3 April 1844, Mary d. 26 November 1871,
Lillias d. 20 November 1875 and Agnes d. 12 December 1877.
The Mary Oliphant named on this stone is the sister
of George Oliphant named on the previous stone.
This headstone or gravemarker again has the shipping
theme. At the top of the stone is an upturned boat with two figures
clinging to each other, around the boat you can make out the carving
of rope surrounding the boat.
The inscription reads: In Memory of Thomas McAllan
who died the 14 September 1827 aged 48. Who served in the late
honourable Henry Oliphants employ 5 years under Capt. Craig, and also
in the defence of his king and country for upwards of 30years.
Anyone visiting Kirkcaldy harbour now, would be
hard pressed to believe that at one time, Kirkcaldy had a fleet of
186 ships. In fact this is the total number of ships affiliated to
the town in 1834.(source-Thomson's directory for Kirkcaldy ) Some of
the families concerned with shipping at this time were: The
Beveridge, Dougal and Oliphant families. The Beveridge family were
known to have owned the following Ships: Charles Forbes(313t),
George(261t), Trident(195t), Elizabeth(193t), Sisters(181t) and
Marjory(172 tons).
The Dougal family owned: Regalia(377t),
Chieftain(333t), Triad(287t), Traveller(241t) and Diana(197 tons).
The Oliphant & Williamson families owned:
Mary(210t) and Earl Percy(319tons) + part ownership of several
others.
Kirkcaldy Library has in it's reference section the
log book of Kirkcaldy harbour for the years 1832-1834 and it details
all the movements of ships to and from the harbour. A brief look
showed that "Mary" had come from Riga with 123 tons of Flax (12 Nov
1832), "Marjory" had come from St.Petersburg with Flax(16 Nov 1832)
and "Earl Percy" a whaler was carrying a full load (21 Nov 1832).
"Elizabeth" came from Memel carrying Timber & Flax(23 Nov 1832),
"Earl Percy" was back from the Davis Straits with 75 tons of Blubber
and Whale Bone.(12 Nov 1833).
If anyone can help out with any family information
regarding the Oliphant or Williamson family of shipowners from
Kirkcaldy, could they please get in touch with
Noeline Verheyen who would
be grateful for any details.
The Gravestones shown in picture 1 & 3 are
amongst many mentioned in a book entitled "Kirkcaldy Civic Society's
Guide to Kirkcaldy Graveyards"
