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- [S-1643032318] Melodies and Memories with a history of the Blacks of Breich Water District, John Black, (Glasgow A. M'Laren & Son), Accessed 23 Jun 2013.
"Owing to complete lack of information regarding the Black who became a minister, and the fact that his elder brother had no male issue, it is necessary to reckon line of descent through John, second Liltie-co-kee son, who represents the second generation of Breicb Water Blacks. His wife was Helen Steel, of Tumhigh, her grandfather having. been a proscribed Covenanter in the reign of Charles II.
To John and Helen were born five sons and five daughters. This John was a crofter and lime master, his home being Bushdyke, near Leavenseat; where the limekilns were situated. In these days, when artificial manures were unknown, lime as a fertilizing agent, especially (or stiff heathland newly broken up with the plough, was very important. For lack of wheeled vehicles and roads, lime,
like some other commodities, was carried in bags or creels on horseback.
Before taking leave of John, it may be told that when a youth of 18 years he stood on some favourable height and saw the battle of Falkirk in 1745. He died aged 98 years. Doubtless simple living, with pure air and little worry, contributed to longevity in the less feverish days long past.
Levenseat Hill, over 1,200 feet above sea level,and so named because in Covenant times a Presbytery of eleven sat there, is slightly south-west of Bushdyke. From the summit, in clear weather, a varied and extensive all-round view can be obtained.
On the rough moorland, traces of the old-time home are still plainly observable, though in the interval a second Bushdyke has been built, and is now crumbling into ruins."
- [S-1643032357] Scotland Old Parish Registers Births & Christenings 1538-1854, General Register Office for Scotland, (brightsolid).
Eight baptism records for children of John Black and Helen Steel in West Calder, West Lothian between 1754 and 1776.
- [S-1643032355] Scotland Old Parish Registers Marriages & Proclamations of Banns 1538-1854, General Register Office for Scotland, (brightsolid).
Not yet purchased on Scotland's People.
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