Closing in on G-Grandma

marypryde · Post by **marypryde** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:01 pm

Well folks, I'm actually coming to Scotland in September and trying to get my homework in order first. (I won't spend this first trip on dusty research as I have almost enough information to take care of a one week tour. I hope to return for a longer visit next year.) This is about fairly recent history.

Here's the thing I'd like to nail down with help from some knowledgeable locals:

-Fact: Great grandmother Isabella Pryde died on 3 March 1953 at Methilhaven, Methil, Buckhaven, Fife. (I'm guessing Methilhaven was/is a nursing home of some sort since she was age 95 and senile at the time of her death.) From 1861 until at least 1901 Isabella lived in Woodside, Largo, Fife.

-Fact: Her one remaining son, William, was the informant of his mother's death in 1953. He gave his residence as Woodside, New Gilston by Leven.

-Question: Is Woodside, Largo (1901) the same place as Woodside, new Gilston by Leven (1953)?

-Question: Given the above clues, what would have been a likely cemetery in 1953?

The Pryde family were not wealthy and I'm not finding anything in the earlier MI booklets, but maybe by 1953 there is a marked grave for this person.

I'm starting to get excited! Best regards,

Mary Ellen

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:11 pm

Hi Mary Ellen

-Question: Given the above clues, what would have been a likely cemetery in 1953?

The most accurate to find out where she is buried (on the assumption there was not a cremation) given that the date is relatively recent, might be to contact Fife Council:
Margaret Campbell, Burial Clerk
Tel: 08451 55 55 55
http://www.fife.gov.uk/atoz/index.cfm?f ... 0B384B8758

Also see
http://www.ancestralscotland.com/region ... -fife/fife

Methilhaven home, Methilhaven Road Methil, Leven, Fife KY8 3HS
http://www.fife.gov.uk/atoz/index.cfm?f ... 08C7844101

Best wishes
Lesley

marypryde · Post by **marypryde** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:53 pm

Thanks once more, Lesley. You have pointed me straight several times in this quest. By the time I got out of bed this morning Margaret Campbell had responded that she was forwarding my query to the Kircaldy Crematorium.

Any thoughts on the other question - Woodside/Largo vs. Woodside New Gilston by Leven?

Best regards, Mary Ellen

nelmit · Post by **nelmit** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:59 pm

Hello Mary Ellen,

If you search http://maps.google.co.uk/ for Woodside, Leven you get a result.

Isabella + co lived at Woodside Village (Pryde's house in 1901). I am confident this is the same location.

Hope you have a great time.

Regards,
Annette

marypryde · Post by **marypryde** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:28 pm

Thank you, Annette.

Ah, yes! When I see the satellite photo on google, it is the same place as in Lesley's photos. I need more practice at working with Google Maps. It looks like dear old uncle William spent most of his life in the same place. On the road map I can see where his mother died (Methil) and where his son went (Glenrothes) - all within 12 miles of each other.

The son died in 2005 (I got his death reg. from GRO). However, I am privately pursuing the informant on that death. If he is cooperative, I may actually meet a living relative or two next month! Wish me luck.

Best wishes, Mary Ellen