Have just realised I did not say how I fit in with the Douglas-Willans.
I don't!
But I have got involeved with two researchers who are working on two different General Robert Douglases, and both of them have grandchildren who married into the Willan family - and my interest has been aroused so that I am trying to link those two families.
Thomas Willan (your ancestor) is a fascinating man. He owned farms in (what is now) London and elsewhere; he had between 800 and 1000 dairy cows; he built Twyford Abbey; he was a stagecoach proprietor; he was a leading agriculturist/nutritionist in his time trying to find the best feed for his horses to maximise their efficiency. But who was his wife? Who were his parents? He must have been one of the wealthiest people of his time, but very little is know of him.
William Douglas
The information about General Douglas is gold dust!
I would love to see copies of the two wills, or transcriptions of them, as this will fill some important gaps in our research.
I live in Balfron, just to the west of Falkirk - about 25 miles away. It is not Douglas country, but it is still pretty good.
Yours aye,
William
Oct 9, 2009
William Douglas
I don't!
But I have got involeved with two researchers who are working on two different General Robert Douglases, and both of them have grandchildren who married into the Willan family - and my interest has been aroused so that I am trying to link those two families.
Thomas Willan (your ancestor) is a fascinating man. He owned farms in (what is now) London and elsewhere; he had between 800 and 1000 dairy cows; he built Twyford Abbey; he was a stagecoach proprietor; he was a leading agriculturist/nutritionist in his time trying to find the best feed for his horses to maximise their efficiency. But who was his wife? Who were his parents? He must have been one of the wealthiest people of his time, but very little is know of him.
Oct 9, 2009
David A.L. Baynham
I think we are cousins and would like to share information.
I've left a message for you in the Douglas/Douglas-Willan/Willan string.
Best regards,
David Baynham
Oct 16, 2009