LEDINGHAM, John

1) Old Aberdeen, 28 July 1821. RECEIVED from William Ledingham,
Labourer in Newbridge, the sum of TWO SHILLINGS sterling, being the dues
for the Baptism Registration of his SON JOHN in the Parish Register of
Old Machar.

Age at Registration UNDER Twelve Months.
Signed Ewen McLachlan, Sess Clerk and Keeper of said Register.

2) . . . Banns of Marriage betwixt William Smith, Bookkeeper in
Gileomston and Jane Ledingham there daughter of John Ledingham, late
weaver residing in Aberdeen. . . . 11 June 1877

3) "John Ledingham. Formerly Linen Handloom Weaver". Daughter Jane
Ledingham's Marriage Cert 18 June 1877
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(Aberdeen Family . . . .)

11.
The eldest son, John, became a handloom weaver, and also served an
apprenticeship as a cooper. He worked at the loom along with Alexander
Bain, who latterly became Professor Bain of Aberdeen University.
12.
In those days hand-loom weaving was one of the principal industries of
Aberdeen, and many weaving shops or colonies of shops were scattered
throughout the city - those still retain their old names, such as
Craigieloanings, Skene Square, Spring Garden, Bradford - and other
corners of the old town. It may be noted that the steam engine and
machinery had begun to play their parts in the industrial life of the
world in those days; but the women were great stocking knitters and it
was a fairly large industry; the stockings sold from three shillings to
five pounds for a pair of silk stockings and our grandmothers' clever
handwork spread all over the world in those days.
13.
John Ledingham married Elizabeth Strathdee who came of a Keith family;
and their family consisted of three sons and one daughter. They were
named William, George and Alexander, and the daughter's name was Jennie;
but we will leave their history at this stage and return to the other
sons of the older family.
27.
Mrs Ledingham senior, now an old lady, still resided in Aberdeen . . .
and the only son remaining in Aberdeen was John, still employed at the
loom. . . .