William was a brother of Joseph. After William left school, he joined his father in family business at Gatelawbridge Quarry. The Thomson family leased the quarry from 1868 to 1903, and from 1912 the site was not worked. William Thomson Senior was a Master Quarry-master and for a time his youngest son Joseph worked at quarry, the business however was run by his two sons – William and Robert Thomson.

In the local paper the Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Adviser dated 31 October 1896 -
“This is one of the finest and oldest sandstone quarries in the district; used for buildings and gravestones and open for last 200 years. Since Thomson family took lease out 30 years ago the output of the quarry has multiplied many times; this due mainly to the introduction of machinery. This quarry has acquired a world-wide reputation and stones used in many buildings in United States and other parts. The New Life Insurance Building in Montreal; buildings in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Thornhill and Penpont to name a few; all like the ‘terra-cotta sandstone’.

The Thomson family were also involved in the purchase of land and house building within the district. In 1896 William Thomson Jnr. purchased Kirkland of Morton and built a house, which he named ‘Hikwa’ after a lake which his brother Joseph found on his travels.

              Hikwa as it is today

Family photo taken outside Hikwa in late 1900’s.

The sun dials were something the brothers enjoyed making; this one had verses with the days of week engraved on sides.

William married Euphemia Marchbank on 9th January 1872 in Thornhill and they had 16 children, several of the children died as infants then others at 16 years, 17 years and  25 years of age.

There is a family grave in Old Morton Cemetery, Thornhill.

In 1910 William and Euphemia left Thornhill and emigrated to Canada with 10 children. Both parents died in Canada.

REV JAMES BROWN THOMSON 1849-1910

James Brown Thomson received his early education at Thornhill and then Wallace Hall Academy. Proceeding to Edinburgh University, he graduated in arts, and then studied at the Theological Hall of United Presbyterian Church. He was ordained in March 1874 as minister of Greenock Church, Greenock, were he stayed for 36 years.

Rev James Brown Thomson

His musical enthusiasm was led to an appointment to the Psalmody Committee to prepare music for the Presbyterian Hymnal, which was published in books used in United Presbyterian and United Free Churches. These books were still in use in the middle 1900’s.

James married Cecilia Currie Aimes on 3rd November 1874 in Edinburgh. They had 11 children - 2 still born and first son died at 1 year old. When he died in 1910 he was survived by a widow and family of 5 sons and 3 daughters.

Rev James Thomson had a literary gift, writing many reports on church matters – which he was said to 'make interesting'. He greatly enjoyed photography and drawing. During 1890’s began writing an account of  his brother’s brief but eventful life.

In Aug 1896, Messrs Sampson Low, Marston & Co., London subsequently published:

‘Joseph Thomson, African Explorer’ A Biography by His brother – The Rev J.B. Thomson, Greenock.
With Contributions by Friends
Maps and Illustrations.

In Aug 1896 the Publisher's Circular states:
“Seldom have we come across a more fascinating biography than this. The book is written in moderate yet vivid style; good read and humanity will be the gainer by it. The story of Thomson’s life is a splendid object-lesson to place before the rising generation. The appreciations by some are: Professor Sir A. Geikie, the well-know geologist; Mr. J. M. Barrie, the novelist; Mr. Ravenstein, the veteran cartographer; Mr. J. Scott Keltie, Sec of Royal Geographical Society; and many others” This book passed through several editions and was very popular in early 1900’s.

Photo of brother Joseph - Rev J B Thomson's  book

Author - Gladys Cuttle