| Crosshill Farmhouse was tenanted by Mr Alexander; but he was always called "Alshlander." His wife Jenny was a very quaint homely old body, and between them they created a good living with their "kye," pigs, hens, and horses and carts. Then came another unbuilt-on-stretch until Cross-stone was reached. Cross-stone was the site now carrying Mr Sym's building - where the "Standard" Office now is indeed. At this spot, then, stood a row of thatched houses, the first of which was occupied by John Millar a shoemaker. Mr Millar was a very keen curler, and as has been previously intimated, was the first president of the Dalziel Curling Club, and of which it may he added, Lord Hamilton was patron and honorary president. So keen was John on the winter game that he made a practice of standing as often as possible at his door in the evening to hear the results of the different games. One match result he never missed in this way, and that was when the locals went up to play Cambusnethan, for, it appears, Dalziel could conveniently beat all the parishes except this doughty one. Year in and year out John had anxiously scanned the roadway for the returning curlers and was always much chagrined to receive the doleful intelligence of another defeat. At last, however, the tide of fortune turned and Dalziel came out of the ordeal victorious. And it is said of John that when he heard the glad tidings he turned with a satisfied sigh of relief and entered his domicile, remarking, "Now let me die in peace." His demise came soon afterwards, but he had passed the alloted span. He was survived by a family, and they in turn are now honourably represented by our respected townsman, Mr John Millar, Inspector of Poor. The late Mr Miilar's dwelling was adjoined by that of the Syms, of whom Danny Sym was distinguished as a runner. Particularly, to the natives, did he win all the races at the local sports, generally finishing flrst to James Baillie. The third house was tenanted by Arthur Millar. Of the others in residence at this place little is known. From here again there were no houses until one came to a spot called the Loch. |
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