John Lochrie - Galashiels

October 8th, 2008 Written by barry

John Lochrie was born in Galashiels, Scotland, March 18, 1861, the son of Neil Lochrie and Janet Provan.

His father was a coal miner and was working down the mines even before he was 10 years of age. Working as a trapper boy, his job consisted of controlling the ventilation doors to the mines. John Lochrie’s job was very important as the door he controlled essentially was the last step that the workers had, if there was a gas explosion down the mines in Galashiels. Keeping the door shut for the maximum time possible was the aim of the game.

For two years, John Lochrie kept up this work, which played a huge part in his future career. At just 12 years old he started out as a cart pushing, taking the coal carts from the Galashiels mines to the miners below. This was really hard work, as the as often the tunnels were so narrow and low down, that they would scrape the skin of their back and leave their feet so sore, from the constant contact with the sulphur infected water down the mines.

And kids these days think they have it tough, if their iPod breaks down!! Puts things into perspective doesnt it!

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