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Hello to all

I’m an italian collector of wristwatches and - when possibile - I try to find out the history of the watches I own, becouse behind the hystory of an object there is the history of a person. In this way I had the opportunity to know the interesting histories of people who lived many years ago in Sweden, France, USA, India and, of course, Italy. Now here I'm in Scotland looking for your help.
I’ve recently purchased the watch you can see here below





I know that in Ardeer there was an important ICI plant (former Nobel Industries) and I see that the surname Nicol was listed in the old Stevenston census

Now I wonder if somebody remember something about Mr. J.W. Nicol who, more than 60 years ago, received the watch for his loyal service

I'd like so much to recover and write the history of Mr. Nicol and of his family, as I have done on other occasions and in other countries.

Could you help me in this endeavor? Or could you give me some suggestions on how to continue my search?

Thanks and best regards from Italy.

Luigi – Milan

P.S. – Here the links to some of the stories I wrote (my nickname is bubba48)

http://orologi.forumfree.it/?t=70385028
http://orologi.forumfree.it/?t=68413888
http://orologi.forumfree.it/?t=67480849
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f11/lecoul ... 57756.html

Could be James Walker Nicol c1916 died 2004 aged 88.
Father James Nicol ,Mother Agnes Walker.

Edit-Just looked up his record on Ancs.
B29 Oct 1915-D17 Jul 2004

SC

Many thanks SC. In your opinion are there some descendants still living nearby? or which offices can I contact to find out if any ?

A search of Scotland's People reveals a James NICOL he was born 1915 in the Parish of Stevenston. As I have no available credits, I was unable to "View" or download the Birth Extract. It is likely he was born in the town of Saltcoats, which at that time was considered to be in the Parish of Stevenston. It was not until later that Saltcoats became a Parish in its own right.

Please ignore my previous comment regarding Saltcoats.

His death is listed as being in Stevenston. He is my 2nd.Cousin once removed. His gran was Mary Hardie Laughlan, sister of my Great Grandmother. I'm sure there must be close relatives around that new the man.

SC

There are several in the Phonebook.
http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha ... l=&Street=#

SC

Thanks again SC. Now I try to continue my research
Regards

Luigi

The 2 November 1934 edition of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald (Birth/Marriage/Death database) intimates the passing of a JOHN M NICOL, husband of MARGARET WALKER, Limekiln Road, Stevenston.

The 1937 North Ayrshire Directory then shows a JOHN NICOL, Dynamite Worker, resident at 5 Limekiln road.

Is it possible that the latter is actually JOHN W NICOL, the 'W' standing for 'WALKER', his mother's maiden name?

John M Nicol
Birth 26 NOV 1868 • Ardrossan (Saltcoats)
Death 29 OCT.1934 • Stevenston Ayrshire Scotland

His son John was born c1897.
That Margaret Walker has a middle initial M
Have not got him Married so don,t have any issue .

John M Nicol was the brother of James Walker Nicol who married an Agnes Walker.

PT you,ve got me started now

Edit- Margaret M Walker died 1963 Clark Crescent,Stevenston
There is A Jimmy and family at Misk Knowes .Also Peggy John and Family,Hislop Rd.Peggy's the daughter ,so John his her Husband.Jimmy will likely be a James.

New Street Cemetery----352. ILMO our dear father John M. Nicol d. 29.10.1934 and our dear mother Margaret M. Walker d. 4.2.1963

Edit- John Manson Nicol c1886 Ayr (Steelworker),Father George Manson Nicol (Baker)Mother Christina Ramsey.Registered by John Nicol ,Son.John was born in Ayr,
Not my Kin ,as far as I know. Father George c1833 Ayr,
SC

I'm back from my holiday and now I find a lot of material to work.

James Walker Nicol was awarded this watch for his actions during an explosion and fire at Nobels Explosives Company at Ardeer, Stevenston in Ayrshire. He (known as Jimmy) was my grandad and my grandmother (Elspeth nee Stewart) were invited to London where this watch was presented “for loyal service”. My grandad saved several lives in that incident by going into the explosion and burning buildings several times. I am the son of John Manson Nicol the eldest son of James & Elspeth. My grandad served in WWII as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery - my father born in 1937 did not see his own father again until he returned from Burma in late 1946.