Source for information below is from the Carluke Parish Historical Society.
John Loudon and Archibald Miller – Coalmasters and Brickmakers, East Law Colliery and Mauldslie Fire Clay Works, Carluke.
John Loudon had his own grocer’s and draper’s business in Newmains. He joined Archibald Miller in partnership in 1873 as a joiner, builder, brick maker and contractor.
The joiners business was successful for 4 years. In 1873 they took a coalfield and brickfield at Mauldslie and started brick production. The colliery opened in 1875 after 2 years boring.
Archibald Miller had his own joiner’s business from 1868. He joined Loudon in 1873. Both put £800 into the business.
The joinery and contracting partnership was dissolved about 1877.
Miller then started Stonefield Sawmill in Blantyre. Loudon started as a flesher in Sauchiehall Street and lasted 9 months. He then went into confectionery and preserve in Campbell Street, Glasgow at a cost of £1000. Again he lost all. He then became the manager of the colliery and brickfield.
Sequestration proceedings were begun in July 1881.
Archibald Miller was residing at Stonefield Saw Mill, Blantyre.
John Loudon was residing at Hampden Terrace, Mount Florida, Glasgow.
Below – 01/05/1872 – Glasgow Herald – Quarries and Freestone Rocks to let on Mauldslie Estate, Carluke….several extensive basins of common clay to let … An ample supply of fireclay and coal may be had on the ground …
19/01/1877 – Glasgow Herald – Manager wanted for Mauldslie Brick and Fire Clay Works, Carluke. Must understand all the branches. Applicants to produce certificates of character and ability and wages expected – Loudon and Miller, Overtown.
1878 – Loudon and Miller, brick and tile makers, Mauldslie Works, Carluke.
23/11/1880 – Glasgow Herald – Fore sale East Law Colliery and Mauldslie Brickworks, Carluke both in full operation. Plant in good working condition. Offers received until 30/11/1880 – For particulars apply at the Works.
20/07/1881 – Dundee Courier – Sequestrations – Loudon and Miller, coalmasters East Law Colliery and Mauldslie Fireclay Works, Carluke.
Below – 09/08/1881 – Edinburgh Gazette – Sequestration of Loudon and Miller, coalmasters and brickmakers, Eastlaw Colliery and Mauldslie Fireclay Works, Carluke as a Company and John Loudon, coalmaster and brickmaker there, and Archibald Miller, coalmaster and brickmaker there and Saw Miller, Blantyre, the individual partners.
Below – 16/08/1881 – Glasgow Evening Post – Further details on the bankruptcy of Loudon and Miller.
01/04/1882 – The Scotsman – Creditors of Loudon and Miller, coalmasters East Law Colliery and Mauldslie Fireclay Works, Carluke will receive a dividend 16th May in the office of Reid and Mair, 40 St Vincent Place, Glasgow.
Below – 27/02/1909 – Carluke and Lanark Gazette – Court case.
20/03/1909 – The Scotsman – Mrs Barr v Caledonian Railway Company – Intimation was made that the action has been settled in which Mrs Grace Clarkson or Barr, wife of and residing with Robert Barr, miner Mauldslie Brickwork near Carluke sued the Caledonian Railway Company for £500 damages for personal injuries received by her on 16th September 1908 at Law Junction. The defenders denied fault but they have now paid the pursuer £105 and expenses and the action was taken out of court by joint minute …
