Robert Gardner

Robert Gardner was born in about 1863 to Margaret and Colin Gardner. He followed his father into railway service, and in 1881 at the age of 17 was an engine cleaner[1] at Stirling shed, the first step towards becoming an engine driver. By 1893, Robert had been promoted to be a Fireman, and lived at 10 Cowan Street, Stirling[5].

On 7th April 1893 Colin married Elizabeth Greenhorn, a millworker, at the Holy Trinity church, Dumbarton Road, Stirling[5]. In about 1894 they moved the family home to Oban, possibly when Robert passed to the grade of Driver. By 1899 they had returned to Stirling, and in 1901 were living at 17 Bruce Street.

A Stirling train leaves Oban behind engine no.52, designed for this line and buit in 1905.	.	Built in 1922 for the Oban line, no.192 is seen on a train near Stirling, wearing the elegant sky blue of the Caledonian Railway.

Robert's postings at Stirling and Oban mean that he was, like his father, probably employed by the Caledonian Railway company. The line between Stirling and Oban via Callander had been completed in 1880, and was operated by the Caledonian, so this would have been "his" route.

A heavy Oban train storms up towards the Pass of Brander, near Ben Cruachan.	.	Robert in his later years.

Sources: Census [1]1881, [2]1891, [3]1901; GRO [4]birth & [5]marriage records;

Page last updated 18 April 2003