Born in Edinburgh in 1834 to Harry Lumsden (a commission agent/paper maker's clerk/stationer manager), Frederick Roome Lumsden would become a high-profile figure in the public life of Largo and Newburn. Here is his story. Spending the early years of his life in Edinburgh, Frederick was by the age of 17 a 'student and teacher of English' in Edinburgh. After a spell teaching at Madras College in St Andrews, he moved to become school master at Ardrossan in the late 1850s. In 1863 he was chosen from over eighty applicants to become head teacher at Wood's School in Newburn. And so began his 44-year spell there.
Frederick had married farmer's daughter Janet Hill of Lumbo near St Andrews in 1857 and together they had at least seven children. However, in 1870 Janet died, aged just 32. The 1871 census shows Frederick living at the Newburn school house with six children, 4 bursers a cook and a housemaid. He married second wife, Catherine Craig in Montrose in 1878. She was also a school teacher and, after some years teaching in Montrose, she had recently relocated to Largo's Durham Female School (see entry from 1877 Worrall's Directory below). Together they would have at least six children.
Frederick had married farmer's daughter Janet Hill of Lumbo near St Andrews in 1857 and together they had at least seven children. However, in 1870 Janet died, aged just 32. The 1871 census shows Frederick living at the Newburn school house with six children, 4 bursers a cook and a housemaid. He married second wife, Catherine Craig in Montrose in 1878. She was also a school teacher and, after some years teaching in Montrose, she had recently relocated to Largo's Durham Female School (see entry from 1877 Worrall's Directory below). Together they would have at least six children.
Aside from his long tenure as school master at Newburn School (pictured above), Lumsden was also 'Inspector of Poor and Collector of Rates' for Newburn; Regstrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths; Church session clerk; Parish Council session clerk; clerk to the School Board; and eventually Justice of the Peace. Another notable role that he played was in being one of the founders of Lundin Golf Club in 1868. He also chaired the meeting to reorganise the Club in 1889 after some years in the doldrums. He went on be elected Captain of the resurrected club for 1889. He was also Captain of the Lundin Ladies Golf Club 1900-02.
Frederick Lumsden died on 4 September 1907, aged 73, after suffering from heart disease for some four years. By then he was a Fellow of the Educational Institute of Scotland and had been a pioneer in the advancement of the Fifeshire Educational Institute. Referring to the bursers of Wood's School, the Dundee Courier of 6 Sept described how "Mr Lumsden discharged the duties of guardian to his wards with great care" (the boarding system had run until 1884). The article also spoke of how he was "a great favourite in the district being gifted with much urbanity and kindliness of spirit".
The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald also remembered Mr Lumsden fondly, stating on 13 Sept that "he was a specimen of the best type of old Scots dominie , entering into the sports and pastimes of his pupils, and making himself their friend and adviser as well as their instructor. In Ardrossan, his interests in cricket and swimming will still be remembered by his old boys. In Fife, his leisure energies were naturally centred in agriculture and also in golf."
His position as Newburn school master was taken over by Mr J.H. Balleny of Colinsburgh school.
Frederick Lumsden died on 4 September 1907, aged 73, after suffering from heart disease for some four years. By then he was a Fellow of the Educational Institute of Scotland and had been a pioneer in the advancement of the Fifeshire Educational Institute. Referring to the bursers of Wood's School, the Dundee Courier of 6 Sept described how "Mr Lumsden discharged the duties of guardian to his wards with great care" (the boarding system had run until 1884). The article also spoke of how he was "a great favourite in the district being gifted with much urbanity and kindliness of spirit".
The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald also remembered Mr Lumsden fondly, stating on 13 Sept that "he was a specimen of the best type of old Scots dominie , entering into the sports and pastimes of his pupils, and making himself their friend and adviser as well as their instructor. In Ardrossan, his interests in cricket and swimming will still be remembered by his old boys. In Fife, his leisure energies were naturally centred in agriculture and also in golf."
His position as Newburn school master was taken over by Mr J.H. Balleny of Colinsburgh school.
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