My line of the Edward family, as far as can be evidenced from 18th century parish/church records, originated from Lintrathen and Glen Isla in Forfarshire and then subsequently moved to Alyth.

John Edward and Helen Bennet married on the 27th November 1787 and had a son Robert Edward (born 1790 in Lintrathen and died 1856) 

Robert had an extensive business as a cattle dealer in the early 19th century. Robert's son, James Edward (born 1820 in Lintrathen and died 1891)moved to Alyth in the early 1840s to work on a local farm as a ploughman and then grieve. In his later years he resided at and managed the farm of Newton of Bamff, tenanted by his son James. From his obituary notice it was noted that he was considered one of the finest judges of horses and cattle in the area, and a steady adherent of the Established Church.

James Edward (born at Mornity, Alyth in 1853 and died 1915) served his apprenticeship in the Co-operative Society, Kirriemuir, and subsequently was employed within the Co-operative Society as a manager in Wick. He came back to Alyth in 1877 and, at 24 years of age, started his own business on Commercial Street, Alyth. His new venture clearly was a success since, two years later, he opened a large bakery and grocery business in Airlie Street, Alyth: 'James Edward, Baker and Grocer.' The business subsequently expanded to include a branch in Meigle, and a number of vans that sold and delivered produce throughout a large rural area on a daily basis. His obituary notice describes his place in the local and wider community with local dignatories and merchants from Edinburgh and Glasgow attending his funeral.

Greater social mobility, improved transport and the emergence and growth of supermarkets, progressively caused the Edward stores, like many other similar enterprises, to reduce in number; and, finally, the remaining shop was sold and renamed in the 1970/80s.

I was born in Broughty Ferry and brought up in Monifieth only 26 miles from Alyth. Through researching my family history I have developed a growing affinity with the Alyth/Lintrathen/Glen Isla area.