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Archiver > MIDLOTHIAN > 2004-01 > 1073186597


From: "Hugh Shields" <>
Subject: Re: [MLN] "Stilheadman"
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 22:23:26 -0500
References: <005b01c3d245$f29c1ec0$296b1f3e@andyshonas> <002201c3d24f$71436f40$4cf1fea9@xscustom> <001601c3d257$124f9920$73671f3e@andyshonas>


Hi Shona
This is an extract from the USGS and would seem to me to indicate that the
occupation of "Stillman" would be that of operating the stills in the
retorts during the refining process. I originated in the Broxburn area and
know little about the actual workings of the industry. My father however,
did for a short while work in the Pumpherston retort and I remember him
saying that it was very hot work. The "Stillfireman" I suspect would be the
one responsible for keeping the distillation retort fired up.
If you require further information which explains the process of shale-oil
to petroleum contact me off list.

Hugh Canada


The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines oil shale as "organic-rich shale
that yields substantial quantities of oil by conventional methods of
destructive distillation of the contained organic matter, which employ low
confining pressures in a closed retort system." (Duncan and Swanson, 1965).
They further define oil shale for purposes of their report to "any part of
an organic-rich shale deposit that yields at least 10 gallons (3.8 percent)
of oil per short ton of shale..."


----- Original Message -----
From: "Shona Smith" <>
To: <>

> Thanks Peter - that sounds about right since some of the family seemed to
> work for the Broxburn Oil Works
> Regards
> Shona
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Peter MacAuslan" <>
> To: <>
> "
>
>
> > It is possible that they were employed in the shale oil industry in the
> > production of paraffin oil(kerosene)
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Shona Smith" <>
> > To: <>
> > Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2004 9:07 AM
> > Subject: [MLN] "Stilheadman"
> >
> >
> > > Hi everyone
> > > I have a 1901 census entry which states the occupation of one of my
> > > ancestors as a STILLHEADMAN in Uphall Station.
> > > Does anyone have any idea what this may be.
> > > I also noticed another entry for a STILL FIREMAN
> > > Regards
> > > Shona
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>


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