Thomas Purdie/Melrose Abbey/died 1829

My ggg grandfather was Thomas Purdie. He was a poacher who got caught poaching on the land of Sir Walter Scott. In those days it was a hanging offense, but instead he became good friends with Scott, who made him warden of his land. He was given a set of silver bagpipes by Scott. He died in 1829 at the age of 62. It was his habit to drink at the table in the evening, and then fall asleep. One night everyone thought he had fallen asleep at the table, but he was dead! Scott was so upset that he abandoned his castle, Melrose. It is said that Thomas was short and stocky, with black hair and very good looking.His daughter married George Fairbairn. They had a son, Charles Fairbairn, born 1862 AT Melrose. He came to the US along with his sister Celia. Charles married Mary Bate on June 29 1876 near Philladephia. Her family was originally from cornwall England. Does any of this ring a bell with anyone out there? cindy