Here is my research and notes on Matthew Abbott, the former plumber of High Blantyre. In particular this is about his family history, rather than the history of the business.
Mr. Matthew Abbott – was the former mid 20th Century owner of a successful Plumbing business based in High Blantyre’s Main Street. The correct spelling is with two ‘t’s in the surname.
Matthew was born in the Gorbals, Glasgow in 1891, the eldest child to parents Matthew and Marion, then both 28 years old. Matthew’s father was an iron turner. By 1901, Matthew Junior then aged 10 had 4 siblings, (3 boys and a girl) and the whole family were living in Bridgeton, Glasgow.
Matthew married Margaret Lindsay in 1920, and sometime after 1925 they moved to Blantyre.
The first mention of the Abbott Plumbing business existing in Blantyre is in the 1930 Valuation roll.
Matthew owned a modest workshop at 260 Main Street (pictured) with a rateable value of just £5 per year, but was also renting ground for the workshop at 262 Main Street from the Hamilton Savings Investment Building Society Ltd.
The couple initially lived at 371 Main Street, on the opposite side nearer Kirkton Cross, but would later move further down Main Street near Cemetery Road.
Matthew’s wife, Margaret outlived him passing away in 1983 aged 90. Matthew himself passed away aged 61 collapsing in his workshop on the 30th September 1953. They are both buried in High Blantyre Cemetery.
His son briefly took over the business in Blantyre before relocating to Hamilton. Matthew’s granddaughter Moira married into the Todd family.
From “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
On social media:
Moira and I were great friends in the late ‘60s. We lost touch – I’d love to be back in touch with her but haven’t a clue how. Such a shame when this happens.