This lovely wee Blantyre lassie is Jessie Leishman Brownlie, the first born daughter of James and Jessie Brownlie. Born 10th April, 1911 at 58 Hunthill Road, Blantyre her life was sadly tragically short.

Jessie, the daughter of James ‘Jimmy’ Brownlie the famous footballer, died on 22nd April, 1914 at the age of 3 from Scarlatina. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only young child in this family to pass from that condition. The only saving grace was that she was buried in the Brownlie family grave together with her family at High Blantyre Cemetery.

Scarlatina or sometimes called Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that causes a blotchy rash. It mostly affects young children. Throughout the 19th and early 20th Century it killed 1 in 4 children inflicted and was known to come on suddenly. Like covid, it is easily spread by coughing and sneezing. However, nowadays, scarlet fever is treated very successfully using antibiotics.

We remember this wee soul here today. Rest in Peace Jessie. With thanks to Elizabeth Merchant for these photos.