On Tuesday, 26th June 1894, Blantyre residents were shocked to learn of the death of Aerated water supplier, Andrew Robertson, who ran his factory at Springwells.
Andrew was just 39 years old when he passed away that morning. Andrew had been ill for around six months prior to his death, complaining of ill health, but he had been confined to bed for a full week prior to his passing due to a chill. Pneumonia was suspected.
Born in 1855 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Andrew and his family had moved to Blantyre to the newly established area of Springwells in the 1870’s. In the 1881 census, 25 year old Andrew is a coal miner living with parents. During the 1880’s, Andrew Robertson had for a number of years had been in America and on returning home, established the aerated water business at Springwells, Blantyre. He was known to be living with his parents and siblings at the aged of 35 in the 1891 census. His energy and commitment had made this business one of the most established and well known in the District. He was an unmarried man, but had many friends who would have felt his loss. His funeral took place in High Blantyre Cemetery on Thursday 28th June 1894. Mr Peter Robertson, a young brother was dedicated and motivated to carry on the business.
His grave is easy to find, a tall memorial to his early death erected beside the Pit Memorial obelisk.
Robertsons is pictured in 1982. I wonder what Andrew would have thought if he knew his business would exist nearly a century later!
