The last week in June 1892, was hot and as was the custom in those days, many people took to swimming or going for a dip in nearby streams and rivers around Blantyre. I’ve recounted the dangers people faced doing this many times on Blantyre Project and sadly, many dozens of people have lost their lives doing this over the centuries, in Blantyre alone.
On Sunday 26th June 1892, Frederick William Butter (18), assistant to a shooting saloon keeper in Hamilton, went into the Clyde to bathe at Blantyre Works. He got out of his depth, and being unable to swim would have been drowned but for the timely assistance of James Jack, miner, Cemetery Walk, High Blantyre. He had just swam across to the Bothwell side when, turning round, he noticed Butter struggling in the water, and, plunging into the river again, succeeded in dragging him to the side in an insensible and exhausted state. Sub-Inspector Lockhart, of the Blantyre police, applied restoratives until the arrival of Dr Bastock, who brought the youth round, and having no home, he was sent to the Hamilton Combination Poorhouse.
A lucky escape for William and a gallant brave save by local hero, James Jack. However, the next day, another river drama in Blantyre wouldn’t end so well. A sad drowning accident occurred at Calder Water, High Blantyre, on Monday 27th June 1892, whereby little Samuel Hutchison (3½), son of Mr William Hutchison, Greenfield Foundry, lost his life. It appears the little fellow was sent out to play by his mother, accompanied by an elder brother of about five years, and nothing more was known of the matter until the latter came back crying that “his brother was in the water holding up his hands, but that he was unable to save him.” On assistance being procured it was found that the unfortunate child was drowned. Much sympathy was felt for the parents in their sad bereavement as the story circulated in the week aftewards. Samuel Hutichson is remembered here today 134 years later. A life never lived, may he rest in peace.
Illustration: AI generated for Blantyre Project
