When James Thomson McDade was born on December 3, 1888, in Stair, Ayrshire, his father, John, was 41 and his mother, Helen, was 34. In 1891 they lived in Hamilton. James’ father John Thomas passed away on January 28, 1893, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, at the age of 46. For a short time at the […]
Since World War I is very much on people’s minds this week, it seems appropriate to post this message, which i received from Betty McLean. A touching letter was very kindly shared with me. It was sent to the parents of a young Blantyre man, John McGill killed during the first World War. The […]
How wonderful to see the youth of Blantyre being involved and interested in local history. It always makes me happy to see younger generations take an interest. When Blantyre lad, Devin Hamilton-Sardesai contacted me saying he was writing a story about the Anti-Aircraft Battery, I made a promise that when it was ready, that I would […]
Mr. Edward Cornfield was a miner, of 3 Victoria Street, Blantyre. Born on 11th September 1890, he was the second son to parents John Cornfield and Mary Park. As a child, he lived at Harts Land, on Glasgow Road. He was a regular soldier in the 2nd Scottish rifles, and in 1911 at the age […]
The third headmaster at Auchinraith Primary School at the start of the 20th Century succeeding Mr. John Welsh. In 1909 as a Lieutenant, James was President of the Boy Scouts in Blantyre. His time as a teacher though was short lived for he was called to active service during the First World War. He enlisted […]
Private William Homes was born in 1882 at Abercorn, Renfrew, and lived his early life in Elderslie, near Paisley. Private William Holmes was part of the 11th Battalion Scottish Rifles and was killed in action on 19th September 1918 at Salonika. He was 36 years old. He was the son of Mr and Mrs […]
I was recently contacted by the Hamilton Reference Library, who sent me this nice little story. Five hundred voices sounded a hearty “cheerio” at St. Blanes Primary School on Wednesday 10th October 1973. Pupils and teachers were saying goodbye to Lollipop man Mr. Charles Harvey when he retired after 15 years service. Mr Harvey who […]