Hamilton’s oldest resident celebrates her 95th birthday (1959)

On the 20th of January 1959 Mrs Jean Crawford was Hamilton’s oldest resident at the age of 95. At the time she was living at Albany Cottage in 55 Bent Road. As a native of Gourock she lived in Hamilton most of her life, her father was a well known hairdresser in the town. Her late husband was also a familiar figure in the town and was once featured in the book “Come fish with me”. They had 12 children, eight of whom were still living in 1959. One son was ex-inspector James Crawford, who retired from the British police force in 1955 and the other was Mr David Crawford who was the town’s officer. She had 10 grandchildren & eight great grandchildren.Mrs Crawford could recall seeing the first tram car being run in Glasgow. She also went on to say that in her younger years people had to work hard and she had attributed her long life to that. Back then in 1959 she said that people had it much easier nowadays.Mrs Crawford sadly died the next year in May 1960. With thanks to Mrs Crawford’s granddaughter Jane Renton for sending this picture to us. If you have an old family photo that you would like to share, then please send it by email or DM straight to the page.