Tag: Wilma Bolton

GHOULISH VANDALISM AT MEIKLE-EARNOCK.

Skull

The following story was reported in the Hamilton Advertiser on the 20 April 1895.

“Cadzow” writes to the Glasgow Herald; Please give me space for the following statement of facts. In a secluded corner on the confines of Fairhill and Earnock estates, within two miles distance of Hamilton Cross, there lies a small burying-place of some old Meikle Earnock families.

It has long since been disused, but a sweeter and more peaceful resting place it were hard to find, or apparently one more unlikely to be disturbed. What was my horror then, sir, on taking a quiet walk along the road that passes this God’s acre to find a human skull lying on the side walk, and grinning in all its ghastliness at passers-by! I reverently lifted the “thing” intending to replace it in the hallowed ground, when I observed that the door and window of the mausoleum which stands within the graveyard had been forced, and on looking into the interior saw that the stone cists round the walls were prized open, the coffin lids wrenched off, and the remains of their contents scattered over the place.

In my hurried glance I saw three skulls and several thigh and arm bones, and a bystander informed me that shortly before I came up some youths had been enjoying a game of football with the hideous relics. Great shades of Yorick! and this on the evening of a beautiful Easter Sunday in the latter end of the nineteenth century! I have no doubt that those more immediately interested will take steps to bring the perpetrators on this gross outrage to speedy justice.

I may add that the scene of this ghoulish vandalism is quite near to where, not long since, a young man, after spending a convivial Saturday evening with some friends, was playfully kicked to death by his boon companions. (The condition of this burial place has long been a disgrace to all interested in it.)

The next day on the 21st April 1895 the following was written:

“Before Hon. Sheriff Patrick, yesterday, John Murphy, pony-driver, Eddlewood, was charged with malicious mischief in connection with the recent desecration of Meikle-Earnock graveyard.

The libel set forth that on 14th inst., be abstracted from a coffin in a vault in the old graveyard a human skull and bones, and, taking them outside, broke the skull with the bones or stick, and kicked the fragments up and down the graveyard. He pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned for trial.

John Murphy, pony driver, Eddlewood, was tried at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday 30th April 1895 before Hon. Sheriff Patrick–on a charge of malicious mischief, committed in the old graveyard, on 14th April. Murphy, a boy of 14, pleaded not guilty, and was undefended.

Five witnesses were examined for the prosecution. From the evidence of four young lads, companions of Murphy, it appeared that on Sunday afternoon they met, and one of them gave information that the vault in the old graveyard was open. They went down to see the place. Arriving there, they found a number of other lads congregated.

Accused went into the vault, and, according to one of the witnesses lighted a match. He went to one of the coffins, which was open and contained a number of loose bones, and then opened another coffin. According to the same witness, he inserted his hand and extracted a skull from one of the coffins, this he brought out on the end of a stick, and threw it to the ground. Remarking that he wished to know what was in the skull, he broke it with a stick.

Again he entered the vault and was about to bring out another skull, when his companions remonstrated, and he gave up the notion. Constable Steel of the County police, said two days before the day libelled he had visited the graveyard in consequence of a report that the vault was open. He found that this was correct. The door had parted from its fixing in the wall for a space of about six inches, through the effect of the underground workings, he fixed the door in such a way as to secure it, and communicated with the representatives of the owners who promised to see the door put right. On the Tuesday following.

On information he received, he again visited the vault and found the place broken into, and the coffins and bones in a disordered condition. He further stated that five years ago the vault had been broken into and coffin cords taken away, which the girls in the village used as skipping ropes.

Accused, when asked for an explanation of his conduct, simply denied that he had lighted a match. His Lordship said the evidence disclosed an extraordinary state of affairs, and but for the circumstances that the accused was only one of a large company, all young and thoughtless, and that the place was improperly secured, he would have passed a severe sentence. But he learned from the Fiscal that the present prosecution was brought more as a warning, so trusting that such sacrilegious misdeeds would not be repeated, he would only impose a fine of 15s with the option of 10 days’ imprisonment.

The following story was donated to Historic Hamilton by Wilma Bolton.

RECOLLECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS (By a Hamiltonian) THE MINE EXPLOSION OF MARCH, 1841.

 

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The following names are the first eleven documented fatalities in a Hamilton Coal mine. In total Wilma Bolton found 813 men, boys and women killed while working in or at a coal mine.(See Wilma Bolton’s reference book Coal Mining Fatalities in Hamilton Parish 1841 – 1948 in all Hamilton libraries.)

AVONBRAES Mine March 1841.
WILLIAM BROUNLIE and his son age 10, Christian name not recorded.

JAMES DUFFIE. JOHN DUFFIE. HUGH MCLEAN, JOHN SMITH and WILLIAM WOTHERSPOON. These seven miners were killed in the explosion. JAMES FLEMING, GEORGE PATE,

JAMES FISHER, and JAMES FYFE died while trying to rescue the above. Duffie or Duffy’s* widow was recorded in 1878 as still receiving a pension from the Duke of Hamilton. No other mine owner paid a pension to miners dependants. (* Both spellings used.)
————————————-
The following article gives an eyewitness account of the first explosion in a Hamilton coal mine. Seven miners were killed in an explosion at Avonbraes Mine (a drift mine) which was situated in the Avon gorge and not far from Chatelherault. Another four men lost their lives trying to rescue them. Among the dead was a 10 years old boy who was working with his father who was also killed. Research Wilma S. Bolton.

A Great calamity which occurred in the west of Scotland last week brought vividly to my mind an accident which has left an impression that will be irremovable. It is forty-five years since the catastrophe happened.

We have had more disastrous affairs of the kind since then, but the peculiar circumstances of this one made the occurrence more striking. I refer, of course, to the explosion in the Duke’s mine in Avon Braes. The development of the coal industry in our locality then was yet in the future. The consumpt of the mineral was purely local, and the men who wrought in the mines were our relatives and neighbours. There were scarcely any but whom we had known from infancy. The villagers at Quarter were church members, going out and in with our fathers from very early times. The managers were people with whom we were on the most intimate terms. Well, on a fine spring morning in the year 1841, we, young weaver lads, were taking our breakfast meal hour walk, and in rounding the end of Miller Street, as you see before you the road to Covan Burn, a mounted horseman is seen by us.

His speed is beyond the common. It is our old friend Ord Adams, who had always a kind or jocular word for us. One look at his face that morning, as he rode past, conveyed intelligence of disaster. There was no greeting. He saw us but heeded not. His mission was one of mercy. All this we read and more. One look at each other and we ran. There was no use in asking what was the matter. The two miles to the mine mouth (for it was not a pit in the ordinary sense) we soon passed over. My companions and I were the first of the town’s people who were at the spot. Speedily we learned that the mine had exploded, with seven or eight men and boys inside.

No great number it may be thought; but worse than that, a rescuing party of four brave fellows had entered the mine before we arrived at the scene, and there, issuing from the dismal hole was seen the noxious vapour. Could anyone live in that poison, was the question we put to each other. The men must have succumbed long ere this. Who are the four adventurers? Their names were soon made known to us, and we found them to be neighbours, whom we had known from infancy. James Fyfe, George Peat, James Fisher and a lad from Quarter, named Fleming. The wailing of the mothers and sisters was not loud, but deep. In a few minutes Mr Adams appeared, bringing with him the doctors of the town. Among them I well remember Dr Alex. King, a townsman of great promise.

Volunteers were offering their services, nay, urging their immediate acceptance. But as I stood near the doctors, I saw they were stoutly opposed to any further effort, so long as the gasses issuing from the mine. Mr Adams, himself, I saw became impatient at the restraint and ventured onto the fatal mouth. He and his party speedily returned, sickly and staggering; one or two had to be assisted as they came out of the mine. Still a return to the rescue was insisted on by the men, and still the medical men convinced that it was dangerous—that the hope of saving the lives of all the volunteers was futile. As the vapour cleared away, a party of stout miners entered. Then after a little a move was made to clear the mouth and the last party in came out carrying a body. I see his face and know him. The doctors at once pronounced him dead. Then all hope vanishes. As the mine cleared, the search, though still dangerous, is steadily pursued. One after another is brought out, and the medical men’s opinion is confirmed—there is no hope for one of them.

 

Avon Gorge.

Strange to say, I had grown up to manhood nearly, and never had looked at death in any form. One of the lads, who fell in attempting rescue, had been laid upon a soft grassy bank, a little distance from the mine. I was told he was lying alone. I timidly approached the spot. I did get a surprise, and one that did me good, for there lay the young man cut down in the prime of life. A smile! Yes, a smile on his handsome face. He belonged to a rather good featured family. Henceforth I thought the grim king of terrors would have no scare over me.

I was the better of that night. We waited till all the rescuing party were brought to bank, and we learned that the search for the bodies of those who were in the pit before the explosion would not be brought out till the next day, if they were recovered. It began to be whispered that the bodies of the unfortunate victims would not be a pleasant sight to see. The town, when we arrived home, was in great excitement. I do not think such another day Hamilton had seen since the day of Bothwell Bridge.

People could not settle to work. The good people of the town were busy offering consolation to the widows and orphans. Each one felt the calamity to be affecting themselves. Next day I was up at the mine at an early hour. All was hushed. The bodies were being got out. They were tenderly and delicately handled; respectfully and mournfully laid in their last resting place.

It was an eventful day. It brought out the better part of some we met in ordinary life. I was personally a great friend of Mr Adams, and it affords me pleasure to add that his tenderness, kindly sympathy, and gently consideration to the bereaved ones, during the trying ordeal enhanced, if that were possible, the high opinion in which he was held. D. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser 2/10/1886 page 4.

DIXON’S MINER’S AMAZING WORLD WAR TWO ADVENTURES.

ESCAPE FROM THE GERMANS.

Robert Cassidy(Wilma Bolton)
Robert Cassiday

 

A year of army service, two years in a prison camp in the hands of the Germans, several months as an outlaw on the hills of Italy.
That is how Private Robert Cassidy of 94 Kenilworth Crescent Burnbank, Hamilton, has spent his four years of Army service.
He arrived home in July 1944 for a well deserved leave following his return to this country. Private Cassidy joined the forces in 1940, and after only a few months training he was transferred to the Mediterranean theatre of operations.

He was taken prisoner by the Germans at Hellsfire Pass a few months later however and was imprisoned in a camp north of Rome. There he spent two long, weary years under the heel of the Nazis, but luck came his way. News came through of the Italian surrender on September 8 last year (1943) and immediately he made good his escape.

He took refuge in the hills and there he lived until February of this year (1944.) Food was scarce, but he managed to remain alive by eating grapes and the meat from stolen pigs and sheep. Then came the rescue. He was transported to Naples by the allied authorities and from there shipped home to this country.

Private Cassidy, who is 28 years of age, is married and has three of a family. A Cameron Highlander, he is the third son of the late Mr Robert Cassidy and of Mrs Cassidy, 35 King Street, Burnbank. Before joining the forces in 1940 he was a miner at Dixon’s Colliery, Blantyre.

The Story was extracted from the Hamilton Advertiser Archives and sent to Historic Hamilton by Wilma Bolton. For more great stories please visit Wilma’s website www.wilmabolton.com where you will find great real life stories from the the miners of Hamilton.

Sir Harry Lauder

Harry Lauder.
Sir Harry Lauder 1870-1950.

Sir Henry “Harry” Lauder was born on the  4 August 1870. He was a Scottish Music Hall and vaudeville theatre singer and comedian, and a substantial landowner.

He was perhaps best known for his long-standing hit “I Love a Lassie” and for his international success. He was described by Sir Winston Churchill as “Scotland’s greatest ever ambassador!” He became a familiar world-wide figure promoting images like the kilt and the cromach (walking stick) to huge acclaim, especially in America. Other songs followed, including “Roamin’ in the Gloamin”, “A Wee Deoch-an-Doris”, and “The End of the Road”.

By 1911, Lauder had become the highest-paid performer in the world, and was the first Scottish artist to sell a million records. He raised vast amounts of money for the war effort  during World War I, for which he was subsequently knighted in 1919. He went into semi-retirement in the mid-1930s, but briefly emerged to entertain troops in World War II. By the late-1940s he was suffering from long periods of ill-health and died in Scotland in 1950.

Lauder was born in his maternal grandfather’s house in Bridge Street Portobello Edinburgh, the eldest of seven children to John Lauder, a Master Potter, and his wife Isabella Urquhart Macleod née McLennan. John Lauder, was a descendent of Lauders of the Bass and Isabella was born in Arbroath to a family from the Black Isle Lauder’s father moved to Newbold, Derbyshire in early 1882 to take up a job designing chine, but died of pneumonia on April 20. Upon his death, Isabella, left short of money (the £15 Life Assurance Policy of her husband not going far), moved the family to Arbroath. Education beyond the age of 11 then requiring payment, Harry worked part-time at the local flaxmill to fund that. In 1884 the family moved to live with Harry’s maternal uncle, Alexander McLennan, in Hamilton, where his uncle found him employment at Eddlewood Colliery at a weekly wage of ten shillings, a job which he maintained for the next decade.

Lauder leased the Glenbranter estate in Argyll to the Forestry Commission and spent his last years at Lauder Ha (or Hall), his  Strathaven home, where he died on 26 February 1950, in his 80th year. His funeral was widely reported, notably by Pathé newsreels. One of the chief mourners was the Duke of Hamilton, a close family friend, who led the funeral procession through Hamilton, and read The Lesson. The largest wreath came from the Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (who shared her birthday with him) followed by one almost as large from Mr & Mrs Winston Churchill. Sir Harry was interred with his mother and brother at Bent Cemetery, Hamilton.

Lauder_Gravesite
Sir Harry Lauder’s grave.  
HARRY LAUDER FUNERAL.
The cortège was coming up the Bent Brae heading for the Bent cemetery.

Alan MacDonald, Harry Lauder Funeral..jpg

Wilma Bolton recalls Harry’s funeral, she wrote: “The cortège was coming up the Bent Brae heading for the Bent cemetery. I remember being in the crowd watching it with my mother and Mrs Alexander our next door neighbour. I was six at the time. The gasometer in the background was in Tuphall Road and the old gas light brings back memories of climbing them to turn the gas off.”

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Morgan Street Now & Then!!!

MorganStreet1937WilmaBolton.Fix.
Morgan Street Hamilton, 12th May 1937. 

A snapshot in time, Wilma Bolton sent us a picture of how Morgan Street looked back in the 12th May 1937. Wilma told Historic Hamilton,

My parents Jimmy and Peggy Russell lived in a single end in this close from 1940 until 1947. I remember being in the washhouse with my cousin Eleanor Lang while my mother and her sister Ella Lang were doing the washing.

My aunt Ella lived in Morgan Street. Both of us girls were aged about three at the time. My uncle Guy Lang had a newsagent and barber shop across from the close. We moved from Selkirk Street to the prefabs in Mill Road in 1947.

There are garages where the houses stood but the shop’s across from them are still standing.

Have you got a picture of a close in Hamilton that no longer stands? If you have then we would like to see it. Send it to us on the page or by email historichamilton@icloud.com

MorganStreetGoogle.Fix.
Google Street view of Morgan Street.

HAMILTON’S VANISHING HERITAGE.

St. Annes..jpg

HAMILTON’S VANISHING HERITAGE.

Hamilton’s no’ the same as it was
There’s nae weans playin’ at rounders or ba’s
Neilsland bings missing and Cadzow’s noo gaun,
For rows o’ fine hooses wi’ monoblock lawns.

Low Waters School, where is it noo?
I passed it just yesterday it canna be true!
Nae infant voices chantin’ a table,
Nae Mr Thomson for the weans he was able.

St. Anne’s is still there, my heart it is singing,
A familiar old building, children’s voices still ringing.
Blair’s shop has gone, a sign of the times,
Where’s Cadzow Bridge, the train and the lines?

Cadzow Rows has vanished and Eddlewood too,
Where’s Maggie’s Dairy? It’s just a road noo.
Guy Kerr’s is still staunin’ how long will it last?
And then like the rest, it’ll be a thing o’ the past.

Hamilton’s no’ Hamilton, my heart it is sad,
They’ve bulldozed our heritage, the good and the bad,
Time marches on I know this is true,
Just leave something please, for the future to view.

200 Goodbye St. Anne’s
St. Anne’s alas has joined the rest, now she’s gone
forever, Of all the children who passed through her
door, Will they forget her?…….NEVER!

The above poem was written by Wilma Bolton in 2003 and was donated to Historic Hamilton to share with our readers. I’m sure that most of you can relate to these words.

HAMILTON & THE BONNIE PRINCE 1745

AT HAMILTON IN THE FORTY-FIVE.
 
(To the Editor of the Hamilton Advertiser.)
(27th June 1874.)
 
The article below was printed in the Hamilton Herald on the 27th June 1874 and was sent to the paper by a local man called  W.N. Hamilton. The letter was explaining the demands of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army and it  documents the names of the Farmers & business owners of the time.  The farmers were given no choice and they had to supply Charles Edward Stuart’s army with forage and grain that they demanded, or else! Charlie’s army did not pay for what they had demanded, It was easy to persuade people to part with their goods when you are pointing a gun at them.
Today there is still a working farm that was mentioned in the 1745 document and with grateful thanks to the farmer Billy Brownlie,  was kind enough to share a picture with Wilma Bolton who transcribed the 1874 newspaper article from the Hamilton Herald.
EARNOCK MUIR FARM
Earnock Muir Farm.
Dear Sir, I enclose a copy of a document in my possession, the minute of a meeting held at Hamilton on the last day of 1745, to consider a demand made on the parish for supplies of forage and corn for the use of Charles Edwards’s army, then occupying Glasgow. Should you be able at any time to find a space for it in your columns, it may be interesting to some of your readers.
Besides giving a glimpse of a state of things to which, within her own borders, our country has happily been long a stranger, it possesses, in its record of the sederunt, considerable local interest.
The largeness of the attendance, and the extreme promptitude with which the whole business was gone about, are significant of the light in which the “military execution” threatened was regarded. Fortunately for our fathers, the pressure put upon them was of short continuance, the Pretender having remained but a few days at Glasgow. “from which city.” Smollett says, ” he exacted severe contributions on account of its attachment to the Government.” I do not know whether John Murray who had signed the order referred to in the minute may have been Lord John Murray, who commanded part of the rear-guard of the Highland army in the retreat from Derby. And, who near Penrith. some twelve or thirteen days before the date of our meeting, had at the head of the Macphersons attacked and repulsed two regiments of dragoons sent to harass his march. The spelling is in all their variations, have been transcribed exactly as in the original document. I am Yours truly W.N. Hamilton, June 1874. HAMILTON 31st December 1745.
In consequence on ane order Delivered yesterday to the Baillies of Hamilton & James Naismith of Ravenscraig anent the providing of Forrage* & Corn for the use of the Cavalry while lying at Glasgow intimation is being made by Expresses to the whole heritor and tennants in the paroch of Hamilton who reside therein to meet at Hamilton this day in order to Consider of what should be proper to be Done in Consequence thereof.. *(Hay, fodder etc) Convened.
THOMAS HUTTON of Smiddie Croft for PENEAITLAND & himself
JOHN HENDERSON for Earnock
JAMES STRANG, your*(younger) of Meikle Earnock.
Mr Ret. HAMILTON of Burnbank.
DAVID MARSHALL your, of Neilsland for himself and Jno. CORBET in Mirrietoun.
THOMAS BORLAND of Udston.
JAMES BAILLIE of Woodside.
JOHN SOMERVILLE son to Rbt, SOMERVILLE of Silvertonhill.
JOHN ALSTON of Mains.
JOHN BORELAND of Allinshaw.
JAMES CUNNISON of Whitehill & Sunnyside.
ARCHD. CUNNISON one of the present Baillies of Hamilton
WILLIAM SMITH of Devonhill.
R0T*. WILSON, wright in Hamilton for Fairholm, Baillie JOHN SYME and himself. (*Robert)
VM. BOGLE of Top.
JAMES NAISMITH of Ravenscraig for JOHN AIKMAN of Ross, ARTHUR NAISMITH of High Auchingraymont and himself.
JOHN CLARK in Welshaw for Welshaw and Clark’ part of Little Udston.
THOS. ROBERTOUN of Kennedys, Earnock.
JAMES KEDDER for Eddlewood.
JOHN HENDERSON por* of Meikle Earnock. (*Portioner. Owner of land, previously divided amongst co-heirs.)
Jacobite
Jacobite rising
JOHN CORBET in Sunnyside for JOHN CORBET in Meikle Earnock.
WM. JACKSON. for ROT. BUCHANAN’S part of Little Udston.
JOHN McGHEE of Highstonehall.
ALEX. EDGAR of Netherhouse.
THOMAS SMITH for Earnock Muir.
MR JAMES MILLER
ANDREW CARNDUFF in Bent.* (* Bent farm stood at the corner of Arden Rd and 17 Bridge Street.) WB
WILLM. CALDER in Hollinbush.
JAMES WILSON. Simpsonland.
JAMES GOLDER in Thornyhill.
JAMES RENWICK in Blackbog.
JAMES HAMILTON in Garscall.
JAMES WILSON yr.
JOHN WILSON yr.
Wm. WILSON, in Quarter
ANDREW HADDOW yr.
JAMES WILSON yr.
JOHN HAMILTON in Laigh Quarter
THOMAS ALSTON in Thinnacker Mils.
THOMAS LOWDOUN in Thinnackers
ARCHD. BURN yr.
JEAN HADDOW. yr.
JOHN PATERSON yr.
JOHN CLARK yr.
GLAUD DAVIDSON yr.
JAMES YUILL in Walboog.
THOS. WILSON in Cruketstone.
ALEX. TORRANCE yr.
JOHN TORRANCE yr.
JAMES and JOHN MACKIES yr.
JAMES TORRANCE in Burnbrae.
JAMES LANG in Brountod.
ADAM and Wm.FLEMINGS in Airybog.
JOHN and Alexr. YUILE in Cornhills.
JOHN STRUTHERS in Laighmuirhouses.
Wm. MICKLE in Highmuirhouses.
ROBERT BURNS, JAMES FORREST, JOHN BURNS in Allanton.
MARION HINDSHAW and JANET HINDSHAW in Mirreton.
ANDREW WILSON in Boig.
JOHN WATT in Dykehead.
JOHN MILLER in Motherwell.
Wm. SMAILIE yr. for himself and HUGH SMITH.
JOHN CORBET and JOHN HENDERSON in Sunnisides.
JOHN CORBET in Muirmains.
Rot. JAMESON in Little Earnock.
JOHN PIRRIE in Laighstonehall.
Alexr. CORBET in Ross.
ARTHUR FRAM in Udston
JOHN MILLER in Udston miln.
ANDREW WATSON in Little Udston.
JOHN RIVE. Tenementer in Hamilton.
JAMES JACK yr.
THOS. CUNNISON yr.
GEORGE ROBERTOUN yr. & THOS DUNING.
Rot. RALSTON. Yr.
JOHN ARCHER for Rot. MUIRHEAD’S heirs & Mr JOHN LOUDOUN.
WALTER NEILSON.
JOHN LAWSON for Mrs ALLAN & Rot. STORRY.
CHARLES WEIR for himself & THOS. YOUNG.
THOMAS HART.
DAVID CROW for himself and Raploch’s heirs.
WM. HAMILTON wright yr.
JOHN MUIR, maltman yr. & for ANDREW McDOWALL.
THOMAS BARR merch*. Yr. * merchant.
JOHN NAISMITH for himself & Rot. COUPER’S heirs & DAVID FLEMING coppersmith.
JOHN MEIKLE, barber.
JAMES BURNS by ROBERT WILSON.
Willm. STIRLING.
Mrs ANN HAMILTON by JAMES CUNISONE,
JAMES CORBETS elder and your.
CHARLES HAMILTON wright for himself & Castlehill.
JAMES NASMITH wright.
JOHN LAWSON for JOHN NASMITH, Shoemaker.
Wm. MILLER, wright
JOHN MILLER, coppersmith.
Wm. JACK, messr.
Alexr. MILLER maltman and for Jas. STEWART.
THOS ROBERTOUN.
Rot. COUPER.
JOHN WALKER for Bardykes.
ROBERT CARSS.
JAMES PATERSON for Cunninger.
JAS. HAMILTON Avonmiln’s heirs.
JOHN SEMPLE’S heirs by Alex. MILLER.
JAMES MUIR for WILLIAM STEEL’S heirs.
The meeting made Choise of Archibald Cunnisen one of the present Baillies of Hamilton to be their Preses, who intimate to the meeting, that yesterday about eleven of the Clock,
There was delivered into his hand an order of the date the twenty ninth Instant directed to the Baillies of Hamilton, Walter Gilchrist, Sheriff Dept. & Arthur & James Naismith all of the Parish of Hamilton, signed John Murray By his Highness’s Command, requiring you, upon sight to meet at the Paroch Kirk & proportion what Quantity of Forage & Corn each individual in the Paroch Heretor or Tenant could Pay, and that conform to their own knowledge of the valuation for the Support of the Cavalry. While at Glasgow, to be sent to the Fish Mercat there, and if any of the Paroch did refuse obedience to the sd. Order, Certifying them Military Execution should be used agnst. their Goods & Effects.
Bonnie-Prince-Charlie-vs.-the-Duke-of-Cumberland-3
The meeting doe agree that James Naismaith of Ravenscraig, James Strang younger of Meikle Earnock, John Henderson in Highstonhall, Thos Borland of Udston, Robert Burns of Allantoun, John Muir & John Nasmith, Maltmen in Hamilton, Thos Alston in Thinacker Miln and Wm. Smith of Devonhill. Or any four of them, shall in name of the whole Paroch, and upon their Charge Purchase from time to time such Quantities of Forrage & Corn, and send the same to Glasgow, as shall be found necessary for answering the Demand made upon the said Paroch, and that the Expence thereof, shall be payed by the Heretors & Tenents of the Paroch, proportionally according to the valuation as the same shall be cast by Thomas Hutton of Smiddie Croft, Arthur Nasmith of Over Auchengraymont & James Semple mert. In Hamilton, and Appoint the Committee for Purchassing to attend every day at Hamilton, in order to receive orders.
(Signed) ARCHD CUNISON. Ref, Hamilton, Advertiser, 27th June 1874.
(Research by Wilma S. Bolton)
This transcription & picture of  Earnock Muir Farm was sent to Historic Hamilton by Wilma Bolton.

Fountain to be gifted to the people of Hamilton

Watson Fountain.

 

We have great pleasure in learning that Mr Watson of Earnock has signified his intention to present the town with a handsome ornamental fountain. The only condition attached is that the site chosen for the fountain shall be subject to his approval. This, we believe, is the outcome of a desire by Mr Watson to present his native town of Kirkintilloch with a fountain and to place Hamilton, near which so many of his interests lie, in this respect on an equal footing with that burgh. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 14/1/1893 page 4.

HAMILTON TOWN COUNCIL

THE MONTHLY MEETING.

PRESENTATION OF A FOUNTAIN BY MR WATSON OF EARNOCK

The clerk read the following letter which had been addressed to the Provost by Mr Watson of Earnock: — “I am willing to present a drinking fountain, to be chiefly of stone and granite, to the town of Hamilton, provided you along with the Magistrates and Town Councillors are willing to accept it and keep it in good condition afterwards, — the site where it is to be erected (probably in Cadzow Street West) to be approved of by me.”

The PROVOST said he had much pleasure in moving that they accept Mr Watson’s kind offer. He was certain, from his good taste, that the fountain he would put up would be a handsome one indeed and a very great ornament to the proposed site. He moved further that they insert Mr Watson’s letter in the minutes, and convey their thanks to Mr Watson for his kind offer, and that the Magistrates and Treasurer be appointed to confer with Mr Watson as to the site. He might say the Treasurer had been the first to learn of this gift, and knew more about it than any of them.

Baillie SMALL seconded the motion, which was cordially adopted. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 4/2/1893 page 4.

 

MR WATSON’S PRESENTATION FOUNTAIN. On Thursday a conference was held between the magistrates and Mr Watson of Earnock in reference to the drinking fountain which he is to present to the town. The design, which has been prepared by Mr Gavin Paterson, architect, was submitted and highly approved. It shoes a structure of great elegance, over twenty feet in height, and it is to be constructed of Aberdeen and Peterhead red and grey granite. The selection of a site for the fountain was left in Mr Watson’s hands and he was cordially thanked for his handsome gift. We believe the site likely to be chosen is the open space adjoining Muirhouse where the structure will have an imposing appearance, especially as approached from the Bothwell Road entrance to the town. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 4/3/1893 page 4.

UNVEILING OF THE WATSON FOUNTAIN.

Yesterday, the ceremony of unveiling the magnificent drinking fountain gifted to the town by Mr John Watson of Earnock was performed by the generous donor. But a few months ago the munificent offer was made known to the community, and was hailed with expressions of gratification. For some weeks past, the granite blocks, which had been prepared in Aberdeen, have been placed in position, and yesterday everything was in readiness for the formal handing over of the structure to the Provost, Magistrates and Town Council for preservation in the interests of the inhabitants.

THE FOUNTAIN

Is erected at the head of the Muir, at the junction of Cadzow Street and Muir Street, and is constructed entirely of Aberdeen and Peterhead granite, part of the site having been given off gratuitously from his garden by Councillor H. S. Keith. Of symmetrical proportions and imposing appearance, the structure is octagonal at base, and is surmounted by a circular domed roof carried on eight columns of polished Peterhead granite. In the centre of the pedestal is a large bronze figure representing “Mining Industry” and in the base there are four recessed drinking basins. Two of the sides of the octagon are filled in with bronze heraldic panels, a third with a medallion of Mr Watson, and the fourth with a polished granite panel, presumably for an inscription. The fountain stands over 20 feet high, and is about 14 feet across the bottom step, and, erected as it is at a historic spot at the junction of a leading entrance to the town, will prove, not only a valuable and useful gift, but a decided ornament to the locality.

The architect was Mr Gavin Paterson, Hamilton; Messrs Whitehead & Son, Aberdeen were the makers; Mr Kellock Brown, Glasgow, was the sculptor, Messrs Brown & Henderson, builders, Hamilton, laid the foundation and built the boundary wall; and Mr Wm. Mitchell plumber Hamilton made the water connection.

UNVEILING CEREMONY

Notwithstanding the somewhat damp nature of the weather, there was a large assembly at the fountain to witness the unveiling ceremony. The provost, Magistrates, Councillors, and burgh officials, preceded by two halberdiers, arrived about 1.30, and amongst the large company we observed the following:– Mr John Watson, of Earnock; Mr John Watson yr; Mr Thos. Watson, Midstonehall; Mr Gavin Paterson, architect; Hon. Sheriff Patrick, Rev. Drs. Hamilton and Thomson, Rev. Messrs Trench and Duncanson. Dr Loudon, Mr W. A. Dykes, Lieut. Col. Kay, Fiscal Wilson, Chamberlain Mackie, Chief Constable Millar, Messrs Pollock and Kirkpatrick, town clerks; Mr John Allan, assessor; Mrs, Mr Wm., and Misses Wylie; ;-Wm. Naismith, The Yews; Messrs Copland, McCall, Gilmour, Thos. Rae, Neilson (B. L. Bank) James Dunlop, James Brown. &C.

Mr WATSON, who was warmly received, said he felt highly honoured by their presence to witness the presentation of the fountain the town of Hamilton. When he first offered the fountain, they would remember, he expressed the wish that it might be erected in Cadzow Street west, and he had in his mind    on that very spot at the time, so that he had his desire gratified. When the ground was measured, however, it was found to be too small, but his young friend, Mr H. S. Keith, came to the rescue, and offered him the necessary ground as a free gift. (Applause.) He hoped the inhabitants of Hamilton would be grateful to Mr Keith, and would not forget his generosity. He had handed him a free title to the ground, and he (Mr Watson) in turn, handed it over to the town. (Applause.) He trusted the fountain would be appreciated by the inhabitants of Hamilton and that it would prove not only an ornament to the town, but a benefit to the passing travellers. He handed over to Provost Wylie, the titles to the ground, and also made over to him as Provost, and to the Magistrates and their successors, the fountain, on  condition that it would be kept in good order in future years, (Applause.) He hoped the town clerks would find the legal documents in order. (Applause.) Amidst cheers Mr Watson then unveiled the central figure.

Provost WYLIE, replying said—Mr Watson of Earnock, Deputy Lieutenant of the County; in name of the inhabitants of the burgh, I most cordially accept of this very beautiful fountain from you. I beg to thank you in their name for this handsome gift. It is a substantial token of your generous kindness and earnest desire to improve and ornament the burgh, (Applause.) We will consider it a privilege to use all reasonable diligence to maintain it in order and preserve it as an attractive point of beauty at this entrance to our town. (Applause.) The famous artist, Sam Bough, has laid this spot on canvas—a celebrated picture of olden time, with the mail coach going down Muir Street. But you have changed the scene, and by your exquisite taste, with your architects’ aid, you have placed a monument for all time to come. (Applause.) We wish you and yours may enjoy every happiness. Long may you be spared to come and go among us, and look on this fountain, as the fruit of your cultivated taste and generous heart. Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to give three cheers for Mr Watson and family and his generous gift to the town. (Loud applause.)

Mr WATSON, returned thanks, and said he had one request to make, and that was that he might be allowed to have the first draught of “Adam’s wine” from the fountain. (Applause.) He then proceeded to drink, and was followed by Provost Wylie and a large number of others congregated. The assembly thereafter dispersed.

THE LUNCHEON

After the ceremonial, Provost Wylie entertained Mr Watson and the members of the Town Council and other friends to luncheon in the Commercial Hotel. The Provost presided, supported right  and left by Mr Watson, Rev. Dr Hamilton, Rev. Mr Trench, Rev. Dr Thomson; Mr T. Watson, Midstonehall; Mr David Mitchell, Edinburgh; Rev. Mr Duncanson, Mr Copland, C. E. The croupiers were Baillie Small and Treas. S. Keith, supported by Dr Loudon, Mr Watson, yr. of Earnock, Hon. Sheriff Patrick, Mr G. Paterson, architect, and Mr Kellock Brown, sculptor. Amongst the company were Baillies Hamilton and Watson; Councillors H. S. Keith, McNaughton, Scott, Brown, Gibson, Strang, Beggs and Chapmen; Dr Marshall; Chief-Constable Millar; Messrs R. Wilson, P. F., T. Rae. W. Wylie, J. Dunlop. J. Allan. W. Pollock, R. Kirkpatrick, J. Mackie, J. C. Kay. W. Naismith, W. Somerville, etc. After a blessing had been invoked by the Rev. Mr Trench, an elegant luncheon was well purveyed by Mr Campbell, and the Chairman announced apologies from Sheriff Davidson; Mr Thompson, manager, Caledonian Railways; Mr Strain, C.E.; Mr Russell of Auchinraith; Mr W. A. Dykes; Mr Barr, chamberlain to the Duke; Major Neilson of Mossend; Colonel Austine; Mr W. Brown, solicitor; and Mr R. G. Slorach, Sheriff-Clerk Depute.

The Chairman then gave the loyal toasts.

The CROUPIER (Baillie Small) in proposing “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” coupled it with Colonel J. C. Kay, who he said, had had twenty three years service. He continued –Just think of it, gentlemen— (laughter)—-twenty-three years thirsting for his foeman’s blood, and yet never gratified with an opportunity of exercising it. (Renewed laughter.) During all that time he has never killed anything more formidable than a snipe. (More laughter.)

Colonel Kay replied, and commended to the good-will of all present and the coming volunteers bazaar.

The CHAIRMAN said the next toast was the toast of the afternoon, viz, the health of the donor of the most beautiful fountain he had ever set his eyes upon. (Cheers.) He did not need to say much to commend his theme. Mr Watson of Earnock was well known to them for his generosity and kind-heartedness, and from the many friendly acts he had from time to time shewn to the neighbourhood. He might tell them that that he was the pioneer of the coal trade in the Wishaw district, which was the first in the district. What would Wishaw, Motherwell and adjacent towns have been without the coal trade? It had given an impetus to all the allied industries, and without the coal trade these parts would have given up to the farming interest, instead of being the seat of a teeming population, and the coal-producing centre of the great county of Lanark. Mr Watson’s steadfast, energetic, persevering business habits had gained for him a name throughout the entire county, and his kindness of heart had given him status amongst his old friends that was well known to a great many of them. (Cheers.) He lived, he was perfectly sure, in the hearts of his tenants, and since he crossed the Clyde, he had made sure his mansion-house of Earnock the grand mansion it was, had beautified the estate with simple plantations, and, besides improving the farm steadings, in hard times, by his kindly smile and substantial assistance, had enabled his tennantry to embark on a career of prosperity. (Cheers.) He did not think that there was any estate in the neighbourhood that had been improved as much as that of Earnock; and he (the Provost) would never forget the day when Mr Watson presented his tennantry with Jersey cattle and the kindly way he spoke to them. He had followed that with the presentation of recreation halls to his workmen, and he was sure they would be of great advantage to them in promoting their moral elevation. The last but not least of his benefactions was the most beautiful fountain that he had that day presented to the town. (Cheers.) The Provost, in conclusion, read an extract from the British Workman, which contained a notice of the first fountain presented in Hamilton. That was thirty-four years ago. It was made of metal and the cost was about £3. (Laughter and cheers.)

Mr Watson, who on rising, was received with cheers, said he thanked them all most heartily for the cordial manner in which they had responded to the remarks made regarding himself by his friend Provost Wylie. He could only say that he had flattered him too much; he had used the “golden brush” far too freely; and he felt himself quite undeserving of the many encomiums he had passed upon him. Still, he believed he had done so sincerely, and he appreciated his remarks. (Cheers.) Although not a Hamiltonian, he had known the town now for upwards of forty years. It was about forty-five years since he put down the first colliery on the Wishaw Estate. What the Provost had said in regard to his being the pioneer in the coal trade there was perfectly correct. (Cheers.) He would fain give them a little of his history and bring them through from that date until now, that however, he would be apt to be a little egotistical. He, accordingly, refrained, remembering the lines:–

If you care would save from jeers

These words keep meekly hid;

Myself and I, and mine and my,

And how I do or did.

 

Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 18/12/1893 page 4.

Story provided by wilma Bolton.

http://www.wilmabolton.com

MARQUIS VISITS NEILSLAND COLLIERY.

The_14th_Duke_of_Hamilton_KT,_GCVO,_AFC,_PC,_DL,_FRCSE,_FRGS_by_Stoneman
Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton
The Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale, with a party including a Russian Princess. Miss Bell, Mr Bell, Mr Eagan the Amateur Champion Boxer of the World; and Johnny Brown Middle-Weight Champion Boxer of Scotland, motored from Dungavel to Neilsland Colliery offices where they were met by Mr. John B. Thomson general manager of John Watson Limited.
 
They then proceeded to the colliery and were introduced to Mr James Cook, manager of Neilsland Colliery, who conducted the party underground, where they spent the day with the miners.
 
They descended No. 1 Pit and visited the machine cut section of the Humph coal and also a hand pick section of the Ell coal.
On their travels the party conversed freely with the different classes of workmen and evinced great interest in the practical part performed by each. They asked numerous questions in order to obtain a thorough grasp of the general conditions underground.
 
The young Marquis, at the coal face, assisted a workman by filling a hutch of coal, which he did in a remarkably short space of time. He thereafter expressed his enjoyment at the work performed and remarked “that a miner was always a man, because his work kept him in a splendid physical condition which explained his success in all classes of sport where strength was required.” Many of the pitmen spoke of the courage by the ladies of the party, as they did not hesitate in going into dusty and contracted corners of the mine and returned to the surface grimy enough to be almost unrecognisable by each other.
 
The party expressed the pleasure they had experienced in meeting personally with the miners at their work and invited a number of them to come up to Dungavel on Saturday, where they would meet with another party of 60 Miners coming from the Bellshill District.
MINERS AT DUNGAVEL :- SPORTS PROGRAME. On Saturday afternoon a party of about 100 miners from Bellshill and Hamilton districts, accompanied by Mr. Joseph Sullivan, M.P. for North Lanark Division, and Mr William B. Small, miners agent, visited Dungavel, where a large house party received them on the terrace in front of the house.
Her Grace welcomed everyone personally. The sports took place on the lawn in front of the terrace and were participated in by all present and greatly enjoyed. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser 25/8/1923. Page 6. Wilma S. Bolton.

EDDLEWOOD AND NEILSLAND COLLIERIES GALA DAY.

The second annual gala day of the Eddlewood and Neilsland Collieries took place on Saturday last. It is a day in which young and old participate, and on this occasion the number of children was very much larger than last year owing to the fact that on Saturday the children of all the workmen in the collieries were included, instead of only those associated with the village.

Nearly 1000 young people turned out, and were marshalled in  procession at 11 o’clock in front of the Workmen’s Hall, Eddlewood. Headed by Auchinraith Brass Band, the children tidily dressed and carrying flags and bannerettes, and each fortified with the indispensable “tinny” marched to a field on Cornhills Farm, kindly granted by Mr Robert Frame. Here buns and milk were supplied and appeared to be greatly relished. The sports were afterwards commenced and continued throughout the rest of the day.

The boys and girls got their opportunity first, and the many substantial prizes were competed for with much zeal and uncommon energy. The sports for the youths and older people began later in the afternoon, during which the field presented a very animated appearance. For the amusement of the children a maypole and swings were erected on the filed, and they received a constant and vigorous patronage. So also did the dance programme, which was ably engineered by M.C’s Charles Rodger and Andrew Skewies, and kept going lively by the creative band strains. The weather, upon the whole was favourable, the few showers that fell during the afternoon creating little or no inconvenience.

When the programme was concluded the children were again formed in procession and, lead by the band, marched homewards, not just to spick and span as they were in the morning, but doubtless, deeming the day’s enjoyment all too brief. Mr John Blake Manager, presided over the proceedings, and among the officials who took an active part in arranging and supervising the details were:– Mr Hugh McFadyen. Convener of the general committee; Mr William Whitehouse, who performed a great deal of useful secretarial work. The following are the results of the sports.

BOYS AND GIRLS. Girls races:–Five years–1, Lizzie Rodney; 2, Lizzie Lyons; 3, Jeanie Hamilton; 4, Lizzie Thomson. Six years—1 Cissie Lyon; 2, Martha Campbell; 3, Janet Dykes; 4, Nellie Berry. Seven years–1. Mary Summers; Annie Reynolds; 3. Janet Corbett; 4. Maggie Thomson. Eight Years – 1, Janet Rankine; Minnie Ramsey; 3. Grace Earle; 4. Susan Collins; Nine years–1 Chrissie Lyons; 2. Barbara Brown; 3. Janet Flynn; 4. Mary Thomson;. 10 Years. 1. Kate Paterson; 2, Mary Collins; 3. Mary Sherry; 4. Maggie McGonigal; Eleven Years–:1. Maggie Brown; 2, Mary McGraw; 3. Janet Robertson; Janie McGuire. Twelve years–1 Nellie Burgoyne; 2, Lizzie McGraw; 3. Maggie Calder; 4. Madge Cook. Thirteen years–1. Annie Summers; 2 Annie Corbett; 3. Susan Wilkie; 4, Jeanie Baird. Fourteen years–1. Joan McKenzie; 2. Anne Paton; 3. Bella McGarry; 3. 4. Rose Ann Rodden. Girls skipping race;- Five, six and seven years— 1. Maggie Stewart; 2. Jeannie Clark; 3. Lizzie Thomson; 4. Lizzie Rodden. Eight to fourteen years—–1. Maggie Brown; 2. Lizzie McGraw; 3. Christina Lyons; 4 Annie Summers.

Boys Races—:—Five years–1, Hugh Lyons; 2. W. McManus; 3. Thomas Baird; 4. James McGregor; Six years–1, Archd, Rodden; 2. Jas. Ballantyne; 3. James Bain; 4, David Wilson. Seven years–1, Thomas Miller; Andrew Dunn; 3. James Wilkie; Dan Kerr; Eight years— 1, Joe Robertson;  2. Thomas Miller; William Baird; 4, Hugh McKay. Nine years—1. John Kerr; 2. John Rodger; 3. Nicol Jardine; 4. Thomas Whitton. Ten years. 1, Isaac McGill; 2. John Gillard; 3. Michael Cunningham; 4. Robert White; Eleven years—1.  David Symons; John Garrity; 3. James Rodden; 4. Robert Hamilton. Twelve years— 1. John Calder; 2. James Maxwell; 3. Patrick Robertson; 4. Thomas Rodden. Thirteen years 1. William Borland; 2. Sam Barclay; 3. John Cunningham; W. Connelly. Fourteen years –1. Matthew Grannochan; 2, Wm. Connelly; 3. Alex McKinven. Candy-Barrow races;_ Five, six, seven and eight years.—1. Francis Calder and A. Hamilton; 2 James Calder and Robert Orr; 3. Robert Hamilton and James Wilkie; Nine to fourteen years–1. David Symons and Robert Hamilton; 2. William Paterson and Sam Barclay; 3. Arthur Brown and John Gilmour. Sack Races;— Five, six, seven and eight years—1, William Clarke; 2. James Calder; 3. David Hendry. Nine to fourteen years—1, Alex McKinnon; 2. Robert Hamilton; 3. David Symons.

Boys high leap under fourteen years—1. John Kerr; 2. David Symons; Boys 100 yards handicap, under 15 years—1. John Forrest; 2. William Hepburn; 3. James Houston; 4. D. Symons. The racing in this event was very good, showing that the boys had been under careful training’ Boys five-aside football–Owing to the scarcity of time, only the first round of this was played off.

OTHER EVENTS.—-120 yards handicap—1. John Gillespie; 2. Dennis Brown; 3. Walter Baxter. Old man’s handicap (from 45 years upwards.)–1. Peter McLuskey; 2. Wm. Perris; 3, John McCarrol. The racing in this event was very good, the winner especially showing a good turn of speed.

Unmarried ladies race— 1. Annie Hughes; 2. Susan Burgoyne; 3, Janet Baxter. There was also a special prize for this race, which was won by Martha Wilson.

Married ladies races—. 1. Mrs Berry; 2. Mrs Cook; 3. Mrs Young. This race created considerable amusement to the spectators, and was perhaps the most enjoyable of the day. Men’s high leap—1, A. Hodge; 2 John McCarthy.

Men’s five-a-side football.—. A good many entries for this event were taken. The five prizes –handbags— were won by No 6 team, and the second prize –non magnetic watches–were won by No 10 team.

Half-mile handicap –1. James Haley; 2. William Hutton; 3. Patrick Quinn.

Five-a-side tug of war–This event created the most excitement of the day. Teams representing each pit, and one from the surface competed. The surfacemen carried of premier honours, second place being taken by John Callison’s team representing No. 1 Pit Neilsland.

Ref. Hamilton Advertiser 11/8/1906 page 4. 

 

PRESENTATION. A number of the workmen of Eddlewood and Neilsland Collieries met in Eddlewood Workmen’s Hall on Monday evening to do honour to Mr Charles Walker, under manager, who has laboured amongst them for the past six years, and who having obtained a situation abroad leaves the Old Country on Thursday first. After tea had been partaken of (which was provided by Mr William Kyle in really first class style, Mr Blake manager, who presided, gave a very minute and interesting account of Mr Walker’s abilities, and also of the interest he took in everything pertaining to the village, and said that he was quite sure in wishing Mr Walker God-speed, he did so in the name of every workman in the works. He then called on Mr Joseph McGowan to make the presentation (which consisted of a gold hunter watch and albert for Mr Walker, and for Mrs Walker a handsome gold chain), which he did in a very simple and pleasing manner, wishing in the name of the workmen, both Mr and Mrs Walker long life and happiness, Mr Walker, on behalf of Mrs Walker and himself, thanked the workmen of Eddlewood and Neilsland Collieries for their handsome presents, and also for the kindness that they had always been shown towards them while amongst them. A very pleasant evening was afterwards spent with songs and readings. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” brought a very happy meeting to a close. The presents were supplied by Mr David Calder, Quarry Street. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 15/8/1906 page 4.

This story was kindly donated to Historic Hamilton by local author & Historian Wilma Bolton, Wilma has published two books Black Faces & Tackety Boots and Pit Props & Poines. The above documentation is only available at the to view at the Hamilton Reference library.

Please visit Wilma’s site if you would like to purchase one of her books.

http://www.wilmabolton.com