Larkhall - Dalserf - Deaths

 29 May 1894 Larkhall
James McGHIE (coal miner) age 77 widow of Elizabeth NAISMITH. Address 100
Union St larkhall. Parents James McGHIE ( Coal Miner deceased ) and Margaret
McGHIE me HAMILTON ( deceased) Cause of death apoplexy , informant John
McGHIE (son) 18 Hill St Larkhall

10.04.1915      A Larkhall Mans Death.

Mrs E Cowan, Raploch Street Larkhall, received information from the War Office that her son, Private James Cowan, died on the 12^th from wounds received in action Private cowan enlisted I the 2^nd Scottish Rifles on the 9^th August and was drafted to France early in January. He had been in the trenches several times, and in his last letter, dated 7^th  March, stated he was on the eve of a further spell of trench work. Private Cowan was 31 years of age, and the only support of his widowed mother.

Wilma Bolton

1855 Deaths Larkhall 

Isabella BROWN age 23 , Occupation Tambourer , Born Larkhall .Parents Thomas BROWN  ( hand loom weaver  deceased ) and Euphemia TEMPLETON . Died 24 Aug 1855 Pleasance Larkhall from consumptionBuried Dalserf Cemetery : Informant brother John BROWN

Robert BAXTER age 24 , single , Cotton Bleach Worker , Born Larkhall. Parents Robert BAXTER ( cotton bleach worker deceased ) and Grace WILSONDied 8 Sep 1855 Millheugh Larkhall from Phthisis ( TB ) 6 months. Buried Dalserf Cemetery. Informant James Mc.. Brother In law

Agnes COWAN age 6 , Born Larkhall. Parents John COWAN spirit dealer and Jane McGHIE Died Wellgate from Gastric Fever 15 days. Buried Dalserf Cemetery : Informant John COWAN father

Charles HAMILTON age 23  b Hamilton , Stonemason , Single. Parents Robert HAMILTON Collector Of Rates + Agnes MARSHALL. Died 16 Sep 1855 Loudon St Larkhall. Cause of death Phthisis nearly 2 years. Buried Dalserf Cemetery Informant father.

James McGHIE age 75 , Coal Miner and widow of Margaret HAMILTON.Residence Larkhall 70 years born Borrowstourness Ayr ? Parents Alexander McGHIE Coal Miner + Elizabeth surname unknown. Children noted as Elizabeth age 44 , Christian age 42 , Margaret age 40, Janet age 36 , Jane age 34 , James age 32 .Died 17 Sep 1855 Union St Larkhall.Cause Anascara from disease of heart. Buried Dalserf Cemetery Informant James McGHIE son.

Marion HAMILTON, Age 14 , Tambourer . Born Barony Glasgow living in Larkhall 9 years . Parents Hugh HAMILTON Stone Quarrier + Elizabeth LAWSON .Died 24 Sep 1855 Mauchen Tile Works Larkhall. Cause Consumption One Year. Buried Chapelton Cemetery . Parish Glassford Lanark .Informant father.

DEATHS 1858 DALSERF

James MACKIE , age 87 Cotton Weaver , married . Died 3 Feb 1858 Loudon St Lark hall . Parents Robert MACKIE ( farmer deceased ) + Ann FRAME ( dec) Died Old Age. Buried Glassford Churchyard : Informant Andrew MACKIE

Janet GOWANS , Age 68 , Spirit Dealers Wife . Married . Died 10 Feb 1858.Parents  James MILLAR ( farmer deceased ) + Jane SMITH ( dec ) Died Influenza 2 weeks . Buried Hamilton Churchyard. Informant William GOWANS husband.

John AULD , age 70 , Cotton Waver + Chelsea Pensioner , married . Died 21 Feb 1858 age 70 . Parents John AULD ( weaver dec ) and Elizabeth CAMPBELL ( dec ) Died Old age & Debility . Buried Dalserf Church . Informant John McKELLAR step son.

Catherine COOPER , died 5th Oct 1858 age 2 weeks . Died Bowel Hive 12 hours. Parents Alexander COOPER ( Pitman ) and Catherine BROWN. Buried Dalserf Cemetery informant father

Christina LAMBIE died 12 Oct 1858 age 7. Died Gastric Fever 3 weeks. Parents Hugh LAMBIE ( Cotton weaver ) + Lillias BROWNING. Buried Dalserf informant father

Margaret Hamilton McGhee , died 19 Oct 1858 . Cause whooping cough 5 weeks. Parents James McGhee ( coal miner ) and Elizabeth NAISMITH. Buried Dalserf informant father

1860 DEATHS DALSERF

Robert McGhee , age 3 months , died 13 May 1860. Parents James McGhee ( miner ) + Isabella GRIMSTONE. Death Not Certified. Buried Dalserf Church informant father

Janet WATSON , age 5 months died 14 May 1860.Parents Gavin WATSON ( farmer ) and Margaret RODGER. Death Not Certified. Buried Dalserf informant father

John RENNIE , age 3 died 15 May 1860 Cause Whooping Cough. parents John RENNIE ( quarrier ) + Martha SCOULAR. Buried Dalserf informant father

Margaret WATSON age 1 ½  , died 2 May 1860.Cause Scarlatina (?) 1 week. Parents William WATSON ( joiner journeyman) + Janet RODGER. Buried Dalserf informant father

Elizabeth COWAN age 1 ½ , died 28 April 1860. Cause Convulsions 6 ½ hours. Parents John COWAN ( spirit dealer ) + Jane McGHIE. Buried Dalserf informant father.

William FINDLAYSON , age 32, Cotton Weaver , Single. Died 1 June 1860 Cause Influenza 3 months. Parents John FINDLAYON ( Labourer ) + Marion BROWN. Buried UP Churchyard Lark hall , informant John FINDLAYSON brother.

1889 DEATHS LARKHALL

John COWAN ,  Inn Keeper , Widow of Jane McGHIE maried to Elizabeth SMELLIE . Died 12 June 1889 age 69 at number 60 Wellgate St Larkhall. Parents Hugh COWAN ( blacksmith) + Agnes McFADGEN. Cause Chronic Bronchitis : Informant John COWAN son Glasgow

1889.James LOVE , Spirit Merchant died 16 June 1889 aged 49. Widow of Margaret DOCHERTY and married to Helen THOMSON. Parents : John LOVE coal miner + Rebecca DOCHERTY. Cause of death : Effusion ? On Brain 4 days. Informant William LOVE brother , Newmarket St , Coal Miner Ireland

1889. Marion Nicol PERRIE age 5 ½ , Died 15 June 1889. Parents James PERRIE ( Coal Miner ) + Sarah McCULLOCH. Cause TB + Meningitis 14 days. Informant father

1927 Deaths LARKHALL  22 Sep 1927

Robert BANKIER, Caol Miner , Widow of Jane SMITH. Age 64. Parents Robert BANKIER ( Mine Surveyor dec ) and Jane BANKIER ( MS WALSH). Cause : CHronic Bronchitis , Asthma and Dropsey. Informant Hugh BANKIER son

24 Sep 1927 James CRAIG , Coal Miner Married to Agnes L.......... Age 67 Residence 54 Drygate St Larkhall. Parents James CRAIG ( Coal Miner dec ) and Mary CRAIG ( ms LIVINGSTONE). Cause Cancer of the Rectum. Informant Richard CRAIG (son

26 Sep 1927. Margaret Shaw AITCHISON Age 4 days?. Parents John Anderson AITCHISON ( coal miner) and Elizabeth Watson AITCHISON ( ms BALLANTRYE) .Cause Premature Birth , debility ( very hard to read) .Informant father

More Larkhall Deaths 

 29 May 1894 Larkhall. James McGHIE (coal miner) age 77 widow of Elizabeth NAISMITH. Address 100 Union St larkhall. Parents James McGHIE ( Coal Miner deceased ) and Margaret  McGHIE ne HAMILTON ( deceased) Cause of death apoplexy , informant John  McGHIE (son) 18 Hill St Larkhall

1 June 1894 Larkhall. Alexander CAMPBELL Age 16, Colliery Clerk . Single. Parents William  CAMPBELL  ( Colliery Overseer ) and Margaret CAMPBELL MS SMITH . Cause Valvular disease of heart

5 June 1894 Larkhall.  John Miller SCOTT Age 1 month, son of Claude Neilson SCOTT ( coal miner) and Annie Lewis SCOTT ms MILLER. Cause of death Maracnuis informant Claude SCOTT

DEATH OF LARKHALL NATIVE IN  AMERICA.                                                            JOHN K. WILSON.  1848---1932.                                                  

The following is from an American paper and relates to a native of Millheugh Larkhall:--John K. Wilson was born November 5 1848 at Millheugh, Scotland, and died at the home of his daughter in Albia, Iowa, July 12, 1932, age 83 years, 8 months and 7 days.

He united in marriage with Mary Rae June 26 1874. To this union were born six sons and three daughters: Mrs James Hupton, Robert, Frank and James of Albia; John of Lovilia; Thomas of Waukee; Mrs F.A. Livingston of Des Moines, and Raymond of Charlton. One daughter, Susan died if infancy. Besides these eight children, twenty-three grandchildren and a host of other relatives are left to mourn his death.

Almost half a century was spent as a coal miner beginning as a boy in Scotland, later in several states in this country.  While still a young man, after a number of years spent in America, he returned for a visit to his native land and while there he was converted to God and immediately associated himself  with a group of Christians known as Believers, with whom he had continued in Fellowship all these years. Until his failing strength prevented he was always found where such meetings were convened. On the fly-leaf of his well thumb marked Bible, under date of 1874, is found the following verse:

“Rejoice with me ye saints of God and praise Him evermore, for this blest portion of His word, John 5, 25.” This verse he always claimed as being used of God in his conversion. He often expressed a desire that all men would come to know and enjoy relationship with Christ in the same manner and to the same degree as he did.

The funeral service was held from the home of his daughter, Mrs James Hupton, on South Clinton Street, Thursday afternoon July 14 1932. A large number of friends and neighbors gathered and after the spacious rooms were filled, chairs were available on the lawn. An amplifier extended the service to this group as well as those in the house. Mr W.E. Holland of Centerville, a life long friend of the Wilson family, conducted the service and spoke very appropriately in words of comfort also warning those present of the necessity of being also ready when death comes. Mr and Mrs Dave Laurence of Numa, Iowa, sang several hymns during the service.

Mr Wilson had previously arranged that, if possible his six sons should act as the pall bearers. This last rite for their father they were permitted to do, and there on the western slope of Oakview Cemetery in a little plot with tombstone already erected at his direction, beside the remains of his beloved wife, was left his body to rest until that time when a shout from the skies will bring the dead forth to be forever united in glory.

“And so the stately ships pass on,

To their Haven under the hill,

But oh, for the touch of a vanished hand,

And the sound of a voice that is still.”

Ref Hamilton Advertiser. 31.12.1932. Page 16.  

Wilma Bolton. 2005.

DEATH OF THOMAS FRAME. ----Our obituary of to-day records the death of Thomas Frame, who, for nigh three fourths of a century had held office as sexton and beadle in connection with the Church of Dalserf, and whose life had been lengthened to the long span of ninety years. He was born before the French revolution changed the face of Europe, and the current of men’s ideas. In his youth and manhood, he heard the echoes of the battles of Napoleon, which stirred men’s hearts even in the “sleepy hollow” of Dalserf—for Thomas served in the immense volunteer force organised by the British Government in the beginning of the century to oppose the threatened invasion of the French Emperor. Thereafter in calmer times and for still half a century more, he called to worshipers to the house of God and performed his other duties connected with the burying ground where the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep, but his familiar form will be seen no more ringing the bell of the quaint old Kirk of Dalserf, and courteously greeting all, as he was known to all. His exceedingly vigorous constitution enabled him to resist the advances of age till very, lately when he was finally prostrated. He died of natural decay, and retained his intellect and memory till nigh the very end. His sufferings were borne with great courage and patience, and were soothed by the sympathy and kindness of many friends. Life’s fitful fever over he sleeps well. Requiescat en pace.

Hamilton Advertiser.  26th May. 1867. Page 2.                                 

Wilma Bolton. 2005.

                        WILLIAM BARR.                             1846—1941.

DEATH OF OLDEST MALE INHABITANT.

The death occurred at his home, 58 McNeill Street on Tuesday morning, of Mr William Barr, Larkhall’s oldest male inhabitant, and a member of one of the town’s oldest families. A native of Larkhall, Mr Barr, who was in his 96th year, saw it develop from a small village to its present dimensions. He was associated with much of Larkhall’s early activities and was an original member and first president of McNeill Street Building Society. For many years he held the post of officer in Larkhall Funeral Society, while he was also a deacon of the former U.F. Church. He took a keen interest in Co-operative matters and for a lengthy period was a director of Larkhall Victualling Society, Ltd. Until a year ago Mr Barr was a regular visitor to the Miners’ Welfare bowling green where he met with a number of cronies to recall again the happenings and incidents of bygone days. Beginning work as a herd laddie, he later took to weaving and then mining, finishing his working days as a railway employee. He retired at the age of 77. Mr Barr, who was predeceased by his wife 37 years ago, is survived by a family pf two sons and three daughters. The funeral took place to Larkhall Cemetery on Thursday Afternoon, the services at home and at the graveside being conducted by Rev. G.B. Urquhart, M.A. Chalmers Church.

Ref. Hamilton Advertiser.  5/4/1941 Page 8.  

Wilma Bolton 2005.

ANDREW WILSON                                   1850—1939.

DEATH OF MR ANDREW WILSON. The death occurred at his home, 24 Hamilton Street last Saturday of Mr Andrew Wilson. One of Larkhall’s oldest inhabitants, he was in his 90th year, and only took ill a few days before his death. A native of Strathaven, Mr Wilson was for a long period a farm worker at Highlees farm, latterly taking up employment as a surfaceworker at Allanton Colliery, from which he retired shortly after the Great War. Mr Wilson was a pioneer member of the Avon Lodge of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds Friendly Society, and was the lodge’s oldest member. He was a man of quiet disposition, with few recreations, chief of which was his interest in the local football clubs, whose games he attended frequently despite his advancing years. Mr Wilson who was predeceased by his wife in 1931 is survived by a family of one son and three daughters. The funeral, a public one, took place to Larkhall Cemetery on Tuesday, the service being conducted by Rev. J.A. Macdonald, M.A. St Machan’s Parish Church. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 21/3/1939. Page 7.

Wilma Bolton. 2005.  

           WORLD WAR TWO.   D.C.M KILLED IN MIDDLE EAST.

News has been received by Mr Alexander Thomson, 12 Victoria Street, Larkhall, of the death of his step-son, Sgt. George Wightman Cairns, D.C.M., Rifle Brigade, in the Middle East in November last. Sgt. Cairns who joined the colours about 7 years ago, was formerly employed in the London Street grocery branch of Larkhall Co-operative Society. Awarded for Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry on service on June 24, 1941, Sergeant Cairns in a letter to his sister Mary, modestly described the incident as a “little bit of good work”. He was in his 26th year and was born at Swinhill. Two of his brothers are serving in H.M. Forces—Sgt. John W. Cairns, who has ten years army service in the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, and Sgt. Robert Cairns in the Royal Artillery. His step-father Mr Thomson was formerly Check-Weigher at Dykehead Colliery and was for many years a director of Larkhall Co-operative Society. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser.  3/11/1942.  Wilma Bolton 2005

DEATH OF GREAT WAR D.C.M.                 ROBERT T. LEE.  1941        

The funeral took place to Larkhall Cemetery on Monday of Mr Robert T. Lee, eldest son of Mr James Lee, Albert Bakery who died in a county home last Thursday night. Mr Lee who had been seriously ill for the past three months was a director of James Lee Ltd., a business founded by his father 48 years ago. During the Great War he served for four years in the Scots Fusiliers and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in France in October 1918. He also served with his regiment in Egypt and Gallipoli. Corporal Lee’s award was given for marked gallantry and initiative during the advance of his company. Seeing two enemy soldiers mounting a machine gun he rushed forward and bayoneted both gunners before they could fire a shot. By putting the guns out of action he was able to surprise and capture a further seventeen Germans also saving several casualties. With other local D.C.M’s he was presented with a gold watch by the people of Larkhall on his return after the war. He was in business as a baker in Lochwinnoch, where he continued to reside after returning to work in Larkhall. He leaves a wife and two children. His funeral service was taken by Pastor Thomas ??? the Tabernacle and Pastor David Lawrie, formerly of Larkhall, was attended by a large number of friends from a wide area. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 13/12/1941. (Photograph included in article.)

W.W.2   JOHN REAY.   1945.

SOLDIER’S DEATH IN ITALY.

News was received this week by his widowed mother at 124 Harleeshill Road, of the death in Italy on June 17 of R.Q.M.S. John Reay, 8th Surrey Regiment, R.A. From information received it appears that R.Q.M.S. Reay was driving a motor lorry which overturned and caused him injuries from which he died while being taken to hospital. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1929, when 18 years of age, and was a t the evacuation of Dunkirk. He met his brother Malcolm on the beaches there. They were repatriated, crossed in different boats, to be re-united in the Welsh mountains. Malcolm, who enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1932, is at present in England, but is under orders for Germany. Both served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. The eldest brother David, who blasted in the Scots Guards, will have completed 21 years service next month. Their father, the late Matthew Reay, was a sergeant in the H.L.I. and served throughout the Boer War and also the last war. He was a well-known athlete and trained and captained the famous Shawrigg tug-o-war team, some forty years ago. Before enlisting John was in the employment of Messrs J. & T. Stirrat, wholesale fruit and vegetable merchants, for nearly five years. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 21/7/1945. Photograph included in article.

Wilma Bolton. 2005.

PASSING OF A DALSERF NATIVE.

The death occurred last Friday, following a short illness of Mr Thomas Young, senior, late of Ashgill, at the home of his daughter, Mrs Boyd Cobbinshaw, Midlothian. Mr Young was a well-known figure in Ashgill and district, being employed at Auldtown Colliery for almost 50 years as a Waggoner and carter.  His work brought him into touch with all classes, with whom “Tam the cairter,” was a popular character, his cheery manner and his fund of humorous stories and incidents winning him many friends, far and near. Since his retrial he remains in close touch with Ashgill, paying regular visits to his two sons, James and Thomas and many others of his old friends, his last visit being in July of this year, when he stayed in the neighbourhood for several weeks. Mr Young, who was in his 90th year, always enjoyed good health and retained all his faculties till the end being confined for only a few days prior to death taking place. Predeceased by his wife 17 years ago, he leaves a family of three sons and two daughters. He was laid to rest in Duke Street Cemetery on Monday. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 28.11.1936. Page 8.

Wilma Bolton. 2005.

DEATH OF A WATERLOO VETERAN.  ALEXANDER BROWNING. 1872.

Our obituary today contains the announcement of the death of Alexander Browning, an old Peninsular and Waterloo veteran, who, so far as known, has now not a survivor in this locality. He enlisted as a driver in the Royal Artillery in 1806, and was afterwards engaged at Vimiera in 1808, when the French were defeated by Sir Arthur Wellesley; and in the following year under Sir John Moore, he shared in the victory of Corunna. Besides these engagements, he had clasps of honour for deeds of valour in the battles of Albeura, ,1811; Salamanes, 1812; Vittoria, 1813; and Waterloo, 1815. From these, as well as several other skirmishes, he escaped unhurt, though at Waterloo his horse was shot under him. He remained in France during its occupation by the British, but, on coming home in June, 1818, the army was reduced, and he was discharged with a pension of fivepence per day. For the past eighteen years, however he received one shilling daily. Being a quiet and inoffensive man, he was beloved and respected in the neighbourhood where he resided. Ref. Hamilton Advertiser. 6/7/1872, Page 2.

Wilma Bolton. 2005.