SYMPATHY SATURDAY – NOT QUITE THE ENDING

Today I discovered more about one of Duncan McTavish and Catherine McPhail’s daughters, Catherine McTavish.  It wasn’t nice and raises more unanswerable questions.

Catherine’s death registered 19^th March 1903 by “Annie McLean by her x mark, sister, 210 Kelvinhaugh Street, Glasgow” gives her status as “married to James Scott, Iron Foundry Labourer” and residency as 210 Kelvinhaugh Street.

Catching my attention – an address wasn’t provided for James Scott and he was still alive.

The nature of Catherine’s death resulted in an inquiry by the Procurator Fiscal and recorded in the Register of Corrected Entries for the District of Blackfriars in the Burgh of Glasgow (644/05 0143): -

“The following report of result of a Precognition has been received touching the death of Catherine Scott registered under No. 143 in the Register Book of Deaths for the year 1903.

Catherine Scott, 49 years, F; found dead on the 18th March, 1903 between 10.30 and 11.00 am in H.M. Prison, Duke St, Glasgow.

Cause of Death:  Synscope due to heart disease aggravated by alcoholism as certified by Dr (illegible), Medical Officer said Prison.

Procurator Fiscal’s Office, Glasgow 9th April 1903.  Certified by W Young, Procurator Fiscal Dep.  21st April 1903 at Glasgow, Jas B. McLaren, Registrar”.

Was Catherine an inmate or employee at Duke Street Prison?  Was her drinking the result of a traumatic incident or an addiction?

On the 24th day of May 1878 at The Manse, Maryhill, Glasgow – Catherine McTavish age 23, domestic servant and twenty-six year old, James Skirving Scott an Enameller both of 9 Doncaster St, Glasgow were married by the Parish Minister, Mr S Shanks.  The Minister and Lachlan McLean witnessed Catherine’s official x mark on the certificate.

Enumerated in the 1881 Census, Catherine (known as Kate), unemployed, lived with Annie and Lachlan.  I haven’t been able to find her in 1891 or 1901 and she wasn’t with James.

Born in Arabia and noted as a British subject in census records; in 1891, James age 39 resided at 23 Broomland St, Paisley/Renfrewshire with his seventy-one year old mother, Elizabeth and brother, Robert aged 30.  He gave his occupation as – Sub Manager in a Thread Mill.  Ten years later James, noted as Thread Mill Manager still resided at 23 Broomland St, Paisley with his mother.

James Skirving Scott died on the 21st July 1926 at Kinross.  His friend informed the authorities of his death.  Unfortunately the writing is not very legible.  The friend, possibly a former work colleague identified him as a Manager in Thread Factory (retired) married to 1st Agnes Davidson and 2nd Catherine Graham.  His father James was a Sergeant Major in the 78th Highlanders and mother, Elizabeth’s maiden name was given as Skirving rather than Riddell.

I have yet to look at the 1907 marriage certificate for James and Agnes to find out whether he was noted as widower.  He married Catherine Graham in 1920.  Perhaps James never spoke about his first marriage.

CATHERINE McPHAIL’S CHILDREN

From 1861 I had lost track of Annie McTavish and from 1871 her sister Catherine, the daughters of Duncan McTavish and his first wife Catherine McPhail.  I knew a little about their sister, Isabella McTavish from census records and the drowning death of her only son Duncan John McTavish or Wright in 1905.  The girls’ brother Alexander lived in Oban, Argyll until his passing in 1896.

Using scotlandspeople.gov.uk free Will search I located the 1919 Will of Isabella McTavish which led me to her sister Annie’s marriage.

Restaurant Cook, Annie McTavish of 154 Cowcaddens and Lachlan McLean, 38 Milton Lane, Glasgow both 29 years of age were married on the 30^th December 1880 by Gabriel Kerr, Minister of Cowcaddens Free Church at 90 Buccleuch Street before witnesses; Isabella McTavish and John McLean.  Lachlan, a Railway Contractor’s Labourer born was about 1852, Tobermory, Mull to Lachlan McLean (dec) a seaman in the Merchant Service and his wife Isabella McInnes.

It was easy to pick them up in the 1881 census living at 40 Ann St, Glasgow with Annie’s sister Catherine (McTavish) enumerated as Kate Scott, born Oban, unemployed domestic servant.

Photo taken in 1963 – 154 Cowcaddens eighty years after Annie resided here.  I wonder whether it was a pub in the 1880’s.  The Virtual Mitchell.  Today - Cowcaddens looks like this on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/aqualite/4988733841/lightbox/ and nearby is the University at 70 Cowcaddens http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpool/1094343022/

1891 Annie and Lachlan were by themselves at 16 Eastvale Place and at the time of the 1901 Census, had settled at 210 Kelvinhaugh St, Kelvinhaugh and were listed at this address in the 1913 Glasgow City Council Valuation Roll.

THE NEIGHBOURS

Lachlan and Annie lived in premises managed or owned by Moses Forsyth, a spirit merchant of 44 Bentinck St, Glasgow per William C Faulds of 133 Great Hamilton St, Glasgow.

Neighbourhood tenants were labourers or tradesmen in the shipyards; food providers – a dairyman and confectioner; a spirits trader; two dining room keepers and a hairdresser.

Mrs Annie Baird, a dining room keeper rented an apartment in the same block as Lachlan and Annie and paid annual rent of £12/5; Archibald McCorquodale a spirit salesman paid the highest rent of £13/5 pa.  Lachlan and two other tenants paid £9/18 pa suggesting a smaller apartment, perhaps on the top storey.

Annie Baird also rented the Shop next door at 208 Kelvinhaugh St and probably employed my Annie as a Cook.

The shop at 218 Kelvinhaugh St occupied by tenant, hairdresser, John Coffield paid £17 pa rent; Christina Robertson rented the shop at 204 Kelvinhaugh St, where she ran a dining room and paid like, Mrs Annie Baird annual retail rent of £22.

MISS ISABELLA McTAVISH RESIDING OBAN

The 1915 Valuation Roll for Oban lists Miss Isabella McTavish, tenant paying annual rent of £7 for rooms at 5 Tweeddale Street.  The Inventory of her Personal Estate describes Miss Isabella McTavish, late of seven Tweeddale Street and sometimes Back of Combie Street, Oban and formerly Cook, Lorn Combination Poorhouse.

The 1911 Census throws a different light on events; Elizabeth McTavish, Cook, age 65 was recorded at Lorn Combination Poorhouse when I found my husband’s grandmother, nine year old Elizabeth McFadyen McTavish and her sister, Mary age 12, as inmates of Lorn Combination Poorhouse.  Both the girls were born in Anderston, Glasgow and lost their mother Catherine Hunter in 1903.

In 1915, Ship Fireman, Dugald Carmichael paid £7 annually for rooms in a tenement building at 9 Tweeddale St.  I am certain Dugald is the husband of Elizabeth McTavish, half-sister of Isabella and daughter of Duncan McTavish and his second wife, Elizabeth McFadyen.

The proprietor of this tenement block (which includes 5 & 9 Tweeddale St as well as the King’s Arm Hotel at 28 George Street) is A McTavish, retired hotelkeeper; McArthur & Stewart, solicitors, factors; the yearly rental or value totals £400/0/0 of which £270/0/0 in annual rent is received from James Matthew McTavish, hotelkeeper of the King’s Arm Hotel at 28 George Street.

A google of 9 Tweeddale Street took me to http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-38871-9-tweeddale-street- the property described as “Early 19th century, 3-storey and attic, 4-bay traditional terraced tenement. Street elevation, cement rendered and painted wall of coursed rubble, window cills and dressed margins at openings. Segmental-arched pend opening below centre bays, flanked by doorways, window at bay 1, further pend in bay 4. Reconstructed rear wall with modern render finish. 12-pane sash and case window at ground floor bay 1. Modern glazing elsewhere at front and rear elevations. Grey slate to E (street) pitch of roof, modern rooflights. Ridge recently heightened, rear pitch converted to mansard form with artificial tiles.  Notes:  Alterations to this building since 1980 have been non traditional in form, but an effort has been made to retain the original profile of the Tweeddale Street elevation. This building is therefore important to the streetscape, especially when viewed in context with No 7. Photograph of 1980 shows the pend to the right with a steel lintel, suggesting that the opening replaced a window, and the original symmetry of the facade was then lost. Source: Historic Scotland  Listed building text is © Crown Copyright. Reproduced under licence”.

Isabella left a tidy estate; money on deposit with the Oban branch of The Commercial Bank of Scotland Limited dated 18th January 1919; a sum in H.M. Post Office Savings Bank, Oban and Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd held a policy of life therein designed as of Lorn Terrace Oban No. 46774054 Industrial Branch for £15/0/0.  Household furniture and other effects were valued £10/0/0.  Her Last Will and Settlement made on 2nd December 1907 appointed Annie as sole Executor.

On the 28th October 1905, Isabella’s only child, Duncan John MacTavish of 7 Back Combie St, Oban, Fisherman age 32 was found in Loch Melfort, the cause of death; accidental drowning.  A 1907 publication refers to “McTavish, Duncan Fisherman, 7 Back Combie St, Oban – Debt Exceeds Assets [Business & Economics HMSO 1907 on page 61:  Papers By Command Vol 68 Great Britain Parliament, House of Commons]”.  Duncan’s father John Wright had his occupation noted as Hotel Boots on his son’s death certificate.  It wouldn’t surprise me if Isabella had paid her son’s  debt.

Isabella worked hard, leading a respectable life, perhaps frugal with her money.  She died at the home of Annie and Lachlan on 28^th March 1919.  Her parents would have been proud of her as I am.

WEDDING WEDNESDAY – “BASIS OF A PROSPEROUS MARRIAGE”

I couldn’t resist this; found while I was perusing the The Montrose [Scotland] Year Book Directory for 1909 containing Local Almanac and Obituary Notices and just about everything else under the sun (downloaded from http://www.archive.org).  Now, I wonder which ancestor had this type of wedding?

PENNY WEDDINGS – SIXTY years ago rural dwellers considered a well – attended penny wedding as the fundamental basis of a prosperous married career. At these gatherings all visitors were welcome, provided they paid their way. Usually the charge was one shilling for each person, and this money went into the pockets of the couple about to set up house. The ceremony was usually performed about the hour of 7 p.m. The payment of the entry fees entitled the guest to all the privileges of the meeting, even including the kissing of the bride after the minister had pronounced her the lawful wedded wife of the gentleman in funeral like coat and unkempt whiskers.

The baker who had an eye to future business would send in a liberal supply of plain and fancy bread, much more, of course, than he would otherwise have done, but his rival in the trade had already sent his boy with a shortie and a bun, and he could not afford to be outdone in the competition. The neighbouring meal miller bent under a half sack of oatmeal, and the doctor’s gig would halt, and his lady enter the bride’s door to leave a bedcover she had fashioned with her own hands.

Farmers who had potatoes to sell in the fall of the year ordered their carts to leave a bag of their’ ‘ sma’ Americans” with Janet, and the message that they hoped ‘ – Jeck Lindsay, when he got merried, wid stap the dreels afore the roup day.”

The village shoemaker sent a pair of slippers, with a pencil note inside giving his name, trade, and lowest prices both for men’s and women’s boots and shoes. Other tradesmen in the locality acted in a similar fashion.

The marriage feast generally cost nothing to the contracting parties, and all money drawn as entrance fees, &c, went directly into the coffers of the bride and bridegroom. Besides this shilling of entrance fee, it was customary to have liquor bar improvised in some convenient house or barn, where the national beverage and other drinks could be had. The liquor was sold, and the profit arising therefrom also went to the young couple. Perhaps at the nuptial banquet a round of whisky was served out gratis, but this was more the exception than the rule. The bridegroom himself often presided at the bar, and it was no uncommon sight to find the bride with tucked up sleeves washing the tumblers behind the temporary counter. The more noise and revelry the more liquor consumed, with greater financial benefit to bride and bridegroom. Song followed dance, and dance followed song. Feats of strength, tricks and card playing, speeches and fiddle and bagpipe music all ended in another glass of mountain dew.

When the grey morning crept in at the small windows of the biggin’ the wedded couple would have a ”pigfu’ o’ siller” to start them on that crooked lane that leads to old age and dotage.

MARITIME MONDAY – FISH KILLING IASGAIR

(Iasgair, Fisherman)

The Journal of Jurisprudence, 1861.  Volume V at page 271

I was stoked when I came across the High Court proceedings for Angus McPhail, his employer being second great grandfather, Duncan McTavish.

Duncan wasn’t just a fisherman, he ran a commercial operation.

Other crew members were brother-in-law Alexander McKinnon, husband of Duncan’s sister Catherine and Alexander McRae.  Angus may be a brother of Duncan’s first wife Catherine McPhail.

Nabbed for illegal fishing or fish killing the four appeared before Sheriff Substitute Robertson on 30 June 1860.  An excerpt from Reports of Cases before the High Court and Circuit Courts of Justiciary in Scotland during the years 1861, 1862, 1864 and 1864 by Alexander Forbes Irvine, Advocate.  Vol IV.

“The Sheriff substitute finds the complaint proved.  Therefore finds Duncan McTavish, Angus McPhail, Alexander McKinnon and Alexander MacRae, the parties complained on, severally liable in the modified penalty of £1/5 shillings sterling each, together with £1/1 shilling sterling each of expenses and discerns and convicts accordingly and failing payment within 14 days after this, the date of conviction, grants warrant for recovering the said sums … also to apprehend and commit the said named parties to the prison of Inverary, therein to be detained for the period of 20 days unless the said several sums be sooner paid or recovered respectively …”

Fortunately for Duncan, the Sheriff ordered return of the boats and nets to the parties except the fish which were distributed to the poor in the Kinlochspelvie neighbourhood; unfortunately for Duncan, the coffers were bare for the week he was without his boat.

Angus and Alex. McRae failing to pay their fines, spent 20 days in Inverary Jail; probably mending or making herring nets.

Alexander McRae Prisoner No 935; Age 24: Crime: Salmon Killing; Sentence: 20 days imprisonment or 46/-; Tried: 30 June 1860 by Sheriff Robertson; Unmarried;  Address:  Resident Oban; Occupation: Fisherman; Admitted 4 August 1860 after non-payment of fine.  Released 24 August 1860 (20 days in Inverary Jail).

Angus McPhail Prisoner No 949:  Age 19: Crime: Salmon Killing Sentence: 20 days imprisonment or 46/- Tried: 30 June 1860 by Sheriff Robertson Single Address: Born Glasgow Resident Oban.  Occupation: Sailor; Admitted 25 September 1860 after non-payment of fine.  Released 15 October 1860 (20 days in Inverary Jail).

BLACK SHEEP SUNDAY – A “DRAPPIE OWER MUCKLE”

The Evening Telegraph, Thursday November 14, 1935:  ACCUSED THANKS BRECHIN PROVOST - James Baird, no fixed abode but who stated that he belonged to Montrose, appeared before Provost Dunn at Brechin Police Court today.

In answer to the charge of being drunk and incapable he said: “I believe I’m guilty right enough”.

Regarding previous convictions he said “Oh yes.  Oh, yes.  I admit them all.  I had a drappie ower muckle, but its eight months since I tastit last.  Ask Mr Brown, Forfar”. 

Inspector Shewan said that he was got in Infirmary Street and appeared to be going to St Drostans.  The Provost – I’ll let you off this time.  Accused – Oh, thank you very much, Provost.

Back in Court two years later on Monday 26^th April, James an inmate of St Drostan’s House (previously known as Brechin poorhouse) pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly at 10.30pm on Saturday night.

“He stated that he was suffering from lumbago, rheumatics and other troubles and a little drink went to his head.  He would never touch liquor in his life again”.  The benevolent Bailie Ogilvie
in holding James to his word, deferred sentence for six months.

And for six months, James remained out of the newspapers until Friday October 22, 1937 -

HE HAD BEEN DRINKING “RED BIDDIE”:  James Baird, baker and inmate of St Drostan’s Brechin appeared before Bailie Ogilvie at Brechin Police Court today.  He was charged with a breach of the peace.  He had been drinking “red biddie” the prosecutor said.  A fine of 5s or five days’ imprisonment was imposed.

A google search defines red biddie as “a mixture of cheap red wine and meths”.

In December of 1868, Mary Baird (nee Marquis) wife of Ballastman, John Baird gave birth to James Ferrier Baird, the eighth child, sixth son in a family that would eventually consist of eleven children.  James was recorded on the census nights of 1871 and 1881 in the family home but his whereabouts in 1891 and 1911 remain a mystery.

However, the 1901 Scottish Census recorded on the night of 31^st March/1^st April was a surprise, finding James a guest of HM General Prison in Perth, on what charge or the length of his sentence, I have no idea.

The Evening Telegraph, Wednesday July 3, 1940 Pg 3 under heading: WANTED TO SLEEP ON INFIRMARY VERANDAH:  James Baird, baker of no fixed abode, a native of Montrose, created a disturbance at Brechin Infirmary last night.  He wanted to sleep in the verandah.  At Brechin Police Court today he pleaded guilty to breach of the peace.  Bailie Gibb imposed a fine of 5s or five days.

Ironically, in columns adjacent to this clipping are advertisements for Johnnie Walker whiskey and Andrews Liver Salt!!

Had James’ remaining siblings washed their hands of him hence his homelessness; was he drinking to forget a deep dark horror or perhaps he just liked a couple of drinks and occasionally overdid it.

On the afternoon of 28th January 1942 at 2.15pm at 5 Infirmary Street, Brechin, 73 year old James passed away.  Dr R M Lang certified his cause of death as cerebral haemorrhage and myocardial degeneration.  The occupier of 12a Union Street, Brechin [James usual residence] Archd. Houston informed the authorities of his death.

James was laid to rest at Brechin Cemetery on 31 January 1942.  [www.deceasedonline.com]

WEDDING WEDNESDAY – ON THE GOLDFIELDS

Western Argus (Kalgoorlie, WA: 1916 – 1938) Tuesday 22 July 1919 pg 14

A PRETTY WEDDING was solemnised at Wesley Church on Wednesday 25 June when Miss Annie Marsh (Annie Myrtle Ivy), eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Marsh, Egan street was united in holy matrimony to Mr Victor Trezise only son of Mr and Mrs S. Trezise, 14 Melbourne Street, Brown Hill.

The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a wedding gown of ivory crepe de chine with fine lace panels edged with silk fringe amid tassels. She wore the customary wreath and veil and carried a bouquet of roses, sweet peas, carnation and ferns.

The bridesmaids were Miss Grace Trezise (sister of bridegroom), who wore a dainty dress of cream silk, with a hat to match, and carried a bouquet of roses and fern and Miss Dorothy Marsh (sister of the bride), who wore a dainty cream silk coat frock and carried a basket of pink and white flowers and fern with streamers.

Mr Thomas Marsh officiated as best man and Mr Geo. Marsh as groomsman. The wedding breakfast was served at the residence of the bride’s parents.

A reception was held at the A.N.A. Hall in the evening, when about 200 guests were present. The evening was delightfully spent in dancing and singing. Mr and Mrs V. Trezise were the recipients of many useful and beautiful presents.

Previously on Wednesday 21 May 1919, “A LINEN EVENING for Miss Marsh and a WELCOME HOME for Sapper Bert Thornton after three years’ active service was hosted by Mr and Mrs Morris in the A.N.A. Hall.

The hall was prettily decorated for the occasion with flags of all nations, and flowers and streamers of red white and blue. The evening was spent in songs, games and dancing. Miss Gladys Morris danced the Irish jig and the waltz clogs. MrTrezise Snr on behalf of Miss Marsh and Mr Thornton thanked Mr and Mrs Morris and all present for their kindness shown. The evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Sine” and hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Morris. Miss Marsh received many useful presents. Mr J. Callagan carried out the duties of M.C. and Mr W. Thomas presided at the piano.”

SUNDAY’S OBITUARY – UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

The Cornishman & Cornish Telegraph, Wednesday, March 23, 1921 Page 5

“Mr James Richards of Pleasant Row, St Just received on Monday the sad news of the death of Mrs Lavia [sic] Margaret Veal, widow of the late John Veal, which took place at the residence of her son-in-law Mr S Trezise, Brown Hill, West Australia on January 11^th at the advanced age of 92 years.  The deceased lady formerly lived at Bollowall, St Just, Cornwall.  She went many years ago to Australia and took up her residence at Thorne St, California Gully.  She became closely connected with the California Hill Methodist Church and was held in high esteem by everyone.  She leaves a family of two sons and three daughters, one of whom is Mrs Almond Richards of California Gully, sister in law of Mr Jas. Richards, mentioned above.  The daughters are Mrs Simon Trezise and Miss Margaret Veal of West Australia.”

Lavinia my second great aunt, sister of Grace Leggo (nee Trezise http://wp.me/p2JDmR-1p) and James Trezise (http://wp.me/p2JDmR-1O) was the subject of a family story I submitted to the Trezise One Name Group:-

LAVINIA MARGARET MITCHELL TREZISE born1830 Boscarne, St Buryan, Cornwall the daughter of John Trezise & Margaret Mitchell married John Veal in February 1850 at St Just, Cornwall.  John, a miner/farmer of 10 acres in the Village of Bolowall predeceased Lavinia in 1887 leaving a personal estate of £151/17/8.   With most of her children, mother and siblings already in Australia, at 60 years of age Lavinia left the shores of England for the last time.

7 June 1889: Arrived Hobson’s Bay, Australia with daughters and their families; weather pleasant throughout the voyage.  Clearing immigration boarded the train for Melbourne where sons awaited to take the weary travellers to Bendigo.

1903: Kalgoorlie has water.  House in Thorpe St, California Gully vacated.  Simon Trezise (son-in-law) established in Brown Hill, WA.  Another journey to the Kalgoorlie goldfields with daughters Ellen and her children, Lavinia (known as Margaret) and granddaughter Ellen Thomas commences.

1918:  Railway line between Port Augusta, SA and Kalgoorlie, WA completed October 1917; a visit from daughter Gertrude Richards who arrives on the Transcontinental Express.  Grandson Victor accompanies Gertrude on her return to Bendigo.

Lavinia’s death notice appeared in The Argus, a Melbourne based newspaper, Wednesday 19 January 1921.

“VEAL – On the 11th January 1921 at Brown Hill, Kalgoorlie, WA Lavinia Margaret Veal born St. Just, Cornwall, and relict of the late John Veal, who predeceased her 36 years ago at St. Just, Cornwall, England; mother of John, James, Thomas (deceased), Gertrude (Mrs Richards), Grace (Mrs Thomas, deceased), Benjamin (deceased), Margaret and Ellen (Mrs S Trezise), aged 90 years and 6 months.  Three of her grandchildren were members of the A.I.F. and some of them won distinctions in the Great War to her great joy and pride.  Safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Grace Andrews remembered Lavinia a year later -

Forget you, No dear grandma

For memories loving chain

Will always link you round our hearts

Until we meet again

Lavinia and John were the proud parents of eight children all born in St Just, Cornwall.