Hugh Gilchrist Wylie

Hugh Gilchrist Wylie, son of Hugh Wylie and Margaret Smith Williams, was born on June 1, 1871 at 15 West Bothwell Street, Anderston, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. His parents had married less than a year earlier. Hugh appears to have been their only child, though Margaret had seven children from her first marriage to Frederick Colquhoun Peters, a house painter who died of lung disease in 1867. Margaret and Frederick’s children were John Ferguson Peters (about 1852–1856), Frederick Colquhoun Peters Jr. (1854–1855), Elizabeth Kirkland Peters (1856), Margaret Stevenson Peters (about 1858–1861), James Williams Peters (1861–1863), Robert Peters (1865), and Isabella Allan Peters (1867–1868). Isabella was born in May, after her father’s death. Notably, Margaret’s eldest son is recorded as ‘John Ferguson Peters’ in his 1852 birth entry, but both his 1856 death and burial registers give his middle name as ‘Colquhoun,’ matching his father’s.

Hugh in the Scotland birth register (1871)

Hugh is my husband’s 1st cousin 3 times removed, their nearest common ancestors being James Wyllie and Margaret Gilchrist, Hugh’s grandparents and my husband’s third great‑grandparents. His middle name honors his paternal grandmother, Margaret Gilchrist.

Born after census day in 1871, Hugh does not appear on that year’s enumeration, which recorded his parents at 13 Bothwell Street in the Barony civil parish and St. Matthew’s Quoad Sacra parish. The household included Hugh’s parents, along with step‑siblings Elizabeth and Robert Peters. Hugh’s father worked as a house painter, Elizabeth as a factory weaver, and Robert was a scholar. Their home contained two rooms with one or more windows.

By 1881, the family had moved to 59 Raeberry Street, Maryhill, still within the Barony parish. The household included Hugh’s parents, Hugh (age 9), stepbrother Robert, paternal grandmother Margaret (Gilchrist) Wylie, and a lodger, Annie Aird, whose occupation is illegible. Hugh’s father was now a journeyman painter, and Robert an apprentice draper. The home again had two rooms with one or more windows.

Scotland census (1881)

In 1891, the Wylies were living at 917 Garscube Road, Kelvin, Glasgow. Hugh (age 19) worked as a grocer’s assistant, his father continued as a house painter, and Robert was employed as a hatter and hosier’s assistant. Two lodgers, Lawrence Cain from Ireland and Thomas Baird from Glasgow, were both stone masons. The family’s home had grown to three rooms with one or more windows. 

Scotland census (1891)

On April 30, 1891, Hugh married Janet “Jessie” Turner, daughter of Joseph Turner and Janet Berwick, at St. Peter’s Parish Church, Kelvin, after publication according to the forms of the Church of Scotland. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Malcolm McLellan. At the time, both Hugh and Jessie lived at 917 Garscube Road, likely in separate flats within the same tenement. Hugh was a grocer’s assistant; Jessie, a domestic servant. Her father, deceased, had been an upholsterer, and her mother had remarried, becoming Mrs. McLean. 

Scotland marriage register (1891)

Their first child, Janet Berwick Wylie, was born September 20, 1891 in the same Garscube Road home. Hugh continued his work as a grocer’s assistant. By the birth of their son Hugh Gilchrist Wylie Jr. on October 21, 1893, the family had moved to 30 Braid Street, Milton, less than two miles away. Hugh Sr. was then employed as a mechanical engineer’s laborer, assisting with heavy manual work in the shop.

On January 13, 1897, Hugh lost his father, who died of bronchitis at Dennistoun after a week’s illness. Hugh Jr. was the informant on the death register. His father was buried in Lair 109, Sighthill Cemetery, Glasgow, at 3 p.m. on January 16, at a depth of eight feet. Hugh Wylie was listed as the proprietor of the lair; however, it is not clear whether that was father or son.

By November 6, 1898, when their daughter Margaret Williams Wylie was born, the family had settled at 22 Downs Street in Dennistoun, where Hugh had returned to the grocery trade as a salesman. The baby’s name honored Hugh’s mother, Margaret Williams, who would die just over a year later—on December 25, 1899 at age 69—at 160 Henderson Street in Kelvin, Glasgow, following a cerebral hemorrhage suffered the previous day. She was buried on December 27 in Lair 158 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, a plot owned by her first husband, Frederick Peters. Others interred in Lair 158 include Frederick Peters himself, Margaret’s step‑sister Isabella Peters, Elizabeth Milne, Benjamin Clark, and her step‑brother Robert Peters.

The 1901 census records the family still at Downs Street, spread across two pages. Hugh was listed as an insurance agent, employed rather than self‑employed. Janet (age 9) and Hugh Jr. (age 7) were scholars, while Margaret (age 2) remained at home with Jessie. The home had two rooms with one or more windows.

Scotland census—page 15 (1901)

Scotland census—page 16 (1901)

Their youngest child, Robert McLean Wylie, was born September 12, 1903 at the same address. Hugh continued as an insurance agent.

By 1911, the Wylies were still at Downs Street. The census confirms Jessie had borne four children, all living. Married 19 years, Hugh was now working on his own account as an assurance agent for the Prudential Assurance Company, selling life‑insurance policies and collecting weekly premiums throughout Glasgow’s working‑class districts. Janet worked as a laundry maid, Hugh Jr. as a mechanical engineer apprentice, and Margaret and Robert were attending school.

Scotland census—part 1 (1911)

Scotland census—part 2 (1911)

Life remained steady in 1921. The family continued at Downs Street, with Robert (age 14) the only minor. Hugh persisted in his work with Prudential Assurance Company; Janet was a laundress at M. McLean’s Laundry; Hugh Jr. an engineer fitter with Drysdale and Company Shipbuilding Engineers; Margaret a sewing machinist at Strachan, Creerar and Jones Drapery; and Robert a turner apprentice at North British Railway Locomotive Works. The enumerator noted “none” under dependent children.

Scotland census—part 1 (1911)

Scotland census—part 2 (1911)

Hugh remained at the Downs Street home until about 1929, when he, Jessie, Janet and eventually Hugh Jr. moved to 89 Burnbrae Street in Glasgow. Hugh lived at the Burnbrae address for the rest of his life, dying on June 2, 1939, aged 68, at 133 Balornock Road, Springburn, Glasgow—part of the Stobhill Hospital complex—of auricular fibrillation and myocardial degeneration, a chronic weakening of the heart muscle. His son, Hugh, who lived with him at the Burnbrae Street home, was the informant. At the time of his death, Hugh was still employed as an assurance company’s agent. He was buried in Lair 109 at Sighthill Cemetery, Glasgow, at 3:15 p.m. on June 5, 1939, at a depth of four feet.

Scotland death register (1939)

Sighthill Cemetery register (part 1)

Sighthill Cemetery register (part 2)

Jessie survived Hugh by six years, dying on January 21, 1945 in Springburn at age 75 after prolonged respiratory disease leading to heart failure. She was buried beside Hugh in Lair 109, Sighthill Cemetery.

References

• Elizabeth Peters, Statutory Registers Births 644/8 762, National Records of Scotland, 1856.
• Frederick Peters, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery Lair Book, Glasgow, Burial Records 1800–1970, image 128, FamilySearch.
• Frederick Peters, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/8 191, National Records of Scotland, 1867.
• Hugh G. Wylie, Glasgow. Burial Records July 1921–December 1933, image 574, FamilySearch.
• Hugh Gilchrist Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/8 1322, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Hugh Gilchrist Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/8 988, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• Hugh Gilchrist Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 807, National Records of Scotland, 1939.
• Hugh Gilchrist Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/9 114, National Records of Scotland, 1967.
• Hugh Wylie, Census 644/3113/16, pp. 15–16, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Hugh Wylie, Census 644/623/13, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Hugh Wylie, Census 644/623/25, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Hugh Wylie, Census 644/840/9, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• Hugh Wylie, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962.
• Hugh Wylie, Sighthill Cemetery: Glasgow. Burial Records 1894–1899, images 209–210, FamilySearch.
• Hugh Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/395, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• Isabella Allan Peters, Statutory Registers Births 644/8 899, National Records of Scotland, 1867.
• Isabella Allan Peters, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/8 205, National Records of Scotland, 1868.
• James Williams Peters, Statutory Registers Births 644/8 1668, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• James Williams Peters, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/8 931, National Records of Scotland, 1863.
• Janet Berwick Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/9 1406, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Janet Turner, Statutory Registers Births 644/7 1504, National Records of Scotland, 1869.
• Jessie T. Wylie, Glasgow. Burial Records July 1921–December 1933, image 729, FamilySearch.
• Jessie Turner, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/9 190, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Jessie Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 126, National Records of Scotland, 1945.
• John Colquhoun Peters, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery Burial Register, Glasgow. Burial Records 1855–1861, image 11, FamilySearch.
• John Colquhoun, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/2119, National Records of Scotland, 1856.
• John Ferguson Peters, Old Parish Registers Births 622/Barony, National Records of Scotland, 1852.
• Margaret Smith Williams, Old Parish Registers Births 616/Stewarton, 1827.
• Margaret Steven Peters, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1045, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Margaret Williams Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/3 2519, National Records of Scotland, 1898.
• Margaret Wylie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery: Glasgow. Burial Records 1897–1901, image 144, FamilySearch.
• Margaret Wylie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/9 1521, National Records of Scotland, 1899.
• Margt. Wyllie, Census 644/966/9, National Records of Scotland, 1881.
• Robert McLean Wylie, Statutory Registers Births 644/3 2364, National Records of Scotland, 1903.

John Athya and His Burgess Status

I published a sketch about John Athya in December 2024, but a recent search of Glasgow, Scotland records turned up an interesting detail that expands his story. John, born in 1828 in Glasgow, was the son of Isaac Athya and Janet Graham, and he was my husband’s third great‑uncle. The new record shows that in 1866 he held a civic status in Glasgow that mattered both socially and economically.

On September 11, 1866, John, a merchant in Glasgow, was admitted as a Burgess and Guild Brother of the Burgh of Glasgow. His admission came through his marriage to Catherine Bell, the second daughter of John Bell, a long‑established Flesher (butcher) in the city. In Glasgow, a man could become a Burgess by marrying the daughter of a Burgess, and John qualified through his wife’s family.

The record notes that he “paid his freedom,” which means he paid the required fee to enter the Burgess roll. This was not a punishment or a fine in the modern sense—it was the standard admission payment; the same way someone today might pay a licensing fee or membership dues.

A Burgess was not just a resident of Glasgow. He was a freeman of the burgh, meaning he had full legal and economic rights inside the city. The word “freeman” was used because a Burgess was free to trade, own property, and work without the restrictions placed on non‑Burgesses. Only freemen could open shops, take apprentices, or participate fully in the city’s business life. A Burgess was a recognized member of the city with rights that ordinary residents didn’t have.

Because Catherine’s father belonged to the Fleshers’ Guild, John was admitted “qua Flesher,” meaning his Burgess status was tied to the trade of his wife’s family. The term “Flesher” was the old Scottish word for a butcher—someone who slaughtered animals and prepared meat for sale. The Fleshers were one of Glasgow’s traditional craft guilds.

A craft guild was an organized association of men who practiced the same trade. Guilds controlled training, quality standards, market rules, and who was allowed to work in the trade. They also played a civic role, helping govern the city through the Trades’ House. Being connected to a guild family meant stability, respectability, and a recognized place in the city’s social structure.

Burgesses also had the right to vote in burgh elections, which were the local elections for the town council, magistrates, and other civic officers who governed the city. These elections shaped local laws, taxes, and public works. Only Burgesses could participate, so the status carried real political weight.

For John and Catherine, this admission confirmed their standing in Glasgow. It tied John into a long‑established civic tradition and recognized Catherine as the daughter of a respected tradesman. Their marriage not only joined two families but also secured John’s place within the economic and political life of the city.

Record of Burgess Entries of the Burgh of Glasgow (1857–1876)

John listed in the Index of Burgesses (1801–1900)

References

• Dictionary of the Scots Language, s.v. “flesher,” accessed May 26, 2026.
• Glasgow, Scotland, Occupation Records 1857–1876, image 119, FamilySearch.
• Glasgow, Scotland, Occupation Records 1801–1900, image 27, FamilySearch.
• National Records of Scotland, “Burgh Records: A Guide to the Burghs of Scotland,” sections on Burgesses and Guild Brethren.
• Trades House of Glasgow, “History of the Trades,” including the Incorporation of Fleshers. 

The Athya Twins of Bridgeton

George Dempster Athya and his twin sister Mary Glen Athya, children of John D. Athya and Helen “Ellen” Dempster, were born on May 29, 1901 in the Bridgeton district of Glasgow, Scotland. The Athya family included eight children: Edward Dempster, John Dempster, Ellen “Nellie/Helen” McKendrick, Hannah Quinn, James, George Dempster, Mary Glen, and Sarah Athya—all born in Bridgeton. Helen had two older daughters from her first marriage to James Glass: Isabella “Bella” Dempster and Jane Dempster Glass.

George and Mary are my husband’s 1st cousins 2× removed. Their nearest common ancestors are James Athya and Jane Wylie, George’s grandparents and my husband’s 2nd great‑grandparents.

Before George and Mary’s birth, the family suffered an earlier loss. Their brother Edward, only one month old, died on November 17, 1893 from “gastric catarrh,” likely a severe stomach infection that caused dehydration—often fatal in the 1890s before antibiotics and modern hydration therapy. His burial place is unknown.

George and Mary’s father worked as a goldbreaker journeyman, a skilled metal worker who broke brass or gold‑colored scrap for foundries—an East End trade not formally defined in occupational directories. The family lived at 47 Dunn Street through the births of John (1895), Ellen (1897), Hannah (1898), and James (1900).

The 1901 Scotland census, taken on March 31, shows the family at 59 Dunn Street, a crowded household that included John and Helen’s children, step‑siblings Bella and Jane Glass, and a maternal cousin, Nellie Dempster, age 16. The Athya children were all attending school; Bella worked as a harness weaver, Jane as a French polisher, and their cousin as a cotton spinner. By the twins’ birth on May 29, 1901, the family had moved a short distance to 30 Norman Street. George was born first at 10:45 p.m., with Mary following about 15 minutes later. Mary’s name was originally recorded as Sarah Dempster Athya, but later officially corrected to Mary Glen Athya.

Original birth register entry for George and Mary (listed as
Sarah Dempster Athya) in the Scotland Birth Register (June 19, 1901) 

On November 11, 1902, another daughter was born and given the name Sarah.

The year 1903 brought devastating tragedy. On June 12, 1903, two‑year‑old George died from acute bronchitis, an illness he battled for 10 days before collapsing from a sudden loss of consciousness that often occurred at the end of severe illness.

George’s death recorded in the Scotland Death Register

Four months later, on October 15, 1903, their 11‑month‑old sister Sarah died after four days of measles. Just five days after that, on October 20, 1903, two‑year‑old Mary—George’s twin—died following six days of measles and broncho‑pneumonia.

Mary’s death recorded in the Scotland Death Register

All three children—George, Mary, and Sarah—died at their home at 65 Dunn Street and were buried together in Lair 860 at the Southern Necropolis cemetery in Glasgow. The lair’s original proprietor was their great‑grandfather Isaac Athya, with their grandfather James Athya listed as co‑proprietor.

George’s burial recorded in the Southern Necropolis Cemetery
Register of Interments (page 1)

George’s burial recorded in the Southern Necropolis Cemetery
Register of Interments (page 2)

Sarah and Mary’s burial recorded in the Southern Necropolis Cemetery
Register of Interments (page 1)

Sarah and Mary’s burial recorded in the Southern Necropolis Cemetery
Register of Interments (page 2)

The correction to Mary’s name was submitted on July 10, 1903 and formally entered into the Register of Corrected Entries on November 26, 1903. This amendment officially changed her recorded birth name from Sarah to Mary Glen.

Register of Corrected Entries note documenting the official
correction of Sarah’s (George’s twin sister) name from Sarah to
Mary Glen in the 1901 birth register (November 26, 1903)

References

• Edward Dempster Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 1452, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Edward Dempster Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 1298, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Eilen McKendric Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 235, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• George Dempster Athya and Sarah Dempster Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 973, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• George Dempster Athya, Sarah Athya, and Mary Glen Athya, Southern Necropolis: Glasgow. Burial Registers 1899–1914, images 85 and 89, FamilySearch.
• George Dempster Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 523, National Records of Scotland, 1903.
• Hannah Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 1609, National Records of Scotland, 1898.
• Helen Dempster and James Glass, Scotland’s People, Statutory Registers, Marriages Search.
• Isaac Arthey, Southern Necropolis: Glasgow. Cemetery Records 1865–1943, image 27, FamilySearch.
• Isabella Dempster Glass and Jane Dempster Glass, Scotland’s People, Statutory Registers, Births Search.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 500, National Records of Scotland, 1900.
• John Athya, Census 644/1 17/32, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• John Dempster Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 768, National Records of Scotland, 1895.
• Mary Glen Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 922, National Records of Scotland, 1903.
• Sarah Athya, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 2070, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Sarah Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 899, National Records of Scotland, 1903.
• Southern Necropolis: Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Registers 1899–1914, Geoge Dempster, Sarah, and Mary Glen Athya, images 85 and 89, FamilySearch. 

Robert Durie

Robert Durie, son of James Durie and Jane Liddell Braidwood, was born at home on February 6, 1863, at 22 Pitt Street in Blythswood, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was one of at least nine children born to James and Jane: Mary Durie, Agnes Durie, Elizabeth Durie, George Durie, Jemima Durie, Andrewina Durie, John Durie, Robert Durie, and Jane Durie. Robert is my husband’s 2nd great-uncle, with their closest shared ancestors being Robert’s parents—James and Jane—who are also my husband’s 2nd great-grandparents. Robert’s sister Jemima is my husband’s great-grandmother.

Robert in the Scotland birth register

At the time of Robert’s birth, his father James worked as an engine fitter (journeyman), a skilled tradesman responsible for assembling and maintaining steam engines—an essential role in Glasgow’s industrial economy.

Tragedy struck the Durie family before Robert was born. In the spring of 1861, young Andrewina contracted dothinenteritis (typhoid fever) and suffered for six weeks, also developing “water in the head” (likely hydrocephalus) in her final two weeks. She died at home on May 26 and was buried at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow, Lair 4964, held by her maternal grandfather, Andrew Braidwood.

Another loss followed just a few years later. On November 6, 1866, Robert’s sister Jane died of croup at the family’s Pitt Street home. Robert was only three years old.

By 1871, the Durie family remained at the Pitt Street address, likely in a tenement-style building. Their home had two windows. James continued his work as an engine fitter. Daughters Mary and Jemima were employed as warehouse girls, while George worked as an iron turner. Robert and his brother John were attending school. A family named Liddell also lived at the same address, possibly related through Robert’s grandmother, Mary Liddell.

1871 Scotland census

By 1881, the family had moved to 46 Lancefield Street in the civil parish of Barony, Glasgow. The home, also likely a tenement, had two windows. James was still working as an engine fitter, and 17-year-old Robert had begun his career as a plumber. Also living in the household was Robert’s nephew, Thomas Alexander (age 8), son of Robert’s sister Elizabeth, who was attending school.

1881 Scotland census

On February 15, 1889, Robert married Mary Lochhead, daughter of Robert Lochhead and Helen (or Ellen) Ramage. The ceremony took place at Mary’s family home at 128 Centre Street in Tradeston, Glasgow, and was officiated by John Hunter of Trinity Congregational Church. Witnesses included William Cocran and Janet Lochhead. At the time, Robert lived at 99 Stobcross Street and had completed his training as a plumber, achieving journeyman status. His father and Mary’s father were also journeymen—James as an engine fitter and Robert Lochhead as a mason.

Robert and Mary in the Scotland marriage register

Five months later, on July 3, 1889, Robert and Mary welcomed their first child, Helen Ramage Durie, at their home at 38 Catherine Street in Anderston. Tragically, Helen died just three weeks later on July 24, 1889, from scrofula—a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes. The cemetery register listed her cause of death as diarrhea. She was buried at Craigton Cemetery in Lair 1422, held by her maternal grandmother, Helen Ramage Lochhead.

On April 3, 1890, their daughter Maria Durie was born prematurely and lived only four hours. Her burial location remains unknown.

By 1891, Robert and Mary were still living at Catherine Street. Robert was employed as a ship plumber, and the census noted their home had two rooms with windows. Mary’s younger brother, James Lochhead (age 16), lived with them as a lodger and apprentice plumber—likely training under Robert.

1891 Scotland census

The Durie family continued to grow:

• James Durie was born on May 10, 1891, at Catherine Street.
• Robert Lochhead Durie followed on February 15, 1893.
• By October 20, 1894, when Jane Braidwood Durie was born, the family had moved to 48 Overnewton Street in Anderston.
• Mary Lochhead Durie was born at the same address on February 7, 1897.

By 1900, the family relocated to 6 Arthur Street in the Seventh Parish Ward of Barony, Glasgow. Their home had two rooms with a window. Robert continued working as a ship plumber, and by the 1901 census, sons James and Robert and daughter Jane were attending school.

1901 Scotland census

On December 13, 1902, Robert’s father James passed away in Anderston from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was buried at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery in Lair 384 on December 16. His wife Jane died on October 28, 1908, from senile cardiac arteriosclerosis—what we now understand as age-related coronary artery disease. She was laid to rest alongside James on October 31.

By 1911, the Durie family was living at 7 Grace Drive in Govan, Glasgow. The census, spanning two pages, recorded that Mary had given birth to six children, four of whom were still living. Their home had three rooms with windows. Robert was still employed as a ship plumber. Son James worked as a leather cutter in a boot factory, while Robert Jr. was a shipyard carpenter. Daughter Jane held the specialized role of a gut drawer in a fishing and tackle factory, preparing animal intestines for use in fishing lines. The youngest, Mary, was still in school.

1911 Scotland census

On February 23, 1911, Robert’s sister Elizabeth (Durie) Alexander died at 40 Overnewton Street in Anderston. She had suffered from hemiplegia, likely caused by a stroke, for three years. Elizabeth was buried in Lair 384 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery on February 25.

A joyful occasion followed on December 31, 1915, when Robert’s son James married Mary Montgomery at 50 Harmony Row in Govan. James, a 24-year-old leather cutter, lived at 21 Hutton Drive—likely the Durie family home. Mary, also 24, was the daughter of William Montgomery and Jane Knox and lived at 5 Sharp Street. The ceremony was performed by John King, Minister of the United Free Church, and witnessed by Robert Durie (likely James’ father or brother) and Elizabeth McNamara. James and Mary welcomed their daughter, Mary Lochhead Durie, on October 20, 1916, in Govan.

The year 1920 brought two joyful milestones for the Durie family. On August 6, Robert’s daughter Jane Durie married Douglas William Hamilton at the family home on Hutton Drive in Govan. Jane, employed as a boot machinist, worked in a skilled trade operating industrial sewing machines to assemble footwear. Douglas, son of Alexander Hamilton and Annie Taylor, was a quay labourer’s time-keeper, responsible for recording the hours and attendance of dockworkers at Glasgow’s busy quays—ensuring efficient coordination of labor for loading and unloading ships. He lived at 55 Kelvinhaugh Street. The ceremony was witnessed by Robert Murray and Jane’s sister Mary Durie. Interestingly, the marriage register recorded Jane’s name as Jeanie Bradewood Durie, a variation from her birth name, Jane Braidwood Durie.

Later that year, on December 31, Robert’s son Robert Durie Jr. married Helen McNeil, daughter of John McNeil and Helen McCrink. Robert, a journeyman shipwright, lived at 1259 Govan Road, while Helen, a confectioner’s saleswoman, resided at 20 Craigton Road, both in Govan. Their New Year’s Eve wedding took place at the United Free Church on Copland Road, witnessed by William McNeill (likely Helen’s brother) and Robert’s sister Mary Durie.

By 1921, Robert, his wife Mary, and daughter Mary were living at 1259 Govan Road in Govan. Their home had three rooms, and Robert continued working as a ship plumber. Daughter Mary was employed as a fancy box maker, likely producing decorative packaging for retail goods—a common trade in Glasgow’s manufacturing sector.

 

1921 Scotland census

The 1921 electoral register listed Robert, Mary, and their son Robert at the Govan Road address. Robert Jr. was recorded with the suffix “Jr.,” though there’s no evidence that father and son shared the same middle name. Robert Jr.’s birth certificate confirms his middle name as Lochhead, taken from his mother’s maiden name.

In the years that followed, the family experienced several losses. Robert’s sister Mary (Durie) Wark, aged 72, died at home in Anderston on October 18, 1922, from chronic bronchitis and a tumor of the left breast, the nature of which was unknown. His sister Jemima (Durie) Athya passed away in Dennistoun, Glasgow, at age 66 on November 19, 1925, from a cerebral hemorrhage. She was buried in Lair 860 at Southern Necropolis Cemetery on November 21.

On March 28, 1926, Robert’s wife Mary Lochhead Durie died at 1249 Govan Road from double pneumonia, which she had suffered for just two days. The address differs slightly from their 1921 residence, suggesting they may have moved within the same tenement or she was staying elsewhere at the time.

Mary in the Scotland death register

Mary was laid to rest on March 30 in Lair 2146, Compartment HH, at Craigton Cemetery. She received a Class A funeral, indicating a more dignified and lasting burial—either due to financial means or the family’s desire to honor her memory

Mary in the Craigton Cemetery burial register

Just three and a half months later, on June 13, 1926, Robert’s daughter Jane died at age 31 in Govan from valvular heart disease, which she had endured for six months. She was buried on June 16 in the same lair as her mother at Craigton Cemetery, also receiving a Class A funeral.

Robert’s brother John Durie died at age 66 on December 11, 1928, from intestinal obstruction and cardiac failure at the Western Infirmary in Hillhead, Glasgow. He was buried on December 14 in Lair 384 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery.

Robert himself passed away on April 11, 1931, at Southern General Hospital in Govan at age 68. His cause of death was listed as cerebral softening—likely the result of a stroke or poor blood flow—and hypostatic pneumonia, a lung infection common in bedridden patients. These conditions suggest Robert had been seriously ill and immobile in his final days. His son James Durie was the informant on the death register. At the time, Robert’s usual residence was 3 Drive Road, Govan.

Robert in the Scotland death register

Robert was buried on April 14, 1931, at Craigton Cemetery, joining his wife and daughter Jane in Lair 2146. Like them, he received a Class A funeral.

Robert in the Craigton Cemetery burial register

The cemetery certificate (No. 26808) records the depth of each burial: Mary at eight feet, Jane at seven, and Robert at six. The lair fee of £4:10s in 1931—equivalent to roughly $450 USD today—reflects the cost and care associated with a permanent and respectful burial.

Craigton Cemetery certificate no. 26808

References

• Andrina Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/5 442, National Records of Scotland, 1861.
• Andrina Durie, Weekly interment book, nos. 1–8950, 1855–1861, weekly installments paid on lairs, 1901–1963, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, image 236, FamilySearch.
• Cemetery records for Craigton Cemetery, Glasgow, 1873-2003, Register of interments, vol. 1, 1873-1879; vol. 3, 1885-1891, images 668–669, FamilySearch.
• Douglas William Hamilton, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/21 285, National Records of Scotland, 1920.
• Elizabeth Alexander, Daily interment books, December 1897–August 1912, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, image 759, FamilySearch.
• Elizabeth Durie, Statutory registers Deaths 644/11 103, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962, 1900.
• Helen Ramage Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 883, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• Helen Ramage Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 562, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• James Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1902–1906, image 59, FamilySearch.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 682, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 734, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• James Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/21 33, National Records of Scotland, 1916.
• Jane Braidwood, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 1325, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 475, National Records of Scotland, 1865.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 689, National Records of Scotland, 1926.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 504, National Records of Scotland, 1866.
• Jane Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/6 881, National Records of Scotland, 1908.
• Janes Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1906–1912, image 102, FamilySearch.
• Jemima Athya, Southern Necropolis : Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Burial Registers 1914–1954, image 117, FamilySearch.
• Jemima Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/4 1426, National Records of Scotland, 1925.
• John Durie, Census 644/69/19, National Records of Scotland, 1871.
• John Durie, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, daily interment books, August 1912–February 1944.
• John Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/12 1137, National Records of Scotland, 1928.
• Maria Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 401, National Records of Scotland, 1890.
• Maria Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 236, National Records of Scotland, 1890.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/10 26/4, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/10 48/28, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Mary Durie, Census 644/21 75/6, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Mary Durie, Census 646/2 80/5, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Mary Durie, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Electoral Registers, 1857–1962.
• Mary Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 335, National Records of Scotland, 1926.
• Mary L. Durie, Craigton Cemetery: Glasgow, Burial Records 1920–1924, pages 166–167, FamilySearch.
• Mary Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 303, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• Mary Lochhead, Statutory Registers Births 468/160, National Records of Scotland, 1860.
• Mary Wark, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/11 917, National Records of Scotland, 1922.
• Robert Durie, Craigton Cemetery: Glasgow. Burial Records 1929–1935, images 144–145, FamilySearch.
• Robert Durie, FHL Film 0203666 GRO Ref Volume 644-10, Enumeration District 30, p. 20, ref. no. 506088, Barony, Lanark, Scotland census, 1881.
• Robert Durie, Glasgow Cemetery Records, Craigton Cemetery, Register of Certificates, item 24196–27274, image 342, FamilySearch.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 125, National Records of Scotland, 1863.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/21 349, National Records of Scotland, 1931.
• Robert Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/13 17, National Records of Scotland, 1889.
• Robert Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Births 644/10 281, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Robert Lochhead Durie, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/20 12, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Thomas Alexander, Statutory Registers Births 644/6 201, National Records of Scotland, 1873. 

Samuel Alexander Wright

At first glance, the title may seem misleading—this sketch is not about one individual named Samuel Alexander Wright, but two. In fact, a third person of that name exists in the family’s history, though his story is not told here.

The lives of these two infants begin with their parents, Samuel Wright and Christina Braidwood, who together welcomed eight children: Christina Martin Wright (1891), the two Samuels (1893 and 1894), James Braidwood Wright (1896), Hugh McDougall Wright (1897), Alexander Braidwood Wright (1900), Thomas Wright (1902), and Joseph Wright (1904).

These children are 2nd cousins 2x removed from my husband. Their closest shared ancestors are Andrew Braidwood and Mary Liddell—great-grandparents to the children and third great-grandparents to my husband.

On May 8, 1893, the couple welcomed their second child and first son, Samuel Alexander Wright, born at home at 249 Main Street in the Bridgeton district of Glasgow. In keeping with Scottish naming conventions, they named him after his paternal grandfather, Samuel Alexander Wright, born in 1823 in the Gorbals district of Glasgow.

Birth register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 1)

At the time, Samuel and Christina had been married for two and a half years, with a young daughter already in their home. Father Samuel worked as a coachman, a respected domestic servant who drove horse-drawn carriages for a private employer. 

Tragically, the child’s life was brief. Twelve days after his birth, little Samuel died at home on May 20, the recorded cause being debility—a term often used for failure to thrive.

Death register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 1)

He was laid to rest on May 22 in Lair 4964 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery. 

Eastern Necropolis Cemetery burial register for infant number 1

Just under 11 months later, on April 8, 1894, Christina gave birth to another son at their new residence: 3 Polmadie Road in Hutchesontown, a densely populated working-class district south of the River Clyde.

To honor their first son and continue traditional naming patterns, they named this child Samuel Alexander Wright—a practice not uncommon in 19th-century Scotland.

Father Samuel had now transitioned to work as a carter, transporting goods by horse-drawn cart. While less prestigious than his earlier coachman role, carters were vital to Glasgow’s industrial economy. Records show that his own father was listed as a master carter in 1881, suggesting this path was a generational trade, likely taught through family instruction.

Birth register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 2)

By 1895, Samuel Wright had advanced again—employed as a bailie’s vanman, likely responsible for moving goods, supplies, or official documents under the direction of a municipal officer or magistrate, known in Scotland as a bailie. This role hints at growing trust and standing within civic circles.

But tragedy returned. The second Samuel died at just 10 months old on February 17, 1895, after a 21-day battle with pneumonia. The death was recorded at 11 Polmadie Road, suggesting the family had moved to a new flat within the same tenement building.

Death register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 2)

He was buried two days later, on February 19, in the same lair as his older brother.

Eastern Necropolis Cemetery burial register for infant number 2

Lair 4964, held by Andrew Braidwood, the infants’ maternal great-grandfather, became a resting place filled with generational connection. Though neither infant appeared in census records—taken in 1891 and 1901, they are preserved in birth, death, and burial registers, so are not forgotten.

Lairs 4963 and 4964, held by Andrew Braidwood,
Eastern Necropolis Cemetery

The Wrights endured further loss when their infant son James died of pneumonia in Bridgeton on September 14, 1896, at just three months old. He was buried the next day in Lair 5045 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery.

Interestingly, no record so far shows a middle name or initial for the infants’ father, Samuel Wright. One wonders if he, too, bore the full name Samuel Alexander Wright—perhaps tying all four Samuels together in a meaningful tradition.

References

• Alexander Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 7, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Christina Martin Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 1890, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Eastern Necropolis Cemetery Records, Daily Interment Book, Glasgow, Scotland, film no. 008685205, images 499, 625, and 724, FamilySearch.
• Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1893–1897, image 79, FamilySearch. 
• Hugh McDougall Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 961, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• James Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 1123, National Records of Scotland, 1896.
• James Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 964, National Records of Scotland, 1896.
• Joseph Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 1687, National Records of Scotland, 1904.
• Kreft, Karen, The Coachman, Ticknall Life Community Magazine, February 10, 2021; https://www.ticknalllife.co.uk/the-coachman/. 
• Lair 4964, Glasgow, Burial Records 1800–1970, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, image 40, FamilySearch.
• Lair 5045, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Cemetery Records 1861–1995, image 93, FamilySearch.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Old Parish Registers Births 644/2 Gorbals, National Records of Scotland, 1823.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 658, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 822, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 570, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Samuel Wright, Govan, Lanark, Scotland census, 1881.
• Samuel Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/11 259, National Records of Scotland, 1895.
• Smith, Sarah, What Is a Carter?, Genealogy, Old Occupations, Scotland, Unlock Your Past, June 21, 2024; https://www.unlockyourpast.co.uk/old-occupation-carter/. 
• Thomas Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 1306, National Records of Scotland, 1902.