Shandon People and History

Shandon Deaths

CALEDONIAN MERCURY, SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 1842

On Monday last, the body of David Bell, a plasterer belonging to Edinburgh, was found in the Gare Loch near Shandon. As the deceased has been for some time past very low spirited, he is supposed to have committed suicide, by throwing himself into the water on the previous day, as he had been missing for that time. He was married, and has left a widow and three children, resident in Edinburgh. Some feelings of jealousy, whether well or ill founded does not appear, seem to have preyed on his mind for some time previously.

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS, MONDAY 27TH JULY 1914

FATALITY AT SHANDON

In front of Shandon Hydro last night, a gentleman called Mr George Aman, a Roumanian, while stepping our of his motor car, driven by his wife, fell and fractured his skull. He was promptly attended to, but he died within 3 hours. Deceased was married to a daughter of a Glasgow gentleman, Mr William Robb, 5 Park Quadrant, who was also in residence in the hydro at the time. The deceased, who was of independent means, was on tour with his wife. He was 28 years of age.

SUNDAY POST, SUNDAY 8TH AUGUST 1954

DIES AT HELM

While at the helm of his yacht, Hulvra, Mr Donald Bowie McLachlan, proprietor of the Shandon Hydro, died yesterday.

The yacht had just crossed the starting line at the beginning of a race at Hunter’s Quay.

McLachlan’s body was brought ashore in a rowing boat to Dunoon.

Shandon Collection Sale Part 14

NORTH BRITISH DAILY MAIL, THURSDAY 19 APRIL 1877

THE SHANDON COLLECTION

Yesterday was the seventh day’s sale of this collection, and there was again a large audience.

The following were the most noticeable morceaux sold:- A globular grey beard jug, with three medallions, containing the arms of England, £15 10s; a Nuremberg tankard, with figures of the Apostles in colours, £18 10s; a benetier, the centre representing the baptism of Christ, the bowl upheld by 3 infant angels, £22; a door-knocker, formed as Jupiter holding a thunderbolt standing between between two lions, £14 3s 6d; another formed as Neptune, a fine venetian bronze, £18; a pair of fina Florentine groups of Silenus with a Nymph and a Satyr, £16 10s; the Centaur Nessus carrying off Dejanira, £25 5s; a statuette of Adonis, seventeenth century, £19; Venus suckling cupid, and Time tearing Cupid’s wings, old Florentine groups, £27 6s; a pair of old Italian candlesticks, £35 5s; the Mercury of G Di Bologna, a copy of the celebrated statue at Florence, 52 gns; a Cinque Centa door knocker, formed as two mermaids and two dolphins, 16 gns; a Venetian door knocker, formed as Neptune with his trident and two seahorses, 17 gns; another, with dolphins, 15 gns; the wrestlers, a fine Florentine group of the last century, after the antique, £45; Hercules, carrying off a child, after the antique, 11 gns; the listening slave, £21; the dancing fawn, £13 10s; a statuette of Antinous, 13 gns.

Decorative furniture: A Chinese rosewod table, elaborately carved, £17 10s; an oval looking glass, in carved gilt frame, 13 gns; a fine Louis XV barometer, £12 10s; the companion frame with a clock, £13 10s; a massive pedestal of ebony and black buhl, £28 9s; four old Venetian hall chairs, walnut wood, inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl, £29; an old oak hall bench, highly carved Flemish work of the 17th century, £162 15s; a pair of old French brackets of chased ormolu and ebony, each with six small stands for china, £150; an old French four-leaved screen, fitted with panels of fine old Gobelins tapestry, 245 gns; a French marqueterie commode, with elliptic front, inlaid with a view of a chateau and garden, £100; a Venetian ebony table, inlaid with buds and foliage, £52 10s; a set of six finely carved chairs, with high backs, covered with old painted embossed leather, £52; a French commode, with shaped front, inlaid with tulipwood, £29; a oair of marqueterie encorque ewers, £62.

The day’s sale of 168 lots realised £2336 7s.

Shandon News in June 1884

HELENSBURGH NEWS, THURSDAY 12TH JUNE 1884

SHANDON

INSTALLATION OF ELDERS

On Sabbath last the following gentlemen were ordained and admitted to the office of eldership in the Free Church here: Messrs A J Kirkpatrick, Lagbuie, C Neaves, West Shandon, W McLachlan, Lower Balernick and A McTaggart, Row.

ALTERATIONS ON LINNBURN

For some time past workmen have been busily engaged making additional accommodation at this house, which is the property of W L Brown, Esq, Glasgow. It will be some time yet before the work will be completed, but when it is finished the house will be one of the most comfortable and commodious in this district. The contractors for the work are: mason, Mr Jack, Helensburgh; joiner, Mr Davidson, Glasgow; plasterer, Mr McKay, Glasgow; slater, Mr W Thom, Helensburgh; plumber Mr R Sneddon, Row.

REPAIRS ON THE FREE CHURCH

Extensive repairs are at present going on at the Free Church here, rendered necessary by the increase in the congregation. The interior is to be entirely reseated, and this will afford greater comfort to the worshippers. Two new transept wings are to be added, which will afford additional sittings to between forty and fifty persons. A spire is also to be erected, and, altogether, when the improvements are completed, the Church will have an entirely different appearance. We may mention that the contractors for the work are: Mr James Spy, Row, builder; Mr W Thomson, Helensburgh, plasterer; Mr Wm Thom, Helensburgh, slater and Mr R Sneddon, Row, plumber.

Gale on the Gareloch

AYR OBSERVER, TUESDAY 30TH DECEMBER 1879

THE GARELOCH

During the gale on Sunday night, about six o’clock, the large ship Ardenlea dragged her anchors and went on the Shandon shore. About the same time a lighter, supposed to be the Eva, of Greenock (Sweenie, the owner, and another man on board), dragged from near Barremman Pier and went over to the Shandon side and sank, but the men escaped safe; and between seven and eight the large steamer Nemesis, owned by Messrs Denny, Dumbarton, dragged her anchor and was driven ashore near Blairvaddich. It is not supposed they will be much damaged.

The trees in Rosneath wood have suffered severely. During the storm on Saturday afternoon the schooner Banshee, owned in Greenock by Mr Nicol, carpenter, ladened with coal for Fort William, put into Roseneath point for shelter, where she filled and sank. The owner and three of the crew had a narrow escape of being drowned.

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches part 6

Dear blog reader

This is the sixth part in a series of Shandon hatches, matches and dispatches that have appeared in the newspapers.

I always find such finds very exciting in my own 30 years of family history research and I hope this helps anyone doing similar Shandon-based research.

(Glossary: inst/instant means of the present month, relict means widow, ult/ultimo means of last month)

BIRTHS

GREENOCK ADVERTISER, TUESDAY 11TH APRIL 1848

At West Shandon, on the 1st instant, Mrs James Dunlop, of a son.

GREENOCK ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 20TH JULY 1849

At Lagbouie, Shandon, on the 10th instant, Mrs Turner, of a daughter

PAISLEY HERALD AND RENFREWSHIRE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER 1865

At the Free Manse, Shandon, on the 18th instant, the wife of the Rev A M MacCallum, a son

GLASGOW HERALD, WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 1879

MacKenzie – at West Shandon, on 23d inst., the wife of G R MacKenzie, a son

MARRIAGES

GLASGOW CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 1846

At Shandon, on the 20th inst., by the Rev John Laurie Fogo, of Row, Charles Wilson Browne, Esq., to Ellen, daughter of Walter Buchanan, Esq., of Shandon, Dumbartonshire

MONTROSE REVIEW, FRIDAY 31ST AUGUST 1849

Aug. 22 – at West Shandon, Dumbartonshire, William Rigby, Esq. of Portsmouth, to Jane, second daughter of Robert Napier, Esq. of Shandon, engineer, Glasgow

FALKIRK HERALD, THURSDAY 26TH JUNE 1851

At Helensburgh, on the 19th inst., Walter Buchanan, Esq., of Shandon, to Christina Laura, eldest daughter of James Smith, Esq., of Jordan Hill

CALEDONIAN MERCURY, MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 1852

At West Shandon, Dumbartonshire, on the 28th ult., Alexr. Hastie, Esq., MP for the CIty of Glasgow, to Anne, eldest daughter of Robert Napier, Esq, engineer, Glasgow

DUNDEE COURIER, FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 1891

At 16 Belhaven Terrace, Glasgow, on the 21st inst., by the Rev Alex Hislop, MA, of Helensburgh, assisted by the Rev Hugh Miller, MA, of Shandon, Walter T MacLellan, second son of the late Walter MacLellan of Blairvaddick, Dumbartonshire, to Jane Adair, only daughter of the late James Whyte, Wardfield, Helensburgh

DUNDEE COURIER, TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 1908

Neville – Hall – at the Anchorage, Row, Glasgow, on the 7th inst., by the Rev Hugh Miller, Shandon, Richard S Neville, Coatbridge, to Sarah Irvine, second daughter of the late James Hall, Row

Shandon Hydropathic Visitors

HELENSBURGH NEWS, THURSDAY 16TH DECEMBER 1880

SHANDON: SHANDON HYDROPATHIC LIST OF VISITORS

Glasgow – Mr David Ross, Mr Alfred Schmidt, Mrs Reid, Mr Reid jun., Mr W Gardiner, Mr W Aitken, Mrs Henderson, nurses, children, Mr Hugh Ewing, Mr R Anderson, Mr J H Henderson, jun., Mr James Reid, Mr James MacRitchie
Edinburgh – Mr Grant, Mr Robertson, Mr Hugh Rose
Aberdeen – Mr Milne, valet, Miss Ina Milne, Mr and Mrs Horne
Broughty Ferry – Mr W Mackenzie
Crieff – Mr and Mrs McCulloch
Kilmarnock – Mr J H Turner, Mr Sturrock
Tillicoultry – Mr Archibald
London – Miss Judd, Mr J H Mace, Mr J B Meers
Birkenhead – Mr Bayley, Miss Bayley
Manchester – Mr H Russell
Dublin – Miss Towers, Miss C Towers

Shandon in War Times

NORTHERN CHRONICLE AND GENERAL ADVERTISER FOR THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND, WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 1916

TWO ACHTERNEED BROTHERS GAIN THE MILITARY MEDAL

Last week we recorded the fact that Private Robert Mackenzie, Seaforths, son of Mr Alex Mackenzie, Burnside Cottage, Achterneed, had been awarded the Military Medal. This week we are able to announce that another of the four sons of Mr Mackenzie, who are servicing with the colours, has also been awarded the Military Medal. Pte. Archibald Mackenzie, Seaforths, who has earned this distinction, was employed as a gardener with Mr Carl Grebowsky at Linnburn, Shandon, when war broke out.

SUNDAY POST, SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 1964

NIGHT OF THE K13

Every year I make a pilgrimage to the Gareloch, where victims of the K13 submarine disaster are buried at Faslane Cemetery. The K13 sank with 81 men on January 29, 1917.

I was working then at Shandon Hydro, and we took in the 81 survivors who’d been trapped 54 hours in the sunken hull.

I’m 77 now, but still remember their weak smiles of thanks as we wrapped them in blankets and put them to bed.

Coming with me this year is one of those I helped 47 years ago. He’s Mr Glazebrooke, of London. Together we’ll lay flowers on the white stone memorial, remembering the 33 comrades who were lost that night.

Miss Elizabeth Shannan, 6 Main Street, Biggar.

Shandon Church Re-opening

HELENSBURGH NEWS – THURSDAY 14TH AUGUST 1884

SHANDON: FREE CHURCH

This Church was re-opened on Sunday, after having undergone a complete renovation.

The Church has been completely altered, and presents the appearance of quite a new building. The collection amounted to £30 7s 1d.

On Monday evening a soiree in connection with the re-opening took place, which was largely attended – the Rev Hugh Miller, MA, the respected pastor of the congregation, presiding. Tea was served in the schoolroom, after which an adjournment was made to the Church. Mr Miller, in his opening remarks, congratulated the congregation on the success of the re-opening, and spoke very highly of the services which has been rendered by the office-bearers in connection with the alterations. He referred in particular to Mr MacLellan of Blairvaddick, whose services had been invaluable.

Thereafter, speeches were delivered by the Rev Messrs McEwan, of Rosneath; Ireland, Garelochhead; Jubb, Luss; and Messrs Walter MacLellan, jun’. and J Kirkpatrick. Mr McEwan delivered a most interesting address on ‘Twenty five years on the Gareloch’ which was listened to with the closest attention. The other speakers were also cordially received, and delivered most appropriate speeches.

Quite a feature of the evening was the singing of the choir, under the leadership of Mr McCallum. The various pieces were well chosen and beautifully rendered. Votes of thanks to all those who had taken part brought a most pleasant evening to a close.

Shandon Property

GLASGOW HERALD, MONDAY 23RD MARCH 1846

For sale, by private bargain, that house, delightfully situated on the banks of the Gareloch, near Shandon ferry, and close to the Free Church there, and consisting of two flats -the upper containing parlour, three bed rooms, and kitchen, with concealed beds, water closet etc; and the lower containing parlour, two bed rooms, and kitchen, with water closet etc. The house has been substantially built and finished, and no expense has been spared that was necessary to render either flat comfortable as a residence, in particular, a copious supply of excellent water has been introduced into the premises at great expense.

The out houses consist of washing house, with boiler etc (water cranes having been introduced), stable, gig house, and coal cellars. Two meat safes are attached to the premises, and a shower bath is fitted up. There is a small garden attached to each flat.

The flats will be sold together or separately, as may suit purchasers. Feu duty upon the whole only £3 8s 6d.

Apply to Messrs Drew & McClare, writers, 15 Buchanan Street, Glasgow.

GLASGOW HERALD, MONDAY 2ND JULY 1849.

MARINE VILLA AND GROUNDS AT SHANDON, GARELOCH

For sale, by public roup.

There will be exposed for sale, by public roup, in the Royal Exchange Sale Rooms, here, on Wednesday the 15th day of July, next, at 2 o’clock afternoon.

The villa or cottage of Woodburn (belonging to the sequestrated estate of Mr George White) at Shandon, Gareloch, with the ground, one acre, two roods, and thirty perches or thereby, stable, coach house, and other offices, all as at present possessed by Alexander Abercrombie Esq.

The house is very commodious and finely situated, the offices of the best description, and the ground tastefully laid out.

For further particulars, apply to James Gourlay, Esq, Accountant, Princes Court, Robert Thonson Esq, Writer, Renfield Street; or Messrs C & R Baird & Muirhead, 24 Gordon Street, the latter of whom will shwo the title deeds and articles of roup.

Glasgow, 18th June , 1849.

Reverend Brodie moves to Shandon

WITNESS (EDINBURGH), WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 1844

On Thursday, the 21st instant, a meeting of the Free Presbytery of Irvine was held at Dalry. The case of the proposed translation of Mr Brodie from St Andrew’s congregation to Shandon, parish of Row, was brought forward, when there appeared two commissioners from the Presbytery of Dumbarton, and three members of the congregation at Shandon, and from St Andrews’ congregation, two members of the session, viz., John Arbuckle,Esq, and Dr John Thomson.

On the question being put by the clerk of the Presbytery, Dr Thomson rose and stated, that at a meeting of the congregation, held on the evening of the previous Monday, certain resolutions had been unanimously agreed to, which he begged to be allowed to read. These resolutions were to the effect, that after prayerful consideration of all the circumstances connected with the case, no opposition would be offered to Mr Brodie’s removal.

He then went on to pass a high eulogium on the character of Mr Brodie as a faithful and efficient pastor, and on the part of the congregation, not only expressed deep regret at parting with a pastor so much and so generally esteemed, but expressed the kindest wishes for his welfare in the new sphere of labour to which he was now so soon to be removed. Mr Brodie made a very feeling and appropriate reply, and seemed deeply affected. he said that nothing could ever have induced him to leave his congregation but the health of Mrs Brodie, who had for some time been in a very delicate state, and that from former experience of a residence at the sea side, he had every reason to believe that she would very much improve on being removed to Garelochside.