Saltcoats - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
25 MARCH 1869

DEATH

At Raise Street, Saltcoats, on the 23rd instant, John Fullerton.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
26 MARCH 1916

Died on service by accidental drowning at Boulogne, Private THOMAS DALE, (43), 6th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – husband of Catherine Wilson, Saltcoats, and son of George and Margaret Crossley Dale, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Private THOMAS DALE, 6th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, whose death by accident we recorded last week, was a native of Saltcoats, and resided at 20 Manse Street. He was a miner, and for many years was employed in Auchenharvie Colliery. He was 43 years of age, and leaves a wife and seven children.”

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GLASGOW HERALD
27 MARCH 1884

DEATH OF DOCTOR ROBERT WALLACE

Many of our readers will regret to hear that this gentleman has just passed away.

Deceased was born in Glasgow in the year 1809, so that he had attained the age of 75.

He studied in Glasgow University, and at the age of 20, in 1829, graduated in Edinburgh.

At that period he came to Saltcoats as assistant to Doctor Henry, son of the late parish minister, whose practice he ultimately purchased.

He remained in Saltcoats till the year 1867, and during that period he contrived to secure an excellent practice.

When in that town he took an active interest in all local affairs which were calculated to elevate the tastes of the community. He was the moving spirit in organising an excellent Philharmonic Association. He also devoted a great deal of time and attention to the formation of a Mechanics’ Institute and a debating and literary society, and frequently delivered popular lectures to the members.

He was also superintendent of the Sabbath School connected with the Parish Church, then under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr Bryce.

After removing to Ardrossan in 1871 his increased practice demanded a greater portion of his time, and though he was unable to take a prominent part in public affairs he never ceased to take an intelligent interest in them.

Failing health compelled him some five years ago to relinquish a great deal of his professional work.

Doctor Wallace held the position of medical officer for Ardrossan burgh, and his reports were prepared with great care.

He leaves a widow and grown-up family, his eldest son being a medical practitioner in Saltcoats.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
27 MARCH 1916

Died on service, Private DANIEL FOX, Service No. 5515, 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – enlisted at Saltcoats.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
28 MARCH 1918

Died on service, Private HUGH PETER McCAFFERTY, (33), 11th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – husband of Isabella Dunholm McCafferty, 2 Gladstone Road, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Word has been received of the death of Private Hugh McCafferty, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Private McCafferty was employed in the office of Messrs A. Wallace & Son, printers, and was well known in the town. He was connected with St. Andrew’s Church, Ardrossan.

Joining the army in 1916, he went to the front last year.

He is survived by a wife and three children. His mother resides at Burns Statue Square, Ayr, and has two more sons on service, one in France and one in Egypt.

Private McCafferty is the first member of the Ardrossan branch of the Scottish Typographical Association known to have fallen in action.”

In a letter to his widow an officer of the regiment writes: -

“It is with deep regret I have to announce to you the death of your husband, Private H. McCafferty, in action on the 28th March. He was not only one of the best men in the platoon, but one of the best men in the company. He was cool and shrewd, and a good example to other men. During the heavy bombardment on the morning of 28th March he went about his duties in a wonderful fashion. It may be poor consolation to you in your grief, but your husband in giving his life for his home and country, has done the greatest thing a man can do.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you in your present trouble, and I trust God will give you great strength to help you bear your burden, because at this time the woman’s battle is really the hardest.”

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CASUALTY OF WAR
28 MARCH 1918

Died on Service, Private ROBERT McEWAN, (22), Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of Mr Robert and Mrs Sarah McEwan, 22 Parkend Road, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Word has been received that Private Robert McEwan, Royal Scots Fusiliers, son of Mr and Mrs Robert McEwan, 22 Parkend Road, Saltcoats, was killed in action on 28th March.

Private McEwan, who was 22 years of age, has been about 9 months at the front, and was home on his first and last leave on 19th March. He was just newly back to the fighting line when he was killed.

He was previously employed in the Cordite Department, Nobel’s Factory, and was well liked by the workers. He was a member of the Sons of Temperance Society.

Genuine sympathy goes out to his family.”

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GLASGOW HERALD
29 MARCH 1876

DEATH

At Canal Street, Saltcoats, on the 27th instant, James McCallum, aged 76 years.

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GLASGOW HERALD
30 MARCH 1894

SALTCOATS - CELEBRATION OF GOLDEN WEDDINGS

Last night ex-Bailie and Mrs Campbell celebrated their golden wedding at their residence in Raise Street. The interesting gathering was an exclusively family one, and included their three sons and daughter, grandchildren and relatives from a distance.

Mr and Mrs Campbell were presented with their portraits and numerous valuable gifts.

Mr and Mrs John Anderson, Hamilton Street, were entertained to supper by the Free Gardeners in the hall of the Saracen's Head Hotel, to celebrate their golden wedding.

Mr R Brown presided, and there was a large attendance of relatives and well-wishers of the worthy couple.

The Free Gardeners presented each of them with a pair of gold spectacles, and numerous gifts were given by other friends.

A pleasant evening was spent.

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GLASGOW HERALD
31 MARCH 1906

LATEST WILLS

The inventories of personal estate recently lodged with the Sheriff Clerk at Kilmarnock included the following: -

JAMES HOGG, Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Edinburgh, sometime residing at 6 Springvale Place, Saltcoats, and latterly at the Royal Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats (including heritage), £4231 14s 2d.

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GLASGOW HERALD
1 APRIL 1839

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

On Monday evening last two men attempted to force their way into the manse of the Rev. JOHN BRYCE, at Saltcoats, but the Rev. Gentleman, being on the alert, seized a horse pistol, and undauntedly issuing out of doors, attacked the fellows, felled one of them to the ground, and broke the butt-end of it over the arm of the other.

The robbers, on receiving such an unlooked for reception, beat their retreat, leaving the spirited clergyman in undisputed possession of the field.

A number of loose and disorderly characters have been observed in the vicinity of Saltcoats of late, and it is to be feared that other outrages may be attempted.

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GLASGOW HERALD
2 APRIL 1875

DEATH

At St. Marnock’s Building, Eglinton Street, Saltcoats, on the 28th ultimo, aged 62 years, Mary Ann Young, relict of John Wilson, plasterer.

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GLASGOW HERALD
4 APRIL 1917

SHOOTING ACCIDENT AT SALTCOATS

On Monday afternoon three men were out shooting with a rifle on the highway between Saltcoats and Dalry. The rifle was accidentally fired, and the shot struck DAVID SLOAN, (24), dynamite worker, Townhead Street, Stevenston, in the stomach.

Medical aid was summoned, and Doctor Gilmour after examination had the man removed to Kilmarnock Infirmary.