GLASGOW HERALD
25 MAY 1888
ARDROSSAN TO BELFAST – DAYLIGHT SERVICE
Some years ago Messrs G. & J. Burns kept up a daylight service between Ardrossan and Belfast by their fine S.S. BUZZARD. The time, however, allowed passengers in Belfast barely sufficed for the wants of businessmen, and was too limited for pleasure-seekers. But they are about to build swift steamers to conduct a daylight service between Ardrossan and Belfast in connection with the new Ayrshire & Lanarkshire Railway Company.
The service, it is expected, will begin early next summer.
Ardrossan - On This Day In History
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
WIKIPEDIA
26 MAY 1848
MURDER
A teenager, James Young, was murdered on or near Blackhill Road close to Fortacres, Gatehead, Parish of Dundonald, by JAMES McWHEELAN on Friday, 26 May, or the early hours of Saturday, 27 May, 1848.
McWheelan, probably 32 years of age, was Irish, from Dublin, and a gardener at Ardrossan for several years.
He was hanged at Ayr at 7 a.m. on Thursday, 26 October, 1848.
GLASGOW HERALD
27 OCTOBER 1848
EXECUTION
This is an abridged account of the execution at Ayr, yesterday, of James McWheelan, who was recently convicted of the murder and robbery of a young peasant lad named James Young, on a country road, a few miles from Kilmarnock: -
Until within a few days of his execution, McWheelan exhibited a very unsatisfactory state of mind. Brutalised by a life spent in flagrant sin and with debauched companions, and yet possessed of shrewdness and mental powers such as induced one who has often visited him to remark that “had he received a good education he might have turned out a most extraordinary character” – the unhappy man seems to have exerted himself to the utmost to beat off all that might have wrought upon him to repentance, and to nerve himself to brave out his fate to the last.
The melancholy cleverness with which he succeeded in parrying questions, as well as his ferocious demeanour when excited, rendered it necessary that the utmost tact should be used in conversation with him; and we are pleased to learn that nothing could surpass in this this respect, as well as in every other, the unwearied kindness and attention shown him by the Rev. Messrs Knox of the United Presbyterian Church, and Graham of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and by the Governor of the Prison, Mr McKissock, for whom the unfortunate man had formed a peculiar attachment.
About Sunday night last, after a long conversation with the Governor of the Prison, he became more softened, and since then he has evinced greater disposition to listen to the spiritual counsel so unweariedly tendered him.
On Tuesday last he was visited by a young woman with whom he had maintained a connection at Ardrossan. She was accompanied by Mr King of Ardrossan, their late master.
The meeting seemed to make a good deal of impression on McWheelan, and left him much agitated – though he tried several times to stop her grief by bidding her imitate him – “Did she not see how cheery he was?” – and attempted to avert speaking of more suitable subjects by giving a long account of what he called “his first fuddle.”
The woman, it is said, exhorted him to confess his crime, when his quick rejoinder was – “Ay! Who learned you to come up with that story? It’s strange everyone wants me to go to the scaffold with a lie in my mouth.”
On Wednesday forenoon, in the course of conversation with the Governor, he made a simple admission of his being guilty of the murder of James Young at Fortacres, though he would not enter upon any particulars.
He wished the girl, before alluded to, to be again sent for, when he said he would confess to her all his wickedness, and “what he had seen since the deed.” But as she had returned to Ardrossan, and most probably could not have been got in time, she was not sent for.
McWheelan was a Protestant, or rather, as he himself said, “If he could be anything at all, he was a Protestant by birth,” but his opinions were a mass of the most pernicious of the social and infidel class, which he had imbibed for the most part at a smithy in the north of Ayrshire, at which he had wrought for a considerable time as a hammerman, and where these destructive tenets had been industriously disseminated among the workmen. These maintained a strong hold on his mind till the very last. In the course of the argument, he would ask, if by the common creed the man who had committed three murders would be punished with three times the severity of him who had committed one – dwelling upon the number three – so that those who heard him were induced to suspect that this was not the only murder he had had a hand in.
These impious opinions were considerably modified during the last few days of his life.
As before his trial, McWheelan had attempted to commit suicide, and he constantly declared “he would not go to the scaffold a living man,” two keepers kept him close company.
During the time he was in court undergoing his trial, the small blade of a weavers’ scissors was found secreted in his room; and sometime afterwards a bent nail, the point of which he had managed to sharpen, was found in his bed.
Several books calculated to be useful to one in his situation, were supplied to him; but as he could with difficulty read, he got one or other of his attendants to read to him. He did not, however, seem to care for any except those which gave accounts of persons in his situation. When in these he would come to a conversation held by the clergyman with the criminal, he would often ask the reader to pass over that part.
What chiefly arrested his attention was generally the account of how the crime was committed, he would accompany the narrative with comments of his own, such as – “Ay, he ought not to have done that”; “he ought to have held his peace there,” and so on.
In connection with anything he heard read, his memory was truly wonderful. If he heard one of these pamphlets of several pages read but once, he would read it off nearly verbatim.
The scaffold was erected during the night, and the magistrates and authorities met about quarter past seven o’clock, and at that time repaired to one of the day rooms of the prison, where Rev. Messrs Graham and Knox had been engaged with the prisoner in spiritual exercises. The prisoner took no rest that night at all.
Mr Graham, at the prisoner’s request, delivered a most earnest prayer on behalf of the unfortunate man; and having been previously pinioned, he was then brought out to the scaffold.
In passing through the prison yard pinioned, he walked with a firm gait, much more cool and composed to appearance, than any of his attendants or even any of the group of authorities and others, whose unpleasant duty it was to witness his last moments.
We were very much struck with the prisoner’s personal appearance. In height, he might be 5 feet 10 inches, apparently 38 years of age, though in reality 32. His forehead seemed ample and white, with jet-black hair and bushy whiskers, swarthy Italian-like complexion and visage, with large lambent black eyes, and a voice remarkable for its full deep rich tones. His person was very muscular and well knit.
In short, he appeared a peculiar man in every respect, and possessed, even in his black clothes and subdued position, very much the aspect of a powerful Italian brigand.
As the authorities and others waited in the outer court, it might be supposed the poor man would quail before so many strangers as he advanced, but we never saw so complete a picture of indomitable resolution and perfect composure. His gait was erect and unawed in the slightest degree, as in calm accents, unmarred by the slightest agitation of nerve or muscle, he shook hands with the Governor and his attendants, and said generally to all present – “I bear anger at no man; I owe no man any ill will; Fare-ye-well.” These were his last words to his fellow creatures in this world, and he walked to the door of the prison, ascended the scaffold and stood with some stoical firmness, without uttering a word till the venerable executioner adjusted the rope, and drew the cap over his face.
The wretched criminal then with a calm but firm and melodious voice, which floated in whispers along the crowd, prayed fervently to be reconciled with God, in the course of which could be distinctly heard such sentences as, “Lord take me to thyself; Oh Lord do not let my guilty soul die in sin.”
Most poor creatures on such occasions require to be supported on ascending the scaffold, but in this instance, prayer without dropping the handkerchief or shifting his position in the least degree, was continued for thirty minutes, when the magistrates passed the signal to the executioner, who drew the bolt, and the unfortunate victim was launched into eternity.
His struggles at first were not great, but strong convulsions continued for several minutes.
The crowd was great, numbering fully as many women and children as men, and embracing many strangers from considerable distances.
The proceedings were conducted, however, with marked order, the Sheriff Substitute, Magistrates, and Council, and a body of special constables being present, while a detachment of Yeomanry protected the scaffold.
After hanging the usual time, the body was cut down, to be buried in the precincts of the prison, and the crowd, which only once indicated any feeling by “a groan,” quietly dispersed.
26 MAY 1848
MURDER
A teenager, James Young, was murdered on or near Blackhill Road close to Fortacres, Gatehead, Parish of Dundonald, by JAMES McWHEELAN on Friday, 26 May, or the early hours of Saturday, 27 May, 1848.
McWheelan, probably 32 years of age, was Irish, from Dublin, and a gardener at Ardrossan for several years.
He was hanged at Ayr at 7 a.m. on Thursday, 26 October, 1848.
GLASGOW HERALD
27 OCTOBER 1848
EXECUTION
This is an abridged account of the execution at Ayr, yesterday, of James McWheelan, who was recently convicted of the murder and robbery of a young peasant lad named James Young, on a country road, a few miles from Kilmarnock: -
Until within a few days of his execution, McWheelan exhibited a very unsatisfactory state of mind. Brutalised by a life spent in flagrant sin and with debauched companions, and yet possessed of shrewdness and mental powers such as induced one who has often visited him to remark that “had he received a good education he might have turned out a most extraordinary character” – the unhappy man seems to have exerted himself to the utmost to beat off all that might have wrought upon him to repentance, and to nerve himself to brave out his fate to the last.
The melancholy cleverness with which he succeeded in parrying questions, as well as his ferocious demeanour when excited, rendered it necessary that the utmost tact should be used in conversation with him; and we are pleased to learn that nothing could surpass in this this respect, as well as in every other, the unwearied kindness and attention shown him by the Rev. Messrs Knox of the United Presbyterian Church, and Graham of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and by the Governor of the Prison, Mr McKissock, for whom the unfortunate man had formed a peculiar attachment.
About Sunday night last, after a long conversation with the Governor of the Prison, he became more softened, and since then he has evinced greater disposition to listen to the spiritual counsel so unweariedly tendered him.
On Tuesday last he was visited by a young woman with whom he had maintained a connection at Ardrossan. She was accompanied by Mr King of Ardrossan, their late master.
The meeting seemed to make a good deal of impression on McWheelan, and left him much agitated – though he tried several times to stop her grief by bidding her imitate him – “Did she not see how cheery he was?” – and attempted to avert speaking of more suitable subjects by giving a long account of what he called “his first fuddle.”
The woman, it is said, exhorted him to confess his crime, when his quick rejoinder was – “Ay! Who learned you to come up with that story? It’s strange everyone wants me to go to the scaffold with a lie in my mouth.”
On Wednesday forenoon, in the course of conversation with the Governor, he made a simple admission of his being guilty of the murder of James Young at Fortacres, though he would not enter upon any particulars.
He wished the girl, before alluded to, to be again sent for, when he said he would confess to her all his wickedness, and “what he had seen since the deed.” But as she had returned to Ardrossan, and most probably could not have been got in time, she was not sent for.
McWheelan was a Protestant, or rather, as he himself said, “If he could be anything at all, he was a Protestant by birth,” but his opinions were a mass of the most pernicious of the social and infidel class, which he had imbibed for the most part at a smithy in the north of Ayrshire, at which he had wrought for a considerable time as a hammerman, and where these destructive tenets had been industriously disseminated among the workmen. These maintained a strong hold on his mind till the very last. In the course of the argument, he would ask, if by the common creed the man who had committed three murders would be punished with three times the severity of him who had committed one – dwelling upon the number three – so that those who heard him were induced to suspect that this was not the only murder he had had a hand in.
These impious opinions were considerably modified during the last few days of his life.
As before his trial, McWheelan had attempted to commit suicide, and he constantly declared “he would not go to the scaffold a living man,” two keepers kept him close company.
During the time he was in court undergoing his trial, the small blade of a weavers’ scissors was found secreted in his room; and sometime afterwards a bent nail, the point of which he had managed to sharpen, was found in his bed.
Several books calculated to be useful to one in his situation, were supplied to him; but as he could with difficulty read, he got one or other of his attendants to read to him. He did not, however, seem to care for any except those which gave accounts of persons in his situation. When in these he would come to a conversation held by the clergyman with the criminal, he would often ask the reader to pass over that part.
What chiefly arrested his attention was generally the account of how the crime was committed, he would accompany the narrative with comments of his own, such as – “Ay, he ought not to have done that”; “he ought to have held his peace there,” and so on.
In connection with anything he heard read, his memory was truly wonderful. If he heard one of these pamphlets of several pages read but once, he would read it off nearly verbatim.
The scaffold was erected during the night, and the magistrates and authorities met about quarter past seven o’clock, and at that time repaired to one of the day rooms of the prison, where Rev. Messrs Graham and Knox had been engaged with the prisoner in spiritual exercises. The prisoner took no rest that night at all.
Mr Graham, at the prisoner’s request, delivered a most earnest prayer on behalf of the unfortunate man; and having been previously pinioned, he was then brought out to the scaffold.
In passing through the prison yard pinioned, he walked with a firm gait, much more cool and composed to appearance, than any of his attendants or even any of the group of authorities and others, whose unpleasant duty it was to witness his last moments.
We were very much struck with the prisoner’s personal appearance. In height, he might be 5 feet 10 inches, apparently 38 years of age, though in reality 32. His forehead seemed ample and white, with jet-black hair and bushy whiskers, swarthy Italian-like complexion and visage, with large lambent black eyes, and a voice remarkable for its full deep rich tones. His person was very muscular and well knit.
In short, he appeared a peculiar man in every respect, and possessed, even in his black clothes and subdued position, very much the aspect of a powerful Italian brigand.
As the authorities and others waited in the outer court, it might be supposed the poor man would quail before so many strangers as he advanced, but we never saw so complete a picture of indomitable resolution and perfect composure. His gait was erect and unawed in the slightest degree, as in calm accents, unmarred by the slightest agitation of nerve or muscle, he shook hands with the Governor and his attendants, and said generally to all present – “I bear anger at no man; I owe no man any ill will; Fare-ye-well.” These were his last words to his fellow creatures in this world, and he walked to the door of the prison, ascended the scaffold and stood with some stoical firmness, without uttering a word till the venerable executioner adjusted the rope, and drew the cap over his face.
The wretched criminal then with a calm but firm and melodious voice, which floated in whispers along the crowd, prayed fervently to be reconciled with God, in the course of which could be distinctly heard such sentences as, “Lord take me to thyself; Oh Lord do not let my guilty soul die in sin.”
Most poor creatures on such occasions require to be supported on ascending the scaffold, but in this instance, prayer without dropping the handkerchief or shifting his position in the least degree, was continued for thirty minutes, when the magistrates passed the signal to the executioner, who drew the bolt, and the unfortunate victim was launched into eternity.
His struggles at first were not great, but strong convulsions continued for several minutes.
The crowd was great, numbering fully as many women and children as men, and embracing many strangers from considerable distances.
The proceedings were conducted, however, with marked order, the Sheriff Substitute, Magistrates, and Council, and a body of special constables being present, while a detachment of Yeomanry protected the scaffold.
After hanging the usual time, the body was cut down, to be buried in the precincts of the prison, and the crowd, which only once indicated any feeling by “a groan,” quietly dispersed.
Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
26 MAY 1870
DEATH
At Barr Square, Ardrossan, on the 24th instant, Mary Fleck, wife of Robert Carson.
26 MAY 1870
DEATH
At Barr Square, Ardrossan, on the 24th instant, Mary Fleck, wife of Robert Carson.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
27 MAY 1872
DEATH
At Chapelhill, Ardrossan, on the 23rd instant, Robert Hunter, Esquire, farmer.
27 MAY 1872
DEATH
At Chapelhill, Ardrossan, on the 23rd instant, Robert Hunter, Esquire, farmer.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
27 MAY 1905
ARDROSSAN WATER SUPPLY
The new Busbie Muir Reservoir, constructed to provide an additional supply of water for the burgh of Ardrossan, was formally opened yesterday by Provost Young.
The ceremony was performed in a downpour of rain, and only members of the Town Council and those directly interested in the works were present.
After the ceremony, the contractor, Mr James Urquhart, presented a handsome silver fruit bowl to Provost Young as a souvenir of the occasion.
The reservoir, which cost upward of £15,000 is calculated to hold between 70 and 80 million gallons of water. The engineer was Mr W. R. Copland, Glasgow.
27 MAY 1905
ARDROSSAN WATER SUPPLY
The new Busbie Muir Reservoir, constructed to provide an additional supply of water for the burgh of Ardrossan, was formally opened yesterday by Provost Young.
The ceremony was performed in a downpour of rain, and only members of the Town Council and those directly interested in the works were present.
After the ceremony, the contractor, Mr James Urquhart, presented a handsome silver fruit bowl to Provost Young as a souvenir of the occasion.
The reservoir, which cost upward of £15,000 is calculated to hold between 70 and 80 million gallons of water. The engineer was Mr W. R. Copland, Glasgow.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
CASUALTY OF WAR
27 MAY 1918
Died on service, JOHN HARVEY, Driver, Service No. 134089, Royal Horse Artillery – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born at Ardrossan; enlisted at Ardrossan.
27 MAY 1918
Died on service, JOHN HARVEY, Driver, Service No. 134089, Royal Horse Artillery – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born at Ardrossan; enlisted at Ardrossan.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
CASUALTY OF WAR
28 MAY 1918
Died on Service, Private JOSEPH DOWNIE, Service No. 21869, Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, India – born at Ardrossan; Enlisted at Paisley; Resident of West Kilbride.
28 MAY 1918
Died on Service, Private JOSEPH DOWNIE, Service No. 21869, Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, India – born at Ardrossan; Enlisted at Paisley; Resident of West Kilbride.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
28 MAY 1928
REVIEW OF NORTH AYRSHIRE BOYS’ BRIGADE COMPANIES
The first annual review of the North Ayrshire companies of the Boys’ Brigade took place at Winton Park, Ardrossan, on Saturday afternoon.
Seven companies (Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Kilwinning, Irvine, West Kilbride, and Millport) comprising about 360 officers and boys paraded at South Beach and marched to the park.
The inspection officer was Lieutenant-General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.P., and he complimented the boys on their appearance and work.
Miss Beckett, Glenfoot, presented the prizes.
28 MAY 1928
REVIEW OF NORTH AYRSHIRE BOYS’ BRIGADE COMPANIES
The first annual review of the North Ayrshire companies of the Boys’ Brigade took place at Winton Park, Ardrossan, on Saturday afternoon.
Seven companies (Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Kilwinning, Irvine, West Kilbride, and Millport) comprising about 360 officers and boys paraded at South Beach and marched to the park.
The inspection officer was Lieutenant-General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.P., and he complimented the boys on their appearance and work.
Miss Beckett, Glenfoot, presented the prizes.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
29 MAY 1888
ARDROSSAN – NARROW ESCAPE OF A BOATING PARTY
On Sunday three young men – Messrs WRATHO, ALAN WILSON and H. A. CAFFIN, civil engineers, in the employment of Lawson & Company, new dock contractors, left Ardrossan Harbour, in a small boat on a pleasure excursion.
Having got outside the Horse Island the easterly wind freshened to a gale, and it was found impracticable to boat back to the harbour, so that they had to run before the breeze, heading for Lamlash Bay, which was reach after a very perilous passage across the Firth. The frail boat shipped some very heavy seas, and the occupants on several occasions narrowly escaped being thrown into the water.
The people of Lamlash showed them every kindness, and yesterday morning the trio arrived safely at Ardrossan on board the passenger steamer SCOTIA.
29 MAY 1888
ARDROSSAN – NARROW ESCAPE OF A BOATING PARTY
On Sunday three young men – Messrs WRATHO, ALAN WILSON and H. A. CAFFIN, civil engineers, in the employment of Lawson & Company, new dock contractors, left Ardrossan Harbour, in a small boat on a pleasure excursion.
Having got outside the Horse Island the easterly wind freshened to a gale, and it was found impracticable to boat back to the harbour, so that they had to run before the breeze, heading for Lamlash Bay, which was reach after a very perilous passage across the Firth. The frail boat shipped some very heavy seas, and the occupants on several occasions narrowly escaped being thrown into the water.
The people of Lamlash showed them every kindness, and yesterday morning the trio arrived safely at Ardrossan on board the passenger steamer SCOTIA.
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GLASGOW HERALD
29 MAY 1879
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF HAMILTON
The Duke and Duchess of Hamilton arrived at Brodick Castle on Tuesday night per the steamer BRODICK CASTLE from Ardrossan.
Their Graces will sail in a few days by Messrs Burns’s steamer MASTIFF for a tour of Iceland.
29 MAY 1879
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF HAMILTON
The Duke and Duchess of Hamilton arrived at Brodick Castle on Tuesday night per the steamer BRODICK CASTLE from Ardrossan.
Their Graces will sail in a few days by Messrs Burns’s steamer MASTIFF for a tour of Iceland.
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GLASGOW HERALD
30 MAY 1873
ARDROSSAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Arrangements, we believe, have, with the sanction of the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, been made for Episcopal services being held in the Town Hall, Ardrossan, every Sunday during the months of June, July, August, and September.
The Rev. George Lakeman, B.A., Trinity College, Dublin, curate of St. Andrew’s Church, Liverpool, will officiate during June.
30 MAY 1873
ARDROSSAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Arrangements, we believe, have, with the sanction of the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, been made for Episcopal services being held in the Town Hall, Ardrossan, every Sunday during the months of June, July, August, and September.
The Rev. George Lakeman, B.A., Trinity College, Dublin, curate of St. Andrew’s Church, Liverpool, will officiate during June.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History
GLASGOW HERALD
30 MAY 1874
VESSEL SPOKEN
The BREMNER, of Ardrossan, May 25, 16 miles W.S.W. off Tory Island.
30 MAY 1874
VESSEL SPOKEN
The BREMNER, of Ardrossan, May 25, 16 miles W.S.W. off Tory Island.
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