Mary Heaney of Hamilton
Mary was born at 2am on Thursday, 15 December 1892, at 38 Stirling Street, Renton, Dumbarton. She was the seventh child of Hugh Heaney and Mary Ann Mulholland who married in Glasgow on Friday, 23 October 1885. Mary’s father registered her birth on 29 December 1892. The Registrar was William Frame.
Mary had a son, Hugh, born at 8.50pm on 13 January 1911, at 126 Glasgow Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Mary registered the birth on 3 February 1911. She was a Farm Servant. No father’s name registered. The Registrar was Gavin Frame. Mary was the second daughter so named, the older Mary having died young. Mary’s mother died on Saturday, 14 March 1896, when Mary was three years old. Her father remarried on Friday, 18 June 1897. Mary worked with her sister, Sarah, as a Farm Servant on the Isle of Arran, from the age of 13 until her marriage to John Strachan.
Hugh was living with his mother and stepfather, John Strachan, at 71 Beckford Street in 1915 when John re-enlisted in the KOSBs as a reservist in 1914. Hugh went to live with his grandfather's stepbrother, Archibald McCallum in Glasgow, when his mother had a serious illness.
Hugh had several criminal convictions, theft included. He served at least one term in prison – 18 months in Preston, Lancashire in 1932/3.
Hugh married Eileen Anne Aldridge (nee Mills) on 12 December 1970, in Newbury, Berkshire. Both gave their status as widowers. Hugh gave his occupation as Scriptwriter. Eileen was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in the September quarter of 1914. Her father was George Mills and her mother's maiden name was Bridge.
Hugh died in Newbury, Berkshire on 4 March 2002. His step-son, Philip James Aldridge registered the death (born June quarter of 1936 in Portsmouth). Cause of death was Bronchopneumonia, Cancer of lung and peripheral arterial disease. You can discover more about Hugh by clicking HERE.
John Strachan married secondly, Mary Heaney, on Friday, 30 June 1911, at 72 Donaldson Street, Burnbank, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. John’s address was 88 Beckford Street, Hamilton, and Mary’s address was 36 George Street, Burnbank, Hamilton. John gave his age as 36 years (he was 42). Mary was 18 years old (19 on marriage certificate), James Frame (Asst Registrar). John’s parents were both deceased. Mary’s father, Hugh Heaney was living. Her mother, Mary Mulholland, was deceased. You can read more about John's 1st wife Catherine McCarron by clicking HERE.
John Strachan died, aged 67, at 6.55pm, on Saturday, 30 May 1936, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. The cause was “Probable Cardiac Failure”, as certified by Archibald McEwan MB ChB. He was buried on 2 June 1936, at the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with his son, Archie (born 5 November 1928, died 13 April 1929, of Bronchitis and Bronchopneumonia 2 days, aged five months). Later burials in this grave (No: 3367) were John’s son, James (born 8 December 1926, who died at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, on 15 February 1939 of Peritonitis associated with Appendicitis, aged 12 years), John’s daughter, Margaret Black (nee Strachan) who died on 2 May 1949, of Coal Gas Poisoning, aged 20, born on 5 November 1928 - Archie’s twin, and the two infant daughters of John’s daughter, Martha (Mat) and her husband, James McCarroll, Mary Strachan (Maureen) and Rose McCarroll.
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Following John Strachan’s death in 1936, Mary remarried on Friday, 19 March 1943. Her second husband was David Telford
Mary and David married at South Manse, Hollandbush, Hamilton.
South Parish Church, Hollandbush, Hamilton
Below: Rev John Pollock
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David was 42, a bachelor and a Colliery Oncostman of 33 School Street, Hamilton. His parents were James and Mary Telford (nee Earley). David was born in Dalgety, Fife, on Thursday, 29 November 1900 at 6am. Mary was 50 (47 on Marriage Certificate), a Canteen Worker of 24 Neilsland Street, Fairhill, Hamilton. The Minister was Rev John Pollock, the witnesses were James McKay and Isobel Strachan (wife of Mary’s eldest son, Peter).
There were no children of this marriage.
David (Davey) Telford died of a Coronary on Monday, 5 January 1948, in Hamilton. Death certificate records him as aged 46, but he was 47.
Mary Heany's father-in-law David Telford with her brother-in-law James Telford standing at the grave of Mary's daughter Margaret Strachan Black . Bent Cemetery 1949
Mary Heaney with Jim McCarroll and Rena McCarroll
Shortly after the death of her daughter, Margaret, in May 1949, Mary Telford formerly Strachan (nee Heaney) left Hamilton to live in Canada with her son, Peter, and his family. She sailed on the “Aquitania”.
However, she was unable to settle and returned a few weeks later. She sailed back on the “Franconia” which arrived in Liverpool, via New York, Halifax and Cobh, on 6 March 1950. She lived for a time at 33 School Street, Fairhill, Hamilton, with her father-in-law before settling into her own home at 201 Low Waters Road, Hamilton which sat on the edge of Warren Road.
Mary died of stomach cancer, at 5.50pm on Thursday, 2 January 1958, in the Law Hospital, Carluke, Lanarkshire. She was aged 65. On the night of Mary's death, Rena McCarroll took her young brother Jack (my father) and her young sister Margaret to the telephone box on Whitehill Road to call the hospital for news of their granny, only to be told she had died. The funeral cars left from 13 Abbotsford Road, Whitehill, Hamilton. Her daughter Martha McCarroll never drank alcohol but on this day she had a gin and orange to try and ease her grief. Mary is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, where her grandson, Jim McCarroll joined her in 1997.
John Strachan and Mary Heaney had ten children :
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1. Peter Strachan
Peter was born at 4.30am on Sunday, 31 March 1912, at 80 Donaldson Street, Hamilton. His father registered the birth on 15 April 1912. The Registrar was Gavin Frame.
Peter married Isobel Morrison on Friday, 3 June 1932. Isobel was born on Sunday, 19 December 1909 in the Larkhall area of Lanarkshire. She was the daughter of John and Isabella Morrison (nee Cunningham).
Peter and Isobel lived for a time in Govan, Glasgow, before the bombing of Clydebank in the Second World War. Peter was serving in the Army and Isobel returned to live in Hamilton with their two sons.
Isobel died on Sunday, 16 October 1988, in Oxnard, California, aged 78. She is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton.
Peter served in Royal Artillery during Second World War (North Africa, Middle East and Italy). On his return from Active Service he had a small grocery business in Brandon Street, Hamilton.
Peter Strachan
Peter and his family emigrated to Canada in January 1949, sailing from Southampton to Halifax, Nova Scotia. They later moving to California. He had real estate and shoe retail businesses.
Peter and Isobel returned often to Hamilton. Isobel made her first return to Scotland in November 1956 with her two youngest children, Andrew and Isobel, sailing from Montreal to Greenock on the “Ivernia”.
Isabel Strachan with son Andrew, Quarry Street, Hamilton
Peter and Isobel had four children:
- John Strachan
John was born at 2am on Friday, 2 September 1932, at Beckford Lodge Maternity Home, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth on 7 September 1932, and their usual address was 39 High Patrick Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
John married Kathleen Rice in 1955. Kathleen was born in Richmond, North Yorkshire, on 12 October 1934. Kathleen the daughter of Owen and Susan Rice (nee Hetherington).
John and Kathleen made their home in Glendale, California, USA. John had a garage business in Glendale.
John and Kathleen became naturalised US citizens on 12 April 1975 in Los Angeles.
John died in California, on Friday, 15 September 2000, following a stroke.
John visited Scotland in August 2000 as a Piper taking part in a Pipe Band Competition. He visited his family in Hamilton during that time. Kathleen died in California in summer of 2014.
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John & Kathy had five children:
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- Lesley Karen Strachan (Born 3 April 1957). Married Douglas Nolan Truax (Born 20 November 1955) in California on 23 August 1980. Douglas the son of Robert and Myretta Truax (nee Ludwag). Douglas died on 27 April 2001 aged 45. Lesley and Douglas had four children: Bryan Paul (born 5 November 1982), Colin Robert (born 13 October 1985, Lindsay Kathleen and Kelly Jane (born 5 April 1991). Lindsay married Taylor Leos and they have a daughter, Presley Kathleen, born in 2013.
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- John James Strachan (Born 17 August 1959). Married Valerie Kay Roberts.. One son: Shane Thomas (born 11 August 1991)
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- Steven Glenn Strachan (Born 14 July 1962). Married Victoria Frances Taylor. Their children are: Taylor Alexander (born 30 June 1994) Kathleen and William. Steven and Victoria divorced and Steven married secondly, Linda Marquez
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- Kimberly Anne Strachan (Born 18 May 1965). Married Paul Bernard Wargo. Their children: Daniel Joseph (born 8 September 1989) and Jackson Paul (born 5 August 1992)
- Alison Marie Strachan (Born 3 July 1972). Married James Bowers.
Kimberly Strachan & Paul Wargo
Peter was born at 6.20pm on Friday, 19 October 1934, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, the home of his paternal grandparents. His mother registered the birth on 2 November 1934. The usual family address was 40 Uist Street, Govan, Glasgow. The Registrar was James Frame. Peter married firstly, Jean Howitt in 1956. One son: Scot Andrew (Born 3 May 1957). Married Mary DeJesus Garcia on 23 December 1980.
Peter married secondly, Sharon Louise Webb in Los Angeles, California, USA on 18 September 1970. Sharon was born on 5 February 1938 in Indiana, USA. No children of this marriage. They lived in Sacramento, California, USA for some time but currently live in Florida. Peter was an Entertainer.
- Andrew Edward (Drew) Strachan
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Drew was born at 11.30pm on Tuesday, 17 September 1946, at 42 Miller Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth on 21 September 1946. Drew married Deborah Diane Hunter on 25 November 1972. Deborah was born on 10 November 1947. Andrew and Deborah divorced. Children of Deborah’s first marriage are: Michelle Ryan (born 25 September 1965). Married Michael Fiegum and their children are: Bryce Allen Fiegum (born 7 November 1990) and Hayle Mary Fiegum (date of birth unknown) and Edward Anthony Ryan (born 25 December 1967). Married Angela Diane Blacklock (born 11 December 1965). Their children are: Steven Ryan(born 28 April 1994) Margaret Sarah Ryan (born 21 March 1996)
Drew and Deborah’s children are: Andrew Jason Strachan (born 16 May 1975) Amy Nicole Strachan (born 9 March 1978)
Isobel & Andy Strachan with parents Isobel and Peter Strachan
- Isobel Morrison Strachan
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Isobel was born at 0.30am on Thursday, 26 February 1948, at 42 Miller Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth the same day. Isobel married John Stanley (born 11 December 1945) on 24 February 1967 in North Augusta, Carolina.
Their children are:
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- Dee Ann Stanley (born 24 June 1969). Married James Allan Laue (born 5 October 1967) on 25 July 1992. They have two sons: Dalton (born 27 November 1997) and Brandon (born 1999)
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- Erik David Stanley (born 20 November 1971). Married Martha Torres. Two children: Isaac Stanley and Ian Stanley
Peter remarried following Isobel’s death. His second wife was Barbara Boyce (nee Kean), widow of Hugh Boyce. They married on Saturday, 1 September 1990, in Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Barbara was born on Saturday, 11 June 1921.
Back Row L to R: Jack McCarroll, Lily Grove, Kate McCarroll, Eddie Cox
Front Row L to R: Martha McCarroll, Peter Strachan, Barbara Strachan, Rose Cox
Peter died of Coronary Heart Disease on Monday 11 July 1994, in Rothesay. He is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with his first wife, Isobel Morrison. Barbara Strachan died on 23 January 2009 aged 87 in USA.
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2. Rose Strachan
Rose was born on 17 July 1913, at 69 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
She lived at the family home in Hamilton and worked in the Burnbank Boltworks with her sister Martha, whom she was especially close to.
Burnbank Boltworks Martha and Rose Strachan
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Rose Cox (nee Strachan)
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Rose married Bernard Cox at St Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Hamilton, on 31 December 1936. The witnesses were John Allan and Helen Heaney who was Rose's cousin.
Bernard Cox was born on 16 January 1912 at 10 New Wynd in Hamilton. At the time of his marriage to Rose he lived with his mother at 11 Postgate, Hamilton
Postgate, Hamilton 1910
Life in Hamilton was tough for the newlyweds. They first lived with Bernard's parents at Postgate, Hamilton before moving to Hillside Crescent, Hamilton. General work was hard to find in the 1930's and Bernard worked as a labourer, finding work where he could. He had promised his mother faithfully that he would not take a job working in the mines. His mother had lost her first husband, Thomas Tait, to a mining accident when he was crushed to death in a mine shaft. She could not bare the thought of losing her son in a similar manner. Bernard took work in the Hamilton brickworks but soon heard of a new opportunity in Corby, England. In 1937 he left Rose, baby Mary and the town of Hamilton behind and he and a friend began walking to Corby (just over 200 miles) They hitchhiked along the way and walked where they had to, slept in fields and sheltered from the elements when they could. Eventually they reached their destination and were both successful in securing employment (and homes) in the new Stewarts & Lloyds Iron and Steel Works Plant.
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Later in October 1937 Rose and baby Mary travelled by train to Northamptonshire to join Bernard at their new home 94 Studfall Avenue, Corby.
​Stewarts & Lloyds Iron and Steel makers was created in 1903 by the amalgamation of two of the largest iron and steel makers in Britain, A. & J. Stewart & Menzies Ltd, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland and Lloyd & Lloyd Ltd, Birmingham, England. Their headquarters were at 41 Oswald Street in Glasgow City Centre.
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The company decided to move to Corby, Northamptonshire in November 1932, enabling them to make use of the local iron ore to feed their blast furnaces and Bessemer steel converters. The new construction was carried out to a very tight timetable, from the clearing of the site in 1933 the first of the Corby blast furnaces was lit in May the following year. This was followed by coke from the new coke ovens the following month and the ore preparation and Sinter Plants in September. No.2 blast furnace was lit in November and the first steel came from the Bessemer converters on 27 December. The last of the originally planned blast furnaces (No.3) was lit in October 1935. Following a rebuild to increase capacity of No.2 furnace Corby works became the third cheapest pig iron producing plant in the world.
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Corby has been dubbed "Little Scotland" ever since scores of Scots migrated south to work in the steelworks in the 1930's. The Northamptonshire town sits more than 200 miles south of the Scottish border, in the heart of England. Britons from all over the UK migrated to Corby in the steel rush, but a downturn in the Clyde Valley's steel industry led to a stampede of Scots. And they kept coming. By 1961, a third of Corby's population had been born in Scotland, according to the Census.
Rose & Bernard (Barney) had five children. The original plan was for all of their children to be born in Hamilton, Scotland but it didn't always work out that way.
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- Mary Strachan Cox was born on the 29th March 1937 at Beckford Lodge, Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She moved with her parents to Corby in 1937.
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When she was 17 years old, her friend asked her to go to a local dance hall with her. Mary didn't like dancing but agreed to go with her as it was the only way her friends parents would agree to the night out. It was lucky she did attend as this was where she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Hebron. The couple would go on to marry on the 4th of August 1956. Mary was 19 and Bob was 21.
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Robert was born on the 27th of June 1935. His parents were Robert Hebron and Stella MacKay.
He was in the air force working in avionics - A radar technician. Initially based on aircraft and then later based on the ground. His air force life would see the family move around with both children born in RAF Married Quarters in Lincolnshire.
Mary and Robert had two children:
Mary Elizabeth Hebron born on the 2nd February 1958 at RAF Married Quarters, RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. She married Richard Potter on 8 July 1978 and they had two children:
- Helen Louise Potter born on 6 March 1981.
She married Christopher Man on 17 July 2015, They had one daughter Eulalia Marie Man born on 26 November 2017
- Christopher James Richard POTTER born 23 September 1982.
His partner is Joanne Beard. Joanne born on 29 April 1986 They have a son Henry Benjamin Jo Potter born on 23 June 2018
Catherine Anne Hebron born on the 4th of April 1960. She married Jonathan Dean on 9 July 1983, Jonathan born 10 August 1959. They had three children then later divorced
- Katharine Mhari Dean born on 30 November 1984 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, England. She married Matthew Lewis born on 25th of November 1980.
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They have four children:
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Grace Rose-Ann Lewis born 14 December 2007
Joshua Thomas Lewis born on 25 November 2009
James Patrick Lewis born on 24 February 2014
Maisie Olivia Lewis born 3 November 2016
- Alexander McBride Dean born 8 January 1989 at Treliske Hospital, Truro, Cornwall.
Has a son from ex-partner, Cheryl Holloway:
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Ashton Dean born 1 March 2014
- Micheil McBride Dean born 5 January 1994.
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Eventually Mary and Bob Hebron tired of RAF life and in the 1950's he left and joined Fylingdales. Fylingdales is a Royal Air Force station on Snod Hill in the North York Moors, England. Its motto is "Vigilamus" (translates to "We are watching") It is a radar base and is also part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. As part of intelligence-sharing arrangements between the United States and United Kingdom. Its primary purpose is to give both governments warning of an impending ballistic missile attack (part of the so-called four minute warning during the Cold War). A secondary role is the detection and tracking of orbiting objects; As well as its early-warning and space-tracking roles, Fylingdales has a third function – the Satellite Warning Service for the UK. It keeps track of spy satellites used by other countries, so that secret activities in the UK can be carried out when they are not overhead. The armed services, defence manufacturers and research organisations, including universities, take advantage of this facility.
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In 1950's Britain people lived in fear of a nuclear attack. The four-minute warning was a public alert system conceived by the Government during the Cold War and operated between 1953 and 1992. The name derived from the approximate length of time from the point at which a Soviet nuclear missile attack against the United Kingdom could be confirmed and the impact of those missiles on their targets. The population was to be notified by means of air raid sirens, television and radio, and urged to seek cover immediately. In practice, the warning would have been more likely three minutes or less. In reality, there would have been little cover to take as the effects of the missiles would have been devastating.
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Mary worked as a medical secretary.
Robert Hebron died 6 July 2014 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England
- Bernard Cox was born on the 16th November 1938 at his grandmothers house - 11 Postgate, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His parents made the journey back to Hamilton for the birth as it was always their intention that all children would be born on Scottish soil.
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The family would return to Corby. Bernard completed his national service in the air force and extended his two years to three. He met Mary Martin at a local dance in Kettering and they married on the 2nd of September 1967 at St Bernadettes RC Church, Rothwell, Northamptonshire. Mary was born on the 24th November 1946. Bernard went on to work for British Telecom. Like his father he was a keen footballer. Bernard and Mary had one daughter
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Lesley Cox born on 28 November 1970
She married John Harris on the 2nd of September 1991 . John was born on 25 October 1968.
They had three children:
- Samantha Harris born 30 June 1992 . Her partner is Kieran Garlick .
They have one daughter:
Natalia Garlick born 21 May 2013
- Sean David Harris born on 27 February 1996 . Sean's partner is Lucy Wells.
- Ellie Harris born on 11 March 2006
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Bernard Cox died on 14 April 2020
- Rose Ann Cox was born on the 14th of July1940 at 94 Studfall Avenue, Corby. Her mother Rose had to abandon her plan to return to Scotland for the birth, due to the prevention of free movement caused by World War II. While the other children loved their time in Hamilton, Scotland Rose Ann was different. She prefered Corby. When her father died in 1958 and her mother decided to return to Scotland Rose Ann decided to stay in England. She found local lodgings and it was there that she met her new land lady's grandson James (Jimmy) Moan. They were married in May 1961 at Our Lady of Walsingham RC Church in Corby. James Moan was Scottish. He was born in Bellshill on the 31st March 1941. He joined the Navy and worked on a Submarine.
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Rose Ann and James had two children:
Christine Moan born on the 10th February 1962
She first married Michael Watson on 7 June 1986. They divorced.
She then married Dylan Godfrey on 8 January 1994 . Dylan born on 8 March 1961.
They had two children:
Damon Godfrey born 1990
Madison Godfrey born 1993
Kelsie Margaret Moan born 28 July 1963
Married Robert Kelsey on 6 February 1988. Robert born on 6 November 1961.
Six children:
Aidan Kelsey born 1988.
Marian Kelsey born 1990
Esther Kelsey born 1992
Agnes Kelsey born 1994
Veronica Kelsey born 1996
Dorothy Kelsey born 1998
Rose & James divorced. She remarried to Edward Fairs on 6th August 1988. They later divorced.
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James Moan died on 12th February 1994 from multiple sclerosis at his family home - Stonebyres, Lanark, Scotland.
Rose Ann Fairs, formerly Moan (nee Cox) died on 6 November 1994 at 45 Argyll Street, Corby. She was cremated and her ashes placed with her parents at Shire Lodge Cemetery, Corby, Northamptonshire.
- Edward (Eddie) Strachan Cox
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When Eddie's mother was pregnant with Eddie she decided once again to return to Hamilton, Scotland for the birth. In May 1945 it was agreed that Bernard Snr would remain in Corby for work purposes and that Rose would take the children with her to Hamilton in preparation for the arrival of the new baby. While in Hamilton they stayed with Ellen White. Ellen was a very close friend of Rose Cox and was the godmother of Bernard Cox Jnr. She lived at 1 Church Street also referred to as 1 The Hostel, Church Street, Hamilton. The house faced the low greens park. Life was normal for the children as they stayed in Hamilton. They went to school at St Mary's primary and explored the streets of the old town while they awaited the birth of their baby brother. Mary Cox (Hebron) remembers that her class teacher, Miss McLaughlin was the same lady who taught her father years before at the same school.
Eddie was born on 10th August 1945. Five days before V-Day. World War II had officially come to an end! Eddie was baptised at St Mary's Church and then the family returned to Corby in the September of 1945. Unaware of the tragedy fate had in store for them.
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Eddie was a sickly child, more often ill than not and this put pressure on the family. In the November of 1945 Bernard Snr had his accident at the steel works and Rose, now a mother to 4 children struggled to juggle her responsibilities. Her mother Mary Heaney came down to Corby and stayed for a fortnight. She cared for the children while Rose spent most of her time at Bernard's bedside in hospital. Twice he was given the last rights and everyone feared the worst. When Mary Heaney had to return to Hamilton Ellen White came down to Corby to replace her. Transport was difficult, there were few buses. The country was just coming out of a war. Things were tough, however Bernards employers offered the family compensation and the local neighbours rallied round the family of a 'local hero'. Eddie's childhood habit of picking up every illness going continued. He developed scarlet fever and the whole family were quarantined.
Eddie married Helen Chapman on 15th July 1967 at the Methodist Church in Rothwell, Northamptonshire. Helen had previously lived on the same street as Bernards wife Mary Martin - They had attended the same school.
Eddie Cox with wife Helen Chapman
They had two children:
Iain Strachan Cox born on 13th December 1967. He married Karen Larkin on 6 April 1996.
Two children:
James Edward COX born 1999
Charlie John COX born 2000
Andrew Martin Cox born 16th January 1969. He married Agnieska Porzezinska on 28th June 2009. Two children:
Natalie COX born 2007
Urszula COX born 2010
Eddie and Helen divorced. Edward remarried to Ann Wingrove on 7 October 1988 at the Methodist Church in Stewkley, Bedfordshire.
Helen remarried Thomas Brown
Edward Strachan Cox died on 11 June 1996.
Ann Wingrove Cox died 2018.
- Isabel Strachan Cox born on 12th August 1953 at 96 Studfall Avenue, Corby, Northamptonshire. The family had moved from No. 94 (2 bedroom) to the house next door No. 96 (3 bedroom)
Bernard Cox her father died in 1958 when she was only 5 years old and her mother made the decision to return to Hamilton, bringing Isabel and her brother Eddie with her.
They remained in Hamilton for a number of years before returning to Corby. Isabel attended St Mary's primary school.
Isabel Murray (nee Cox)
She studied at Liverpool Polytechnic where she met Nigel Murray. They married on 21st October 1974 in Bristol. Nigel was born 5 February 1951.
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The couple owned a holiday cottage in Ilfracombe, North Devonshire for many years and family would visit for summer holidays. My mother and father took me and my sister Lynn there as young children.
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Isabel and Nigel had two children:
- Charlotte Murray born 1981
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Charlotte married Philip Townley on 16 July 2006. Philip born 1979.
Two children:
Alexander Townley born 2009
William Townley born 2013
- James Murray born 1985
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Nigel Murray died on 2 July 2012 in Gloucestershire, England
Isabel Murray with James and Charlotte
In 1958 Rose Cox returned to Corby after giving birth to Eddie in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Tragedy struck on the 14th of November when her husband Bernard had an accident at work. He leapt into a trench of scalding water to save a colleague, Charles Smith who had fallen in. Bernard managed to save his friend however was then unable to climb out of the trench and had to remain there while further help was called. He suffered severe burns and was in hospital for almost 7 months. He had to have numerous skin grafts.
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Through time he did manage to return to work and he worked in the stores. He remained there until his death. His wife Rose stood by his side the whole time. In sickness and in health.
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Bernard Cox born 16 January 1912, died 16 November 1958
Rose Cox (nee Strachan) born 17 July 1913, Died 31 March 1993.
Rose Cox (nee Strachan) with children Bernard and Mary and baby Rose on her lap
Top Row L to R : Bernard Cox, Mary Hebron (nee Cox) Eddie Cox
Front L to R Isabel Murray (nee Cox) Rose Cox (nee Strachan) Rose Moan (nee Cox)
3. Jeannie Strachan
Jean (Jeannie on birth certificate) was born at 11.30am on Tuesday, 17 August 1915, at 71 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 20 August 1915; he is recorded as a serving Private in the 9th Battn, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
Jean’s mother, Mary Heaney, was seriously ill while Jean was a small child (a throat operation followed by a twin pregnancy) and during these illnesses Jean was looked after by a cousin, Jane Graham (nee Strachan), born in Hamilton in 1889, the eldest daughter of her father’s older brother, James and his wife, Emily. Jane married Edward Graham in Hamilton in 1914 and they were childless. Young Jean’s father arranged for her to be ‘adopted’ by them. Believe that John’s wife, Mary, was unaware this arrangement was permanent until after she recovered from her illness and subsequent childbirth.
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The Grahams emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1925, when Jean was 9 years old. They sailed from Southampton to Wellington. This event occurred shortly before the Adoption Act became law in Great Britain. Jean’s sister, Rose Cox (nee Strachan) went with other family members to see them off and told her family that her mother was very distressed at the circumstances of the ‘adoption’. Jean’s parents and siblings were not allowed to let Jean know of their relationship to her only that they were part of the larger Strachan family. However, Jean’s mother and siblings kept in touch with Jean’s life in New Zealand through Martha Heaney, sister of Mary Strachan (nee Heaney) who lived in Australia and who corresponded with Jean Graham. Jean was not informed that she was adopted or had brothers and sisters until after the death of her adoptive mother.
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She visited Great Britain in September 1967 and met surviving siblings and also visited her brother, Peter, in California. Jean’s sister, Mat, visited her in New Zealand. Allan Hector Caldwell was born in Westport, New Zealand, on 12 November 1912. He was the son of William Patrick Caldwell and Eliza Carson. Both born in New Zealand. Allan was one of 10 sons and one daughter born to William Patrick and Eliza.
Jean married Allan Hector Caldwell in the mid 1930s and had two sons:
Jean & Allan with baby Graham
Allan Caldwell, Jean Caldwell (nee Strachan) Ed Graham, Jane Graham (nee Strachan)
Allan Caldwell, Terence Caldwell, Jean Caldwell (nee Strachan), Graham Caldwell
Graham Allan Caldwell (born 2 March 1939 in Christchurch, New Zealand). Married twice. Second wife, Judy McCallum They have 1 son Jared Allan Caldwell born 1974
Jared Calwell his partner Luisa Petch, Judy Caldwell (nee McCallum) Graham Caldwell
Terence Russell Caldwell. Married Sandra Joan Dods. They have 2 children Nathan James Caldwell and Sarah Jean Gadd who married James Gadd.
James Gadd, Sarah Gadd (nee Caldwell) Sandra Caldwell (nee Dods) Terence Caldwell
Nathan & Sarah Caldwell
Graham Caldwell & Judy Caldwell (nee McCallum)
Jeanie Caldwell, formerly Graham (nee Strachan) died in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Monday, 18 June 1973, of Leukaemia.
Allan Caldwell died in Christchurch, New Zealand on 23 May 1986.
Allan and Jean are listed on the Electoral Roll of New Zealand in 1946 living at 23 Centennial Avenue, Christchurch. Allan is employed as a Sub-Foreman. The Electoral Roll 1954, 1957. 1963. 1969, 1972 record Allan and Jean at 13 Rex Street, Christchurch. Allan is a Boilermaker.
Their son, Terence Russell is listed in 1972 at 13 Rex Street. He is a Clerk. Following Jean’s death in 1973 Allan continues to live at 13 Rex Street until last recorded in 1981. He is listed as Retired.
4. Martha (Mat) Strachan
Martha was born at 10.20am on Wednesday, 25 April 1917, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 3 May 1917. The Registrar was Gavin Frame.
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Mat was a baby when her mother was seriously ill and her sister, Jean, was “adopted”. She worked in Hamilton Bolt Works with sister, Rose. Mat married James (Pud) McCarroll, on Friday, 27 December 1935, at St Anne’s RC Church, Hamilton.
Pud was born on Friday, 11 December 1908, the son of James and Catherine McCarroll (nee Nelson).
Both James and Catherine were born in Stevenston, Ayrshire. James was born on 25 August 1865, the son of Bernard McCardle/McCarroll and Elizabeth (nee Morgan) who married in Saltcoats, Ayrshire in 1855. Bernard was born on 22 December 1834 in Ford, Co Louth and Elizabeth in Derrymore, Co Armagh in 1831. Bernard died in Hamilton on 1 June 1886. Catherine Nelson was born in Stevenson, Ayrshire in 1876. The 1901 Census of Hamilton has James and Catherine living at 39 Muir Street, with their daughter, Catherine, aged 3. James was a Coal Miner. James McCarroll Snr died on 26 October 1939, aged 73, and Catherine McCarroll (nee Nelson) on 1 January 1949, aged 72. Click HERE to find out more about the McCarroll Family.
After their marriage Mat and Pud lived at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, with Mat’s parents. Their first home was at 102 Whitehill Road, Whitehill, then at 13 Abbotsford Road, Whitehill, and finally at 2 Balmore Drive, Meikle Earnock, all in Hamilton. Their children are:
- James (Jim) McCarroll
Jim was born at 3.30pm on Thursday, 14 May 1936, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton. His father registered the birth on 15 May 1936. Jim attended St Mary’s RC School, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, and Motherwell High School. He won the Dux Medal at Motherwell High. He had various employments until suffering long term ill health. Jim was unmarried. Jim lived with his parents until their deaths and continued to live at 2 Balmore Drive, Meikle Earnock, Hamilton, until his own death on Wednesday, 9 July 1997. He was buried on 11 July 1997, in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with his maternal grandmother, Mary Telford, formerly Strachan (nee Heaney).
- Mary Strachan (Maureen) McCarroll
Maureen was born at 6.30am on Tuesday, 17 August 1937, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 20 August 1937. Maureen died at 1.20am on Monday, 14 March 1938, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton. Cause of death was recorded as “Acute Pneumonia, Congestion, Toxaemia”. Her father registered the death the same day. She is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with her sister, Rose.
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- Catherine (Rena) McCarroll
Rena was born at 7.30am on Tuesday, 7 February 1939, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 9 February 1938. Known for her love of fashion, her first job was in Paiges ladies clothes store on Quarry Street, Hamilton. Rena married John Creechan in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, in September 1959. John born on 15 April 1938.
They divorced. Neither remarried. John died in summer of 1996 at 35 Nethan Place, Hamilton.
Rena died in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, on Wednesday, 9 January 2019, aged 79.
Rena and John have two children:
Catherine (Kay) was born on Tuesday, 30 August 1960, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Kay married Alan Moon in March 1979. Alan born on 4 January 1960. Kay and Alan divorced in 2004. Alan and Kay have two children: Michelle was born on Thursday, 19 July 1979, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She is married to Kris Morton. Two sons, Kyle, born in April 2005 and a son, Keir, born in June 2011. Natalie was born 13 September 1987, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She married James Burns, they have 1 daughter Remi Burns. Kay lives in Meikle Earnock, Hamilton, and remarried in March 2009 to Ronald Taylor.
John Stephen (Stephen) was born on Saturday, 10 February 1962, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Stephen married Elizabeth (Betty) Hunter in Hamilton. They have a daughter: Sharlene (born 6 December 1986). Married in Hamilton in 2010 to Michael Duffy. Two sons, Aidan, born in 2013. Connor, born in 2015.
-Rose McCarroll
Rose was born Friday, 17 May 1940, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She died at 11.20pm on Friday, 20 December 1940, at 3 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Cause of death was recorded as “Whooping Cough, Congestion of Lungs, Convulsions”. Her father registered the death on 23 December 1940. She is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, with her sister, Maureen.
- Jack McCarroll
Jack was born on Wednesday, 5 February 1947, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. A Civil Engineer. He married Catherine (Kate) Weir (born on Wednesday, 16 April 1947) on Saturday, 17 December 1971 at St Leonard’s, East Kilbride. They live in Hamilton. They have two children: Paul (Me) was born on Saturday, 9 April 1977, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. He has his own Travel Business in Glasgow and lives with his partner Phylip Mullan-Reid (Born 28th February 1970) Lynn was born on Tuesday, 27 March 1979, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She married Gordon Murdoch. They are divorced. One son, David Murdoch, born 22 March 2003. Lynn’s partner is Gary Richmond, son of Colin and Kathleen Richmond (nee Steven).
- Margaret McCarroll
Margaret was born on Saturday, 26 March 1949, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She married Francis (Frank) Allan born on 22 September 1939. Margaret and Frank have two children: Julie Allan was born on Saturday, 7 October 1972. Married Thomas Wileman at St Peter’s RC Church, Hamilton, on Saturday, 29 August 1998. They have two sons: Lewis, born on Thursday, 11 December 2003. and Luke, born on Saturday, 24 March 2007. Kim Allan was born on Tuesday, 29 March 1977, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She is married to Stephen Hogg. He was born on 13 January 1976, the son of Charles and Agnes Hogg (nee McQuilter). They have one son, Parker Hogg born the 22nd of December 2020.
Margaret died on Sunday, 10 March 2019 following a long illness. Frank died on Wednesday, 16 October 2019.
Martha (Mat) died in her sleep of heart failure on Sunday, 2 June 1991, at 2 Balmore Drive, Meikle Earnock, Hamilton. She was 74. Her ashes are scattered at Daldowie Crematorium, Uddingston, Lanarkshire. Her husband, James (Pud) McCarroll died of cancer on 10 December 1990, aged 81, and is buried with his parents, James and Catherine McCarroll (nee Nelson) in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton.
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5. John Strachan – Twin of Edward
John was born at 7.45am on Wednesday, 7 April 1919, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth of his twin sons on 12 April 1919. John worked in coal mines before enlisting in the Army during Second World War. He returned from active service to work in coal mines in Lanarkshire and Edinburgh area. He lived in Tuphall Road, Burnblea Street and Hillside Crescent, Fairhill, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, before settling in Dalkeith, Midlothian. John married Dorothy Johnston (born Wednesday, 28 May 1919) on Monday, 10 February 1939, in Hamilton.
Their children are:
- Dorothy Strachan was born at 8.45am on Wednesday, 10 May 1939, at 37 Tuphall Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her mother registered the birth on 15 May 1939. Dorothy married James McKinnon in 1958 and lives in Dalkeith.
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They have three children:
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- Gary McKinnon Married firstly to Andreena Anderson. Their children: Christopher, Neil and Jennifer. Gary secondly married Lesley. They had a son, Mikey McKinnon
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- James (Jamie) McKinnon. Married Lauren. They have one son, Fraser
- Robert McKinnon born 1963. He married Heather. They have one son Scott McKinnon and a daughter Laura McKinnon. Robert died in 2015.
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- Margaret Strachan was born at 7.10am on 16 November 1940, at 37 Tuphall Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father John Strachan was a Private in the 5th Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders at the time. Her mother registered the birth on 30 November 1940. The Registrar was Nat C Frew (Assistant). Margaret married John Wood Robertson born 1940 and who died 7 January 1998 aged 57. She lives in Livingston, Lothians.
Margaret and John's children are:
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- Lynn Robertson born 1963
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- Diane Robertson born 18 June 1964. She married Philip Rutherford born 16 August 1955. Their children: Michael George Rutherford born 1989; Stephen Thomas Rutherford born 1992 and Hayley Lynn Rutherford born 1993.
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- Kevin Robertson born 21 February 1967. Married Helen Waters born 1966.
- Joanne Strachan was born at 5.15am on 3 January 1942 at 37 Tuphall Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father was serving as a Gunner in Royal Artillery, previously a General Labourer. Her mother registered the birth on 14 January 1942. The Registrar was James Frame. Joanne is married to Robert Brown Bruce. James born in 1942. They have two children: James Bruce born 1963 Robert Brown Bruce born in 1967.
- Mary Strachan was born at 2.15pm on 22 February 1948 at 53 Burnblea Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 23 February 1948. Mary firstly married James Bertram on 15 March 1966. They had three children:
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Paul Bertram born 6 September 1966,
Amanda Bertram born 24 May 1968,
Christine Bertram born 19 August 1970
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Mary secondly married Andrew Thomson and finally Kenneth Purvis.
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- Williamina McGregor Strachan was born at 120 Hillside Crescent, Hamilton on the 9th of November 1949. She died on the same day.
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John Edward Strachan born on 29 July 1953 in Gorebridge, Edinburgh. John married Annette Andrews born on 8 January 1955 and who died on 8 March 2004. They had a son: John Michael Strachan born on 10 December 1982. He married Linda Ellard. Linda born on 18 June 1986. They have two children: John David Strachan born 18 June 2003 and Lucy Anna Strachan born 22 May 2008.
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William (Billy) Strachan was born in 1955 in Gorebridge, Edinburgh. Billy married Bridget. They have two children: Anne and Kelly.
John Strachan died on Friday, 14 May 1993, aged 74, of heart disease in Edinburgh. His wife, Dorothy, died on Thursday, 11 July 2002, age 83.
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6. Edward (Eddie) Strachan – Twin of John
Eddie was born at 8.45am on Wednesday, 7 April 1919 at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth of his twins on 12 April 1919
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Eddie worked in coal mines before enlisting in 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers during Second World War. Eddie was killed in action on Wednesday, 19 July 1944, at the Battle of Kohima, near Imphal, Assam, India, during the Burma Campaign against the Japanese. He was 25 years old. He is buried in Imphal War Cemetery, Assam, India. The grave reference/panel number is I.D.7 By coincidence, James Tait, the nephew of Eddie’s brother-in-law, Barney Cox, was involved in the same battle action. James also served in the KOSBs. He worked on the Burma Railroad as a POW. He survived the War and died on Friday, 10 July 1987, aged 67 years, in Hamilton.
During the First World War many families had several relatives killed, or maimed, in action who had enlisted to serve together in the same regiments, or ships. Groups of men from local communities and workplaces enlisted to serve together in ‘Pals’ brigades. Following the First World War and the great losses inflicted on families and communities recruitment advice was that family members should consider enlisting in different sections of the Armed Forces. The four Strachan brothers enlisted in separate regiments of the Army.
7. William (Bill) Strachan
Bill was born at 11pm on Monday, 19 July 1920, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth on 24 July 1920. Bill was a Miner. He joined the Black Watch Regiment during Second World War and served in the Military Police in India for a time. Bill married Euphemia (Nettie) Selfridge Copland on Friday, 15 February 1946, at Polmont Church of Scotland Church in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Witnesses were Margaret Copland of 11 Stanley Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire (younger sister of Nettie) and Peter Strachan of 42 Miller Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire (eldest brother of Bill). Nettie was born at 8.30am on 9 September 1922 at 38 McCreath Street, Cadzow, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, the daughter of Samuel Copland and Mary Copland (nee Walker) who married in Hamilton on 21 April 1921. Samuel was a Coal Miner and the family home at Nettie’s birth was 31 Whitehill Road, Hamilton. The Registrar was Gavin Frame. Samuel Copland died in Carluke, Lanarkshire, aged 74, in 1956. Mary Wright Copland (nee Walker) died in Hamilton, aged 84, in 1982. Bill and Nettie lived in Fife for a time before returning to settle in the Hamilton area. Their children are:
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William (Bill) Strachan
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Samuel (Sammy) Strachan with father William (Bill) Strachan
Nettie Strachan (nee Copland)
- William (Billy) Strachan He was born at 7.55pm on Friday, 30 April 1948 at 24 Neilsand Street, Fairhill, Hamilton, Lanarkshire (his paternal grandmother’s home). His father registered the birth on 1 May 1948. The Registrar was Nat C Frew. Billy married Elizabeth Murphy Todd Stevenson at Barrhead Parish Church, Fallside, Lanarkshire, on 10 October 1969. Elizabeth was aged 19, the daughter of John Turner Stevenson and Jean (nee Todd). The witnesses were Samuel and Mary Strachan of 317 Glasgow Road, Burnbank, Hamilton (brother and sister of Billy). Billy had two daughters:
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Lesley Ann Strachan born 19 November 1971. Married William (Billy) Smith born 11 June 1973. Now Divorced. Three children: Jordan born 31 August 1996, Morgan born 1 February 2000, Regan born 2 August 2008.
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Victoria Strachan born 30 August 1975.
- Samuel (Sammy) Strachan born at 11.40pm on 13 September 1950 at 3 James Hog Crescent, Oakley, Fife. His father registered the birth on 30 September 1950. Sammy married Elaine Shaw at Trinity Church, Larkhall, Lanarkshire, on 19 July 1974. Elaine born on 16 December 1956 in East Kilbride, the daughter of Walter Miller Shaw and Sadie (nee Park). They Divorced. Sammy and Elaine have two daughters:
Carla Strachan and Lyn Strachan. Lyn married Scott Strachan but later separated. Children: Adam Strachan and Aime Strachan.
Sammy remarried to Carol. Carol born in September 1959. Sammy lives in Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
- Mary Walker Strachan
Mary born at 9.25am on Tuesday, 10 August 1954, at 9a Middleton Street, Fernigair, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered the birth on 12 August 1954. Mary married twice. First to George Frederick Kane Crane on 26 September 1975 at Gilmour Memorial Church, Burnbank, Hamilton. George born on 1 October 1955 to Robert Barrowman Crane and Annie Brown Kane. Mary and George divorced.
They had two children:
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Mark Strachan born on 11 February 1977. His partner is Suzie Elliott. Children: Max Strachan and Beth Strachan
Lisa Strachan born on 25 August 1978. She married Craig Inglis. Their children: Niamh Inglis and Calum Inglis
Mary married secondly, Gerard McMahon on 3 March 1988 at Eastwood & Mearns Registry Office, Renfrew. Gerard, a solicitor, born on 9 March 1962, the son of Gerard and Sarah Mellon McMahon (nee Thomson). One son of this marriage: Gerard William McMahon, born at 16.11 hrs on 26 February 1989 at Bellshill Maternity Hospital, Lanarkshire. Home address was 11 Fyne Court, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Gerard’s father registered the birth on 8 March 1989.
Margaret Black (nee Strachan)
Mary died of metastatic breast cancer at 14.15pm on Tuesday, 9 January 2001 at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow. She was buried on Tuesday, 16 January 2001, with her father, William, at High Blantyre Cemetery, Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
William (Bill) died on Saturday, 13 December 1986, aged 66, of heart disease. He is buried in High Blantyre Cemetery, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Nettie lived in Burnbank, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Euphemia (Nettie) died on Saturday, 1 March 2014 in Udston Hospital, Burnbank, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. She was 91.
8. James (Jim) Strachan
Jim was born at 4.30am on Wednesday, 8 December 1926, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. His father registered the birth on 10 December 1926. Jim died on Wednesday, 15 February 1939, at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, of Peritonitis (perforated appendix). He was 12 years old. He is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, with his father, brother, Archie, sister Margaret Black (nee Strachan) and nieces, Mary Strachan (Maureen) and Rose McCarroll.
9. Archibald McEwan McCallum Strachan (Twin of Margaret)
Archie was born at 1.30am on Monday, 5 November 1928, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, and delivered by Dr Archibald McEwan. The forename ‘McCallum’ was the surname of Hugh Heaney’s stepfather, Samuel, and Hugh’s stepbrother was named Archibald McCallum. His father registered the birth of Archie and his twin, Margaret, on 16 November 1928.Archie died at 1.40pm on Saturday, 13 April 1929, at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Cause of death was recorded by Dr Archibald McEwan as “Bronchitis, Bronchopneumonia 2 days”. He is buried in Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with twin sister, Margaret Black, older brother, James, father and two nieces, Mary Strachan (Maureen) McCarroll and Rose McCarroll. Dr McEwan delivered Archie and signed his namesake’s Death Certificate.
10. Margaret Wilson Strachan (Twin of Archie)
Margaret was born at 2am on Monday, 5 November 1928 at 63 Beckford Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Her father registered her birth and that of her twin brother, Archie, on 16 November 1928.
Margaret married Andrew Downie Black on Saturday, 27 December 1947. The biggest mistake of her life. Andrew Downie Black was born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, on 24 September1924. He died in Cowdenbeath on 8 June 1993, aged 68. One daughter:
Marie McGuire Black was born on Saturday, 14 June 1948.
She married John Jones in Cowdenbeath, Fife, in 1971 but they later divorced and she now lives in Cowdenbeath, Fife. Marie and John had a son, Paul James Jones in 1974 Marie married secondly, Peter Whyte Simpson (10 October 1957 – 8 April 2011)
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Margaret died of Coal Gas Poisoning on Monday, 2 May 1949 and is buried in the Bent Cemetery, Hamilton, with her twin brother, Archie, her older brother, James, her father and her two nieces, Mary Strachan (Maureen) and Rose McCarroll. Verdict was suicide however Margaret was in an abusive relationship and was planning to leave Andrew Black when she was found dead in her kitchen.