My grandfather, James McCreath, was born on 22 November 1877; the third of seven children of James McCreath (the 5th child of Robert McCreath and Barbara Jamieson). Sadly, there are no surviving photos of him. He married my grandmother, Margaret Strickland Shaw, on 25 June 1902 in the Gorbals, Glasgow.
Prior to the marriage their respective families resided in the same close at 278 Mathieson Street. James was a Journeyman Japanner. (His job would have been to coat engineered parts with a layer of hard, brilliant varnish. An old Singer sewing machine was lacquered in the ‘japanese style’.)
Margaret Strickland Shaw was a worker in a sweet factory, possibly Filshills.
Commonly at the time, working-class rented accommodation was available only on a short-term basis; thus explaining the somewhat peripatetic early existence of the family – as evidenced by the various birth certificate addresses.
In the early years of their marriage, my grandparents at 302 South York Street; their residence at the time of the 1911 Census. In 1911 the family comprised James (8), Bill (6), Robert (3) and Tom (1) . James, my grandfather, was working as a Traveller in House Furnishings.
A move to Greenhead Street on the other (Bridgeton) side of the Clyde, on an open site over-looking Glasgow Green was regarded as a desirable improvement; as was the subsequent move to Ledard Road, Battlefield.
At the turn of the century, Glasgow Green at the time of the “Fair” in July was an obvious starting point for romance; and indeed this was where James and Margaret first encountered one another romantically. James’, according to “Gran” McCreath was a fun person to be with, but sadly his “bon viveur” qualities later turned sour. Like too many of his generation, alcohol became a problem – leading to a downward spiral in employment and eventual separation from the family.
Under strict matriarchal control the family prospered. Margaret laboured tirelessly for her family taking up any available work, for example, as a domestic servant. At one stage she ran a fruit shop, necessitating early morning visits to Glasgow’s Fruit Market – then at Candleriggs.
The local church, Battlefield Parish, played an important part in the family’s life; the Boys’ Brigade being a focal point – especially for the younger members. Drink was, understandably, banned from the household and traditional Presbyterian values reasserted. “Friar Tuck” (Chemist shop) or “Yuletide” (Cooperative Brand) Ginger Wine was the only permitted beverage to grace the traditional Hogmanay celebrations.
In 1939, at the outbreak of war, initially all fit men aged 20 to 23 were required to register to serve in one of the armed forces, unless they were in a reserved occupation. By law any male between 18 and 41 was eligible for conscription. The ‘call-up’ was rolled out progressively such that 40 year olds were not required to register until June 1941.
James and Bill did not take part in the hostilities; both being exempted on age grounds.
Robert and Tom joined the RAF as ground crew and were posted to England. Joe and Douglas (my Dad) joined the army and John the navy. Alex was too young.
Fortunately, all of the serving sons survived World War II, though the acquired values of the military were often at odds with those of the family; for example, the daily rum ration received by John on board Motor Torpedo Boats in the North Sea.
Post-war, 216 Ledard Road remained the hub of family social activity almost until my Gran’s death in 1972. In many respects these gatherings were reminiscent of Victorian times with piano recitals or other performances encouraged , and games and activities arranged for the children. John and Joe (Joseph) were often the key masters of ceremony under the matriarch’s watchful eye.
James McCreath and Margaret Shaw had 10 children, 9 of whom survived into adulthood:
James McCreath b. 27 April 1903 d. 19 August 1988
William (Bill) McCreath b. 1 April 1905 d. 19 December 1971
Robert McCreath b. 7 June 1907 d. 25 January 1986
Thomas (Tom) McCreath b. 23 September 1909 d. 30 October 1984
Margaret (Peggy) McCreath b. 7 June 1912 d. 12 June 1959
Douglas Haig McCreath, b. 19 February 1917 d. 3 June 1992
John (Jackie) McCreath b. 30 May 1918 d. 11 February 1919
Joseph Graham McCreath b. 13 December 1919 d. 14 August 2000
John McCreath, b. 13 May 1918 d. 1994
Alexander (Alex) McCreath, b. 28 September 1924 d.1992
