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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Lanarkshire => Topic started by: CharonMoon on Tuesday 26 September 17 20:59 BST (UK)

Title: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Tuesday 26 September 17 20:59 BST (UK)
Hello,

I am trying to find my great-grandmother's grave site in Glasgow. I have an old photo of the headstone and her death record (I got off of ScotlandsPeople), but cannot figure out how to determine where the grave is located. The death certificate stares that the registration was done in the district of Rollox in Glasgow in 1926. My best guess is that she was interred at the Sighthill Cemetery, but can't be sure.
I will be visiting the area shortly and would like to see the grave. It is a rather large cemetery, so I think it would be nearly impossible to find the grave, if it is there at all. Also I will not be there when the Mitchell library is open, so I will not be able to do research when I am there. Is there a way for me to find the place before I travel? I have tried FindAGrave, but there are very few Scottish records on it.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: MonicaL on Tuesday 26 September 17 21:23 BST (UK)
Hi CharonMoon

Welcome to RootsChat  :)

You have a hard search there for sure. You could try checking for a death notice as sometimes these can give some indication as to burial place. The Glasgow Herald can be checked here https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=GGgVawPscysC&hl=en  Just go the year and search by month/day Worth checking for a few days past her death date from her cert from Scotlands People.

Monica
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Wednesday 27 September 17 16:36 BST (UK)
Hi MonicaL,

Thanks! That was a really great idea! I had no idea google had such extensive newspaper records. Unfortunately I didn't find anything, but it is still really interesting to read them!
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: RJ_Paton on Wednesday 27 September 17 17:02 BST (UK)
I have had a look at the Memeto-mori site ( http://www.memento-mori.co.uk/ ) who have photographed Sighthill stones but the name you have given does not appear to be listed.

You say that the death certificate was in the St Rollox District ( a pretty large area) was there an address ?
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Wednesday 27 September 17 17:27 BST (UK)
I have had a look at the Memeto-mori site ( http://www.memento-mori.co.uk/ ) who have photographed Sighthill stones but the name you have given does not appear to be listed.

You say that the death certificate was in the St Rollox District ( a pretty large area) was there an address ?

Yes, it lists her address but the script is difficult to read. It looks like 47 Queen Mary St. That appears to be in the Bridgeton area, which is where she was born. She died in a Maternity hospital, though. Not sure if that affects where the death was registered.

I have attached a photo of the grave stone, in case that helps. Unfortunately, there isn't much else in the photo to indicate where it is, unless the numbers at the bottom of the stone mean something.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: RJ_Paton on Wednesday 27 September 17 19:18 BST (UK)
At that time period the death had to be registered in the area where it happened but I believe it is more likely that she is buried in the East End area of the City rather than Sighthill ... People tended to be buried in areas associated with the family rather than where the actual death took place. The ones that spring to mind are the Eastern Necropolis or the Old Dalbeth Cemetery -
The other point is unfortunately a curse of the West of Scotland - Religion - and would also have a bearing upon which cemetery was used.

Its possible that the numbers on the left of the bottom section refer to the Lair number and its location i.e.  Area R lair number 885
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: RJ_Paton on Wednesday 27 September 17 19:32 BST (UK)
I've checked Memento-Mori website lists for Janefield cemetery ( Eastern Necropolis) and St Peters RC Cemetery with no trace of the lady in their lists.

Looking at the photograph - the houses in the background are more like those in the Eastern area of London Road rather than Sighthill or those closer to the City Centre where there were mostly taller tenements.
Another minor fly in the ointment is the stonemason whose details are marked on the bottom right of the base refer to one from just south of the river rather than a more local company (possibly has absolutely nothing to do with things and is just a weird coincidence )
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Wednesday 27 September 17 21:05 BST (UK)
If the R-895 is the lair number, then I can narrow it down a bit by looking at cemetery maps. Sandymount, Old Eastwood, Craighton, and the Western Necropolis. All have a Section R. I can't find a map for Old Dalbeth.

Unfortunately, I do not know her religion. All I know is that my grandfather (her son) converted to Catholicism when he married my grandmother. So, I just know it wasn't Catholic. And unfortunately, my grandfather passed when my mother was very young, so she never got to ask him about his family history. :( Everything we know is what we could find in government records.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Wednesday 27 September 17 21:46 BST (UK)
UPDATE: I found the marriage record for both of her weddings and they were both performed "under the forms of the Congressional Union Church."

Does this help? 
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: RJ_Paton on Wednesday 27 September 17 23:47 BST (UK)
UPDATE: I found the marriage record for both of her weddings and they were both performed "under the forms of the Congressional Union Church."

Does this help?

It means that she will most likely be buried in a non denominational cemetery  (ie not Roman Catholic) such as those already mentioned. Given the home address and the background of the photograph I believe that the East End is more likely
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Thursday 28 September 17 17:41 BST (UK)
RM Rainey, Shields Rd, bottom right corner is the monumental sculptor.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Thursday 28 September 17 18:15 BST (UK)
Having another look at photo, to me appears to be Gallowgate in background, site of The Forge now, so E Necropolis maybe. Will have a quick look when I pass there tommorow....
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Saturday 30 September 17 13:56 BST (UK)
Having another look at photo, to me appears to be Gallowgate in background, site of The Forge now, so E Necropolis maybe. Will have a quick look when I pass there tommorow....

Awesome, thanks!
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Saturday 30 September 17 15:21 BST (UK)
Had a quick look, lot of stones turned or missing but still convinced it's right spot. So arranged to go to Mitchell Library on Monday and look at burial records. Wish me luck. Oh, side thought though can't understand why monumental mason was from Shields Rd? Anyway Will still try, it will eliminate Janefield if it's not in their books.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Saturday 30 September 17 19:12 BST (UK)
Had a quick look, lot of stones turned or missing but still convinced it's right spot. So arranged to go to Mitchell Library on Monday and look at burial records. Wish me luck. Oh, side thought though can't understand why monumental mason was from Shields Rd? Anyway Will still try, it will eliminate Janefield if it's not in their books.

Wow! Thanks and good luck!
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: Skoosh on Saturday 30 September 17 21:03 BST (UK)
Cadder cemetery or even Riddrie or Lambhill cemeteries?

Skoosh.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: mclachlan on Sunday 01 October 17 08:14 BST (UK)
Hi CharonMoon,
The 1926 Glasgow Electoral Register lists a James and Mrs Beatrice Monteith living at 47 Queen Mary Street, Bridgeton so you can at least confirm those details!
Regards,
Andrea
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: Forfarian on Sunday 01 October 17 10:07 BST (UK)
Congressional Union Church
I know there is a ludicrously large number of small and breakaway religious sects in Scotland, but this is a new one on me. Could it conceivably be 'Congregational Union' rather than 'Congressional Union'?
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: Skoosh on Sunday 01 October 17 11:17 BST (UK)
A monumental mason from Shields Road might indicate the Southern Necropolis?

Skoosh.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Sunday 01 October 17 13:35 BST (UK)
Know Dalbeth quite well, don't recall a sect R. Janefield doesn' t seem to have one either, but Will still check records tomorrow at Mitchell. Do you know where other family members are buried? Because she lived in Bridgeton doesn't mean that's where she is buried. As for religion I had non Catholics buried in Dalbeth, sneaked in somehow. Sorry for adding to the confusion.
Ps, lived round corner from Q Mary St and used Janefield as a shortcut many a time.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Sunday 01 October 17 22:29 BST (UK)
Congressional Union Church
I know there is a ludicrously large number of small and breakaway religious sects in Scotland, but this is a new one on me. Could it conceivably be 'Congregational Union' rather than 'Congressional Union'?

Oh, yes. That would make much more sense!
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Sunday 01 October 17 22:35 BST (UK)
Know Dalbeth quite well, don't recall a sect R. Janefield doesn' t seem to have one either, but Will still check records tomorrow at Mitchell. Do you know where other family members are buried? Because she lived in Bridgeton doesn't mean that's where she is buried. As for religion I had non Catholics buried in Dalbeth, sneaked in somehow. Sorry for adding to the confusion.
Ps, lived round corner from Q Mary St and used Janefield as a shortcut many a time.

Unfortunately, I don't. My grandfather and great grandfather immigrated to the US , which is where they are buried. Since their names were fairly common it is difficult to trace my family history. I was hoping if I could find the burial lair, I might find more family nearby.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Monday 02 October 17 16:08 BST (UK)
Found her in Sandymount. Will pm you later.

Yeah......

ironic have relies in there and it's only 5 mins from where I lived until 3 weeks ago

Davie
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: MonicaL on Monday 02 October 17 22:16 BST (UK)
Great result, ayrgenes  ;)

Monica
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Tuesday 03 October 17 10:30 BST (UK)
Point to note with this photo.....I' ve just been in Sandymount to get a photo. In my opinion there is no way the original was taken there. I think it was taken possibly in the masons yard before being erected in situ. Worth remembering in future searches.

Davie
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: josey on Tuesday 03 October 17 12:19 BST (UK)
Well done for finding it, ayrgenes. Good point too about the mason's yard, worth remembering. Can you post a pic of headstone in cemetery?
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Tuesday 03 October 17 18:52 BST (UK)
Will do in a couple of days when I' m back home
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Wednesday 04 October 17 17:09 BST (UK)
first of the photos..showing the ravages of time
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Wednesday 04 October 17 17:17 BST (UK)
more general view of area..
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Wednesday 04 October 17 18:24 BST (UK)
also a link to a short video of 360 degrees, on Flickr, of the area. Short pause at 23 seconds on the headstone. (only had my phone with me that day.)

https://flic.kr/p/C2pZku
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: josey on Wednesday 04 October 17 18:47 BST (UK)
Thank you for those ayrgenes; very kind of you.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: CharonMoon on Friday 06 October 17 12:39 BST (UK)
Point to note with this photo.....I' ve just been in Sandymount to get a photo. In my opinion there is no way the original was taken there. I think it was taken possibly in the masons yard before being erected in situ. Worth remembering in future searches.

Davie

Ah, I think you are correct. I was wondering why the stone behind it had engraving that was facing Beatrice's stone. Even if it looks a bit worse for wear, I'm glad you found it! Looking at photos on Google and billion graves, I saw many stones have fallen face down and are therefore unidentifiable. I was worried hers might be like that. Though it looks to have fallen, I'm glad someone stood it back up. Thank you so much for doing all of that research and photography! My mother says thank you too. She is happy to finally know where her grandmother rests.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Friday 06 October 17 14:12 BST (UK)
Only too glad to help, and to have found the stone. I know how grateful I was when someone in Canada did the same for me, but that's what RootsChatters do. If I can help in other ways just let me know through the PM button.

davie
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Friday 06 October 17 17:15 BST (UK)
Just checked the 1927 Post Office Directory and lo and behold...page 496...Monteith, James, confectioner, 47 Queen Mary St, Bridgeton.

https://archive.org/stream/postofficean192728glas#page/496/mode/2up

davie

still there '28/29
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: Skoosh on Friday 06 October 17 19:20 BST (UK)
The stone looks to be leaning on its base. Originally mounted & joined with steel pins & cement it's a weak point.
 Following a kid killed by a falling stone this year in another Glasgow cemetery there is a case for heavy stones to be laid flat. 

Skoosh.
Title: Re: Looking for Grave of Beatrice E.C. Borrett in Glasgow
Post by: ayrgenes on Friday 06 October 17 19:58 BST (UK)
Agree totally, it is extremely heavy. I tried to shift to look for the details on the base.