I have quite a few bits and bobs, I am no relation, more interested in the old houses etc of Barrhead. At one time, everything in Barrhead seemed to be owned by the HEYS family, the Shanks family, or the Cochrane family. Virtually everything relating to them has gone, with the exception of a few Street names.
I think this is correct - William Shanks, the first provost, was the son of Andrew Ferrier Shanks and Isabella Cochrane. Andrew Ferrier Shanks was the brother of the original founder of Shanks - being John Shanks.
John Shanks born 1826 died 18th December 1895, aged 70 (from Scotlands People).
Andrew Ferrier Shanks born 1831 died 12th May 1893, aged 62 (from Scotlands People).
Their parents were William Shanks and Helen Gowans. One of the original houses owned by the Shanks family was named Gowansbank.
John Shanks went into business for himself in 1851 and invited his brother Andrew to join him in 1855.
There are several gravestones in Neilston, for example:-
"In remembrance of
Isabella Cochrane
Died 1889
Elizabeth Crawford Deas
First Wife of William Shanks
& Mother of Andrew and Douglas
Died 1885, aged 28 years
Andrew Ferrier Shanks
Died 1893, aged 62 years
John Cochrane Shanks
Died 1917
William Shanks J.P.
First Provost of Barrhead
Died 1929, aged 73 *
Beloved Husband of
Louisa Egginton Parker
Agnes Young McQueen
Died 1931
Louisa Egginton Parker
Died 1954
Andrew Ferrier Shanks
1883-1967
Provost of Barrhead
1952-1955
Also his wife
Astrid Brun
1887-1985
* I will need to go back up and double check whether it is 78 or 73. I have other information on John Shanks etc. Let me know if there is anything which may be of interest.
Regards
Murphyz
