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Author- Sheila Margaret Lyon Munn (nee Gow) ANCESTRAL LIFE IN COMRIE, PERTHSHIRE
According to local tradition, Muthill was the original home of the Perthshire members of the Gow clan. However, for at least two centuries, our early ancestors lived about twelve miles further west - in the peaceful and scenic little hamlet of Ross, by Comrie.
Around 1682, Comrie would have been a very small community with only a few houses with the usual church, school, smithy and an inn. By 1755, however, the population had increased in numbers to 2,546 though life was still fairly primitive for the Gaelic speaking community by 1791. At the time of the 1881 census, the population had fallen to around 1,871 when it was recorded that the Gaelic language had almost died out – amazingly few people still used their former mother tongue.
During the 19th. century, Ross village (population 154 in 1837) was a small clachan lying on the south west edge of Comrie, in a triangle formed by the River Earn, the Altanish Burn and the Water of Ruchill. It was mainly a tartan weaving community, as was recorded in a book published by Samuel Carment in 1899. He wrote that, “Ross had been a happy little community of industrious weavers whose intelligent conversation intermingled with the clacking of their shuttles.” By the time of writing, however, he noted that most of those hospitable, kind-hearted, genuine natives had already been gathered to their fathers. Among the villagers recorded were a joiner and two dyers. The cottars, largely engaged in weaving and dyeing, had bleaching greens along the west bank of the River Earn. Other fields down to the Water of Ruchill were known as ‘‘The Acres”. Each household apparently had a share of those fields.
In early days, the only exit from the village had been by fording the river at Ath nan Sop – an extremely hazardous crossing at certain times of year when the River Earn ran deep and strong. It must, therefore, have been a great relief to the local community when the present small hump back bridge was built in 1792. Dalginross Bridge had earlier connected that village to Comrie and, after the building of the Ross Bridge, both villages amalgamated to make an enlarged Comrie community. Our Gow ancestors apparently lived in one of the houses just at the far end of the bridge leading into Ross – the photograph opposite shows that there had originally been homes on both sides – though those on the right hand have now been demolished leaving only two on the left hand side still occupied. The new bridge would have given families the opportunity to extend their horizons and eventually lead them to pastures new far removed from their original roots. By 1992, when the Biennial Bridge Celebrations were held, our Gow ancestors were long gone from Ross.
Comrie was designed as a “planned village”. The early feus allocated towards the end of the 18th. century dictated that all houses be built directly on the street frontage leaving a mere space alongside the roadway for foot passengers. That stipulation ensured that householders would be unable, as had formerly been the case, to place their dung heaps directly in front of their doors. Many old Scottish villages were built in that way for exactly the same reason. A comparison with the nearby village of St. Fillans, just five miles away, shows how villages created at a much later date, when more modern methods of sanitation became available, differed from those of earlier times.
During the 19th. century, stage coaches were a fairly regular mode of transport and tales abound of carriages having been upset by breaking wheels and snapping axles due to the bad state of the roads. With the opening of the railway in 1893, people started visiting Comrie in fairly large numbers. Many private householders would have been glad of the extra income which the influx of those holidaymakers would provide. The local weekly newspaper published the names of all the visitors – and mentioned where they were accommodated.
Gas lighting had been installed in the streets by 1858, and many homes were supplied shortly thereafter. Electricity and piped water did not arrive until many years later.
During one period of the 19th. century, it was recorded that Comrie boasted three butchers, two brewers, three bakers and more than twelve grocers who between them sold 1,567 lbs. of tobacco, 1,749 lbs. of snuff at 4/- per pound, 2,000 gallons of spirits at 9/6 per gallon, 3,000 lbs of tea at 5/- per pound and 16,000 lbs of sugar at 8d per pound.
Before the middle of the 18th. century, ale or claret were the usual alcoholic drinks - then whisky gained popularity. Illicit stills were used and, apparently, the authorities had a hard task catching the tax dodgers. The dragoons repeatedly tried to catch the offenders and, on at least one recorded occasion when detection seemed imminent, the whisky was secretly stored under the pulpit for a time - a subterfuge which apparently avoided detection by the dragoons – but didn’t say much for the minister of the time! (The Rev. Samuel Gilfillan’s sermons preached while standing over the contraband were apparently among the best he ever delivered !)
In 1822, an excellent library containing 500 volumes was formed, which perhaps was a contributory factor to the high level of intelligence recorded in the community. Schools were already teaching many different subjects - when they could get the pupils to leave the farm work etc. to attend!
On the 10th. September, 1842, Queen Victoria, then aged 25, paid a visit to Comrie. She had ridden out from Drummond Castle where she and Prince Albert were guests. She apparently took a draught from the Altanish Burn and declared it to be the sweetest water that she had ever tasted. She had apparently commented that she found Perthshire very different from England – with such beautiful, peaceful scenery where all the houses were built of stone. The people appeared healthy in appearance - with sandy hair and high cheek-bones. The boys had bare legs and feet and were often clad in kilts while the jackets worn by the girls were very pretty. She was obviously impressed with all that she saw during her visit.
Comrie was a busy little community known locally as the "shaky toun" due to the high incidence of earthquake activity in the area - being as it lies to the north of the Great Highland Boundary Fault. The records show that between 1792 and 1814 there were no less than 70 shocks – the most striking being that of the 24th. February, 1799 which startled a full congregation of villagers whilst attending church. In 1844, a further thirty two shocks were recorded. In 1869, a tiny earthquake house was built in Ross and became the first in the world to record earthquake activity. It is still in present day use. Three seismometers were also located in the village. Earthquake rumblings seem to have diminished of late. Epidemics were frequent though inoculation had wiped out the incidence of smallpox as early as 1800.
While the cottages of the poor were very mean in some counties, Perthshire people kept pace with the farming community. When a male servant married, he was given a house, grass for grazing his cow and a garden for growing vegetables and potatoes.
Comrie people were recorded as being peaceable, modest and very obliging. They were frugal, moderate and industrious – not much addicted to drinking. While Gaelic had been the common language in earlier years – English was widely spoken by 1800.
It was recorded that some of the local men were veterans of the Battle of Waterloo. As a few members of the Gow family had army connections, it is possible that some of them were included in that number.
From the time of the Reformation, The Church of Scotland has directed strong efforts to oversee a moral and orderly life among the villagers. Not concerned merely with preaching and teaching, the Kirk Session used stern methods of discipline to achieve her aim during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Offenders were summoned before the Kirk Session where he/she usually confessed and declared repentance. The punishment may have been a mere rebuke though, more often, the accused had to make repentance before the congregation. For failure to attend public worship* or for failure to keep the Sabbath holy – one such appearance normally sufficed – but for lapses of morality three appearances were usually ordered. The accused person was delated and had to appear before the congregation at the place of repentance (the stool or pillar), twice silently, then on the third occasion to express public repentance before the congregation in the hope of being absolved. (Ancestral Gows and Drummonds were no stranger to this procedure – records show that more than a few of them faced charges of antenuptial fornication!) More serious crimes meant appearing before the Presbytery in sackcloth.
Modern passports have no greater value than the old system of testimonials or lines issued to parishioners of good standing. Apart from granting admission to the Lord’s table, they were a certificate of a person’s character and conduct. Without such a testimonial, people would not be accepted into other parishes. Intending emigrants had also to obtain these certificates before their applications were accepted for consideration.
In the period before the middle of the 19th. century, there were several Gows living in Ross, where two of them were recorded in the 1858 Valuation Rolls as house owners, with an acre of land stretching down to the river. By 1865, the dying state of the tartan trade, caused by the new factory methods of weaving, forced the younger members of the family to seek employment elsewhere and few, if any, descendants are believed to be living in the area now. They must have been very sad to leave such peaceful, happy surroundings to seek employment in the crowded, smoke ridden industrial areas further south.
* It was essential that church members attended on a regular basis as the Poor Fund and other emergency hand-outs were dependent on an adequate income from the weekly collections.
THE
GOW
FAMILY
THE GOW FAMILY The earliest verifiable generation
JOHN GOW AND CATHERINE DRUMMOND Before the official Statutory Registers commenced in January, 1855, the principal record of life in the community was recorded, as already stated, in the Old Parish Register kept by the local church. While it was not compulsory for people to record births and marriages in this register, the Kirk Session did exert great pressure on parishioners to comply. Some blanks did occur, making it more difficult to pick out family connections in the village. Other blanks occurred between 1790 and 1799 during a short period when a tax was levied on people making entries – a sum which many people would have been unable to afford - and possibly also considered an unnecessary expense.
The earliest verifiable record is, therefore, that of a John Gow, (your 5x great grandfather) who was a tartan weaver born in the Ross, and baptised there on the 13th. January, 1769. Though difficult to verify, his parents may have been Donald Gow (himself possibly born at Ross in 1727, the son of William and Janet Gow ) and Janet Dochartach. An elder brother, William Gow, was baptised on the 20th. January, 1767. As only two children were registered to this family, it is possible that there were other unrecorded siblings – or perhaps, due to the death of a parent, other children were born to a different spouse. It was certainly thought by a local Comrie historian that there were family connections with other Gows in the area. Other Gow families bearing the same Christian names were recorded in the village and, due to the traditional family naming patterns of that time, would suggest that they were all descendents of the same person of an earlier generation.
John was a hand loom weaver who married Catherine Drummond around 1795. (She was possibly the daughter of John and Catherine Drummond of Cultybraggan - and may well have been one of the original McGregor clan using the Drummond name - as her sister, Anne, gave both Drummond and McGregor as her maiden surnames on registering the births of her children)
There is no official record of John and Catherine's marriage, but as their children were later baptised and recorded as lawful by the strict and righteous church elders, it can be presumed to have taken place around the time of the levy on the registering of marriages.
The family lived in Ross where John had a house and land on what was known as the "Statute Labour Road". (Statute Labour Roads were those built in many places by local tenants as a result of an Act in 1699 which compelled cottars to provide a horse and cart and give, or else pay for, six days labour each year, for the purpose of building and maintaining the roads in their communities. The parish road days proved very unpopular and the work performed was of a very low order. The Act was set aside in favour of increased taxes in 1751).
John and Catherine registered the birth of eight children, though available records would suggest that only a few of them survived childhood. The family were living in Ross at the time of the 1841 census. John and Catherine had died by the time of the following one, taken in 1851. They would almost certainly have been interred in Comrie churchyard. The next Generation The children of John Gow and Catherine Drummond
(1) Donald Gow - born 29th. May, 1796 (2) John Gow – born 15th. July, 1798 (3) Janet Gow – born 15th. May, 1800 (4) William Gow – born 10th. May, 1802 (5) James Gow – born 23rd. December, 1805 (6) Duncan Gow – born 6th. March, 1808 (7) Catherine Gow – born 21st. April, 1809 (8) Ann Gow – born 3rd. May, 1812
(1) DONALD GOW 1796 - ?
Donald Gow was born on the 29th. May, 1796 and probably died fairly young - as no later record of his existence was found.
(2) JOHN GOW 1798-1863
The second son, John Gow, was born on the 15th. July, 1798. He was an unmarried hand loom weaver who lived at home and worked with his father. He died, aged 64, on the 3rd. April, 1863 - the presumed cause of death was a cold and gastric fever - no medically qualified person was present. His death was recorded by his brother, James.
(3) JANET GOW 1800-?
Next came Janet Gow, born on the 15th. May, 1800. She is also presumed to have died young, no further record of her was found.
(4) WILLIAM GOW 1802-?
William Gow was born on the 10th. May, 1802 and wasn’t traced after that date – did he fail to survive?
(5) JAMES GOW 1805-1865
James Gow,(your great great great great grandfather), was baptised on the 23rd. December, 1805. He was another member of the family employed as a hand loom weaver - again possibly working with his father. He would be around 23 years of age when he married the 25 year old, Margaret McDougall of Balquidder parish, reputedly the daughter of a sergeant, William McDougall, and his spouse Margaret Crerar. (The latter data was given to the registrar by their son, John, on recording his mother's death, However, the authenticity of this information cannot be guaranteed - he gave his paternal grandmother the wrong surname when registering his father's death)
The same generation
The children of John Gow and Catherine Drummond (contd.)
James and Margaret were married in Comrie on the 2nd. December, 1828 and stayed with his parents in Ross for a time before moving to stay in Dalchalla Cottage, Ross between 1841 and 1851. Shortly after the death of his parents, they returned to join his unmarried brother in Statute Labour Road where they remained until the end of their lives. They recorded five births in the old parish register, and were the parents of the next member of this family tree. They both contracted typhoid fever, and died within days of each other in June, 1865. They were almost certainly buried in Comrie churchyard.
(6) DUNCAN GOW 1808-?
Duncan Gow was born on the 6th. March, 1808. No further record of him was found - perhaps another member of the family who died in childhood?
(7) CATHERINE GOW 1809-1885
Catherine Gow was born on the 21st. April, 1809. She married labourer, Peter McIsaac, son of Jas. McIsaac and Margaret Drummond, on the 20th. June, 1834 and later recorded the birth of seven children:-
Catherine McIsaac born on the 25th. March, 1835; Margaret McIsaac born on the 28th. May, 1837, and later a farm servant. Donald McNab acknowledged being the father of her son, Peter McNab, born on the 20th. March, 1860. She also had another two illegitimate children, Margt. McIsaac/McOwan born at Ross on the 12th. January, 1865 and John McIsaac/Stewart born at Ross on the 8th. June, 1867. Janet McIsaac born on the 26th. March, 1839 and baptised on the 7th. April of that year. She had an illegitimate son, David, on the 15th. November, 1880. Ann McIsaac born on the 22nd July, 1841 and baptised on the 16th. August 1841 - she was an unmarried domestic servant who died of acute nephritis on the 3rd. March, 1915 at the age of 73; John McIsaac – an unmarried army pensioner who died of pneumonia, aged 42, at Comrie on the 21st. April, 1889. Elizabeth McIsaac – born around 1849 Peter McIsaac – he was born at Comrie around 1851. An unmarried farm worker at Cuilt in 1871, he was known to be alive at the time of his father’s death in 1874.
The deaths of John and Ann were registered by their nephew, John Stewart, 58, Rodney St., Edinburgh. Their father, Peter McIsaac, died at Ross, aged 73, on the 4th. September, 1874 following general paralysis of some years duration and Catherine died of stomach cancer when she was 76 years of age. She died at Ross on the 31st. October, 1885 where her death was recorded by her grandson, Peter McNab.
(8) ANN GOW 1812-?
Their last child, Ann Gow, was born on the 3rd. May, 1812. She was not traced after that date. The next Generation The children of James Gow and Margaret McDougall
(1) John Gow 1830-1885 (2) Janet (Jessie) Gow 1832-1905 (3) William Gow – 1834-1923 (4) James Gow 1838 - ? (5) Margaret Gow 1841-1891
(1) JOHN GOW 1830-1885
Their first child was John Gow (your great great great grandfather) born in 1830 and baptized in July of that year. During his life, John was employed in a number of different occupations. At the time of the census in 1851, he was employed by the Royal Hotel, Comrie where he probably gained his early experience as a vintner - an occupation which he recorded on several occasions during his working life. However, by the time of his marriage he was working as a coachman at Kinnoull.
He married Margaret Drummond, daughter of farmer, William Drummond and Margaret McEwan at her home, West Cowden Farm, Comrie on the 10th. June, 1854. Their first child, James Drummond Gow, was born at Rosemount, Kinnoull on the 2nd. October, l854 and baptised there on the 29th.of the same month. Possibly, with the family having moved away from Comrie before the early arrival of James following their June wedding, they escaped censure by the Kirk elders. They moved to employment at Kilryde Castle, Dunblane where their second child, William Drummond Gow, was born on the 28th. December, 1856.
Around 1858, the family moved to Dunfermline where John was employed as a butler at Priory House, in Priory Lane. Their first girl, Margaret McEwan Gow, was born at her grandparents' home in Comrie on the 9th. December, 1859. Immediately after this birth, John and Margaret were recorded in the Dunfermline Abbey Kirk Session Records as having been admitted to the list of communicants following production of certificates of transference, and several members of their family were later baptised there.
They remained in Priory Lane, Dunfermline for a few more years, producing their son, John Drummond Gow, on the 19th. January, 1862 followed by Daniel Drummond Gow on the 3rd. March 1864. It was while they were staying at Priory Lane that they lost their four year old daughter, Margaret, who succumbed to phlebitis after a four day illness on the 9th. February, 1863.
The family then spent a short time in Edinburgh where John was employed as a butler at 46, Cumberland Square and where their son, David Drummond Gow, was born on October 4th. 1867. By the time that their next child, Peter Drummond Gow, was born on the 15th. January, 1870, the family had returned to Guildhall Street, Dunfermline. By then, John was a vintner again, having leased premises in Abbot Street. A daughter, Isabella Margaret Drummond Gow, was born at Guildhall Street on the 19th. September, 1872 after which the family moved to Abbot Street where their last child, Alexander Gow, was born on New Year's Day 1874.
Between 1874 and 1881, the family moved to Glasgow where John was employed initially as a bonded storekeeper, then later as a shipping supervisor. It is not known why John gave up his business and moved to Glasgow. In November, 1881, the couple suffered the loss of their son, William, who drowned when his ship foundered at sea./
The same generation
The family of James Gow and Margaret McDougall (contd.)
The family were living at 10, Franklin Terrace (2 up) at the time of John’s horrific accident on the 2nd. July, 1883. At the age of 53, he was killed by a train while working at Queen's Dock, Glasgow for shipowners, James Hay & Sons. He had apparently been supervising the loading of a vessel when a train approached and, in stepping aside to avoid it, had walked straight in front of another one. Margaret and her family must have been absolutely shattered at the terrible death suffered by John.
Margaret would, however, have been grateful for John’s foresight in having taken out an insurance policy for £200 some years before. That money must have been of real assistance to her in her sudden widowhood - particularly when her youngest son was still only nine years of age. (The house contents and estate were valued at seventeen pounds fifteen shillings!) Margaret died, aged 58, on the 6th. September, 1894 of nephritis, dropsy and cardiac failure (as did several other members of the Drummond family).
Her death was recorded by her son, Dan. (She died only a month before his wedding at Comrie on the 2nd. October of that year). John and Margaret were taken back to Comrie Churchyard for burial.
Glasgow Evening News 4/7/1883 – FATAL ACCIDENT AT QUEEN’S DOCK – Shortly after nine o’clock last night, John Gow, who resided at 281, Dumbarton Road, was instantly killed at Queen’s Dock through being run over by an engine. He was superintending the loading of the steamers Jasper and Carbonic which were lying on the north side of the dock. When Gow was standing on the railway two locomotives advanced and, in getting out of the way of one, he stepped in front of the other and was run over. Deceased was about 55 years of age.
Glasgow Herald 4/7/1883 – Suddenly as the result of an accident at Queen’s Dock, Glasgow on the 2nd. July inst., Mr. John Gow, aged 53 years, of 10, Franklin Terrace, the faithful and devoted servant of James Hay & Sons, shipowners. Deeply regretted. (Obviously inserted by his employers - no mention of the poor widow or family!).
(2) JANET (JESSIE) GOW OR MCEWAN (1832-1905)
The second child of James Gow and Margaret McDougall was Janet (Jessie) Gow born on the 16th. January, 1832 and baptized in June of that year. She was a domestic servant and one of the villagers who was still bilingual - the Gaelic language, previously the native tongue, had been replaced by English.
When aged 30, she had an illegitimate son, John Clark, by local shepherd, John Clark, who acknowledged being the father and signed the register with Jessie. She was, however, less fortunate than her elder brother in that she was unable to escape the notice of the Kirk Session. She was summarily ordered to appear before the congregation in the local parish church on two consecutive Sundays in order to publicly confess her sin and show due repentance!
At the age of 40, she married a 52 year old widower, Peter McEwan, son of farmer John McEwan and Christian Rutherford. They were married at Dalginross by the minister of Comrie Free Church, the Rev. John Carment. Witnesses of the ceremony were Peter Clark and John McGregor. Jessie, her husband and son were recorded living in Ross in the 1881 census. Peter McEwan died at Ross on the 25th. March, 1900. He had suffered cerebral apoplexy the previous year and died from resultant cardiac exhaustion. His death was notified by a neighbour, Peter McPherson./ The same generation
The children of James Gow and Margaret McDougal (Contd.)
Jessie was admitted to the Murthly Asylum, Dunkeld in 1904 and died there on the 11th. May, 1905 at the age of 71. The recorded cause of her death, following a post mortem, was senile exhaustion from chorea and pulmonary congestion of seven days duration. On her admission to Murthly, she had stated that her next-of-kin was her brother, William Gow, Selma, Kenmore, suggesting that her son, John, possibly predeceased her. (The death of a young Scottish soldier, John Clark, aged 27, was recorded in the War Death Records of 1890. Was he Jessie’s son?) Jessie’s death was registered by a hospital attendant, rather than by any member of her family.
(3) WILLIAM GOW (1834-1923 )
Next came William Gow, born on the 22nd. November, 1834. He was a gamekeeper at Kilryde Castle (where his elder brother, John, was also employed as the coachman). At 23 years of age, he married the cook/housekeeper, 31 year old, Helen Clark, daughter of land steward, Robert Clark and his wife, Margaret. They were married at Kilryde on the 25th. February, 1858 by the local minister, Rev. Alexander Paterson, where the ceremony was witnessed by James Gow and Catherine Buchanan. They recorded the birth of eight children in different parishes before finally settling in the Aberfeldy area. They were:-
William became head gamekeeper at Taymouth Castle and apparently occupied several houses on the estate. The family were recorded in the 1881 census as living at Fort Lodge, Kenmore with five of their children still at home.
They later moved to Struan House, Aberfeldy, where Helen died of bronchial asthma on the 2nd. October, 1896. William was 88 years of age when he died of suppurative cellulitis of the right arm at Selma, Aberfeldy on the 16th. November, 1923. His death was recorded by his son, John. This family were interred in Aberfeldy Cemetery - Lair Nos. 651 and 652.
The same generation
The children of James Gow and Margaret McDougal(contd.)
(4) JAMES GOW 1838-?
James Gow was born on the 4th. September, 1838. He was not traced after the 1851 census - but he may have been the person of that name who witnessed his brother’s marriage in 1858 - though the man in question could also have been a relative of the same name. It is possible that James did not survive, though he may have gone into the army - as did his maternal grandfather and several other family members. Perhaps further research may discover more about this elusive family member.
(5) MARGARET GOW 1841-1891
Last born was Margaret Gow on the 29th. July, 1841. She married a Scottish soldier in London on the 22nd. July, 1872. Aged 23, and a few years younger, Robert Syme, was the son of John Syme and Margaret Paton of Lumphinnans. They recorded the birth of five children - born in different parts of the world :-
Robert was a Sgt. Major stationed at the Royal Arsenal, Swansea at the time of Margaret’s death there on the 30th. December, 1891 due to Pulmonary T.B. of five months duration. This couple have a number of descendents in Wales - and also in Australia.
The next generation The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond.
(1) JAMES DRUMMOND GOW 1854-1909
Their first child was James Drummond Gow, born on the 2nd. October, 1854 and baptised on the 29th. of that month by the Rev. John Anderson at Kinnoull. He was a 26 year old shipbroker, living at Radnor Street, Glasgow, at the time of his marriage to Margaret Lindsay Bullion, daughter of baker, Leonard Bullion and Christine Murray. They were married at Grove Villa, Sciennes Hill Place, Edinburgh on the 14th. April, 1881. The witnesses were Jessie Bullion and John Gow. The couple took up residence in an adjoining property to his parents - at 8, Franklin Terrace - where the couple enjoyed a good social life. James joined his father in the employ of Messrs. James Hay and Sons. As a manager for the firm, he travelled to New York to do business on their behalf. (A copy of a letter of introduction can be seen in the miscellaneous file). At the time of his son’s marriage in 1907, James was recorded as a coal merchant. Margaret Bullion died in England between 1908 and 1909 and James, by then recorded as a commercial traveller living at 102, London St., Glasgow, died of pneumonia and cardiac failure in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow on the 21st. December, 1909, at the age of 55. His death was recorded by his son, John Gow, then living at 215, Crow Road, Partick. He was buried in the Western Necropolis Lair No. 572 - Section P. James and Margaret had three children:-
(a) JOHN GOW 1881- l976 John (Jack) Gow was born at 7, Ardgowan Terrace, Glasgow on the 4th. July, 1881. He married Mary Jane Allen at 6, Radnor Street, Glasgow on the 30th. March, 1907 where the ceremony was witnessed by Leonard Gow. John was originally in business as a coal merchant. In 1914, he joined Barr & Stroud where he eventually became transport and despatch manager. After 34 years with the firm, he retired on the 20th. August, 1948. In earlier days, John was a member of Bearsden Golf Club, the Rifle Club and a Camera Club. He was also a volunteer with the 1st. Lanarkshire Rifles between 1897 and 1903. Mary Jane died of haematemesis at Canniesburn Hospital on the 11th. April, 1952. John died of chronic bronchitis, aged 95, at 3, Glenburn Road, Bearsden on the 13th. October,1976. The couple had three daughters:- (i) Chrissie Gow born on the 7th. August, 1908. At Bearsden, on the 1st. August, 1938, she married wireless engineer, Cyril Francis Button, by whom she had two infant sons (blue babies) who failed to survive. One infant died, aged one week, the other at one day old. Chrissie’s home was at 92, Romsey Road, Winchester. She died, aged 87, at the Royal Hampshire Hospital on the 27th. July, 1996. She had been predeceased by Cyril in 1988./ The same generation The children John Gow and Margaret Drummond The family of James Gow and Margaret Bullion (contd.) :- (ii) Mary (Molly) Eliza Russell Gow, was born on the 23rd. June, 1912. She married billiard room proprietor, Robert Miller Allan, who was twelve years her senior, on her 29th. birthday in 1941. Their son, Robert (Robbie) John Gow Allan was born on the 21st. March, 1946. He married Isabella (Isobel) Margaret Ellis Bond. on the 1st. June, 1974. Molly died in July, 1972 and her husband in November of that year. Sadly, Robbie died of cancer on the 3rd. January, 2004 at the early age of 57. (iii) Sarah (Sadie) Stewart Gow was born on the 15th. November, 1913. She married David Wright in 1941 – and subsequently divorced. On the 29th. December, 1954, she married chemist, William (Billy) Ross Henderson. Sadie died of cancer at Sycamore, Bridge Street, Dollar on the 28th. September, 1972 at the age of 58. Billy died of cardiac infarction at Stirling Royal Infirmary on the 25th. April 1974. They had no family. (b) CHRISTINA MURRAY GOW OR START (1882-1938)
Christina Murray Gow was born on the 13th. November, 1882 at 27, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. At 8, Franklin Terrace, Glasgow on the 30th. March, 1908, she married the chief engineer (H.M.S. Forth), Ernest Edgar Start. He had at one time been chief engineer on the Royal Yacht – “Victoria and Albert”. A family member, Alex. Gow, remembered that Ernest was seconded from the navy to Barr and Strouds as an admiralty inspector. At a later date, this couple were the proprietors of a boarding house in Port Erin, Isle of Man where they lived for some years before retiring to Knightswood in Glasgow. Christine and Edgar had three children (all now deceased):- (i) Margaret Bullion Start Born in Trelone Road, Plymouth in 1909 - she later became a clerkess. On the 3rd. June, 1933, she married bank teller, Albert George Webster. They had one daughter, Jean Margaret Webster, born in 1938. Jean married John Manson Miller and had two sons, John and Colin. (She is now Mrs. Jean Hill). Margaret Start died of breast cancer on the 26th. April, l975 and Albert died of cardiac failure as a complication of carcinoma of the bladder at Dumfries Infirmary on the 13th. May, 1985. He was 84. His death was registered by his daughter, Jean Miller, whose address at that time was given as 20, St. Cuthbert’s Drive, Dumfries. (ii) Frank Start, born in England around 1913. He was a salesman who worked at the same meat market as his cousin, James Aitken Drummond Gow. He later moved to Bristol where he was employed in the aircraft industry. He was married to Rose ? – but without issue. This couple died in Bristol. (iii) Hazel Gow Start, born c. 1917. Hazel survived the Clydebank Blitz before joining the Women’s Royal Air Force where she packed parachutes, was mentioned in dispatches and awarded a gold oak leaf. She married twice. Her first husband was baker, John Arthur Reid whom she married in 1940. After her divorce she married Robert Ford McCowat by whom she had two children – Ross, (born with Down’s Syndrome and presently in care) and Ewan, who died, aged 39, leaving a young widow, Elizabeth Kinnear. Robert died in 1976 and Hazel died of cancer at Hairmyres Hospital on the 24th. August, 1998. Christina Gow died of abdominal carcinoma at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow on the 26th. April, 1938 and Edgar died at Cross Cottage, Kingskettle on the 23rd. December, l963 due to cardiovascular degeneration. His death was recorded by his son, Frank. The same generation
The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond(contd.)
(c) LEONARD BULLION GOW (1887-1970) The third child born to James Gow and Margaret Bullion was Leonard Bullion Gow, born at 51, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow on the 30th. January, 1887. Leonard served with a horse regiment during World War I. Later, he was a dental surgeon with a surgery in Dennistoun, where he practiced until his retirement around 1960. Leonard married typist, Mary Cooper Aitken, daughter of dentist, James Aitken and Margaret Manson, at the United Free Church, Bath Street, Glasgow on the 18th. September, 1911. They had three children :- (a) James Aitken Drummond Gow – born on the 15th. December, 1912. He was a meat salesman who married Madge Alexander Steel. They had a son, Alan Leonard Gow, a doctor, formerly married to Lynda Clark, daughter of John Edward Clark and Mary Eliz. Crown. Alan and Lynda had two children:- (i) Carolyn Gow, born on the 27th. March, 1974. On the 6th. July, 2001, she married Andrew Robert Chisholm. They now live in Dunfermline with their son, Ruairidh Alexander Clark Chisholm born on the 31st. January, 2003. (ii) Dr. Michael Alan Gow, a dental surgeon born on the 30th. June, 1976. At Glasgow University Chapel on the 7th. August, 2003 he married Juliet Susan Checkley, born to Paul J. Checkley and Pauline A.M. Smith on the 26th. May, 1978. Their father, Alan Gow, remarried and now lives in Canada where another daughter, (iii) Katie Elizabeth Gow, was born in 1982. James Gow died of acute myocardial infarction at 161, Old Castle Road, Glasgow on the 3rd. March, 1983. His widow, Madge, died on the 1st. August, 2004 and buried in Cathcart Cemetery (b) Margaret Manson Bullion Gow, a Girl Guide Commissioner for many years, married John Dryden in 1950. They had a daughter, Ann Mary Dryden or Cowden and a granddaughter, Davinia Elizabeth Cowden. © Mary (Molly) Aitken Gow. Molly, a keen bowler, held senior nursing posts in the midwifery departments at Stobhill Hospital and Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital, Rottenrow for many years and is now enjoying a well earned retirement.
Leonard, a keen bowler, was for many years an elder and session clerk in Trinity Duke Street Church in Dennistoun. The couple celebrated their golden wedding in 1961. Leonard died of bronchitis and heart failure on the 27th. July, 1970 at the age of 84. Mary died of heart disease at Lightburn Hospital on the 9th. April, 1978.
Leonard Gow – obituary Mr. Leonard B. Gow died on July 27, 1970, aged 84. He succeeded to the dental practice of his father-in-law in the east end of Glasgow, retiring about ten years ago He took an active and very effective part in the affairs of the Incorporated Dental Society, West of Scotland Branch, being their secretary for many years, and President for one year. He was elected Life Member of the L.D.S. about 1947. For a time he was on the council of the West of Scotland Branch of the British Dental Association. Many dentists were greatly helped at that time by his sage advice and kindly counsel. In the First World War he served in a horse regiment. In World War II he acted as secretary and organizer of the dental first aid post in the Glasgow municipal buildings, where he did a splendid bit of war service. An active churchman, Mr. Gow was an elder in his kirk for 50 years – latterly being the senior elder – and was for a while Session Clerk. He also represented the session in the Glasgow Presbytery of the Church of Scotland. Leonard Gow was a friendly man and had many friends. A man of wide interests who had his priorities right, he was able to influence a correct decision on many debatable subjects by a wise line of thought. He found his recreation on the bowling green.
Photo: Mary (nee Aitken) and husband Leonard B. Gow
The same generation The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond(contd.)
(2) WILLIAM DRUMMOND GOW 1856-1881
Returning to John and Margaret’s family - Their second son, William Drummond Gow, was born on the 28th. December, 1856 at Kilryde Castle, Dunblane. Before moving to Glasgow, he worked as an engineer at the Dunfermline Foundry. He was the 25 year old chief engineer on board the "Ardanmor". It was lost with all hands during the storms of 26th.or 28th. November, 1881 after leaving Ostend bound for Greenock. At the time of the 1881 census, William was apparently living at 35, Pollock Street, Glasgow with a 27 year old lady, Mrs. Georgina A. Gow. No official record of a marriage had been found but, as this lady was the only Georgina born in Torryburn, Fife within that period, it is presumed that she was Georgina Agnes Charles born to John Charles and Agnes Kean. She was possibly childless at the time of William's death and it is not known what became of her after that date. She was still a very young woman and may have re-married.
Excerpt from the Dumferline Courier – November, 1881. A similar announcement was printed in the Glasgow Evening Times of that month.
Supposed loss of a Clyde steamer All hopes for the safety of the s.s. Ardanmor of Glasgow are abandoned – the vessel now being over ten days overdue on the passage from Dunkirk for the Clyde. The regular trading steamer, Bertha, which left Dunkirk after the Ardanmor, spoke to her in the Channel off the “smalls” and since then nothing has been heard of her. The Bertha arrived in the Clyde on Wednesday of last week. The Ardanmor arrived at Dunkirk from Ostend on the 18th. ult. after loading a cargo of beetroot sugar sailed for Gourock on the 23rd. November. It is feared that she went down in the storm of either the 26th. or 28th. November. She was commanded by Captain Martell, who had a crew of 16 men on board, all of whom are feared lost. Mr. William Drummond Gow, son of John Gow, late of Abbot Street, Dunfermline, held the appointment of chief engineer on the ill-fated vessel. Mr. Gow, it may be remembered, was formerly employed as an engineer in the Dumfermline Foundry. Since he went to Glasgow he had, by his energy and ability, raised himself to the position of first engineer on board the Ardanmor. It is understood that, had the Ardanmor arrived safely, William was to have received a similar appointment on a much larger vessel. His sad and premature fate is much regretted by all who knew him. The Ardanmor was 475 tons nett and 748 tons gross register and was built in 1876 by Messrs. Galston, Sutherland; her engines of 95 h.p. were by Messrs Clark & Co., Newcastle. She was called the Seamew prior to her ourchase by Messrs McLaren, Crum and Co., Glasgow Death notices were published in the Glasgow and Dunfermline newspapers stating that William was the son of John Gow, late of Abbot Street, Dunfermline – no mention of a wife. However, though it was not unusual for spouses and other female relations to be omitted from such announcements – it didn’t help to confirm the marriage. The formal death notice was sent out from 7, Ardgowan Terrace, Sandyford Street, Glasgow on the 6th. December, 1881 – but didn’t say by whom?
The same generation
The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond (contd.)
(3) MARGARET MCEWAN GOW 1859-1863
Margaret McEwan Gow was born at her maternal grandparents' home - West Cowden Farm, Comrie on the 9th. December, 1859. She was only four years of age when she developed phlebitis and died at Priory Lane, Dunfermline on the 31st. May, 1863 after a four day illness.
(4) JOHN DRUMMOND GOW 1862 –1914
John Drummond Gow was born at Dunfermline on the 19th. January, 1862. He was a marine engineer. A single man, he was living in a lodging house in Miller Street, Clydebank at the time of his death. He sustained a fractured skull after falling into the hold of a ship at Wm. Beardmore’s yard at Dalmuir and died at the Western Infirmary on the 24th. April, 1914. He was the third member of this family to die tragically. His death was the subject of a Fatal Accident Inquiry, in which the jury passed the aforementioned verdict. His death was recorded by his brother, David Gow, 3, Bowling Green, Whiteinch. He was buried at the Western Necropolis Lair No. 748 Section K.
Newspaper report in the Evening Times – Saturday 23rd. April, 1914. A fatal accident occurred in Clydebank this week. As a result of an accident sustained in the naval construction works of Messrs. W. Beardmore and Sons on Wednesday afternoon, John Gow, a fitter, died in the Western Infirmary last night. He was working on board H.M.S. Benbow when he lost his balance. He fell 15 feet sustaining serious head injuries.
(5) DANIEL DRUMMOND GOW 1864-1940
My grandfather, Daniel (Dan) Drummond Gow was born at Priory Lane, Dunfermline, on the 3rd. March, 1864. By 1891, he was a lace salesman and commercial traveller. He later took up employment as a shipping clerk. At thirty years of age, he married 24 year old, Margaret (Maggie) Cairns McKenzie, at Fintulloch (Fintlaich), Comrie. She was the only child of Malcolm McKenzie and Mary Henderson. Her father died when she was fourteen years of age. Maggie's mother was not keen on her daughter's suitor - she thought that he was too old for her because he had a slight bald patch and he later related that she had chased him with a brush and set the dog on him! In spite of this "brush-off" he eventually won Maggie’s hand. The marriage was conducted at her home, Fintlaich, Comrie by the Rev. John McPherson on the 2nd. November, 1894 where it was witnessed by Isabella Urquhart and John McNab.
Maggie went to Glasgow with her new husband. They had two sons, David and Malcolm, while living at 9, Muirpark Gardens, Partick. They were members of Kelvinhaugh Parish Church, where Malcolm was baptised. It must have been decided about that time that Maggie should return to Perthshire to be near her mother and, perhaps, to give the children the freedom of country life. They took a house in Muthill - where another four children were born.
The same generation
The family of John Gow and Margaret Drummond (contd.)
Dan moved to Garngaber Place, Mauldsie Street, Partick and continued with his work in Glasgow. In 1904, they suffered the loss of a son, Alexander William Gow, who died of meningitis at only 6 months. For a time, Dan returned to Muthill where he took on a heavy job, to which he was unaccustomed, at a jam factory. This allowed Maggie to have her mother to stay with the family - the old lady had refused to go to Glasgow. His mother-in-law stayed with them until her death at Muthill in 1913.
Dan was keen to return to Glasgow where he could be more suitably employed. However, before the family were able to move back to Glasgow, hostilities commenced and war was declared. Before its conclusion, all the male members of the family found themselves in France. Dan was in the Royal Defence Corps, David Malcolm with the 7th. Battalion Gordon Highlanders and Malcolm and Johnny saw service with the Royal Flying Corps (later the Royal Air Force). Sadly, David Malcolm lost his life – he was killed by a sniper at Arras on the 23rd. April, 1917.
Early in the 1920's, the family moved to Cotsford Place at 641, Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir, where they all obtained work. Their house was a place of warm welcome to many a visitor and lots of people have talked about their happy stay there. Sadly, Maggie developed tuberculosis - perhaps it had been dormant in her for many years following her father's death from the disease - flaring into a fatal attack of the illness in later years. Dan and Maggie gave up their home and went to stay with their daughter, Mary, who nursed her mother till her death on the 2nd. November, 1936. Dan died, aged 76, in the Southern General Hospital on the 11th. April, 1940 due to myocardial degeneration.
Dan and Maggie were interred at Dalnottar Cemetery, Dalmuir – Section D, Lair No. 597. There is no gravestone there. (Many people associated with Comrie believed that as God knew where everyone was buried, stones were unnecessary)
(6) DAVID DRUMMOND GOW 1867- 1921
David (Davie) Drummond Gow was born at 46, Cumberland Square, Edinburgh on the 4th. October, 1867. His father was apparently working as a butler at that address for a short time, though the family soon returned to Dunfermline. David was a shipbroker's clerk at the time of his marriage to Helen (Nellie) McFarlane Gildard,. She was born at the Burns Monument Hotel, Alloway, (presently Brig O’ Doon House) the daughter of hotel proprietor, James Gildard and Helen McFarlane. By the time of the young couple's marriage her parents had retired. David and Nellie were both 23 years of age when they were married at 23 Bentinck Street, Glasgow on the 23rd. April, 1891 by the Rev. William Brownlie, M.A. of Lenzie. The witnesses were Alexander Gow and Jennie Gildard. The couple spent some years in business down in London where they made many friends. David was happily associated with the London Caledonian Club during his time in the Metropolis. The same generation The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond (contd.)
On returning to Scotland, David soon became a well-known as a spirit merchant with premises in Smith Street, Whiteinch, where he was known locally as "the kind man". He had started business with a porter and ale licence around 1891. He apparently had the reputation of being a “hail-fellow-well-met” and had the happy knack of making himself at home anywhere. In Glasgow his friends were legion and he was considered the life and soul of any company.
He was a special constable during World War I, a well known Freemason as a member of Lodge St. John, Whiteinch and also held the position of Deputy Grand Master of Scotland. He took a great interest in Partick Thistle Football Club dating back to the very early days at Inchview and was to be seen regularly at matches in every Club ground in Scotland - though he spent most of his time at Inchview, Meadowside and Firhill.
Nellie was a very prominent member of the Eastern Star in which she continued to take an interest until late in her life. Davie's health apparently deteriorated when, after many years as a licensee in Whiteinch, the area suddenly went "dry". However, after a time this was revoked and the licence returned - but Davie never really recovered his health and died of bulbar paralysis syncope on the 21st. November, 1921 at his home, 37, Broomhill Terrace, Glasgow at 54 years of age.
His widow outlived him by many years and kept herself busy with many public duties. After a fall at her home at 6, Victoria Drive South, Whiteinch she was taken to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow where she died on the 31st. May, 1955. She had suffered a fractured femur which was complicated by pneumonia. She was 88 years of age. David and Nellie were interred at the Western Necropolis – Lair No. 748 Section K.
David and Nellie had no family of their own - but had helped rear a nephew, Sgt. David Malcolm Gow, of the 7th. Regiment Gordon Highlanders who was tragically killed at Arras in 1917. They were completely devastated by his death.
In later years Nellie and her sister, Annie, were looked after by Annie’s son, Angus McDonald, later assisted by his wife, Joanne.
7) PETER DRUMMOND GOW 1870-1943
Peter Drummond Gow was born on the 15th. January, 1870 at Guildhall Street, Dunfermline. He became a pattern maker and was one of the earliest workers employed by Barr and Stroud at Anniesland.
At 23 years of age, Peter married 20 year old Margaret Walker, daughter of Henry Walker and Doreen Robertson of 76, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow in a ceremony at Middlefield House, Partick on the 7th. July, 1893. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Smith, B.A. of Partick Parish Church and witnessed by James Drummond and Mary Walker.
The same generation
The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond(contd.)
Peter and Margaret Walker Gow had three children :-
(1) Marion (Mamie) Robertson Walker Gow born at 76, Dumbarton Road, Partick on the 1st. October, 1893. She married salesman, John Marr Mackie, at Temple Parish Manse on the 27th. November, 1918 where the ceremony was witnessed by Wm. Hislop and Mary Gow. (John was serving in the armed forces at the time of his marriage.) He later spent many years connected with the music industry. They had three children:- Margaret Mackie, Patsy Mackie and Alan Mackie. Mamie and her husband died in England.
(2) David Drummond Gow was born at 14, Church Street, Partick on the 14th. March, 1896 and in adulthood was an engineer’s inspector. He married Elizabeth Gray McNair Crawford of Netherton Farm, Westerton at Linerbank Hall, Partick on the 11th. July, 1923. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Jas. Carswell, minister at Temple and witnessed by Malcolm Gow and Margaret Crawford. On the 28th. June, 1933, David and Lizzie had a daughter, Margaret Crawford Gow (the survivor of twins) and later the wife of Thomas Stuart Christie. Margaret and Stuart were married at Temple Church, Anniesland in 1958. They had the following two children:- Marjory Elizabeth Christie born on the 21st. July, 1959 and David Stuart Christie born on the 18th. May, 1962. Marjory is now married to John Dryburgh and they have a daughter, Gemma Dryburgh - born on the 11th. June, 1993. David is married to Rachael North and they have a daughter, Kathleen Christie born on the 9th. August, 1991. David Drummond Gow died of bronchial carcinoma at Cameron Hospital, Windygates on the 10th. June, 1963. His wife, Elizabeth, died following a cerebral haemorrhage at her daughter’s home, (17, Maxwell Place, Glenrothes), on the 29th. April, 1972.
(3) Mary (Polly) Walker Gow was born on the 4th. May, 1901. She married John Crawford Halley. Their only son, John (Ian) Halley was born around.1930. Ian married Joan Chesney and had a son, Alistair Halley. Polly was a widow, aged 67, living at 62, Glenkirk Drive, Drumchapel, when she suffered a cerebral haemorrhage which was the cause of her death in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow on the 8th. July, 1968.
Their father, Peter Drummond Gow was widowed when Margaret died very suddenly while walking at East Bay, Dunoon on the 20th. September, 1906. She was only 34 years of age. Their home address at that time was 1, Ralston Terrace, Anniesland.
Second Marriage
Peter later married Margaret Miller and died at Kingscot, Muthill at the age of 72. His death occurred on the 28th. July, 1943 as a result of chronic heart trouble and bronchitis. He had been a keen gardener with a particular interest in roses. He was buried in the old churchyard at Muthill.
The same generation
The Family of John Gow and Margaret Drummond
(8) ISABELLA MARGARET DRUMMOND GOW 1872-?
Isabella Margaret Drummond Gow was born at Guildhall Street, Dunfermline on the 19th. September, 1872. She was a hospital nurse - possibly at the Western Infirmary. At 30 years of age, she married a ship's officer of the same age, Hugh Smith, of the S.S. Rastalia. He was the son of master baker, William Smith and Janet Houston. Isabella’s address at that time was given as 273, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow. The couple were married at 9, Broomhill Terrace, Glasgow on the 19th. October, 1903. The witnesses were John Walker and the bride's niece, Christine Murray Gow. It is thought that this couple emigrated to America. Family members unknown.
(9) ALEXANDER GOW 1874-1950
Alexander (Alex.) Gow was the youngest member of the family. He was born on the 1st. January, 1874 at Abbot Street, Dunfermline and baptised in Dunfermline Abbey. Following the family move to Glasgow, Alex. worked with a legal firm, Honeyman and Drummond, until around 1891 when he made the decision to join the army. Most of the service that followed was with the 3rd. Hussars in India and South Africa (The Boer War). After leaving the army, he came home to stay with his brother, Dan, at 10, Fielden Drive, Partick and found employment as a sewing machine mechanic. At 39 years of age, he married a 25 year old widow, Henrietta McDougall Shaw or McKay, born on the 26th. July, 1887, the daughter of blacksmith, William Shaw and Christine McDougall, 7, Ardeny Street, Partick in a ceremony at 3, Bowling Green, Whiteinch. The marriage on the 21st. March, 1913 was solemnised by the Rev. David Ness and witnessed by Williamina Shaw and John Parr. The couple moved into a flat at 1, Newlands (later Crathie) Drive. On the outbreak of war, Alex. was re-called to his regiment, resuming his former rank, until discharged in 1917. He joined Singers factory as a munition worker and latterly worked with McCrae and Drew, bedding manufacturers, until his retirement in 1944, at 70 years of age.
Alex. was an elder of St. David's Church, Knightswood until his health deteriorated. He died at 27, Talbot Drive, Knightswood on the 30th. April, 1950, following a cerebral haemorrhage. His widow was 91 years of age at the time of her death in Knightswood Hospital on the 14th. June, 1979. This couple are buried in Arkleston Cemetery, Renfrew.
An obituary from his church – Mr. Alexander Gow. In the passing of Mr. Alexander Gow, 27, Talbot Drive, St. David’s Church has lost a faithful and devoted elder. Mr. Gow retired from the eldership some years ago because of his age and health. As a regular officer in the Army, who had served for a time in India, his life was well disciplined. In culture, courtesy and refinement he was a real gentleman. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he zealously loved the House of God and was untiring in his devotion to the cause of Christ. The deep sympathy of the congregation is extended to Mrs. Gow and her family.
The same generation The children of John Gow and Margaret Drummond (contd.)
The family of Alex. Gow and Henrietta McDougall were:-
(i) Mabel Frances Drummond Gow born on the 23rd. October, 1914 and later married to John Brankin. They had two daughters, Eileen Brankin and Rita Brankin. Eileen Brankin married Keith Lawson and has a son, Stephen Lawson. Rita Brankin married Alan Dunn but, sadly, died on the 10th. February, 1972, without issue. Mabel died on the 5th. July, 1993 and John died in 1999.
(ii) Alexander William Gow born 1st.December, 1917. He married Eveline Gemmel Kirkland in Jordanhill Church on the 24th. April, 1942. Following Eveline’s death on the 21st. February, 1991, Alex. married Mabel Blue. They were married in Bath Street, Glasgow on the 19th. August, 1995. Alex. and Eveline had two daughters, Doreen Frances Gow, born 21-1-1950 and Susan Margaret Gow, born 28-12-1955. Doreen married Kenneth McMillan on the 26th. June, 1975 and had three sons, Derek McMillan, born 20-1-1977; Colin McMillan, born 13-11-1979 and Paul McMillan, born 4-3-1983.
Susan married policeman, Alan Mowat, on the 3rd. August, 1977 and had three children, Evelynne Muriel (Lynne) Mowat, born 31-10-1979; Victoria Louise Mowat, born 23-12-1980, a delightful handicapped little girl, who died on the 4th. March, 1986; and Lesley Jane Mowat, born 12-5-1985.
(iii) Henrietta (Netta) Shaw Gow born on the 10th. June, 1919. She married James Robert Smart. They had one son, Neil Smart. Neil, a doctor, married Gillian Davis and had two girls before losing his young wife to cancer. Children born to Gillian were:- Lesley Gillian Janet Smart and Claire Louise Smart. Neil, now married to Daphne has another two daughters, Natalie Smart and ?
Robert Smart died on the 17th. July, 1985 and Netta died of breast cancer at Gartnavel Hospital on the 25th. January, 1990.
The next generation
The children of Daniel Drummond Gow and Margaret McKenzie
(1) DAVID MALCOLM GOW 1895-1917.
Their first child was David Malcolm Gow, born at 9, Muirpark Gardens, Partick on the 16th. September, 1895. He spent the first few years of his life in Glasgow before going to Muthill, Perthshire around 1902. He also lived with his grandmother, Mary McKenzie at Fintulloch, Comrie during the summer months - and even went to school there for a short time. In later years he went back to Glasgow to stay with his Uncle David and Aunt Nellie Gow at 3, Bowling Green, Whiteinch where he found employment as an apprentice marine engineer with David Rowan & Co.
Like many other young men, he enlisted at the outbreak of war, joining the 7th. Battalion Gordon Highlanders in August. 1914. He was given the service number 292384. After training in England, he went to France in May 1915 where he gained his stripes as a Sergeant. At Arras, on the 23rd. April, 1917, he was killed by a sniper while attacking with his platoon. The records of that day stated that out of a whole battalion only a few were accounted for at the end of the day. (Notes copied from records of the battle fought on that day are detailed overleaf.)
David has no known grave - his name is engraved on the Arras war memorial - along with so many others who perished and whose bodies were never found. His name is also entered on the Roll of Honour dedicated to the Gordon Highlanders at the Scottish National War Memorial Hall in Edinburgh Castle.
One of the remaining officers wrote to his parents relating that "David had been a splendid soldier who was greatly respected by all his mates." Though this was a fine testimonial, it must have been a very sad consolation to his grieving parents, or his uncle and aunt in Glasgow, who were also devastated at losing their favourite nephew. It is known that David’s mother cherished all the letters which he had written home during his time in France - and kept them near her for the rest of her life. David was unmarried.
Strathearn Herald – April, 1917. SERGEANT OF THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS KILLED – CONNECTED WITH MUTHILL AND COMRIE. In our obituary of to-day there is recorded the death in action, in France, of Sergeant David Malcolm Gow, of the Gordon Highlanders, eldest son of Private and Mrs. Daniel Gow, Muthill and grandson of the late Mrs. McKenzie, Glenlednock, Comrie. Sergeant Gow who was also the nephew of Mr. & Mrs. David Gow, 3, Bowling Green, Whiteinch, Glasgow was an apprentice marine engineer with Messrs. David Rowan & Co., Glasgow. He joined the Gordon Highlanders in August, 1914. After training in England, he went to France in May, 1915 where he gained his stripes. His officer wrote “I am very sorry to inform you that our comrade was killed on 23rd. April while attacking with his platoon. He is sadly missed by us all here. He was a splendid soldier, and was greatly respected by all whom he came in contact with”. His father is in the Royal Defence Corps. And his younger brother, Malcolm, is on active service with the Royal Flying Corps. Family announcement in the Strathearn Herald – April 1917. GOW - Killed in action, in France, on the 23rd. April, 1917, aged 21 years, Sergeant David Malcolm Gow, Gordon Highlanders, eldest son of Private and Mrs. Daniel Gow, Garthland, Muthill, and much loved nephew of Mr. And Mrs. David D. Gow, 3, Bowling Green, Whiteinch, Glasgow, grandson of the late Mrs. Mckenzie, Fintloch, Glenlednock, Comrie. The same generation
The children of Daniel Drummond Gow and Margaret McKenzie(contd.)
(2) MALCOLM McKENZIE GOW 1897-1982
. Their second child was my father, Malcolm McKenzie Gow, born on the 20th. September, 1897 at 9, Muirpark Gardens, Partick and baptised in Kelvinhaugh Church, Anderston on the 1st. December that year. He, too, spent a short time in Glasgow before going to Muthill when about four years of age. Like his elder brother, he spent some time with his grandmother in Glenlednock, Comrie. When his younger brother, John, was born there, the two older brothers were packed off to the local school to take them out the house for a bit! Whilst David was old enough to be at school, Malcolm was not - and in later years commented that he learned to write on the school walls at three years of age!
He spent a happy and mischievous childhood at Garthland House in Muthill - according to his sister, Mary, who always joined the boys in their exploits! He won a bursary for Morrison Academy in Crieff, but was unable to avail himself of the opportunity as his parents could not afford the other expenses involved.
At the age of 14, during a visit to Crieff, he developed appendicitis and, in an effort to get home, was reduced to crawling before collapsing on a bridge. He was found there by a local man who took him home in his cart. By that time he had peritonitis - which amazingly he survived following surgery. This was the first of several life threatening illnesses which he survived. As a youth, he worked with the gardeners at Drummond Castle for a time - though he showed little interest in his own garden until after his retirement, when he then derived great enjoyment from it.
He enlisted for service in France at the age of 16 - but was sent home when found to be under age. However, he was accepted when he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps (Service No. 19252) on the 25th. January. 1916 and saw service in France where he became an Air Mechanic (First Class) before the end of hostilities in Europe. When later speaking of his time in France, he would recall that the troops arriving to liberate the French were even charged by the locals for a much needed glass of water! He always said that he would never put another foot in France - such was his disgust. (Fortunately his service in World War II did not involve going there, as he spent much of that war in South Africa, Egypt, India and Ceylon).
After the family move to Dalmuir, he found employment at the Singer factory as a sewing machine mechanic. He was a fairly skilled and keen golfer. In earlier days, he was a motor byke enthusiast and showed some talent with the piano accordion. At 29 years of age, he married Jane (Jean) Forrest Lyon, the 25 year old daughter of coppersmith, Hugh Lyon and Annie McKirdie, in a ceremony conducted by the bride's uncle, the Rev. Andrew McBride McKirdie at Speirs Hall, Yoker on the 12th. July, 1927. The marriage was witnessed by John McGregor and Jenny Brown.
The same generation
The children of Daniel Drummond and Maggie McKenzie
Within a year their first child, Iain McKenzie Gow, was born at 33, Bell Street, Clydebank. He was destined to have a very short life – he died of pneumonia at three and half years of age - to the great grief of both his parents and other relatives.
On the 10th. January, 1933 their first daughter, Sheila Margaret Lyon Gow, was born at 51, Kilbowie Road, Clydebank. The decision was made that an only child was not a happy child and another baby was planned. Sadly, this pregnancy was to cost Jean her life when a second daughter, Catherine Anne Lyon Gow, was born on the 17th. November, 1937.
Following her delivery, Jean developed puerperal fever and was taken to Robroyston Hospital where she died, aged 35, on the 1st. December, 1937. At the time of her death, Malcolm was a patient in Blawarthill Hospital suffering from pneumonia and was not expected to live. On Jean’s last visit to the hospital, Malcolm asked her to go home, as he felt too ill to talk to her - little did he realise that he was seeing her for the last time. After Jean’s death, Malcolm commented that he had found it extremely difficult to forgive himself for having sent her away, in a tearful and heavily pregnant state, fearing that he was losing his battle for life. Neither of them could have foreseen that, within a few short weeks, it would be Jean who would die. Jean was buried beside her parents and son in Dalnottar cemetery, Dalmuir.
In 1939, while travelling to the Isle of Man for a golfing holiday (having won cups in various golf matches), Malcolm met his second wife, Jessie Grieve Martin, younger daughter of housepainter, James Grieve Martin and catering supervisor, Jessie Susan Walker Service. They were married on the 23rd. September of that year while Malcolm was on leave from the R.A.F to which, being a reservist since the First World War, he had been recalled the previous month. He spent some time abroad and was later seconded to the Fleet Air Arm where he eventually served with the rank of Warrant Officer until his demob in September, 1945.
During the war years, while Malcolm spent some two and a half years serving abroad, the family survived the Clydebank blitz. A son, Allan McKenzie Gow, was born on the 24th. September, 1942. After the war, Malcolm returned to his old job with the Burgh of Clydebank. After retiral, he suffered several heart attacks and many bouts of heart failure. He lost his speech following a cerebral haemorrhage three weeks prior to his death, at the age of 85, in Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow on the 8th. October, 1982, after a final stroke. He had given up smoking seven years earlier to help prolong his life - though he occasionally said how much he missed his cigarettes. He was a man who took life's many adversities on the chin and uncomplainingly made light of deteriorating health till the very end. His funeral was held at Dalnottar Crematorium on the 11th.October, 1982.
In 1983, his widow, Jessie, joined the rest of the family in Ayr. She is presently living in a very comfortable sheltered bungalow in Prestwick and keeps fairly fit and well. She celebrated her ninetieth birthday on June 12th. 2000 and is now 94 years of age..
The same generation
The children of Daniel Drummond Gow and Maggie McKenzie (Contd.)
(3) JOHN DRUMMOND GOW (1899-1967)
The next child was John (Johnny) Drummond Gow, born in his grandmother's home at Fintloch, Comrie on the 12th. December, 1899. Although originally a blacksmith to trade, it is believed that he worked in Singer's factory for a time as an engine fitter.
At 25 years of age, he married Annie Ritchie McGregor in a double ceremony with her sister, Jean. The wedding was at Speirs Hall, Yoker and was conducted by the Rev. Alex. McLean of Whiteinch Parish Church. The witnesses were Johnny’s brother, Malcolm, and Annie's sister, Mary.
Immediately after the wedding, both couples left for America where they spent the remainder of their lives. In the early days, they had many lean times and had almost decided to come home when things started to improve. They stayed on and Johnny eventually spent 25 years with the General Electric Co. as a maintenance engineer - before retiring in 1965.
They were members of Pilgrim Memorial Church. He was a one time chief of the Order of Scottish Clans, a life member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge of Glasgow and a member of the General Electric Quarter Century and Pensioner’s Clubs. He was presented with an honorary medal by the Humane Society for saving the lives of two women who nearly drowned off the Rhode Island coast.
Annie came home on a number of occasions though Johnny only came back about three times. When he realised that he was dying of diabetes and cancer, he came home for a last visit and spent a happy time with his brother and sisters. Annie and Johnny spent most of their time in America in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Johnny died there on the 18th. July, 1967.
Annie, a favourite aunt of the family, was absolutely bereft without Johnny. She died in February, 1981, after a very sudden heart attack. As they had no family of their own, they reared a niece, Anne Gow Barbour, until the time of her marriage to Charles Tucker. Annie’s unmarried sister, Peggy, always lived with Annie and Johnny. She died a few years after her sister. They are all buried in Lee Cemetery. Sadly, their niece, Anne Gow Barbour/Tucker died of cancer at only 42 years of age.
(4) ALEXANDER WILLIAM GOW 1903-1904
Alexander William Gow was born at Oakbank, Muthill on the 2nd. September, 1903. In 1904, at the age of six months, he developed acute meningitis and died four days later on the 19th. March, 1904. He was buried beside his McKenzie grandparents in Comrie Cemetery - Lair No. 409/1.
The same generation
The children of Daniel Drummond Gow and Maggie Cairns McKenzie (contd.)
(5) MARY HENDERSON GOW 1905-1977
Following the birth of four sons, Dan and Maggie would no doubt be pleased that their next child was a girl! Mary Henderson Gow was born at Oakbank, Muthill on the 6th. May, 1905 and given her maternal grandmother's name on her baptism by the Reverend Andrew Mutch of Muthill Parish Church on the 11th. June, 1905.
Her family home was a very happy one where Mary joined her brothers in all sorts of pranks in which, on her own later admission, she was an enthusiastic participant! She often spoke about their mischievous exploits and recalled racing off to the woods to dodge the wrath of their mother, who was kept informed by the local police sergeant. They seemed to be in trouble fairly frequently - though their misdemeanours would be considered extremely tame by present day standards!
Their happy days were so soon to be brought to an end by the advent of the First World War. Mary would be only nine years of age when her father and brothers started to leave for France, where eventually all of them saw service before the end of hostilities. Life must have been very different for Mary left at home with her mother and younger sister. Their carefree early days changed forever when Mary’s eldest brother, David, was killed at the battle of Arras in 1917. The other brothers, who went away as young lads, returned as men - older and wiser from their war experiences.
Around 1923, the family moved to 4, Cotsford Place at 641, Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir where Mary, like so many others, found employment in the Singer factory as a machinist. She was a keen hockey player and was a member of the Singer team who won the Murdoch Cup in 1924/5. She showed some interest in the violin but her brothers, Malcolm and Johnny, wouldn't give her peace to practice - then later said that she may have been famous – had it not been for them! She was also a keen cyclist, and met her future husband, also an enthusiast, when he knocked her off her bicycle at the Red Smiddy crossroads, Inchinnan.
She was 24 years old when she married the good-looking young shipwright, Norman (Norrie) John Whitfield. He was the 28 year old son of foreman shipwright, William James Whitfield and his wife, Catherine Rich, of 41, Earl Street, Glasgow. The ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew McKirdie on the 28th. December, 1929 and was witnessed by James Stewart, 24, Lasswade Street, Glasgow and the bride's sister, Margaret Drummond Gow.
A son, Norman David Whitfield, was born at Dalmuir on the 22nd. November, 1931. The family later moved to 149, Hill Street, Glasgow where they spent many years before moving to 351, Renfrew Street, Glasgow around 1956. Their upper flat was let out to various theatrical guests./
The same generation
The children of Daniel Gow and Maggie McKenzie
Mary was a very keen bowler and won several club cups and trophies. Norrie meantime had his own hobbies - he was very skilled in woodwork and would tackle anything in metal or wood, his particular interest was in fretwork during the Thirties - and wood turning in the Seventies. In later years, Mary was a keen bingo player and enjoyed many annual holidays in Jersey. Around 1972, the family moved to 69, Strathblane Road, Milngavie, where Norrie took a great interest in the vegetable garden.
Unfortunately, Norrie and Mary were both heavy smokers, which eventually damaged their health. Mary was asked to stop smoking - but had found it impossible to give up her habit of so many years. She died on the 13th. December, 1977 from a coronary condition. Norrie contracted cancer of the lung which was the cause of his death on the 17th. August, 1979.
Their son, Norman, now retired from his employment with British Telecom., has been a keen speed skater for many years. Following his National Service, he took a great interest in photography - even having his own darkroom until black and white film was superseded by colour. He is married to Sheila Elizabeth Allen Smellie and now lives in Blantyre. Norrie and Mary’s only grandchild, Susan Whitfield, was born on the 5th. September, 1960, She is married to Duncan Currie McInnes and there are two great grandchildren - Nicole and Kyle Duncan.
Norman’s encouragement and photographic input were largely instrumental in the completion of this family history gathered over so many years of research.
The same generation
The children of Daniel Drummond Gow and Maggie McKenzie (contd.)
(6) MARGARET (PEGGY) DRUMMOND GOW 1908-1998
The youngest child was Margaret (Peggy) Drummond Gow born on the 13th. August, 1908 at Oakbank, Muthill. She was perhaps a little spoiled, being as she was the youngest of the family. She attended Muthill School and grew up in the shadow of her older siblings and, no doubt, joined them in their many pranks – although as the baby of the family, she would possibly get in the way at times – as happens in all families. She would be eight years of age when her eldest brother was killed in France in 1917.
When the family moved to Dalmuir, Peggy would be around fifteen years of age. She soon found employment as a typist and, at the age of 26, married police constable, Alexander (Alex.) Maclean. He was the 29 year old son of farmer, Donald (Duld) Maclean and Margaret Fraser, of Munlochy, Black Isle. The ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Hamish Sharp, minister of Kilbowie Church, in the Masonic Hall, Dalmuir on the 19th. January, 1935 where it was witnessed by Carruthers Fraser, Levenford Villa, Dumbarton and Lilias Johnston Holland, 4, East Barns Street, Clydebank.
Alex. and Peggy had a house in Second Avenue, Clydebank where their first child, a girl, was stillborn. Their second child, Fraser Alexander Donald Maclean, was born on the 1st. June, 1938. The family spent the war years in Clydebank where Alex. was employed as a constable with the Clydebank Burgh Police. After losing their house in the Clydebank blitz, they were rehoused in Mountblow, where they stayed for some years.
Alex. left the police and returned to his old home at Glaickmore Farm, Tore, where he spent the remaining years of his life farming. Their son, Fraser, now retired from his employment at Weir’s Pumps in Muir of Ord, is a keen accordionist with his own ceilidh band. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Denoon at Munlochy on the 12th. July, 1962 and gave Alex. and Peggy two grandchildren; (a) Ronald Maclean, now married to Angela Smith and (b) Karen Maclean, married to Steven Stoddart. At the time of writing (September, 2000) they now have three great grandchildren. Donna Maclean, born on the 17th. September, 1986, Roya Maclean, born on the 4th. June, 1989 and Emily Stoddart, born on the 15th. June, 1996. Roya is an accomplished accordionist who occasionally plays with her grandfather.
After Alex’s death on the 10th. February, 1974, Peggy moved to a house in Muir of Ord. While visiting her sister-in-law, Meg, at Artafallie in l976, she suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, which sadly deprived her of her speech. She lived in Castle View Nursing Home, Invergordon for almost twenty years. She celebrated her ninetieth birthday there shortly before her death on the 23rd. October, 1998.
The next generation
The family of Malcolm McKenzie Gow and Jean Forrest Lyon
(1) Iain McKenzie Gow (2) Sheila Margaret Lyon Gow (3) Catherine Anne Lyon Gow
IAIN MCKENZIE GOW 1928-1931
Their first child, Iain McKenzie Gow, was born at their home at 33, Bell Street, Clydebank on the lst. of April, 1928. He was an intelligent and happy natured child who seemed to have been a great favourite with all of the family.
Sadly, Iain developed measles shortly after having his tonsils removed. This led very rapidly to the bilateral pneumonia which terminated fatally in Blawarthill Hospital, Glasgow on the 17th. November, 1931. He was three and a half years of age.
Malcolm and Jean had to move away from their formerly happy home due to the many painful memories which Iain's death had caused. Jean continued to grieve for him until her own death in 1937 and Malcolm never forgot him. He often mentioned him in later years.
(2) SHEILA MARGARET LYON GOW 1933-
On the 10th. January, 1933, their first daughter, Sheila Margaret Lyon Gow, was born at 51, Kilbowie Road, Clydebank. A former nurse and midwife, she married David Clark Munn, son of painter and decorator, John Graham Munn and Elizabeth Clark. They ceremony was conducted at Jordanhill Church on the 11th. February, 1966 by the Rev. J. M. Orr and witnessed by Morag Robertson and David McNair. Their first home was at 792, Crow Road, Anniesland. After six months, a move was made to Melrose, Cameron Square, Hardgate where they stayed for a further eleven years. The family have now lived in Alloway for over twenty seven years.
A daughter, Fiona Elizabeth Munn, was born at Braeholm, Helensburgh on the 24th. December, 1968.
After working as a civilian with the Glasgow Police Force for many years, David worked in Libya as an electronics technician for about sixteen years. He returned home, aged 57, to early retirement – though he would have preferred to have continued working for a few more years.
This family are recorded in the Munn family history file
The family of Malcolm McKenzie Gow and Jane Forrest Lyon(contd.)
(3) CATHERINE ANN LYON GOW 1937-
Another child, Catherine Ann Lyon Gow, was born on the 17th. November, 1937. Following the death of her mother, Catherine was taken into the care of Jimmy and Alice McNab, who reared her to adulthood. She worked in the Singer factory until her marriage, at the age of nineteen, to Alistair (Alexander) Currie Drummond.
They were married on the 1st. March, 1957 at Trinity Church, Duntocher by the Rev. Mr. Gallan where the ceremony was witnessed by William Stewart Drummond and Alice Paterson. They were divorced some years later.
They had two children:- (1) James McNab Drummond and (2) Lynda Drummond.
(1) James(Jim)Drummond, a funeral undertaker with Clydebank Co-operative, married Sandra Holmes Lyon at Faifley Parish Church on the 16th. May, 1981. They have three children:-
(2) Lynda Drummond is unmarried and lives at home with her mother.
Catherine thoroughly enjoys her grand children and regularly takes them on holiday with her.
Catherine presently lives in Hardgate, Clydebank where she often has foreign students staying with her and makes them very much at home.
Note
Of the two sisters, Sheila is possibly the more serious in nature with a tendency to be a bit of a worrier – like her mother. Catherine is of a much sunnier disposition with the sense of fun and pawky humour inherited from many of her Gow relations.
The only child of Malcolm McKenzie Gow's second marriage to Jessie Grieve Martin
ALLAN MCKENZIE GOW
On the 24th. September, 1942 a son, Allan McKenzie Gow, was born at Banavie Nursing Home, Hyndland. He was initially a rather frail infant as a result of a prolonged birth. This was due to the incompetence of the nursing home staff. Although this left him with a slight spasticity, he soon made good progress and became an engaging little boy who enjoyed a happy childhood. He attended Thomson Street Primary School, Clydebank where he progressed well. His secondary education was at Clydebank High School where he gained his Higher Leaving Certificate.
He was originally employed by the Civil Service but felt that it was not the right occupation for him. He, therefore, decided to study with the Open University and, as a result of his hard work, gained a B.A. Degree. He then decided to go in to the teaching profession - with a special interest in History. He married another schoolteacher - Mary (May) Currie, daughter of John and Mary Currie, of Ayr. Following their marriage at The Good Shepherd Cathedral, Ayr on the 8th. September, 1971, they made their first home in Dumbarton. Shortly after that time, they spent five years living in Cambuslang before moving to Ayr in 1977. For the past twenty years they have living in the Doonbank area of the town.
Allan taught in a number of schools before taking up a position at Ayr Academy where he taught for a number of years. His last post was as a History teacher in Prestwick Academy. He took early retirement in 1997. As a principal Teacher of Business Studies, May taught in Carrick Academy, Maybole from 1979 until her retirement in 1995.
In August, 2002, Allan had a heart by-pass operation at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
Allan and May enjoy a busy and happy retirement. The next generation
The only child of David Clark Munn and Sheila Margaret Lyon Gow
Fiona Elizabeth Munn Fiona was born by Caesarian section at Braeholm Maternity Hospital, Helensburgh, on the 24th. December, 1968 and baptised in Faifley Church in April 1969. She started her primary education, aged 4 years and 8 months, at Goldenhill Primary School, Hardgate and progressed well. When she was eight years of age, the family moved to Doonbank, Ayr where her education continued at Doonfoot School till she reached the age of twelve.
Her secondary education commenced at Ayr Academy and two years later continued at Wellington School for Girls, Carleton Turrets, Ayr. She left school with 4 “A” passes and a few “B” passes. She has always loved horses and enjoyed having her own horse for a few years. Always a keen animal lover, a succession of animals filled the family home throughout the years. On leaving school, Fiona worked in various wine bars before taking a B.A.(Hons.) degree in Business Studies at Caledonian University, Glasgow. On leaving university she was offered employment by the Coca-Cola Co. and is now a Key Account Manager with that firm. On the 12th. July, 1996, she married Nicholas Sean Costello at Culzean Castle, near Maybole. Neither party was entirely happy and a mutually acceptable divorce was obtained in April, 2001. Fiona is presently living in an end-terrace cottage in the village of Kirkmichael, Ayrshire, shared by four much loved cats. Enjoying riding as Fiona does, she acquired another horse, Tia, who later presented her with a foal - known as Schiehallion (Skye). Tia has recently gone to a new home and another two horses have meantime joined the stabling facilities.
A medical synopsis of the Gow family
Apart from a number of fatal accidents and the occasional death from cancer – this family history study revealed that the incidence of coronary related disease was prevalent – and, indeed, a major cause of death.
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