The “Peephole” Location Continued.

Hamilton Historian. Terry Murphy standing at the former location of the Peephole. Now at the foot of Fairhill Avenue, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Peephole was located on a footpath bridge that connected the Gate Lodge for Fairhill House to the House. The Bridge also intersected the Cadzow Burn.

The tallest building behind me in the photograph is Ivy Grove and was once locally known as the “Majors House”, after an army major who lived at the address. It was recently renovated. This building along with several others including “Hollandbush” (which also still survives to this day) were originally built as houses for the wealthy Glasgow born coal merchants who opened all the nearby coalfields and pits. Ironically at a later date, pits were developed close by to their houses and this no doubt would have annoyed them as they were originally intended to be out of the way, in their own separate little ” Pleasant Land”!

The lands of Ivy Grove were known as “Ivy Wood”, My Mother and Father’s Group Wedding photo was taken at the top of the former site of Ivy Wood, across the road and just up from the “Hilltop Bar and Lounge” where their reception was held and this is now the site of the Scotmid Co-Operative store. Just left in the photo a small outbuilding for Ivy Grove is visible. My mother would often recount the funny story about her veil blowing up onto the trees and My Father and Uncle having to climb them to retrieve it.

Left – Right: My Paternal Great Uncle John Murphy, My Paternal Great Grandmother Helen “Nelly” (Montgomery) Murphy, My Paternal Grandfather Alexander “Axe” Murphy, My Paternal Grandmother Mary (McManus) Murphy, My Mother’s Bridesmaid and Friend Helen Ging, My Father Terence John “Terry” Murphy, My Mother Marion (Simpson) Murphy, My Uncle Alexander “Lex” Murphy, My Maternal Great Grandmother Marion (McGroarty) McCallum, My Maternal Grandmother Bridget (McCallum) Simpson and My Maternal Grandfather James “Jimmy” Simpson. R.I.P. The only two surviving people from the photograph are the Little Flower Girls: My Older Cousins, Sharon (Mathieson) Aubrey on the left and Denise Mathieson on the right.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terry Murphy.

Deadly Gas Killed Three Miners And Brought Tragedy To Cadzow Colliery.

The Hamilton Advertiser, Thursday, 12th May, 2005, Page 39.

During shot firing in Cadzow Colliery, a blower of deadly, black damp gas was released, sending an invisible cloud of death into the workings. The effects of gas poisoning were almost instantaneous. In this story, WILMA BOLTON tells how three men lost their lives despite valiant attempts to save them.

For weeks, miners working in No1 Pit Cadzow Colliery had been searching for coal in the Kiltongue seam and finally, on October 9, they found it.

The following day the nightshift went down the pit at 10pm to start working the seam.

Although there were quite a few men working in the colliery that night, only six men were working in the immediate area: John (Jock) Whitton, Robinson (Robbie) Foster, Robert (Bob) Mathie, Terence (Terry) Murphy, and two younger men, Charles (Charlie) Russell and Robert Stein.

Russell and Stein moved further up the roadway to carry out some work. Foster, Matthews and Murphy took the chance for a rest and settled themselves down on their hunkers at a ‘gable’ some distance away, waiting for the sound of the blast when Jock Whitton plunged the handle of the charger.

The shot was heard to go off and a few minutes later Whitton, who, as fireman, was responsible for safety and shot firing, went off to connect the wires for a second shot.

The miners sat about waiting on the fireman coming back to fire the second shot but, after a few minutes, there was still no sign of him.

Bob Mathie shouted ” How did the shot go Jock? ” His voice echoed down the silent mine, but there was no responding answer.

Getting to his feet, Matthews said to his mates: ” I’d better go up and see what’s wrong, ” and off he went in the same direction as John Whitton.

Up until that point, the thought of something being wrong hadn’t crossed the minds of the other miners. But after Bob Mathie left, there was the same ominous silence.

Terry Murphy stood up and shouted: ” Are you alright, Bob? ” and, in the silence as he listened for an answer, he heard a groan from the workings.

At this point Robbie Foster jumped up and said: ” He must be gassed, ” and ran forward to see what he could do. He had only gone a short distance when, in full view of his workmates, he started staggering and collapsed on his face.

Terry Murphy ran towards him and, getting him underneath the armpits, managed to pull him back up the roadway for a distance of 18ft before he also collapsed. However Murphy, who by this time was seriously affected by black damp gas, managed to shout out a warning just as he was loosing consciousness.

My Great Grandfather Terry Murphy

Without regard to his own safety, he tried to rescue the unconscious Robbie Foster.

Charlie Russell and drawer Robert Stein, who had been working in the vicinity, heard the echoing cry and ran along to see what was up. Spotting Terry Murphy lying on the roadway, Russell sprinted forward, grabbed him, and managed to drag him back to where the air was clear.

Terry Murphy, who by this time was semi-conscious managed to tell them that there were still three men in the section, Charlie Russell went back into the gas-filled workings. He had only gone a short distance when he started to feel lightheaded , his legs started to give way, and he had to turn back.

Help began to arrive from other parts of the pit and, with gas masks obtained from the surface, a rescue party of miners – including George Rodger, Roadsman, and James McCann – entered the workings.

Robbie Foster was still alive when the men reached him but, despite, desperate efforts by local GP Dr Nora Steel to resuscitate him, he died underground at the bottom of the pit shaft.

The two other miners were recovered shortly after. One was beyond any help and the other could not be revived despite prolonged efforts at resuscitation.

When Dr Steel returned to the surface, it was obvious the amount of effort she had put into her attempt to save the men. Her clothes were damaged and both her knees were badly bruised.

The mining community was stunned by the loss of the three miners. The men were well-known and respected. Both John Whitton and Robbie Foster were married with families, and Robert Mathie was due to be married in a few months.

Robbie Foster, Terry Murphy and Charlie Russell all entered the workings knowing that they were filled with gas. Terry Murphy tried his best to recover the unconscious Robbie Foster, and he would have lost his own life had it not been for the bravery of Charlie Russell.

Robbie Foster was the first miner to recognise that gas was the problem but in spite of this he ran straight into the workings to see if he could help.

Robbie had been a miner at Cadzow Colliery until September 9th, 1914, when he left the pit and joined the army after the outbreak of WW1. He had seen active service on all the chief battlefronts, with the exception of Mesopotamia.

He had gone out to Dardanelles in July, 1915, and had been in the retreat from Serbia. He had fought in Egypt and Palestine and returned from there, to france, in 1918.

He had seen all the horrors of the battlefield and had himself displayed an exceptional courage far beyond the call of duty.

On October 18th, 1918, Robbie Foster, by then a Lance – Corporal in the Royal Munster Fusiliers, had been ordered to withdraw to a new position when he noticed a wounded comrade lying at the front of the line.

Running back under heavy artillery fire, he managed to reach the wounded soldier, bandage his wounds, and then carry him back to safety. For this action he was awarded the Military Medal.

Less than three weeks later, he was reconnoitring on the left of the line on the railway embankment near La Chapelle when he saw a party of about 30 German soldiers armed with several machine guns taking up a position about 20 yards away. knowing that they would use the guns on British soldiers (inflicting many casualties), He ran back, seized a Lewis gun and returned to where he had seen the Germans. He turned the gun on them, causing them to retreat. He then rushed forward, capturing two prisoners and a machine gun.

This action allowed his battalion to reorganise and advance without giving the enemy time to consolidate. For his bravery he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre.

Robert Mathie was buried in his home town of Motherwell and both John Whitton and Robbie Foster were buried at the Bent Cemetery in Hamilton.

On the day of the funeral, the Hamilton branch of the British Legion formed a guard of honour outside Robbie Foster’s home as the coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was lifted out through the window and gently placed on the hearse.

A firing party of Cameronians with reversed arms marched behind the cortege , honouring the memory of an exceptionally brave man.

Fireman John Whitton’s cortege joined the procession and, together, the two miners started their last journey, watched by crowds of silent people who lined the pavements six-deep.

They were buried in adjoining graves and, as Robert Foster was being lowered into the earth, the sound of the bugler playing the Last Poet echoed round the cemetery.

As the notes died away, the guard of honour fired a volley of shots over his grave – a fitting tribute to a man who was a hero, both in war and in peace.

Hamilton Historian. Terry Murphy

Holding the original page from the Hamilton Advertiser;

” Deadly Gas killed Three Miners And Brought Tragedy To Cadzow Colliery “, Thursday 12th May 2005.

Transcribed and Republished By

Hamilton Historian.

Terry Murphy

Ref: My late Great Aunt Evelyn Stewart who provided the photograph of my Great Grandfather and his story to Wilma Bolton, the author who retold the story. And, the Hamilton Advertiser newspaper.

The story also features in Wilma’s book, Black Faces And Tackety Boots and is titled: ” Are you alright, Bob? “.

The Cadzow Murphys & Cadzow O’Neils.

The above photograph was taken c.1960 approximately and it shows the original members of the Cadzow Murphys & Cadzow O’Neils Firm from the Cadzow St Anne’s, Low Waters area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

These men controlled the pub, club and gambling scene in their local area. The dynamic of the Firm soon changed after the death of Standover Man Martin (Marty) Murphy (who was an ex-boxer). Alexander (Axe) Murphy then became the new Standover Man. A few years later the Boss, who was Teddy O’Neil’s Grandfather died as too did his Brother some time after.

Alexander (Axe) Murphy soon emerged as the new “Boss”, He was the man! With his Brothers at his side. Teedy was “Underboss” and the shrewdest of all the Murphys. Don was the most friendly and sociable Murphy who was always jesting, he is fondly remembered by all who new him! Their other Brother Charles (Chic) Murphy who is not pictured had also joined the Firm. Teddy O’Neil was the last of his family to survive, They were by then simply known as ” The Cadzow Murphys”. The Oldest of the Cadzow Murphys was Terence (Terry) Murphy but he had little involvement as he was always working away as a Steel Erector so that he could support his large family. There was also John Murphy who was the third oldest son, he had moved out to the Viewpark area of Uddingston with his own family.

Other local men who were associated with the Cadzow Murphys were long time family friends Wullie Byde and Alex Finnigan. And Later, Ricky Hart (who had married Marie Montgomery who was cousin to the Family), and local singing Legend Jackie Millar.

The Firm later established themselves as a stronghold within the pubs, clubs and bookmakers located in the town centre area of Hamilton, particularly within Di McGuire’s Tossing School! This all coincided with Robert (Teedy) Murphy gaining his American Citizenship. He had settled in the Connecticut, New Jersey Tri-State area and gained employment as a “Maitre D” in a Mafia run restaurant. For the rest of his life he spent 6 months of the year living in Connecticut and the remainder in Hamilton. It is through his Mafia connection that he managed to purchase the patent to manufacture nine-ball pool tables and ship them over to Hamilton and Central Lanarkshire as he could see the game was very big in the States!

Sadly the only surviving member of the Cadzow Murphys is Charles (Chic) Murphy who is jokingly nicknamed : “The Growler” lol! He now lives at John Smith Court sheltered housing development on Strathaven Road, which is where the Ranche Pub once stood and is directly across the road from exact former location of the Cadzow Rows, where the Cadzow Murphy’s were founded.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

In Remembrance of My Great Grandfather: Terence (Terry) Murphy.

And all the other local men who fought in the First World War! Particularly Terry’s Cousin, Comrade and Good Friend; Terence Higgins. Both men are affectionately known as ” The Two Terrys ” by the Murphy and Higgins family! Terry joined the Gordon Highlanders and subsequently the Royal Engineers.

Despite having been shot and wounded four times he managed to return home to his family and lived to the age of 71. He worked as a miner at the Cadzow Colliery and retired then after from the Hamilton Palace Colliery at Bothwellhaugh.

In later years Terry would often complain about the pain in his ankle due to a bullet being lodged in it until the day he died. He was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1915 Star for his efforts. He sadly lost many of his comrades.

In Remembrance

Of The Men Who Fought

For Us!

 

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

When Taggart (Mark McManus) Visited Hamilton.

Actor Mark McManus was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire Scotland on 21st February 1935. He is most famous for his portrayal of Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart in the long running Scottish Television series “Taggart”. His role lasted eleven years until his death on the 6th of June 1994. He was only 59 years of age.

At 3 years of age Mark moved to Uxbridge in London. In his youth he was a keen amateur boxer hence the fine cuts and scarring around his eyes which became more noticeable as he got older. At age 16 he moved again, this time overseas to Australia. He performed in many amateur theatre groups and this led him to become a professional actor. Some of his first major roles were in the popular children’s tv series “Skippy The Bush Kangaroo” and “Homicide” which was a popular Australian police drama. Mark also co-starred with Mick Jagger in the 1970 movie “Ned Kelly” and  with Peter O’Toole in the 1976 television movie “Rogue Male”. He also had roles in the National Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre.

During September of 1983 Mark McManus began playing the title role in the Scottish television crime drama series “Taggart”. It was his defining role! He sadly passed away after several years of declining health due to his long standing battle with alcohol which was worsened by the death of his second wife “Marion” whom he nursed whilst she was terminally ill with cancer. He will be forever immortalised as “Taggart”!

When Mark McManus visited  the McManus Family  R.I.P.  at house No. 10 Burnside Lane,  Hamilton,  Lanarkshire  c.1985. 

In the above photo back row, left to right is my Great Aunt Elizabeth (Lizzie) McManus and My Great Aunt Alice (McManus) Paterson, just a step down and centre is my Great Uncle John McManus. Front Row left to right is my Great Aunts Nan McManus (John McManus’s Wife) then Vera McManus, Then my 2nd Cousin Ann Marie (McManus) Kerr; (daughter to John and Nan) then Mark McManus then my Great Aunt Margaret (Peggy) McManus. R.I.P. to all concerned!

After Mark had visited the family house at No 10 Burnside Lane, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. He and the rest of the men from the family went to the Butterburn Bar for a Drink. Jokingly he asked the then barmaid for “A Pint Of Lager And A Packet A Cheese N’Onion Crisps” acting as though he was in his element; the “Taggart” role, Lol!

Full Cousins John McManus (popular Musician in Lanarkshire) and  Mark McManus  who played  “Taggart”!  R.I.P.

John McManus  R.I.P.  and as he would say:  ” Magic! “.

Written by

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Ref; Wikipedia and Family Photos/Archives.

The Murphys.

The Author;  Robert Montgomery Murphy  (Teedy).

When I was young I remember quite well, Mysell.

Five brothers, one sister, not counting, life!

With a good Ma and Da to guide us through it too, of the burden of struggle and strife.

We start first with Terry, the oldest you know, who started work young cause we needed the doe. He worked like a beast from morning till night, to make sure the rest had always a bite. Now Terry is married with kids of his own and his oldest lassie is doing the same. And when they’re all working, right to the last kid, I’m sure he’ll be worth a couple of quid.

The next one is Axe, the pride of the tote! From the Welfare to Burton’s, he played on the stote. He cheats, plots, plunders and schemes aw the time but at the end of the week he hasn’t a dime. Just ask him to work he’ll cut-off your lips! Cause he is a Lord, to his finger tips. He said works for a horse or a beast called an ox and not for a guy that the toon calls; “The Fox “

The third one is John ma Maws pride and joy, who has been ever since he was a boy. His youth was spent with Frankie and Bob though both of them could never find a job. And now married life has settled him down he works at the windows to make a few pound.  With a son like wee Joke and a good wife like Alice they all live Happy in their Uddingston Palace!

The forth son is me, away cross the watter. The things I have done they don’t really matter. And now I’m a waiter, just carrying plates, to feed the fat slobs that live in the states!

And now bring us to Evelyn, who is number five. One of the best looking women alive. A credit to us, she always had been. When it came to giving, she never was mean! Now far down to England our Evelyn has tried to live with her husband, she recently wed. She’ll learn the customs and capture the ways. We hope She’ll be happy the rest of her days!

Next there’s our Chic, now that is a bute, when you ask him for money he’s as deaf as a mute! Although he’s a worker deep in his heart it takes him an awfully long time to start. He came to the States a few years ago and then he went back when he made enough doe! And now it’s all gone, once again he is skint. If he had stayed there, he’d be worth a wee mint.

The last one is Don, the wean of the clan. It seems like Yesterday his hippings were yella and now he is a good looking fella! Now this is a man who is full of ambition, who keeps himself in the pink of condition. He came to the States to give it a try and then he went home, whit a guy!

But still I am proud of our family my friend they’ll stand by each other right to the end!

Robert Montgomery Murphy (Teedy) c.1960.  Drum Major For The Connecticut Pipe Band,  Connecticut,  Southern New England, USA.

Written by Robert Montgomery Murphy  (Teedy) c.1980

Transcribed & Published by

Hamilton Historian

Terence (Terry) Murphy (Teedy’s Great Nephew).

A Hero From Cadzow St Anne’s.

My Great Grandfather Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Wearing His Gordon Highlander’s Kilt And Uniform c. 1914 aged 22.

Terence ( Terry ) Murphy was born at number 2 McCreath Street, Cadzow Rows 1893. His family were very well known within the local area. During his active service with the Gordon Highlanders in the First World War he was accompanied by his cousin and good friend also named “Terence” Higgins, who was a skilled boxer. Ironically the ” Two Terry’s ” had both been shot 4 times and Higgins had even lost an eye. Both men returned home to their families in their local areas of Low Waters and Fairhill.

During October 1929 in the Cadzow Colliery, Terry Murphy was involved in a heroic attempt to save the life of his fellow comrade Robinson ( Robbie ) Foster after a serious accident occurred causing a poisonous gas leak. Terry had dragged Foster several feet before he too succumbed to the effects of the gas and fell unconscious. Three men died that day;

Robert Mathie, John Whitton and Robbie Foster.

Terry had tried his best to save the life of Robbie Foster and in doing so placed his own life in danger. He would have lost his own life had it not been for the efforts of the younger Charlie Russell who in turn, saved him! Terry’s story features in Wilma Bolton’s Book ” Black faces And Tackety Boots “, the story is titled “Are You Alright Bob!”

Terry Murphy later ended his service as a miner in the Hamilton Palace Colliery at Bothwellhaugh 1957. He died aged 71 in 1963. He is buried along with his wife Helen (Nelly) Murphy (Maiden Name Montgomery), His Son-In Law John Stewart and Son Donald (Don) Murphy at Hamilton’s Wellhall Cemetery.

Written by

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

( Great Grandson of  Terence (Terry) Murphy ).