Death in Govan Poor House

[saltcoats]

Hey Folks - Spencer here from Canada. I was born in Ayreshire Scotland then immigrated to Canada as a youngster. I'm trying to locate where my great grandfather Donald Walker is buried. He was a lovely man (by all accounts) but had a terrible time with the drink. He ended up in a poorhouse in Govan Glasgow and when he died was buried in a poorhouse/paupers grave. I know he was born in Ireland and i think he died either in the late 50s or early 60s. Does anyone know if records were kept of those who died in the poorhouse?

[tidybooks]

Hi Saltcoats,

Have you get any more details like Donald Walker date of birth etc, when he died.? By the way, you were born in Ayrshire without the e.

Tom

[ellen1]

Hi Tom,

It could be St. Convels in Barrhead. If you have no luck there, contact GRO in Edinburgh, or St Saviours Chapel in Govan.

Ellen

[saltcoats]

Hi Tom,

Yes Ayrshire without the e -  I know - very embarrassing - a typo really. I have very little information about my Great Grandpa Walker - Spoke with my mother she estimates that he died around 1964. He was estranged from the family unfortunately during the last few years of his life. Hard to get any solid info out of anyone really very hush on the topic. I know he was raised in Ireland I believe by a Scottish Presbyterian Minister. Not sure if he was born in Ireland. Also know he had 2 sisters in Ireland and lived somewhere in a farm setting. Oh yes he also served in WW1 with the Black Watch. I just want to find out more about the man and one visit his grave.

[tidybooks]

Hi Saltcoats,

Have we a marriage partner and date of wedding, approx. His death of 1964 is out of range for Scotland People website. I am unable to track him down so far.

Tom

[Jimster]

Hello Spencer
Poor House records were indeed kept…
However if I read correctly that your great grandfather died in the 1950’s or 60’s then he could not possibly have died in a Poor House, nor would he have been a “pauper”.

It is possible that he finished his days living in a “Model lodging house” which was a sort of very cheap B&B frequented by down-and -outs and the homeless.   

Jim

[prophetess]

Hi this site will tell you all about the Govan Poor House now part of the Southern Genral Hospital
http://www.workhouses.org.uk/index.html?Govan/Govan.shtml
it also tells you where the records are held
there is a lot of information and a timeline

[maryderry]

hello saltcoats, try this, although i live in ireland, they found my husband grandmothers grave in glasgow. i did have her date of death i found that on scotland people website.
address.LAND SERVICES, GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL,RICHMOND EXCHANGE,20 CADOGAN STREET, GLASGOW G2 7AD.  DIRECT PHONE NO. TO BEREAVEMENT SERVICES 0141 287 3961

                                     regards mary.

[Glesca lassie]

Hi, Do you have any other names, apart from Walker, I will be going to the Genealogy centre in Glasgow in a few weeks, I will have a look for you, if you can get any other information, it would help

Mary