HARRISON (Greenock)

[Elz]

I know my mothers family all lived in Greenock and her parents or grandparents may be from Northern Ireland. She was May Harrison born 1/2/1937or8 and I know she had sister Martha brother Thomas and some others, three of whom died in a drowning accident at Greenock. She married John Johnston and moved to Whitehaven, Cumberland where she died   25/11/07. Her mother died when she was aged 9 and her father when she was about 14. I would like to find out anything about her parents, grandparents and her siblings and where they lived.
Any help appreciated!

Eleanor Johnston King

Elz x

[elaine447]

http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/GeneralR.aspx?id=830&catid=1403
Hi Eleanor
do you know when the drowning accident happened
my mum used to speak about some of her friends who were drowned in an
accident in Greenock (wish I had paid more attention)
the site above has some Harrison's BMD's on it
also my grandparents lived in Mcleod street Greenock
in the sixties and early seventies their next door neighbour then was a man called
Hugh Harrison
Elaine
ps hope I have managed to get the link above right

[Elz]

Thanks for the reply! I only know that there was a small whirlpool occuring naturally off shore. A person was being pulled downwards and three of mums brothers jumped in to save them. Unfortunately the water was too forceful even for the strong swimmers and they all went down. She had another brother Tommy who died of cancer shortly after I was born, late 60's. I know McClaine family (I am spelling this how she said it so could be totally different) features somewhere. So does Chalmers Street and Ladykirk (school?) I think her dad repaired watches and was possibly disabled in some way.

[elaine447]

Hi Eleanor
Chalmers street was just down the road from McLeod street
there are pictures of it on the Mclean Museum site
and it would be Ladyburn school they went to if they lived in Chalmers street
I dont know if that was the same accident mum used to talk about
I will send you a PM as I dont want to put living persons name on here
Elaine

[2 irwin st]

My mom Margaret Boyd  parents (William and Isabel Boyd) grew up on Chalmers St and went to Ladyburn. I know I have heard her talk about a May Harrison. I will call her tonight and find out what she knows and get back to you.

[2 irwin st]

I just talked to my mom and your mother was her next door neighbor in Chambers St. Her brother Tommy was my moms age Born in 1935. Martha was older and your mom was the baby. They lived on the top floor with 1 other family The Devlins. They shared an outside toilet. lol. They lived there during the war and experienced the bomb raids together. My mom really doesn't know much more she moved to Larkfield shortly after and lost touch. her email is (*) if you have any questions.

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[Elz]

Thats amazing, many thanks for that infomation. Mam always talked well of her time in Chalmers Street and I know it must have been tough but they always had celebrations and things. She was very good at school she said!

[2 irwin st]

My Uncle Bobby Boyd lives in Greenock and was 8 years older than my mom. Maybe he would remember more. Ask my mom for his address as I dont have it Good luck with your research.

[susie wong]

elz,
saw you post i have harrison's in greenock, i'm sure we are looking at the same ones,
thomas had a brother john all lived chalmers st.
I think thomas/martha had may thomas & martha