Leading Seman James Mathieson Fletcher, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
There are more documents for the file stored in Archive Cupboard
James Fletcher’s parents were Angus and Jane Fletcher who were married and living in the Gorbals, Glasgow when James was born. They had moved to Ardchattan when daughter Catherine was born, and in Oban for the birth of Alexander. On 1891 Census they are living in Cairndow at Croitachonie, Angus is a Ploughman. Two further children born in Kilmorich were Elizabeth in 1891 and Mary in 1894.
In 1901 Census, the family have moved to Clackmananshire. Angus is listed as a Shepherd. It was quite normal in the past for Shepherds to move about depending on work. Accommodation usually went with the job.
1911 Census, Angus and Jane are back living at Croitachonie in Cairndow, the children by now adults not staying with them.
James was a Leading Seaman with Royal Naval Reserve Service. Living in Glasgow when he enlisted. He was killed in action in 1916. His Father is listed as his next of kin, address given as Butterbridge.
Hello,
Finding this was a wonderful surprise! James ‘Uncle Jimmy’ Fletcher was my grandfather’s only brother. We have visited his final resting place in France. I came across this piece through searching for details about places like Croitachonie and Butterbridge which were connected to the family. My father, Angus Fletcher, passed away at age 90 in 2021. We have been gathering his old stories into book form, which is what inspired the search. We will be in Argyll in early August to lay his ashes to rest at Dalmally.
Mary in Canada (formerly of Tayvallich)
Hello Mary,
Sorry for the very slow response.
Over the last few months decedents of Catherine and James Fletcher who lived in Campbells Cottage in 1891 (House number 049)on our website http://www.ourhousestheirstories.com have been in touch. There is a photograph of the whole family there.
Best wishes
Dot
Hi Dot,
Thank you for this! Now we know exactly where our great grandparents lived at that time. We have that wonderful family group photo in our collection but we believe it was taken later and at another location. By 1900, the family had moved to a farm called Rowchoish on the shore of Loch Lomond. We believe the picture was taken there. In fact, my sister and I hiked the West Highland Way last year (the only way to access Rowchoish) and we recreated the photo the best we could in front of the (now ruined) house. The byre there has been restored and converted to a bothy where hikers can shelter. I can send a present day photo if you would like. 🙂
Mary