WHAT do a well-known cricketer, a mysterious opera singer and a young soldier made Freeman of the City of Glasgow have in common?
They are all part of Rose Green’s family tree – and she is determined to find out more about her fascinating ancestors.
Rose and her cousin Walter Smith have been looking into their Glasgow roots and they have been amazed by what they have found.
READ MORE: Margaret and Frances McPhun: Glasgow's suffrage sisters and their battle to be heard
“My mum started a family tree, and now Rose has taken it up,” says Walter, a regular Times Past reader who grew up in Govan and now lives in Renfrew.
Rose, who moved to West Sussex from Glasgow, via a spell in Jersey in her teens, adds, with a laugh: “I started researching some years ago - it’s the easiest way to lose a few days.”
Rose’s great-grandfather was Edwin Temple Pierce, a professional cricketer who may or may not have played with the legendary W G Grace.
“He was born in Windsor Berkshire in 1824 and we believe he did play with Grace, but I’m trying to find evidence of that,” says Rose.
“He was connected to Clydesdale Cricket Club and his eldest granddaughter (Walter’s mother), was named Grace Clydena in honour of the cricketer and the club.”
Clydesdale Cricket Club is considered Glasgow’s oldest surviving team sports organisation, founded in 1848.
Its website reveals that Edwin Temple Pierce was the first professional at the club in 1851. “These early pros were paid from 30 shillings to £2 per week,” reveals the archive.
He was so well-known and respected that his death merited a mention in famous cricketing almanac, Wisden’s.
“Edwin Temple Peirce (sic), the oldest professional cricketer in Scotland, died in the middle of June in his eighty-seventh year,” reads the obituary.
“He was engaged at various times by the Clydesdale, Caledonian, West of Scotland, Western, Granville, and Dunfermline Clubs. He continued to indulge in the game until very late in life, and was much respected.”
Rose’s grandmother was born Amelia Clydena Pierce in Glasgow in 1881.
“I have a copy of a pledge she had to sign as part of the St Silas Band of Hope,” says Rose, referring to the Temperance movement. “I believe the church still exists. In those days they objected to alcohol.
“Amelia signed when was only seven years old!”
Rose adds: “Family folklore has it that Amelia was an opera singer and this photograph is her in a costume – sadly, we don’t know in which opera this costume may have been worn.
“I think her stage name was Amy Clyde.”
Amelia went on to marry William Scott Kennedy on June 2, 1911 at St. Silas’ Mission in Partick.
“William volunteered to fight in the Boer War, and was made a Burgess and Guild Brother, with the rights of a Freeman of the city of Glasgow,” says Rose.
READ MORE: Glaswegians urged to enter short story writing competition for over-90s
“I have his certificate for this framed at home. I’d love to know more about Amelia and William - I’ll just keep delving.”
She adds: “It is very time-consuming but each step makes me want to go further as it reveals a little bit more.
“I think I’m just a naturally nosey person.”
Have you uncovered fascinating family ancestors? Get in touch ann.fotheringham@newsquest.co.uk
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here