FIREMAN JAMES MAIR
PAISLEY FIRE BRIGADE
The unfortunate man, James Mair, was a slater with Mr. C. Wallace and was a branchman in the fire brigade. He resided in the corporation building recently erected in Johnston Street. He joined the brigade in January 8th 1889. He was 35 years of age, and leaves a widow and five children, the eldest of whom is ten years of age.
Prior to joining the brigade he served six years as a soldier and was at Tel el Kebir.
After leaving the army he apprenticed himself to the slating trade with Mr. Wallace, and in order to increase his finances, joined the Brigade.
He was secretary to the Slaters Society for some years past, and six weeks ago attended a conference at Stirling of the Societies on behalf of the Paisley branch. He was of a genial disposition, and was much respected by his comrades, fellow tradesmen and all with whom he came in contact.
(Paisley Daily Express, June 30th, 1899.)
FIRE AT FERGUSLIE FIRECLAY WORKS.
FIREMAN FATALLY INJURED.
Shortly after nine o’clock on Thursday evening, fire broke out in the Ferguslie Fireclay Works, the property of Messrs. Robert Brown & Son. The building in which the fire took place is situated in the grounds some distance from the roadway, and measures 90 feet by 30 feet. It is two storeys in height, the upper flat being used a potter shop and the ground floor as a seggar store, in which ware is fired. In the upper flat there was a large stock of pottery. It is difficult to estimate the cost of the material, but it is understood that the damage is not less than £1500. This, together with £500 estimated damage to the building, will make the total not less than £2000. Under Superintendent M’Naughtan, the Fire Brigade were early on the spot, and succeeded in confining the flames to the place of origin. While actively engaged, the north wall of the building fell outwards and caught James Mair, fireman, about thirty five years of age. He was partly buried in the debris, and after being extricated was conveyed to the Infirmary in the ambulance wagon. He was seriously injured internally, and succumbed to his injuries shortly before midnight. Mair was married and leaves five of a family. Although the flames were speedily subdued it was necessary to keep men on the spot till several hours after midnight to prevent a recurrence of the fire.
(Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette. July 1st, 1899. Page 5.)
The Funeral of the Late James Mair, Fireman (who lost his life at the fire on Thursday, the 29th June), will take place today (Monday), 3rd inst.
A Public service will be held in St Goerge’s Parish Church Hall at 3p.m.
(Paisley Daily Express, Monday, July 3, 1899. Page 1.)
This afternoon the remains of the deceased Fireman Mair will be interred. A Public service will take place in the St. Georges’s Church Hall at 3p.m.
(Paisley Daily Express, Monday, July 3, 1899. Page 2.)
TONIGHT! TONIGHT!
An Exhibition of Quick Hitching of the Fire Engine and Turnout of The Brigade will be given.
EVERY NIGHT THIS WEEK
Also a series of Fire Escape Drills will be given in Yard, from 7 to 10 O’clock each Evening.
An opportunity will be given to all visitors to subscribe towards the Fund on behalf of the Widow and Children of Fireman Mair who lost his life at the Fire on 29th June.
(The Paisley Daily Express , Tuesday, July 4, 1899. Page 1.)
This Exhibition ran from the 4th to the 22nd of July except for the 21st, various bands also played.
The Members of the Brigade beg to thank all parties for services rendered gratuitously at the Quick Hitching Exhibitions.
The Exhibitions have been a great success, and thanks are due to the general public for turning out in such large numbers and subscribing so well towards the widow’s fund.
A. M’Naughton
Superintendent
24th July, 1899.
(The Paisley Daily Express , Tuesday, July 24, 1899. Page 1.)
IN MEMORIAM
JAMES MAIR, Fireman, fatally injured, on 29th June, while on duty at Ferguslie Fireclay Works, Paisley.
Fireman brave, at posts of duty,
Ever ready at the call,
Rushing onward, with their comrades,
To save buildings ere they fail.
With their fire escapes all ready,
See them armed with hose in hand,
Struggling with the fire that’s raging,
With their Captain in command.
With great vigour see them pouring,
Water on the belching flame,
To prevent it spreading further,
Ere it any victims claim.
By dint of hard work and steady,
Soon the fire they well subdued,
Till they thought their work near ended,
When there suddenly ensued.
The noise as of a great disaster,
And one awful sudden crash,
Followed by the burning timber,
As the startled firemen dash.
Bearing with it in it’s fury,
One brave man to instant death,
While the crowd looked on in horror,
And the boldest held their breath.
Now a gloom hangs o’er the people,
As the news spreads far and wide,
That the cruel fire has o‘ertaken,
Fireman Mair, well trained and tried.
Nobly did he oft face danger,
With his dear life in his hands,
His only thought to rescue others,
Still obeying all commands.
See the mournful cortege moving,
With his comrades there behind,
The band is playing solemn requiems,
As he to the grave’s consigned.
May we, too, do well our duty,
Whatsoever path we tread,
That at death, we may be honoured,
Trusting God who reigns o’erhead.
Let his dear wife, too, take comfort,
In the Holy Word of God,
It will lift her heart from sorrows,
And much solace her afford.
And kind friends they still shall help her,
Sympathise and do her good,
That she may this time of sorrow,
Bear well up in widowhood.
J.C.B.
Paisley 4th July, 1899.
(Paisley Daily Express, Thursday, July 6, 1899.)
FUNERAL OF FIREMAN MAIR.
The mortal remains of the fireman, James Mair, who met his death on Thursday evening, last week, at the fire which occurred at the Ferguslie Fireclay Works, were interred in Hawkhead Cemetery on Monday afternoon. A service was held in St. George’s Parish Church Halls, which was well attended. The funeral cortege, which was an exceedingly large one, was headed by Captain Duncan and a detachment of forty policemen, followed by a pipe carriage bearing the coffin, and a carriage filled with wreaths; Ferguslie Brass Band, who played appropriate selections; personal friends, Provost Mackenzie, and representative Magistrates and Town Councillors; Superintendent M’Naughtan and the local brigade, with deputations from the brigades of Messrs. Coats and Clark, and the “Glen”, from Glasgow, Greenock, Partick, Govan, Clydebank, Renfrew, and the Salvage Corps, Glasgow. Large crowds lined the route to the cemetery. The Town Council, at a meeting on Monday night, agreed to open a public subscription on behalf of the widow and five children of Fireman Mair, and it was remitted to Bailie Souden and Councillor Adam, together with the Town Chamberlain, to carry out the necessary arrangements. Members of the Council individually subscribed over £27, and it is expected that a public grant will be made towards the most deserving object of providing for the bereaved family.
(Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette. July 8th, 1899. Page 3.)
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
<PHOTO> The tombstone of James Mair at Hawkhead cemetery.
A search for information on a Paisley fire hero stretches back to the days of volunteer firemen galloping through narrow streets on a horse-drawn engine.
The local history department of Paisley Central Library delved into the past following a plea for information from America.
Daniel McBride, of Edina, USA, had written to "Paisley Fire Brigade” asking for information on his grandfather, James Mair.
Clues to his grandfather were that he was member of the Paisley Fire Brigade at the turn of the 20th century and that “he was killed in the line of duly while fighting a fire in Paisley.”
The letter was passed on to Joan Taft of the history department who quickly gleaned all the relevant information from the files.
Paisley Daily Express reports provided the bulk or her background information.
James Mair, 35, was killed at a blaze at Ferguslie Fireclay Works on June 29, 1899, when a wall collapsed on him. He left a wife and five children, the eldest 10 years old.
He was a staler and only joined the brigade in January that year “to increase his finances”.
Previously he had been six years as a soldier and fought it the battle of Tel el Kebir in Egypt.
The Express report added: “He was of a genial disposition, and was much respected by his comrades, fellow-tradesmen and all with whom he came in contact.”
An Express report of 1922, passed on by Mrs Taft, was of the retirement of the burgh firemaster Arthur M’Naughtan.
He had been appointed to the post in 1877.
"Paisley," read the report, "was then a town with narrow streets, derelict buildings, and insanitary conditions of the worst description.
“There was a sort of voluntary fire brigade, of which Mr Gillespie, slater, was chief.
"But it was sometimes difficult to get them together when a fire broke out as they were at work.”
Equipment in 1817 was a steam engine, a manual engine — and a shoemaker, Campbell Noble, was commandeered with his hosereel.
As improvement schemes were introduced to the town more attention was given to the fire department.
“To warn the men of the brigade wherever they might be at work Mr M’Naughtan conceived the idea of having the High Church bell tolled.”
Eventually an increase in permanent staff rendered this unnecessary.
The report continued: “But one recalls how when of a dark winter evening there was suddenly heard the ominous triple beat of the tongue continued for five or 10 minutes the whole community was astir with interest and even excitement.”
The brigade headquarters at the time were in the old backyard in Moss Street. Fire engines were kept in a shed.’
When the alarm was raised horses were unharnessed from cabs in County Square and attached to the engine and hosereel.
With the growth of the town a site was selected n Johnston Street for a new fire station, occupied in 1899.
In 1912 a new motor engine capable of throwing 450 gallons of water a minute and carrying 2000 feet of hose was bought for over £1000.
Two motor hose carriages, carrying 3000 and 800 feet of hose respectively were also acquired and, adds the report: “Of course, there is still the essential 50 feet telescopic fire escape."
Many inventions by Mr M’Naughton, were adopted by other fire brigades.
A testimony’ to his thoroughness and precautions was that, in his long service only one fireman lost his life — James Mair.
(Paisley Daily Express, 14/3/1992.)
FIRE HERO’S DAUGHTER DIES IN USA
By Hector Stevenson
The daughter of a Paisley fire hero has died in the United States of America, in her 100th year.
Margaret McBride, was the last of five children of fireman James Mair, who was killed at a blaze at Ferguslie Fireclay Works in June, 1899.
Her son Daniel McBride, of Edina, USA, has written to Joan Taft, of Paisley library’s local history department, enclosing a copy of Mrs McBride’s death notice which appeared in the Boston Globe.
Her father’s tragic death, when a wall collapsed on him, was vividly recalled when Daniel wrote to Strathclyde Fire Brigade asking if they could provide information about his grandfather.
His request was passed onto Mrs. Taft who in turn enlisted the help of the Paisley Daily Express.
Our report of the search for information led to Australia where a cousin of his mother wrote asking to be put in touch with Daniel.
Margaret Clark, of Victoria, said James Mair was her uncle.
He had died 12 years before she was born but she remembers being taken to visit his grave at Hawkhead cemetery.
James was 35 when he was killed. It is recorded that interred subsequently at the family lair were Daniel, 27, in July 1918, William, 78, in February 1937, and Robert, 47, in May 1978.
James was a volunteer fireman and worked as a slater. He had joined the brigade six months before to his death “to increase his finances.”
He had lived in High Street, Moss Street, and at Johnston Street fire station which had opened three months before the tragic day.
Many Buddies lined the streets as a cortege of a horse-drawn fire engine was escorted by his comrades to Hawkhead Cemetery.
A 12-verse memoriam poem, signed with the initials JCB, was published in the Paisley Daily Express of July 6, I899.
The verses record a crowd looking on in horror as the wall collapsed and the gloom of Buddies as news spread of James’ death.
(The Paisley Daily Express, Wednesday, January 20, 1993. Page 12.)
FAMILY RELIVES CENTURY OLD FIRE TRAGEDY
Pennsylvania relatives trace proud history of heroic Paisley firefighter who died 100 years ago in Ferguslie Fireclay Works blaze
An American family travelled halfway round the world in the hunt for Information about a heroic relative — a Paisley firefighter who died 100 years ago.
And their fact-finding trip led to the discovery of a chrome-plated fireman's helmet which had been specially made in 1899 to mark the tragedy.
With the help of old Paisley Daily Express cuttings and officers at the town’s fire station, a wealth of family information was unearthed.
Behind the special mission is mum-of-three Leslie Bell, the great grand-daughter of hero James Mair, who was killed during a blaze at Ferguslie Fireclay Works in the town’s Millarston area in June 1899.
Mr Mair, a 35-year-old part-time fireman and father of five, suffered head injuries when a wall collapsed and buried him. He later died at the then Royal Alexandra Infirmary.
Yesterday Mrs. Bell, 43, her husband Tom, and their children Drew, 14, Kyle, 12, and eight-year-old Lindsay, were staying with relatives locally as part of their two-week European holiday.
The family are from Pennsylvania, a state on the north east coast of America.
Mrs. Bell had heard stories from older members of her family that a fireman’s commemorative helmet was stored at Paisley Fire Station.
Added Mrs. Bell: “And when we arrived at the station the helmet was lying by the door at the front entrance.
"It has lain there for years but had been kept at the original fire station which was in Johnston Street.
“Now at last I’ve seen it and I’m going to take a lot of photographs to show everyone back home. I’m really excited about all this and so is my husband and the children.
“The helmet is now used as a collection box for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund which is a good idea.”
She added: “I had been told the helmet was kept at the Johnston Street Fire Station but of course that has been closed for years.”
One firefighter later told her: “We understand the helmet was specially made, probably by metalwork apprentices of the day, to commemorate the tragedy.
“The helmet would have been filled with cash donations for the widow and her five children. The eldest was just ten years old.
“Remember there would have been no such thing as family insurance in those days.
“The widow would have been given her husband’s helmet and axe as a mark of respect and a keepsake.”
Mrs. Bell and her family travelled thousands of miles from home to Scotland via Paris and London in their search to find out more about her Scottish roots.
She said: “My relatives have been gathering family - tree information for many years and we have traced our roots back several hundred years.
“Because we were in this part of the world we decided we had to visit Paisley and find out all we could about my great-grandfather. It’s important to our children to know about their family roots.”
With the help of the reference section at the Paisley High Street library, Express cutting of June l899 told of the tragic events surrounding the death of Mr Mair.
Mrs. Bell said Mr Mair was a part-time fireman who had joined the Paisley fire crew just months before the tragedy.
She went on: “He was a slater to trade and took the fireman role to increase his finances.
“Previously he had been six years as a soldier and fought at the Battle of Tel el Kebir in Egypt.
“My great grandfather married 26-year-old Jessie Connor at Northcroft Street in 1888.
“He lived in High Street and later Moss Street and then in Johnston Street above the then fire station which had opened just three months before his death.
“I’ve learned that many people lined the streets as a cortege of a horse-drawn fire engine was escorted by his comrades to Hawkhead Cemetery.
“It must have been very emotional a tragic day for the whole town.”
A 12-verse memoriam poem. signed with the initials JCB, was published in the Paisley Daily Express on July 6, 1899.
The verses talk of a crowd looking on in horror as the wall collapsed and the shock that affected people as the news spread of Mr Mair’s death.
Mrs. Bell said: “I am very proud of my great grandfather and so are the whole family. He is a hero to us as well to the people of Paisley.
“That’s why it’s important to me to get all the information I can about him “We also have a picture of an old map of Paisley, dated 1897, which shows where the old fireclay works were.
“We have photocopies of old fire brigade records and documents and numerous old Express cutting.
“We have done very well in our search and I would like to thank everyone of their patience and help. Getting this type of information has been a dream of mine and now it has been achieved.”
<PHOTO> Leslie Bell, her husband Tom with their children Kyle, Lindsay and Drew, hold the fireman’s helmet made in memory of hero James Mair.
<PHOTO> Fireman hero James Mair pictured in Paisley in 1894. This was taken five years before his death. Pictured with him are his one-year-old daughter Margaret and his eldest son Hugh, aged five.
<PHOTO> This 1897 map shows the old Ferguslie Fireclay Works in Millarston.
<PHOTO> A Paisley Daily express tribute in June 1899 to dead fireman James Mair.
<PHOTO> The tragic headlines of the Paisley Daily express dated June 1899.
(The Paisley Daily Express, Friday, August 20, 1999. Page 8.)
James Mair (Age 35)
Killed on duty 29th June 1899
Buried, Hawkhead Cemetary 3rd July 1899
Lair owned by Mrs. Jessie Mair (Purchased) 4th July 1899
Also interred
Daniel Mair (Age 27) Died 27th July 1918
William Mair (Age 78) Died 13th February 1937
Robert Mair (Age 47) Died 16th May 1978
Lair No. 113
Section ‘C’
Class 4
Certificate No. 2482
The Gravestone is engraved as follows:-
Die at duty’s call
In Memory Of
COMRADE
JAMES MAIR
WHO LOST HIS LIFE AT A FIRE
29th June 1899 Aged 35
A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT FROM THE
MEMBERS OF THE PAISLEY FIRE BRIGADE
James Mair's Silver helmet kept in Paisley Fire Station vestibule and used as James Mair's tombstone in Hawkhead Cemetery, Paisley. 9/4/2004
a collecting piece for The Fire
Services National Benevolent Fund. 3/4/2004.
C341/23
C341/11
James Mair’s name appears on the bottom plinth of the Firefighters Memorial opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, London. This part of the memorial was unveiled by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on the 16th of February 2003.
If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.