Lieut. William Raitt Matthew - City of Glasgow Police

Biographies

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Lieutenant William Raitt Matthew

 

The Story of William Raitt Matthew

 

William Raitt was born in Forfarshire in April 1874, the eldest of four sons to James Matthew and Ann Raitt. His father was then working as a Ploughman near Coupar Angus while his mother was a Farm Servant at the other end of the County of Angus in the Parish of Dun. His parents married in December that year.

 

The family moved around the County of Forfar as James sought employment on the land.

Two of William’s brothers, James and John, died in infancy and his father died at only 37 when William was 13 years old. William registered his own father’s death.

 

William worked as a Farm Servant near Fordoun in Kincardineshire in 1891 when he was 17. Dun is not far away in the County of Forfar and it is possible his mother was living there with her own family or at St Cyrus.

 

Between 1891 and 1895, William Raitt joined Leith Burgh Police.

 

His uncle Robert Raitt may already have been serving there. Robert Raitt was certainly a Leith Constable in the Census of 1901 when he was living at 18 Thorntree Street Leith. Robert was born in Montrose in the County of Forfar in 1872 so he may have joined before William.

 

There is no record in the Census for 1901 of William Raitt (or Matthew) in Leith Burgh Police. He joined the City of Glasgow Police in 1898.

 

In the Census of 1901, William Raitt Matthew was living and working in Glasgow as a Police Constable and his mother Ann was living with him.

 

By 1911, William had become a Sergeant in the City of Glasgow Police. His mother was living with him and he had two boarders, both in Glasgow Police.

 

In 1914, William married his cousin Louisa Lillias Strachan Raitt in St Cyrus. Louisa died, probably in childbirth, the next year in Glasgow. There is no record of any child called Matthew being born in Glasgow at that date.

 

William continued to progress in the police and was an Inspector when he married for the second time to Annumiah Newbone Murray, a Nursing Sister at Ruchill Hospital in Glasgow. Annumiah came from Dundee and that is where they were married in 1923.

 

In July 1924, Annumiah gave birth to twin boys, William Raitt Matthew and J. Murray Matthew. William died three weeks later.

 

William’s mother continued to stay with him after his second marriage and she died in 827 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow in February 1928.

 

In April 1929, William retired from the City of Glasgow Police and moved to Benholm Cottage, Duke Street in Brechin. His retirement featured in the Dundee Courier and Advertiser

 

 

Old Parish Registers Carmylie Forfarshire 21 August 1851

 

The following entry records the birth of William Raitt Matthew’s mother Ann. Cononsyth is North East of Greystone and to the West of Arbroath in Forfarshire.

 

“William Raitt, Ploughman Cononsyth had by his wife, Ann Leuchars a daughter born on 24 July (1851) and baptised on 21 August by the name of Ann”.[i]

 

Census 7 April 1861

 

On the night of the Census 1861, the following were living at West Carsebank in the Parish of Rescobie in the County of Angus. They are William and Ann Raitt, the grand-parents of William Raitt Matthew and their family, including William’s mother Ann, then aged 9.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt (32) Ploughman	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt (34) Wife	Forfarshire, St Vigeans
John Raitt (11) Scholar	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt(9) Scholar	Forfarshire, Carmylie
James Raitt (4)	Forfarshire, Aberlemno
David Raitt (2)	Forfarshire, Rescobie

 

West Carsebank farm is a few miles North East of the town of Forfar. [ii]

 

Census 2 April 1871

 

On the night of the Census 1871, the following were living at Glenskinno Cottages in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt (42) Agricultural Labourer	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt (44) Wife	Forfarshire, St Vigeans
Ann Raitt(19) Dressmaker	Forfarshire, Carmylie
James Raitt (14)	Forfarshire, Aberlemno
David Raitt (12) Scholar	Forfarshire, Rescobie
Mary Jane (2)	Forfarshire, Dun

[iii]

Register of Births 1874

 

William Raitt was born on April 1 1874 at Glenskinno in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar. His mother, Ann Raitt, a Farm Servant, registered his birth at Dun on 17 April that year. Glenskinno is to the West of Montrose. [iv]

 

Register of Marriages 1874

 

On 4 December 1874 at Glenskinno in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar, after Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland, James Matthew, (23), a Ploughman (bachelor) of Halliburton, Kettins, Forfarshire, married Ann Raitt, (23), a Farm Servant (Spinster). The Parish of Kettins is now in the County of Perth just South-West of Coupar Angus but may have been Forfarshire in 1874.

 

James’ parents were James Matthew, an Agricultural Labourer and Susan Matthew, Maiden Surname Dick.

 

Ann’s parents were William Raitt, a Farm Overseer and Ann Raitt, Maiden Surname Leuchars.

 

The witnesses were James Raitt and Mary Matthew and the Reverend Alexander Anderson, Minister of Dun, performed the Marriage. [v]

 

Register of Births 1875

 

On 18 October 1875, at Easter Denhead, Coupar Angus, James Matthew was born. His father was James Matthew, a Cattle-man and his mother, Ann Matthew, Maiden Surname (M.S.), Wright (Raitt). The recorded date of marriage is December 3^rd 1874 at Dun.

 

His father, James Matthew, registered the birth. [vi]

 

The misspelling of ‘Raitt’ is probably a misinterpretation of its pronunciation in a broad Forfar accent (with Raitt sounding like Wright or Right). The incorrect date of marriage is most likely a simple clerical error. Neither is unusual in genealogical research.

 

Register of Deaths 1876

 

On 23 September 1876 at Long Lane, Broughty Ferry in the Parish of Monifieth in the County of Forfar, James Matthew (11 months) died of Meningitis.

 

His father, James Matthew, registered his death. [vii]

 

Register of Births 1877

 

On 28 March 1877 at Skinner’s Land, Long Lane, Broughty Ferry in the Parish of Monifieth in the County of Forfar, Joseph Matthew was born.

 

His father is James Matthew, still a Cattle-man and his mother, Ann Matthew M.S. Wright (Raitt). Their marriage was on 4 December 1874 at Dun.

 

His father, James Matthew registered his birth. [viii]

 

Register of Births 1878

 

On 2 July 1878 at Haymen Street (Hemming Street) Letham in the Parish of Dunnichen in the County of Forfar, John Matthew was born.

 

His father was James Matthew, a Labourer and his mother, Ann Matthew, M.S. Raitt who had been married at Dun on December 4, 1874.

 

His father, James Matthew registered the birth. [ix]

 

Register of Deaths 1878

 

On 25 August 1878 at Glenskinno in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar, John Matthew (8 weeks) died of Disease of the Liver.

 

His mother, Ann Matthew registered his death. [x]

 

Census 3 April 1881

 

The following were living at Fithie Farm Cottage in the Parish of Farnell in the County of Angus. Farnell is South East of Brechin.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Matthew (29)	Forfarshire, Menmuir
Ann Matthew (29)	Forfarshire, Carmylie
William R. Matthew (7)	Forfarshire, Dun
Joseph Matthew (4)	Forfarshire, Broughty Ferry

 

James was working as an Agricultural Labourer and the family were living in a cottage with two rooms with one or more windows. [xi]

 

Census 3 April 1881

 

On the night of the Census 1881, the following were living at Glenskinno Cottages in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt (52) Agricultural Labourer	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt (54) Wife	Forfarshire, St Vigeans
Mary Jane (12) Scholar	Forfarshire, Dun
Robert Raitt (9) Scholar	Forfarshire, Dun

 

England & Wales, Birth Index, July, August, September, 1885 Richmond, North Riding, Yorkshire

 

According to the Birth Index, on a date between July, August and September 1885 in Richmond in the North Riding of Yorkshire, Louisa Lillias Strachan Raitt was born.

 

Name	Louisa Lillias Strachan RAITT
Date of Registration	Jul-Aug-Sep 1885
Registration District	Richmond
Inferred County	Yorkshire, North Riding
Volume	9d
Page	673

 

This is the birth record of Louisa Raitt, William Raitt Matthew’s first wife. [xii]

 

Register of Births in the District of St Peter in the Burgh of Dundee 1886

 

On 2 February 1886, Annumiah Newbone Murray was born in 93 Peddie Street in the District of St Peter in the Burgh of Dundee.

 

Her father was James Murray, a Jute Mill Overseer and her mother, Annumiah Murray, M.S. Newbone. Her parents were married on 22 June 1874 at Lochee (Dundee).

 

Her father, James Murray registered her birth.

 

Annumiah Murray will later marry William Raitt in 1923 as his second wife. [xiii]

 

Register of Deaths 1887

 

On 12 April 1887, James Matthew (37), a Ploughman married to Ann Raitt, died at

Brick house, Old Montrose in the Parish of Maryton in the County of Forfar. Old Montrose is just to the South West of Montrose Basin.

 

His parents were James Matthew, a Linen Factory Worker and Susan Matthew, M.S. Dick.

 

His son William then aged 13 years, registered James’ death. [xiv]

 

Census 5 April 1891

 

The following were living at 93 Peddie Street, in the Parish of Liff and Benvie in the Burgh of Dundee on the night of the Census 1891.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Murray (38) Mill Overseer	Forfarshire, Lochee
Annumiah Murray (39) Wife	Aberdeenshire, Strichen
David Murray (11) Scholar	Forfarshire, Dundee
Annumiah Murray (5)	Forfarshire, Dundee
Mary Murray (3)	Forfarshire, Dundee
Rebecca Murray (1)	Forfarshire, Dundee

 

Annumiah Newbone Murray would later meet and become William Raitt Matthew’s second wife in 1923. [xv]

 

Census 5 April 1891

 

The following were living at Mill of Kincardine Bothy in the Parish of Fordoun in the County of Kincardineshire on the night of the Census, 1891.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
Shaw Milne (62) Farmer	Aberdeenshire, Birse
Elizabeth Milne (55) Farmer’s Wife	Aberdeenshire, Birse
Robert Milne (20) Farmer’s Son	Aberdeenshire, Birse
Alexander Milne (18) Bank Clerk	Aberdeenshire, Birse
Margaret M Milne (15) Farmer’s Daughter	Kincardineshire, Fordoun
Anne Robertson (15) General Servant Domestic	Kincardineshire, Fordoun
William Matthew (17) Agricultural Labourer	Forfarshire, Dun
Charles Burnett (16) Agricultural Labourer	Kincardineshire, Fettercairn

 

I believe this is William Raitt Matthew about two years before he joined Leith Burgh Police. [xvi]

 

Census 5 April 1891

 

On the night of the Census 1891, the following were living at Langley Park, South Lodge in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt (62) Farm Servant	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt (65) Wife	Forfarshire, St Vigeans
Joseph Matthew (14) Farm Servant & Grandson	Forfarshire, Broughty Ferry
William Raitt(6) Scholar & Grandson	England

 

Langley Park is under a mile South of Glenskinno.

 

Joseph is the surviving younger brother of William Raitt Matthew. I believe William (6) is the son of James and Louisa Raitt, William Raitt Matthew’s Uncle and Aunt and future Father and Mother-in-law. He was probably spending some time with his Grand-parents. Looking at the next entry, William seems to have been born in England between Annabella and Louisa. [xvii]

 

Census 5 April 1891

 

On the night of the Census 1891, the following were living at Brae Cottage, Stonehaven in the Parish of Dunnottar in the County of Kincardineshire.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Rait (34) Insurance Agent	Forfarshire, Aberlemno
Louisa Rait (34) Wife	Kincardineshire, Kinneff
Mattie Ann Rait (8) Scholar	Forfarshire, Brechin
Annabella Rait (7) Scholar	England
Louisa L Rait (5) Scholar	England
John Rait (4)	England
James Rait (2)	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
Margaret H. Rait (11 months)	Kincardineshire, Dunnottar
Martha Strachan (31) Domestic Servant & Visitor	Kincardineshire, Garvock

 

This is the family of James Raitt, William’s mother’s younger brother and the father of Louisa Lillias Strachan Raitt whom William Raitt Matthew will marry in 1914.

 

I believe it is possible that Martha Strachan is a relative of James’ wife, Louisa given that she was born in Kinneff, Kincardineshire which is not too far from Garvock where Martha was born. [xviii]

 

Census 5 April 1891

 

Living at Barnton Cottar House, Laurencekirk in the County of Kincardine on the night of the Census 1891 were the following.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Hampton (23) Farm Servant	Kincardineshire, Garvock
Mary Jane Hampton (22) Farm Servant’s Wife	Forfarshire, Dun
Ann Matthew (39) Wife’s Sister & General Domestic Servant	Forfarshire, Carmylie
James Hampton (10 months)	Kincardineshire, Laurencekirk

 

It may be that Ann was living with her younger sister and brother-in-law to help with them with their young child while William was working as a Farm Labourer nearby and her youngest surviving son, Joseph was with his Grand-father. [xix]

 

Census 5 April 1901

 

The following were living at 93 Peddie Street in the Parish of Liff and Bervie in the Burgh of Dundee on the night of the Census 1901.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Murray (48) Jute Spinning Overseer	Forfarshire, Lochee
Annumiah Murray (49) Wife	Aberdeenshire, Strichen
David Murray (21) Jute Mill Mechanic	Forfarshire, Dundee
Annumiah Murray (15) Jute Spinner	Forfarshire, Dundee
Mary Murray (13) Scholar	Forfarshire, Dundee
Rebecca Murray (11) Scholar	Forfarshire, Dundee

[xx]

Census 5 April 1901

 

The following were living at 163 Reidvale Street, Glasgow on the night of the Census 1901.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt Matthew (27) Police Constable	Forfarshire, Dun
Ann Matthew (49)	Forfarshire, Carmylie
James Campbell (27) Police Constable	Stirlingshire, St Ninians
William Grant (23) Tramcar Driver	Aberdeenshire, Glass
Robert C Hutchen (27) Coach Wheeler	Edinburghshire, Edinburgh
John Campbell (24) Coach Wheeler	Stirlingshire, St Ninians

 

By the 1901 Census, William was the ‘Head’ of the household at 163 Reidvale Street. His mother is probably acting as housekeeper to him and the four boarders/lodgers.

It is interesting to note how migrant workers frequently gravitated to live with people from the same occupations, home towns and family. [xxi]

 

Census 5 April 1901

 

The following were living at King Street, Inverbervie in the County of Kincardine on the night of the Census 1901.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Raitt (44) Horse Hirer	Forfarshire, Aberlemno
Louisa Raitt (44)	Kincardineshire, Kinneff
Louisa Raitt (16) Domestic Nurse	Richmond, North Yorkshire, England
John Raitt (14) Scholar	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
James Raitt (12) Scholar	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
Margaret H. Raitt (10) Scholar	Kincardineshire, Stonehaven
Elizabeth Ann Raitt (8) Scholar	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
Robert Raitt (6) Scholar	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie

 

There is a family called Strachan living as a separate household next door and I believe they too could be relatives given Louisa’s middle name.  [xxii]

 

Census 5 April 1901

 

The following were living at Taycock Cottage in the Parish of Dun in the County of Forfar on the night of the Census 1901

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt (72) Agricultural Labourer	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Ann Raitt (74) Wife	Forfarshire, St Vigeans
Margaret H. Raitt (11) Grand-daughter & Scholar	England

 

Taycock Cottage is about two miles South East of Langley Park.

 

Margaret Raitt is I believe the daughter of James and Louisa and she is recorded as born in England. However, she also appears on the Census entry living with her father and mother at home in King Street, Inverbervie on the same night and shown to be born in Stonehaven. [xxiii]

 

Census Scotland 2 April 1911

 

Among those living at 163 Reidvale Street, Glasgow on Census night 1911 are the following.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
William Raitt Matthew (37) Police Sergeant	Forfarshire, Dun
Ann Matthew (59)	Forfarshire, Carmylie
Colin Fraser (54) Police Constable	Inverness
John D Forbes (28) Police Constable	Perthshire, Dull

 

PC Colin Fraser was in Eastern or “C” Division and received the King George V Coronation Medal, 1911. [xxiv]

 

Census Scotland 2 April 1911

 

The following were living at Greystone, St Cyrus in the County of Kincardine on the night of the Census 1911.

 

Name - Age	Where Born
James Raitt (54) Farmer	Forfarshire, Aberlemno
Louisa Raitt (54) Wife	Kincardineshire, Kinneff
James Raitt (22) Assisting in Farm Work	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
Robert Raitt (16) Assisting in Farm Work	Kincardineshire, (Inver) Bervie
Margaret Helen Raitt (20) Assisting at Home	Kincardineshire, Stonehaven
John Strachan (79) Retired Blacksmith	Forfarshire, Arbroath

 

This record shows that James and Louisa have been married for 8 years in 1911. Louisa has given birth to 8 children born alive and all 8 are still alive at the date of the Census. [xxv]

 

I have now found the record of Margaret Helen Raitt’s birth in Dunnottar, Kincardineshire in 1890. It is probably just innocent confusion that has her recorded as being born in England in earlier entries. [xxvi]

 

New York, Passenger Lists, 22 October 1912

 

On the 22 October 1912, the following two persons were recorded landing in New York in the United States of America from the Steam Ship Columbia that had sailed from Glasgow, Scotland on 12 October.

 

Name	Remarks
Louisa Raitt (25) Children’s Nurse	Their next-of-kin is “James Raitt of St Cyrus, Montrose, Scotland”. Both women can “Read and Write”.   Their usual residence is “Baltimore and they intend to return there, as their Immigration Status is “Non-Immigrant”.
Bessie Raitt (20) Maid

 

The second page of the record records Louisa (25), visiting a friend called Mr E J Gibson of Rider P.O., Sherwood, Baltimore.

 

Her description is “5’ 5” tall, fair complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes”.

 

Bessie (21), is visiting a friend called Mr G. G. Jackson of 57 W(est) Riddle Square, Baltimore.

 

Bessie is “5’ 6” tall, fair complexion with reddish brown hair and blue eyes.

 

The record also shows that Louisa had been in in the United States in 1909 and that Bessie had been there in 1911 and that each had paid their own fare. Their permanent address was Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Valuation Roll for the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow, 1913-14

 

In the entry in the Valuation Roll for 84 Graeme Street, Glasgow, William R. Matthew a Police Sergeant is the tenant. The Landlord is Peter Glass and the annual rent or value is £13.10/- (£13.50). [xxvii]

 

Register of Marriages in the Parish of St Cyrus in the County of Kincardine 1914

 

On 26 August 1914 at Greystone, St Cyrus, after Banns according to the Forms of the Established Church of Scotland, William R. Matthew (39), a Police Sergeant and Bachelor of 84 Graeme Street, Glasgow, married Louisa L. Raitt (28), a Spinster of Greystone, St Cyrus.

 

The witnesses were Nellie (Margaret Helen Raitt) and James Raitt. The Reverend R. Davidson, Minister of St Cyrus, performed the service. [xxviii]

 

Graeme Street, Glasgow changed to Bell Street. [xxix]

 

Register of Deaths in the District of Blythswood in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1915

 

On 3 July 1915 at the Maternity Hospital, Glasgow, Louisa Lillias Matthew, (30), died of Eclampsia and Heart Failure.

 

Louisa’s usual address was 84 Graeme Street, Glasgow and her husband W.R. Matthew registered her death. [xxx]

 

Register of Marriages in the District of St Mary and St Peter in the Burgh of Dundee, 1923

 

On 26 January 1923, at 60 Strathmore Road, Dundee,    after Publication according to the Forms of the Established Church of Scotland, William Raitt Matthew, (48), a Police Inspector and Widower married Annumiah Newbone Murray, (37) a Nursing Sister and Spinster.

 

William’s address was 827 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow and Annumiah’s was Ruchill Hospital, Glasgow. [xxxi]

 

Register of Births in the District of Kelvin in the Burgh of Glasgow 1924

 

William Raitt Matthew was born at 9 hours and 40 minutes A.M. on 24^th July 1924 at 10 Burnbank Gardens, Glasgow. His brother J.(ames) Murray Matthew was born at 9 hours 50 minutes A.M.

 

Their father was William Raitt Matthew, a Police Lieutenant of 827 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow and their mother Annumiah Newbone Matthew, M.S. Murray.

 

The boys’ father William registered their birth

on 26^th July 1924. [xxxii]

 

Register of Deaths in the District of Dennistoun in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1924

 

On 16 August 1924 at 7 hours and 25 minutes P.M., William Raitt Matthew (3 weeks old), died at 827 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow.

 

His father William Raitt Matthew registered his death on 18 August 1924. [xxxiii]

 

Register of Deaths in the District of Dennistoun in the Burgh of Glasgow, 1928

 

On 22 February 1928, at 827 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow, Ann Matthew, (76), Widow of James Matthew, Ploughman, died.

 

W.R. Matthew, her son registered her death later the same day. [xxxiv]

 

Retirement from City of Glasgow Police, 1929

 

Under the headings “Brechin Resident Honoured” and “Retiral Gifts from Glasgow Police Force”, the following comments accompanied a photograph of Lieutenant William Raitt Matthew in the Dundee Courier and Advertiser on a Tuesday in April 1929.

 

“Mr William Raitt Matthew, a native of the Parish of Dun, Angus, has returned after 36 years’ police service and has now taken up residence in Brechin…” [xxxv]

 

 

Register of Deaths in the District of Stracathro in the County of Angus, 1955

 

On 2 May 1955, at Stracathro Hospital in the County of Angus, William Raitt Matthew (Formerly Raitt), a Police Lieutenant (Retired), died.

 

William had been married first to Louisa Lillias Strachan Raitt (1914) and secondly to Annumiah Newbone Murray (1923).

 

His usual address was Benholm Cottage, Duke Street, Brechin.

 

J. Murray Matthew, his son, registered his death the next day. James was living at home with his parents. [xxxvi]

 

Register of Deaths in the District of Stracathro in the County of Angus, 1961

 

On 10 August 1961, at Stracathro Hospital in the County of Angus, Annumiah Newbone Matthew, (75), died.

 

Annumiah was the Widow of William Raitt Matthew a Police Lieutenant.

 

Her usual address was 2 Mountskip Crescent, Brechin, Angus where she lived with her son James M. Matthew. It was he who registered her death the same day. [xxxvii]

 

References & Sources