Edinburgh singer traces family in Hamilton

Jun 4 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

AN Edinburgh woman researching her family tree has traced her roots back to Hamilton.

During her search, Rachel Cowan has come across a picture taken by the Advertiser in 1933.

The picture shows four generations of Roberts (Benson) of Hamilton.

Rachel, an opera singer, who retired due to ill health, is now keen to hear from any other family members who may still be living in the area.

The 54-year-old explained: “My mother was Helen Somerville and her parents were Jack Somerville and Rachel Benson.

“She was born in 1924 in Low Blantyre and the family lived in Low Waters Road, Hamilton.

“My grandfather, Jack, was a butcher in the town. The oldest man in the photo is my great-great grandfather.

“My mother passed away many years ago, but I have her memories of the picture taken by the Hamilton Advertiser in 1933.

“The pictured was taken at 2 Edward Street, Hamilton, in Retta Cottage. My grandmother Rachel was called Retta. I think the house is still there.”

Rachel explained that the Bensons were colliery engine keepers at the pits.

Further back, the family hailed from Midlothian.

Back beyond that, into the 1600s, their ancestors included cordiner and tanner Burgesses of Linlithgow.

Rachel explained: “The wee boy in the picture, my mother’s cousin, Robert Baxter Hunter Benson lived at Edward Street, but I don’t know if he is still alive or if he had a son named Robert.

“In current generations, I’m sure there are many Bensons and indeed Somervilles who still live in the Hamilton area and it would be great if any of them picked up on the link.”

Rachel has a blog of her family’s history on the internet at: http://folkarethething.com/2009/05/19/4-generations-with-1-name/.

If anyone would like to get in touch with Rachel with news of family links they can contact her on 0131 225 5137.