Hamilton barber’s grandson in bid to trace his roots

Oct 22 2009 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

THE grandson of a 19th century Hamilton barber has contacted the Advertiser for help in finding out more information about his family tree.

Alan Eadie (73) lives in Kent with his wife Jean and has been researching his family background, leading him to his grandfather Andrew Eadie.

Andrew was born in Hamilton in 1879 and was brought up in the town, where he became a gents hairdresser.

However, around the turn of the century, he moved to South Shields and was married to Alice Greenhow Palin there in 1902.

He subsequently moved to Newcastle, where he ran a barber’s shop.

He had two children, James and Andrew Stanley, the latter the father of Alan.

Alan himself has never visited the Hamilton area, and was raised in Newcastle before moving to London in the 1960s before then moving on to Kent.

The grandfather-of-five, who worked with BT’s personnel department for a number of years, said: “I was researching my family genealogy and I came across a picture of an Eadie family reunion that had been taken in 1916 in Hamilton.

“Since then all contact has been lost with the Eadie family living in Hamilton at that time.

“I don’t think my grandfather is in the picture but it is possible that others of my family are.

“I appreciate that it is a very long shot but I wonder if anyone recognises any of their ancestors in this photograph.

“I’m hoping that, by getting in touch with the Advertiser, I can find some long-lost cousins who can maybe help me with finding out even more about my family.

“I would dearly love to hear from them.

“Also, I am keen to learn the exact location of where the photo was taken.”

l If you have any information regarding the Eadie family, please contact the Advertiser on 01698 205013, or write to the Hamilton Advertiser, Press Buildings, Campbell Street, Hamilton, ML3 6AX.